Gilgamesh: Pages 48-64

In this post I have two issues I wish to discuss. The first is the shorter one of the two, pertaining to Gilgamesh and Enkidu's relationship. Before I begin I would like to state that I read the Persian Boy and other such texts meaning I do have an idea what I'm talking about, this is based on facts not on the whim of an impressionable school girl. First off, Gilgamesh and Enkidu were not real brothers, evn though inter-family relationships were common in the time period. So it is possible that Enkidu andGilgamesh were in a relationship of romantic terms, again not uncommon in the time period and easily accepted. Kings kept harems of women and eunuchs for their use, Gilgamesh would not be a stranger to the situation and his grief over his "companion" was more appropriate for that of lover. Also the requests for an equal to Gilgamesh resulted Enkidu, however the requests were never for a brother or friend, leaving open the possibility of a lover. The second issue is the meaning of the pitch black mountain passage Gilgamesh faces. A place with no sunlight or vitality. A black hole, like the one those in deep pain describe themselves in. Could it be this place is a metaphor for Gilgamesh's grief and susbsequent depression? The depression is of course canon as Gilgamesh really does becomes depressed, abandoning his duties and roaming in animal skins and feeling hopeless, wandering without purpose. His loss and loneliness are clearly represented in the passage, as he cries and attempts to regain the courage he had when Enkidu was at his side. He tries to repeat the heartening phrase they spoke to each other but cannot bear to utter his beloved words and later the Wind licks at his face with a "rough" tongue. Is this a metaphor for heartbreak, or the cruelty/rejection he feels comes from the world/society he lives in? Or is it foreshadowing to what he must now face? Or a sign that the worst is past and the sunshine ahead? I chose foreshadowing, as even though he reaches the sun shortly afterward his troubles and trials and perils continue. He must continue on in his dangerous and painful journey, to face danger in the sea.