<P> The 12th tablet is a sequel to the original 11, and was probably added at a later date . It bears little relation to the well - crafted 11 - tablet epic; the lines at the beginning of the first tablet are quoted at the end of the 11th tablet, giving it circularity and finality . Tablet 12 is a near copy of an earlier Sumerian tale, a prequel, in which Gilgamesh sends Enkidu to retrieve some objects of his from the Underworld, and he returns in the form of a spirit to relate the nature of the Underworld to Gilgamesh . </P> <P> This summary is based on Andrew George's translation . </P> <P> The story introduces Gilgamesh, king of Uruk . Gilgamesh, two - thirds god and one - third man, is oppressing his people, who cry out to the gods for help . For the young women of Uruk this oppression takes the form of a droit du seigneur, or "lord's right", to sleep with brides on their wedding night . For the young men (the tablet is damaged at this point) it is conjectured that Gilgamesh exhausts them through games, tests of strength, or perhaps forced labour on building projects . The gods respond to the people's pleas by creating an equal to Gilgamesh who will be able to stop his oppression . This is the primitive man, Enkidu, who is covered in hair and lives in the wild with the animals . He is spotted by a trapper, whose livelihood is being ruined because Enkidu is uprooting his traps . The trapper tells the sun - god Shamash about the man, and it is arranged for Enkidu to be seduced by Shamhat, a temple prostitute, his first step towards being tamed . After six days and seven nights of lovemaking and teaching Enkidu about the ways of civilization, she takes Enkidu to a shepherd's camp to learn how to be civilized . Gilgamesh, meanwhile, has been having dreams about the imminent arrival of a beloved new companion and asks his mother, Ninsun help to interpret these dreams . </P> <P> Shamhat brings Enkidu to the shepherds' camp, where he is introduced to a human diet and becomes the night watchman . Learning from a passing stranger about Gilgamesh's treatment of new brides, Enkidu is incensed and travels to Uruk to intervene at a wedding . When Gilgamesh attempts to visit the wedding chamber, Enkidu blocks his way, and they fight . After a fierce battle, Enkidu acknowledges Gilgamesh's superior strength and they become friends . Gilgamesh proposes a journey to the Cedar Forest to slay the monstrous demi - god Humbaba in order to gain fame and renown . Despite warnings from Enkidu and the council of elders, Gilgamesh is not deterred . </P>

Who helps gilgamesh interpret his dreams of a new companion