The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the earliest works in history and is classified in the category of epic poems. Originating in Mesopotamia, the poem consists of twelve tablets covering the relationship between the main character Gilgamesh and Enkidu, his closest male companion. The narration is done in the past tense, trying to bring out the fact that the poem is written by Gilgamesh and that he wrote it himself. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” commemorates historical deeds and figures by describing Gilgamesh's life experiences characterized by sorrow, heroism and his wisdom in a universal and perpetual process. Its story can be seen as both immediate and timeless. The scope of this article will, however, be limited to the themes, ideas, characterizations and arguments that are evident in Tablet 1 of the poem (Andrew p. 45). The characters used in the poem played a major role in the development of the plot. , themes, ideas and symbols. The main character is introduced as Gilgamesh and given a dual and unstable compound role, that of a man in some parts and a god in others. He is considered the greatest of all the men in the poem, and his faults and virtues are outsized. Gilgamesh is best known to most of the characters in the book as the most ambitious of all builders and the fiercest of all warriors. These strong traits are highlighted not only in the first painting but throughout the rest of the poem. However, its characters change as the story unfolds throughout the rest of the tablets. He later turns on his loyal subjects with forced labor, incessant battles and the exercise of arbitrary power (Andrew p. 78). Enkidu, on the other hand, is presented by the narrator as a muscular, hairy man... middle of paper ... ...used symbols as a means of representing abstract concepts and ideas. Religion was symbolized by Gilgamesh as a character and events such as festivals, sacrifices, sex, dreams, shamanic magic and dream interpretation. Enkidu is a puberty symbol of the uncivilized and natural state. Images of portals, doors, and gateways are constantly recurring in Gilgamesh as a character. It was Enkidu who blocked the door to the bribe room and set out to fight Gilgamesh. The first tablet played an important role in introducing the story's plot, main characters, crucial themes, motifs and symbols, leaving the reader with a clear idea of ​​what to expect. However, he failed to introduce some of the characters who were later included in the plot development. Works Cited by Andrew George. The Epic of Gilgamesh. New York: Penguin Classics, Rev Ed edition, 2003