Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did Enkidu become Gilgamesh’s companion in the Epic of Gilgamesh?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Historical map showing ancient Mesopotamia with labeled locations of major archaeological and historical sites. Symbols and color codes indicate sites from the prehistoric era, Sumerian-Akkadian culture, Babylonian and Neo-Babylonian eras, Assyrian civilization, Hurrian era, late Persian, Greek, and Parthian eras, as well as marshland areas. The map covers the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, including present-day Iraq and surrounding areas.
Mesopotamian religion

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the god Anu created Enkidu as a wild man to serve as a counterpoint to the king of Uruk, Gilgamesh, whose rule was perceived as harsh.12

Initially living among animals, Enkidu was introduced to the customs of city life before traveling to Uruk to confront the king. The two men engaged in a trial of strength, which resulted in a victory for Gilgamesh. Following this contest, Enkidu became Gilgamesh’s devoted friend and companion, though some earlier Sumerian texts depict him as the king's servant. This bond led them to undertake various heroic exploits together, including the defeat of the divine bull sent by the goddess Ishtar.21