Different Texts Speak Of A Friendship Between Two Or More...

Many different texts speak of a friendship between two or more heroes. Two such are the Bible and the Gilgamesh Epic. In 1 and 2 Samuel we find the story of Johnathan and David and the Epic presents the story of Gilgamesh and an Axe with the entual introduction of the character of Enkidu. In both of these texts friendship is taken to the level of sexual love. Although I do not believe you can interpret both in this manner. First, in Second Samuel David laments the death of Saul and Johnathan. He laments, â€Å"Saul and Johnathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions† (2 Sam 1:23). David is deeply distressed over the death of Johnathan especially; he says, â€Å"I am distressed for you, my brother Johnathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women† (2 Sam 1:26). The phrase â€Å"passing the love of women† elicits a feelin g that David loved Johnathan more than a wife. This has some large sexual overtones. While this could definitely not be meant literally I believe it should be at least interpreted metaphorically. In the Penn Tablet, we see Gilgamesh relaying a dream he had of an axe he relays, â€Å"An axe was lying there, and they were gathered over it† (Penn I 29-30).Gilgamesh then further says about the axe, â€Å"When I saw it, I rejoiced. I loved it like a wife and caressed it† (Penn I 32-34). This gives off some very strange thoughts to haveShow MoreRelatedSimilarities Between Gilgamesh And Enkidu1178 Words   |  5 PagesHumbaba before he passes away. Gilgamesh journeys to the Underworld to try to bring Enkidu back to life. Although gilgamesh was a terrible person who had power and wealth he still had a soft spot that just needed to be brought out. 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