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?
One should ignore other people's opinions.
Battle requires tremendous courage.
Soldiers must destroy their enemies.
Encouragement offers powerful motivation.