Summary

Tablet 3

Before leaving to fight Humbaba, Gilgamesh goes to the temple of Ninsun, who is his mother. He asks her to ask Shamash, the god of the sun, to watch over him. Ninsun not only does this, but she also performs a ceremony making Enkidu an official companion of her son. As they leave, the wise men of Uruk tell Enkidu to take special care to watch out for Gilgamesh’s safety. Enkidu tells Gilgamesh that this is a dangerous mission, and he should not go.

Tablet 4

On the journey to the Cedar Forest, Gilgamesh has many nightmares. Enkidu interprets these dreams as favorable, suggesting it is all symbolism of their win over Humbaba. However, when they arrive at the Cedar Forest, Gilgamesh is afraid to continue. Shamash, the sun god, tells Gilgamesh that they must hurry because the creature is only wearing...