Enkidu ... is a central figure in the
Ancient MesopotamianEpic of Gilgamesh. Enkidu was formed from clay and saliva by
Aruru, the goddess of creation, to rid
Gilgameshof his arrogance. In the story he is a
wild man, raised by animals and ignorant of human society until he is bedded by
Shamhat. Thereafter a series of interactions with humans and human ways bring him closer to civilization, culminating in a wrestling match with Gilgamesh, king of
Uruk. Enkidu embodies the wild or natural world, and, though equal to Gilgamesh in strength and bearing, he acts in some ways as an
antithesis to the cultured, urban-bred warrior-king. Enkidu then becomes the king's constant companion and deeply
beloved friend, accompanying him on adventures until he is stricken with illness and dies. [
source]