Nevertheless, Gilgamesh and Enkidu are depicted as physically equal. When the gods first create Enkidu, he challenges Gilgamesh and the two men fight. Gilgamesh prevails, leading to their mutual respect and friendship. Immediately, the beast Enkidu tames the god-man Gilgamesh. The two men embark on a journey of friendship that transforms both characters. Enkidu becomes more civilized and knowledgeable about the ways of human beings, and Gilgamesh likewise becomes tamer and more compassionate toward others. When Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh's humanity emerges fully as the King of Uruk mourns.

The death of Enkidu is the climax of the Epic of Gilgamesh, forcing the title character to ponder the natures of life, death, and love. Whereas Enkidu remained an entirely simple character until his death, Gilgamesh is intense and complex. The main feature distinguishing Enkidu from Gilgamesh is the latter's greater intellectual capacity. Gilgamesh's godlike...

His emotional love is, however, a godlike quality that helps Gilgamesh become a better human being.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ironic tale about two disparate beings, Enkidu and Gilgamesh, who grow and change because of their love for one another. The gods use Enkidu's animal nature to help tame Gilgamesh's hubris. Gilgamesh becomes more of a man after mourning Enkidu. Enkidu's mortality forces Gilgamesh to accept his own immanent death, which makes the king more interested in putting Uruk before himself. Both Enkidu and Gilgamesh are depicted as superhuman in their strength and in their ultimate spiritual integrity. Although the title character is more intellectually strong, it is Enkidu who gives Gilgamesh the emotional strength and integrity to accomplish his godly goals.