An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic | Page 6

(on the reverse), i.e., line 131--a gap of 13 lines--the tablet is
obscure, but apparently the story of Enkidu's gradual transformation
from savagery to civilized life is continued, with stress upon his
introduction to domestic ways with the wife chosen or decreed for him,
and with work as part of his fate. All this has no connection with
Gilgamesh, and it is evident that the tale of Enkidu was originally an
independent tale to illustrate the evolution of man's career and destiny,
how through intercourse with a woman he awakens to the sense of
human dignity, how he becomes accustomed to the ways of civilization,
how he passes through the pastoral stage to higher walks of life, how
the family is instituted, and how men come to be engaged in the labors
associated with human activities. In order to connect this tale with the

Gilgamesh story, the two heroes are brought together; the woman
taking on herself, in addition to the rôle of civilizer, that of the medium
through which Enkidu is brought to Gilgamesh. The woman leads
Enkidu from the outskirts of Erech into the city itself, where the people
on seeing him remark upon his likeness to Gilgamesh. He is the very
counterpart of the latter, though somewhat smaller in stature. There
follows the encounter between the two heroes in the streets of Erech,
where they engage in a fierce combat. Gilgamesh is overcome by
Enkidu and is enraged at being thrown to the ground. The tablet closes
with the endeavor of Enkidu to pacify Gilgamesh. Enkidu declares that
the mother of Gilgamesh has exalted her son above the ordinary mortal,
and that Enlil himself has singled him out for royal prerogatives.
After this, we may assume, the two heroes become friends and together
proceed to carry out certain exploits, the first of which is an attack upon
the mighty guardian of the cedar forest. This is the main episode in the
Yale tablet, which, therefore, forms the third tablet of the old
Babylonian version.
In the first column of the obverse of the Yale tablet, which is badly
preserved, it would appear that the elders of Erech (or perhaps the
people) are endeavoring to dissuade Gilgamesh from making the
attempt to penetrate to the abode of Huwawa. If this is correct, then the
close of the first column may represent a conversation between these
elders and the woman who accompanies Enkidu. It would be the elders
who are represented as "reporting the speech to the woman," which is
presumably the determination of Gilgamesh to fight Huwawa. The
elders apparently desire Enkidu to accompany Gilgamesh in this
perilous adventure, and with this in view appeal to the woman. In the
second column after an obscure reference to the mother of
Gilgamesh--perhaps appealing to the sun-god--we find Gilgamesh and
Enkidu again face to face. From the reference to Enkidu's eyes "filled
with tears," we may conclude that he is moved to pity at the thought of
what will happen to Gilgamesh if he insists upon carrying out his
purpose. Enkidu, also, tries to dissuade Gilgamesh. This appears to be
the main purport of the dialogue between the two, which begins about
the middle of the second column and extends to the end of the third

column. Enkidu pleads that even his strength is insufficient,
"My arms are lame, My strength has become weak." (lines 88-89)
Gilgamesh apparently asks for a description of the terrible tyrant who
thus arouses the fear of Enkidu, and in reply Enkidu tells him how at
one time, when he was roaming about with the cattle, he penetrated into
the forest and heard the roar of Huwawa which was like that of a
deluge. The mouth of the tyrant emitted fire, and his breath was death.
It is clear, as Professor Haupt has suggested, [32] that Enkidu furnishes
the description of a volcano in eruption, with its mighty roar, spitting
forth fire and belching out a suffocating smoke. Gilgamesh is, however,
undaunted and urges Enkidu to accompany him in the adventure.
"I will go down to the forest," says Gilgamesh, if the conjectural
restoration of the line in question (l. 126) is correct. Enkidu replies by
again drawing a lurid picture of what will happen "When we go
(together) to the forest......." This speech of Enkidu is continued on the
reverse. In reply Gilgamesh emphasizes his reliance upon the good will
of Shamash and reproaches Enkidu with cowardice. He declares
himself superior to Enkidu's warning, and in bold terms says that he
prefers to perish in the attempt to overcome Huwawa rather than
abandon it.
"Wherever terror is to be faced, Thou, forsooth, art in fear of death.
Thy prowess lacks strength. I will go before thee, Though thy mouth
shouts to me: 'thou art afraid to