Question

ic beginnings
gilgamesh: a new english version, book v
translated by stephen mitchell
they stood at the edge of the cedar forest
marveling at the great height of the trees
they could see before them, a well - marked trail
beaten by humbaba as he came and went
from far off they saw the cedar mountain,
seated to ishtar, where the gods dwell
the slopes of it steep, and rich in cedars
with their sharp fragrance and pleasant shade
gripping their axes, their knives unsheathed
they entered the forest and made their way through
the tangle of thorn bushes underfoot
suddenly enkidu was seized by terror
his face turned pale, like a severed head
he said to gilgamesh: dear friend: i cannot
continue. i am frightened, i cannot go on
you go into the dreadful forest
you kill humbaba and win the fame
i will return now to great - walled uruk,
and all men will know what a coward i have been.
gilgamesh answered, dear friend, dear brother,
i cannot kill humbaba alone
please stay here with me. stand at my side
two boats lashed together will never sink
a three - ply rope is not easily broken
if we help each other and fight side by side,
what harm can come to us? let us go on
you are brave, your heart has been tested in combat
though your arms feel weak now and your legs tremble,
you are a warrior, you know what to do
shout out your battle - cry; let your voice pound
like a kettle drum. let your heart inspire you
to be joyous in battle, to forget about death
this excerpt most supports the conclusion that gilgamesh is a
bold and determined traveler
strong and ferocious warrior
compelling and confident speaker
brave and courageous risk - taker

Explanation:

The text shows Gilgamesh encouraging Enkidu. He uses phrases like "Let your heart inspire you to be joyous in battle, to forget about death" and constructs arguments about unity (e.g., "Two boats lashed together will never sink"). This indicates he is trying to persuade Enkidu through confident and compelling speech.

Answer:

compelling and confident speaker