Gilgamesh and the Art of War

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Gilgamesh and the Art of War
Comparing the techniques of Gilgamesh and the
teachings of the Art of War.
By Brianna Bush
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While Gilgamesh defeated Humbaba (the Guardian of
the Cedar Forest) and the Bull of Heaven (sent by
Ishtar) the gods made sure he paid dearly for it
through the death of his companion, Enkidu.
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It is I who will establish fame for eternity!
Gilgamesh said as he and Enkidu decided to
journey to cut down the Cedar Forest. Sun Tzu
advises against this behavior by saying The
general who advances without coveting fameis the
jewel of the kingdom.
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Gilgamesh did not plan a strategy to defeat
Humbaba. Sun Tzu says of this he who is destined
to defeat first fights without skillful planning
and expects victory to come without planning.
This also displayed Gilgameshs recklessness, a
quality Sun Tzu identified as one of the five
dangerous faults which may affect a general.
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When Humbaba stepped out of the forest to meet
Gilgamesh and Enkidu, Enkidu got scared and ran.
Gilgamesh allowed Enkidu, a member of his army
to become frightened. Then he allowed himself to
fight with his friend in front of the enemy. He
showed that he did not have control over those
beneath him.
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Sun Tzu said The captured soldiers should be
kindly treated and kept. Even when Humbaba
offered himself as a servant to Gilgamesh in
exchange for his life, Gilgamesh still killed
him. If hed spared Humbaba, he could have gained
a valuable ally and he would have been using the
conquered foe to augment ones own strength.
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Gilgamesh insults Ishtar by pointing out her
despicable deeds and curses when she asks him
to be her husband. By insulting a goddess,
Gilgamesh did not follow the second of the Seven
Searching Questions Sun Tzu laid out, Which of
two generals has most ability? Obviously a
goddess is going to have more resources available
to her. He should have known not to take on a
force he couldnt handle. Especially not a
goddess with a history of cursing her lovers.
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A Few Things Gilgamesh Did Correctly
(according to Art of War)
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Gilgamesh was able to attack Humbaba when he was
unprepared. He was lucky enough to catch Humbaba
when he had not yet put on his seven coats of
armor and was only wearing one.
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It sounds as if Gilgamesh and Enkidu were wise
enough to camp in high places on their journey
to the Cedar Forest. While Gilgamesh went to make
his libation to Shamash on the mountain peak,
Enkidu would make a place for them to sleep. They
probably didnt camp on the peak, but it sounds
like they were near the peak.
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Sources
The Epic of Gilgamesh (as translated my Maureen
Kovacs) The Art of War (as translated by Lionel
Giles) Hooker, Robert. Gilgamesh Summary.
ltwsu.edu/dee/MESO/GILG.HTMgt Pictures taken
from Sumerian Art and Architecture
ltCrystalinks.com/sumerart.htmlgt. Thackara, W.T.S.
The Epic of Gilgamesh A Spiritual Biography.
lttheosociety.org/pasadena/sunrise/49-99-0/mi-wtst
.htmgt.