I noticed two main underlying themes in The Epic of Gilgamesh, fighting a common foe or working toward a common goal forms close ties between people, and man's natural fear of death.
             In the story Gilgamesh and Enkidu started out as enemies, the first time that they ever saw each other they joined in fierce combat. It wasn't until Enkidu withdrew, accepting Gilgamesh's supremacy that the battle ended. It was because of this battle that two started to become friends, in the way that two modern day opposing athletes would. Out of respect for each others' abilities and the way they "play the game" so to speak. And as time went on they faced many dangers and had many adventures, each bringing them closer to each other than the last. By walking the same path and fighting the same battles the two went from enemies to brothers. This holds true still today, and at many levels. Team sports such as football can create these kinds of bonds. After months of time, work, sweat, and blood that you put in together side by side on the field you become more than just buddies, you become more like family. Then you have the military, where men who have severed together would not think twice about putting their lives on the line for each other.
             Then there is the fear of death which everyone, no matter how brave, feels at some point. After Enkidu's death Gilgamesh is slapped in the face by the realization that life is fleeting and he too will die someday, and this terrifies him. So he embarks on a quest for the secret of eternal life, which in the end only brings him even closer to death. He endured many hardships and challenges in the course of his journey which took their toll on his body, taking many years off his life. I think this theme can apply to most all young men, even though realistically we know it is impossible, there is still that little voice in the back of our heads that tells us we might ...