In the ancient Mesopotamian epic of Gilgamesh, Enkidu, who is a wild man created by the gods, dies as a result of divine intervention. After Enkidu and Gilgamesh kill the Bull of Heaven sent by the goddess Ishtar, the gods decide to punish Enkidu for his involvement in the act. In Tablet VII of the Epic of Gilgamesh, Enkidu falls ill and is tormented by a long and painful illness.
Enkidu's suffering lasts for twelve days and nights before he finally succumbs to his illness and dies. His death deeply affects Gilgamesh, leading him on a quest for immortality and setting the stage for many of the events in the epic. Enkidu's death is a pivotal moment in the story, highlighting themes of mortality, friendship, and the human condition.