Enkidu

/ɛnˈkiːduː/ noun

Definition

In ancient Mesopotamian literature, a wild man and companion of the hero Gilgamesh in the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Etymology

From Sumerian, possibly meaning 'created by Anu' or 'lord of the place.' Enkidu appears in the world's oldest known work of literature, the Epic of Gilgamesh, dating to around 2100 BCE.

Kelly Says

Enkidu's story is remarkably modern—he's a wild man who becomes civilized through friendship and love, exploring themes of what it means to be human that still resonate today. He's possibly the world's first literary best friend, appearing in a story 4,000 years old!

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