Enkidu, the wild man created by the gods as a companion for Gilgamesh, meets his fate due to a combination of divine punishment and human actions. After Enkidu and Gilgamesh slay the Bull of Heaven, which was sent by the goddess Ishtar in retaliation for Gilgamesh’s rejection of her advances, the gods decide to punish Enkidu for this transgression.
Enkidu falls gravely ill shortly after their encounter with the Bull of Heaven. He suffers for days, and during his illness, he reflects on his life and the fate of mortals. In a touching moment, he laments the loss of friendship and the inevitability of death. His death ultimately serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, driving Gilgamesh into a deep existential crisis.
Enkidu’s death symbolizes the transient nature of life and the sorrow that accompanies personal loss. His demise prompts Gilgamesh to embark on a quest for immortality, seeking answers to the meaning of life and the inevitability of death.