In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the value of bonds of friendship is explored through the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Their love is passionate and goes beyond the limits of normal male friendship, bordering on homoerotic. Enkidu's friendship changes Gilgamesh, making him both a better person and a better ruler. Enkidu was specifically created as Gilgamesh's adversary, someone to keep him busy and distracted, as he has terrorized the citizens of his country with his reckless warmongering. and selfish lust (62). The goddess of creation hears their cries to "create his equal; let him be like him as his own reflection, his second self, stormy heart for stormy heart." (62) and grants their wish in the form of a wild man in the forest. Enkidu adopts his purpose as a distraction once he and Gilgamesh fight and learn to honor each other. Although Gilgamesh is the stronger and more skilled of the two, Enkidu does not become jealous or angry; instead he appreciates what the king is capable of and embraces him as a friend. They have similar minds and abilities, which al...