Gilgamesh, king of Uruk
Enkidu, his friend, created by Araru, goddess of creation
Anu, father of the gods, patron of Uruk
Enlil, god of earth, wind, and air; sent the great flood
Araru, great goddess of creation
Ishtar, goddess of love and fertility; also goddess of war
Ninsun, goddess; mother of Gilgamesh
Utnapishtim, the "far-away," legendary survivor of the great flood; granted eternal life
Humbaba, god of the cedar woods; slain by Gilgamesh and Humbaba
Shamhat, temple prostitute who civilizes Enkidu
Chorus of Uruk citizens

[A courtyard in the city of Uruk]

Chorus: Gods in the Heavens please hear our prayers. There is one among us one who is in part of your world. He has the strength of the bull running loose in the fields. You know him as Gilgamesh, our leader, defender, and judge. For a long time now he has been our leader, but as of late many have had reason to complain. It seems our leader cares not for the bond between a man and a woman, for he takes other men's wives for his own purpose. None of us have the strength to oppose he whose strength has no rival. What are we the citizen's of Uruk to do?

[The heavens]

Gods: Who among us created this Gilgamesh who springs from our world? He has become errant in his ways and leaves his people in fear. Can a man like this go unrivaled? Our people have spoken to us, and in this matter they have reason for their grievances. Action must be taken immediately.

Aruru: I will take this task upon myself. I am the goddess of creation and this job should fall into my hands. Watch now as I fashion this rock in the image of Gilgamesh. He will be strong and courageous, an equal match for Gilgamesh, and he should occupy Gilgamesh's time, leaving the people of Uruk in peace.

[She flings the rock far into the woods]

[A woman, Shamhat, watches Enkidu running with the animals]

Shamhat: Hello! Come here! I won't hurt you. I've never seen a man like you, so wild and free. How strong and graceful you are, unburdened in your romps with the animals. You've never known the charms of a woman, have you? That will soon change.

[They sleep together]

Enkidu: I have tried to return to my animal friends, but they will no longer allow me to run with them. If I cannot rejoin them, let me come with you, and perhaps I can find a friend where you dwell.

[Enkidu comes upon Gilgamesh at the wall of the city of Uruk. Gilgamesh is tormenting several women]

Enkidu: You there! Why are you treating these women this way? They cannot all be yours. I see many husbands, without the courage to confront you, standing in the distance. I, on the other hand, see no reason why I shouldn't stop you and return these women to their husbands.

Gllgamesh: Fool! Do you not know to whom you are talking? I am Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, and no one has the strength to defeat me. You are more than welcome to try, but I am afraid you will leave here the loser.

Enkidu: So be it!

[They fight for hours around the city walls neither one able to best the other]

Enkidu: Gilgamesh, let us stop this foolish fighting. You are the I am looking for. Your strength and cunning matches mine, and I wish to be your friend, not your enemy. Let us put our quarrels aside and join as brothers to make each of our lives richer. Think what we could accomplish together!

Gilgamesh: Enkidu, new found friend, you are right. We should combine our strength and stand twice as powerful as me do now. Let us be long lasting friends and companions until death separates our souls.

[Gilgamesh and Enkidu approach the forest where the dreaded Humbaba lives]

Gilgamesh: Enkidu. my brother, we have shared many adventures since our first meeting outside Uruk.

Enkidu: This is a mission well worth our attention. Even if we fail, people will remember us for the valor in which we died.

Gilgamesh: Silence Enkidu. There is the one we seek, the horrible Humbaba, who has frightened men for so long. Let him do this no longer.

[They attack and kill Humbaba. Enkidu is wounded]

Gilgamesh: My dreams have proven true! They foretold of this great victory, and here we stand with Humbaba at our feet!

Enkidu: It is a great victory brother, but not without a price. In the battle, before Humbaba fell, my hand was crushed by his power.

Gilgamesh: Then let us leave here and hurry home to attend to your needs and boast of this great victory.

[As they return. Gilgamesh is confronted by the goddess Ishtar]

Ishtar: Gilgamesh, how happy you must be at this battle you have won. Come and share your joy with me, and I'll treat you like my husband. I'll give you gifts beyond your wildest dreams.

Gilgamesh: Ishtar, these promises you make me are not ones you make to me alone. Many men have succumbed to your charms, but how many do you keep around when you've had your fill of them? What would become of me? I have no time for this. (turning to Enkidu] Come, let us leave behind this devious goddess

[Ishtar returns to the heavens while Gilgamesh and Enkidu journey on]

Ishtar: Father! Gilgamesh refused my advances and called me a tease. No one can do that and get away with it. Release your bull upon the earth and punish them for me.

Anu: I hope you have thought of the consequences of releasing the bull. People you love. as well as those who offended, could be harmed. If you realize this and still wish me to proceed, I, as your father, won't deny you your request.

Ishtar: Yes, father, this is what I want.

[Anu releases the bull]

Gilgamesh: Enkidu, it appears I have brought another challenge upon us. I see a bull from the sky approaching. Might it be from the gods?

Enkidu: I believe it is, brother. Don't fear. let us join together once again to conquer this challenge. As always we will use our combined strength to cut down this adversary quickly. Let the gods give us strength.

[They defeat the bull and Ishtar mopes]

Scene 7

[Enkidu and Gilgamesh are alone talking of their recent adventure]

Enkidu: I did not sleep well last night, brother. My dreams were haunted by images of the gods taking revenge for the death of the bull. They said one of us must die, for together our strength is too powerful.

Gilgamesh: Nonsense, friend, are we not talking right now? We will be fine, think nothing of this dream.

Enkidu: Brother, I am afraid I have not told you everything. Even as we speak, I can feel the strength draining from my body.

Gilgamiesh: This cannot be true.

Enkidu: Yes, it is! Curse the woman who took me from my life in the forest! Had I remained there none of this would have come to pass. As it is, I am slipping closer to death with every breath. I hope she dies a horrible death for this crime against me!

GlIgamesh: What you say is true! I can see the energy slipping from you, but do not speak such harsh words. Wasn't the time we have had together enough to make up for this? Do not fear, friend. You will be missed terribly, and I will mourn your loss forever. I am glad I was able to call you friend.

Enkidu: Your words calm me, even now, at death's door. Thank you brother, for I may now die in peace.

[Enkidu dies and Gilgamesh weeps]

[Gilgamesh, weary, is wandering through the forest mourning Enkidu]

Gilgamesh: Oh gods above, why have you taken my friend from me? Am I fated to follow in his footsteps? I cannot bear the thought of dying. There must be something I can can do. Even as I mourn the loss of my brother, I am overcome with dread over my own mortality. Gods, please help me.

[Gilgamesh comes upon the scorpions who guard the way to Shamash]

Scorpion: Why have you come all this way? You must know that we guard this gate, and it is only because you are partly divine that we are even speaking to you.

Gilgamesh: I am mournirg the loss of my brother, and my wanderings have brought me here to you. I wish to see Utnapishtim, epitome of life and death.

Scorpion: We stand here guarding this gate, and no one is usually allowed to pass, but your suffering is great. Hurry through, and we will wish you luck on your journey.

[Gilgamesh approaches Utnapishtim looking even worse

Gilgamesh: I have travelled far and crossed a great sea to be here. I ask you, how is it that you live out here where no man resides?

Utnapishtim: For your troubles I will tell you. There was a time when I was only a common man. During this time the goddess Ea came to me with a warning. She told me to leave my home and build a boat. She told me to bring plenty of supplies and tell others that the god Enlil hates me, and I must leave. All of this I did. When the flood was sent by Enlil. my boat saved me by riding above it. We were afloat for what seemed like an eternity. Growing weary, I released a watch-bird, but he soon returned. I waited several days and then released a raven, which found food and did not need to return. When Enlil saw my boat he was furious but was held in check by the other gods, who were angry that he killed so many instead of simply punishing one. The gods then ordained me and sent me here to watch over this place.

Gilgamesh: I have travelled far to reach here. Is there anything you can do to ease my lament? I have lost my only companion in life, and now I fear I will soon follow him.

Utnapishtim, I will share a secret with you. Among the rocks there is a plant that holds eternal life. If you find it, your fears will be put to rest. This is what you have been seeking.

[Gilgamesh is talking to his mother Ninsunj

Gilgamesh: After leaving Utnapishtim, I immediately went in search of this plant. When I was about to give up hope, I happened upon it. As I reached for the prize of my quest, a serpent swam by and snatched it from me. It was not meant to be.

Ninsun: You have been gone for a long time. Maybe it is best if you rest awhile and start fresh.

Gilgamesh: I have been troubled in my sleep lately. Last night I dreamed I was talking to Enkidu. He was preparing for a quest to the underworld. I gave him these words of advice: "Go subtly into hell. Do not wear flashy clothes or bring your weapons. Go naked and humble. Ignore all those you meet. Death is envious of the world of the living, so give her no reason to keep you there." He didn't follow my instructions as he went into hell, however. He wore the brightest clothes he possessed and went fully armed. He kissed a woman and struck a boy. Death kept him there and never once thought of releasing him.

Ninsun: You are still troubled over your friend's death. Go to Enlil, and he will show you how to descend half way into hell, and there you can meet your beloved brother.

[The underworld]

GlIgamesh: Oh brother, great Enlil has allowed us to speak here. Tell of death and the underworld.

Enkidu: This is a subject I am not fond of talking of, but if you have the time I will tell you.

Gilgamesh: Have you seen a man with no children?

Enkidu: Yes.

Gilgamesh: Have you seen a man whose children died?

Enkidu: Yes, he weeps all day.

Gilgamesh: Have you seen a man with many children?

Enkidu: Yes, and his heart is full of joy.

Gilgamesh- Have you seen a man who died in battle.

Enkidu: Yes his father and wife grieve for him.

Gilgamesh: Have you seen one who died poor with strangers?

Enkidu: Yes, his sleep is uneasy and he feels out of place.