"The Epic of Gilgamesh" suggests that there isn't a watertight distinction between 'the wild' and

'civilization'. What is an obvious manifestation of an aspect of the wild in civilization in the story? How
does this resonate in the real world we live in today?
When you think of gang culture in a city, the neighbor hood gang may follow you and torment
you if you act weak or fragile. Those who talk as though they are not intimidated are sometimes put to the
test by asking you to prove your worth. During a gang initiation, that person in the moment must own up
to their actions. A murder during gang initiation is very common. Blood in and blood out. In this case
Gilgamesh, our initiate, kills the monster Humbaba, our victim, and is joined by Enkidu, our accomplice,
who was already born of the wild in the steppes. This show of dominance and violence is written as
bravery, but if related to the culture of Humbaba and his peoples it would be tyranny.

Why must Humbaba die?

Humbaba must die because it was the key moment that Gilgamesh could live up to the impression
that he made on Enkidu and his persona as a ruthless leader and warrior. Before the fight with Humbaba
Gilgamesh says to Enkidu, “Here you are, even you, afraid of death, what has become of your bravery’s
might? Gilgamesh and Enkidu after Humbaba is slain are bonded together stronger than brick to mortar.
They take on many feats of strength after Humbaba.

How important is the death of Enkidu in the story?

After the death of Enkidu, Gilgamesh has fully realized his mortality and no longer speaks as an
invincible godlike being. More so as a frighten novice warrior who has never seen a day of combat.
Gilgamesh weeps loudly and says, “Shall I not die too? Am I not like Enkidu? Oh, woe has entered my
vitals! I have grown afraid of death, so I roam the steppe. Having come this far, I will go on swiftly
towards Utanapishtim, son of Ubar-Tutu. I have reached mountain passes at might. I saw lions, I felt
afraid. I looked up to pray to the moon, To the moon, beacon of the gods, my prayers went forth: “Keep
me safe!”