Duality of Humankind
....” The spirit, or soul, is commonly described as being the natural born state of man, much like Enkidu. When the ego has silenced the spirit (as Gilgamesh had), awakening to spirit can cause an attraction much like the one described above. I also found it amazing that the words “he will never forsake you” were used. The bible has Jesus Christ consoling his apostles prior to his ascension to heaven by describing the Holy Spirit as a force that will never forsake you. Gilgamesh and Enkidu meet with a great struggle. After Enkidu is thrown, he acknowledges Gilgamesh’s strength and they seal their friendship. The ego almost always overrides the small, still voice within. The comradity is there because this is the passage of life for human kind. The duality of matter verses spirit is a friendship, so to speak. Through their journey together to give Gilgamesh a name to be remembered, Gilgamesh and Enkidu fight a number of battles and win. Upon the return to Uruk, the singing girls call out “Gilgamesh is the most glorious of heroes, Gilgamesh is most eminent among men.” The purpose of this travel was for Gilgamesh to feed his ego. One might ask, “Why did Enkidu help Gilgamesh fight his battles if it was ego based?” I feel that when human beings are engaged in acts of matter, including battle, the spirit will come through to assist and enlighten as much as each allows. Enkidu falls ill after this journey and dies. Gilgamesh is devastated by his friend’s death and goes on a quest. When he reaches the Man-Scorpion, he tells him “the common lot of man has taken him (Enkidu).” I see the common lot of man not as a physical death, but as a spiritual one. The death occu...