Chapter 5 Summary

Despite their rocky beginnings, or perhaps because of them, Gilgamesh and Enkidu grow to be more like brothers than simple friends. Even Queen Ninsun sees Enkidu almost as a son. The pair takes part in and wins various contests and feats of strength and although Enkidu is content with this way of life, Gilgamesh is not.

The King proposes an adventure: Kill the monster Humbaba. Enkidu, though he fears no mortal man, argues that Humbaba is not mortal, but Gilgamesh is unconvinced by this. The monster is an evil and must be destroyed, but Enkidu refuses to take part. Gilgamesh gathers to him an arsenal of finely wrought weaponry and lays it before his brother's feet, but still Enkidu turns away.

Finally, the city elders attempt to intervene, telling the King they once sought to destroy not to undertake something so dangerous, but...