The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient piece of literature that survived to the present day. In 2750 B.C.E., it was composed as a poem on 12 Akkadian tablets. It was conveyed by Sumerian people through storytelling for many years. Sumerians used storytelling as a way to share historical stories. Although no one is known to have written the poem, it is possible it was transmitted through storytelling. It could also be used as a form of entertainment or history lesson through Gilgamesh’s search for eternality. This poem tells the story of Gilgamesh, who was both divine and human and was trying to accept immortality.
The poem’s opening portrays Gilgamesh in a position of power abuser. He didn’t care about death. He lived as if he were immortal. He would draft his sons from the community and use young women to make money. The Uruk residents asked the gods for help. Enkidu is the “panther-of-wilderness” created by Arura, the goddess of power. After a battle, Enkidu and Gilgamesh become close friends. Enkidu is killed by Gilgamesh as they go on adventures fighting in various battles. Gilgamesh realized that Enkidu was his closest friend and would die the same, meaningless death after he lost him. Gilgamesh declares, “Am this not him?” Gilgamesh declares, “Am I not like him?” Enkidu says that he will lie down and never get up again. That may be why Gilgamesh was forced to contemplate the fact he was mortal. The bigger question is, does Enkidu deserve immortality? After raping young women at his will and treating his people the same way? This is what might have led Gilgamesh to seek immortality. Siduri, a barkeeper, is there to help him find Utnapishtim. Utnapishtim is granted immortality, but Gilgamesh has to overcome many obstacles before he can reach him. Gilgamesh finally meets Utnapishtim, who informs him that immortality is impossible for any human being. But there’s a plant that gives you youth. Gilgamesh is adamant that the plant will restore youth and decides to let an old man try it. This statement is a reflection of Gilgamesh’s fear for death and his true personality. It was unknown if it worked, so he could test it. Although it could have been poisonous Gilgamesh was only concerned about his eternal youth. Gilgamesh later takes the plant from him while he is in a bath. The plant’s effectiveness is unknown. This shows that Gilgamesh did not have the ability to fight immortality. It doesn’t have the physical form of Humbaba or Bull of Heaven. Gilgamesh eventually realizes he is mortal. He has no good deeds to display for himself. Enkidu makes the final statement. “Afterlife shall be a place where sorrow” was Enkidu’s last statement. Gilgamesh got rid of his obsession for immortality by the serpent stealing the plant. The Epic of Gilgamesh describes the human tendency to fear death and is written by Gilgamesh. Urshanabi asked Gilgamesh to go around Uruk and examine the foundations. This is a sign that Gilgamesh realized that Uruk needed a solid foundation to survive. This poem shows that although no one can be immortal, there are ways to be recalled, just as Gilgamesh is remembered today as a great ruler.
