Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version. Gilgamesh dropped his axe, appalled. 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?

Gilgamesh is appalled and drops his axe, but Enkidu encourages him to ignore Humbaba’s curses and keep fighting. Hearing his friend’s words helps Gilgamesh “come to himself” and act, showing that encouragement can provide powerful motivation. The excerpt focuses on the effect of Enkidu’s support, not simply on courage or ignoring everyone’s opinions.

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