Shamhat is a character from the ancient Mesopotamian epic, The Epic of Gilgamesh. She is a temple prostitute who plays a crucial role in the story by introducing Enkidu, a wild man, to civilization. Through her interactions with Enkidu, Shamhat helps him learn about human culture and social norms. Her relationship with Enkidu transforms him from a wild creature into a more refined individual. This change allows Enkidu to form a deep friendship with Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, leading to significant adventures and themes of friendship, mortality, and the quest for meaning in life.