Question

gilgamesh: a new english version. book v
translated by stephen mitchell
they stood at the edge of the cedar forest,
marching 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,
carved to shape, where the gods dwell,
the homes of the sleep - and rich or odors
with their sharp fragrance and pleasant shade.
gripping their axes, their knives unsheathed,
they entered the forest and made their way through
the jungle of thorn bushes underfoot.
shuddering, 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.
and attack the monster. he is far away, he is far,
storm wind, gale wind, hurricane, tornado,
is pin him down and paralyze his steps.
he could not move forward, cannot fall retreat.
gilgamesh saw it. he leaped upon him,
he held a knife to humbabas throat.
what is the best conclusion that can be drawn about gilgameshs character
from this excerpt?
he believes in the power of teamwork.
he prides himself on his triumphs in battle.
he demonstrates bravery and takes risks.
he relies on supernatural forces to save him

Explanation:

In the excerpt, Gilgamesh is facing Humbaba. Despite the storm wind (gale wind) paralyzing Humbaba's steps, Gilgamesh still leaps upon him and holds a knife to Humbaba's throat. This shows that he is not afraid and takes action (risks) in the face of a potentially dangerous situation (Humbaba, the guardian of the forest). There is no indication of teamwork in this specific action described (the key action is Gilgamesh leaping on Humbaba), no focus on past triumphs in the excerpt (the action is in - the - moment), and no mention of supernatural forces saving him (he is the one taking the initiative with the knife).

Answer:

He demonstrates bravery and takes risks.