The Epic of Gilgamesh Lesson Plan

Enkidu is chosen to die to atone for the deaths of Humbaba, the Bull of Heaven, and the towering Cedar. Does this seem fair to you?

Students may observe that, while Enkidu was complicit in the killings of Humbaba and and in the felling of the tree, Gilgamesh appears to have taken the more active role. It seems like Gilgamesh instigated these acts and dragged his friend into it with him.

Gilgamesh and Enkidu killed the Bull together, but it was Gilgamesh who infuriated Isthar, and thus causing the Bull to be set loose on the city of Uruk.

Therefore, Enkidu may not be innocent, but Gilgamesh is certainly less innocent.

And Enkidu has consistently been the more morally...