The Epic of Gilgamesh Chapter Summary & Analysis - Tablet 8 Summary

Tablet 8 Summary

Gilgamesh is heartbroken over Enkidu's death. In his sadness, Gilgamesh makes a long speech wherein he says that everything on earth will mourn the death of Enkidu. Gilgamesh includes everything from the road to the Cedar Forest to the many rivers of the land in the list of things that shall mourn Enkidu's death. He orders all men, women, animals and any other parts of the land to mourn for Enkidu, who was like a brother to Gilgamesh.

Gilgamesh is said to "swoop over" Enkidu's body like an eagle, and to pace like a lioness deprived of her cubs.

After mourning Enkidu for six days and seven nights, Gilgamesh orders his craftsmen to make a great statue of gold and lapis lazuli as a monument for Enkidu. The statue was put out with an offering of gemstone bowls filled with honey and butter.

Tablet 8 Analysis

Gilgamesh sees Enkidu as an extension of...
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