Who was the best friend of Gilgamesh in the epic?

Enkidu was Gilgamesh’s best friend and companion in the Epic of Gilgamesh.

The gods create Enkidu as a powerful wild man to counterbalance Gilgamesh, the oppressive king of Uruk. Enkidu lives among animals until the temple prostitute Shamhat introduces him to human society, food, clothing, and civilized life. He eventually travels to Uruk and fights Gilgamesh in a wrestling match.

Neither man defeats the other. Their mutual respect turns the rivalry into a deep friendship, and they undertake famous adventures together, including the expedition to the Cedar Forest and the killing of its guardian, Humbaba. They later defeat the Bull of Heaven after Gilgamesh rejects the goddess Ishtar.

Enkidu’s death is the emotional turning point of the epic. The gods decree his death as punishment for the heroes’ violence against Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven. Gilgamesh’s grief then drives his search for Utnapishtim and the secret of immortality. Shamash is a divine ally, while Humbaba is an enemy—not Gilgamesh’s friend.