The Epos of Gilgamesh, the king of the kings: A metamorphosis from a rival to a friend, from a tyrant to a great leader

The Epos of Gilgamesh, the King of the Kings

The story dates back to nearly 5000 years, at the peak of the Mesopotamian civilization, but the part we are reading is three clay tablets from 1800 years BC. The Epos of Gilgamesh is a metamorphosis from a rival to a friend and from a tyrant to a great leader.

When Gilgamesh says to Enkidu “No one before opposed my strength, Now I have found a worthy companion", it is the beginning of what we can call a rather unexpected but destined companionship. It is a friendship triggered by a sense of competition and can be one of the most complex relationships between two people. The complexity lies in the true reason for feeling connected to this person which is the recognition of worthiness. It is not based on common interest, mutual learning in personality or any sense of familiarity but rather on finding one who can challenge you in life. We see this kind of twist very often in modern books, movies or animes (Japanese cartoons). For example, it is very present in the anime “Naruto” which narrates the life of a young ninja (shinobi) called Naruto. He wants to become the chief of his village Konoha “the Hokage” but in his path of becoming stronger, he finds an opponent of the same age named Sasuke. Naruto sees Sasuke as his friend but at the same time as his rival since he is his only competition. This friendship, as complex as it is, can also change people's lives and influence their future as a leader would do.

Throughout the myth, we have insights on the very definition of what a leader is. Enkidu is the one who comes with this after being defeated. He, who just turned out from an animal to a man, seems to understand more the role of a leader: Protector and guide of his people. At the beginning, mankind realizes that to be a leader is first to be a protector towards the ones he or she rules. However, once tempted and corrupted by arrogance and strength, he or she takes advantage of his or her powers and oppresses the people. Gilgamesh could represent present-day dictators and presidents who launch wars and torture people to shape their reputation. This definition exists since 3000 years BCE yet in 2016 we still deal with tyranny and bullies.

 For instance, Uruk where the epic of Gilgamesh took place (modern day Iraq) has suffered for decades from Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship. Afterward came the war G.W. Bush launched after the 9/11 attacks through which he wanted to prove that no one could defeat or harm the United States leading to Iraq becoming ISIS’s battlefield. In the meantime, the people who were supposed to be protected suffer every day and generations have been oppressed because of the leader’s arrogance.

Delivering lessons about strength, courage and friendship are the focal points of this story. It introduces the idea of leadership through the main characters Gilgamesh and Enkidu. The oppressed regions in the world are still waiting for their Enkidu, the rival, and friend; the one who will not use strength to resolve problems but will be wise enough to inspire our future leaders and transform them from bullies to shepherd of the people.