Question

part 2: epic hero: gilgamesh
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,
sacred 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,

enkidu said, \courage, dear friend,
close your ears to humbaba’s curses.
don’t listen to a word. slaughter him! now!\
gilgamesh, hearing his beloved friend,
came to himself.

what is the theme of the excerpt?
soldiers must destroy their enemies.
one should ignore other peoples opinions.
encouragement offers powerful motivation.
battle requires tremendous courage.
mark and return

Explanation:

The excerpt shows Enkidu encouraging Gilgamesh to face Humbaba, and Gilgamesh regains composure. This highlights how encouragement (Enkidu's words) motivates Gilgamesh. Other options: first is too narrow (not just soldiers), second is incorrect (not ignoring opinions), fourth focuses on courage but the key is motivation from encouragement.

Answer:

Encouragement offers powerful motivation.