s Enkidu most dramatically facilitates Gilgameshs development, the reverse can also be true. As their companionship grows, Gilgameshs over-confidence and carelessness cause him to set out on many dangerous adventures, such as the quest to slay the might cedar giant Humbaba. Two new qualities arise here in Enkidus character from Gilgameshs actions. His devotion and blind loyalty to his human friend supercede his animalistic independence. At the same time, this once fearless animal begins to experience fear of death. He states O my lord, you do not know this monster and that is the reason you are not afraid. I who know him, I am terrifiedyou may go on if you choose into this land, but I will go back to the city.However, when Gilgamesh responds with a plea for assistance in defeating the monster, Enkidus loyalty overpowers his fear. Nevertheless, Gilgameshs blind and ignorant confidence ignites Enkidus realization of mortality. The gods deal Enkidu a different fate. They strike him down with sickness due to his assistance in the killing of the Bull of Heaven and Humbaba. Interestingly though, before he dies, he states My friend, the great goddess cursed me and I must die in shame. I shall not die like a man fallen in battlehappy is the man who falls in battle. This quote sums up Enkidus total transformation from animal to human and his acquisition of heroic values, such as honor, through his friendship with Gilgamesh. Throughout the epic novel of Gilgamesh, the cause and effect nature of the plot, affect the development of the major characters Gilgamesh and Enkidu. The character development, in turn, advances the plot towards its theme of fate. This vicious cycle repeats itself numerous times as the story and characters feed off each other. This remarkable ancient literary work displays one of the most clever and fascinating uses of character and plot development and serves as a guideline for modern writing....
