Such instances as Gilgamesh’s dreams before their battle with Humbaba and Gilgamesh’s behavior toward the goddess Ishtar, where Enkidu should have guided Gilgamesh toward a more righteous path, but he rather encouraged Gilgamesh to pursue any endeavor his heart desired or remained silent. According to the British Museum, the ancient Mesopotamian belief was that mortal beings were to act as the gods commanded and just accept that way of life. Additionally, displays of defiance towards the gods, such as those that Gilgamesh and Enkidu exhibited, were unforgivable. Therefore, following the events with Humbaba and Ishtar, the gods decided one of the heroes had to die for the atrocity they committed. Befitting the role of a tragic hero, it was decided in the end that Enkidu had to die. Shortly thereafter, Enkidu knew and accepted his fate as foreseen in his nightmares. According to Nicole Brisch, the ancient Mesopotamian gods showed prevalent favoritism towards both divine beings and kings. So, even though Gilgamesh had committed the acts, his divine blood and kingship granted him the gods’
Such instances as Gilgamesh’s dreams before their battle with Humbaba and Gilgamesh’s behavior toward the goddess Ishtar, where Enkidu should have guided Gilgamesh toward a more righteous path, but he rather encouraged Gilgamesh to pursue any endeavor his heart desired or remained silent. According to the British Museum, the ancient Mesopotamian belief was that mortal beings were to act as the gods commanded and just accept that way of life. Additionally, displays of defiance towards the gods, such as those that Gilgamesh and Enkidu exhibited, were unforgivable. Therefore, following the events with Humbaba and Ishtar, the gods decided one of the heroes had to die for the atrocity they committed. Befitting the role of a tragic hero, it was decided in the end that Enkidu had to die. Shortly thereafter, Enkidu knew and accepted his fate as foreseen in his nightmares. According to Nicole Brisch, the ancient Mesopotamian gods showed prevalent favoritism towards both divine beings and kings. So, even though Gilgamesh had committed the acts, his divine blood and kingship granted him the gods’