Gilgamesh Chen Translation.pdf

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Tablet III
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So Enkidu does reply,
“In fear I make me small, and smaller still would I make this friendship be.
So therefore let us plan this assault on fierce Humbaba and forge our friendship in tighter bonds
For death met with comrades true makes death less awesome to behold.”
Column III
The pair to metal workers went
And watched them make solid implements of defense.
And also watched [them] make awesome implements of death.
As they watched axes, and mauls, and sharp swords too were forged true.
With greaves and helmet, breast plate and girdles thick.
And with this armour and these weapons did Gilgamesh cry out:
“Holy Inanna, Shamash great, Elders and People of Uruk, holy ground, attend!
I Gilgamesh shall to forest stride and like none before confront demon Humbaba.
With these deeds I shall ensure my everlasting memory in the mind of my sons.
Bless this quest, start a feast and when I return I will host the first toast to my fame.”
The Elders did then stand and say,
“Young Gilgamesh, listen to this and slow your stride.
Your valiant heart sees death‟s danger not.
But mark our words.
Humbaba‟s power is like the fire of the sun, like the flood of the ocean.
When Humbaba roars all before its noisy power falls.
Humbaba hears every fearful breath while his own breath is death.”
So Gilgamesh said with his kingly power:
“It is I who walks into cedar forest far.”
“Take Enkidu, who knows the forest ways, and put him first,” the Elders replied.
“Take Enkidu, who knows the wilderness, let him lead you there,” the Elders replied.
“Take Enkidu, who will not desert you, take him to find your way through mountain passes,” the
Elders replied.
“Take Enkidu, who wild food knows, who can uncover deep water pure,” the Elders replied.
“Take Enkidu, who with water found can with you offer deep water pure to Mighty Shamash,”
the Elders replied.
“Take Enkidu, who will protect you. For the sake of your father Lugalbanda, do remember his
ways,” the Elders replied.
Then up spoke Enkidu to Gilgamesh mute,
“If young urges make you want to walk into cedar forest far, then take me, Gilgamesh
For I, your companion, will stay behind your back, at your side, before you as I need to guard
you as a friend.
I, Enkidu, who knows forest, and the wilderness, where the wild food lies, where deep water
pure resides.
I, Enkidu, will lead you to deep water pure to offer to Shamash to succeed in your quest.
I, Enkidu, will protect you as my friend. I, your friend, shall lead you to cedar forest far.
These words Gilgamesh did admire, and his thoughtful head did join with his wild heart and
there was peace.