Free Essays - Immortality and the Epic of Gilgamesh

Immortality and the Epic of Gilgamesh

Immortality - (a) the quality or state of being immortal. (b) never ending

existence. Although that is the Webster definition of immortality, what is

never-ending existence? That question has a different answer for everyone.

Some people believe that never-ending existence happens by never physically

dying, and others believe that immortality can be obtained through your

children. I personally feel that your children cannot give you immortality

nowadays because of all the influences outside of the home. What I mean by

this is that children are not striving to be "chips of the old blocks"

anymore. They spend more time with their friends, or watching, TV, or

listening to music, not following their parents around. To become immortal,

you must either live forever, which is not very likely, or do something

that is historically noteworthy like George Washington, or Abe Lincoln.

Gilgamesh is an epic story about our hero Gilgamesh, and for a

short time, his friend Enkidu. In the beginning Enkidu is one which

animals; Later, however, he and Gilgamesh fight and become close friends.

Together, they fought wars, and ruled the city. Eventually, the goddess of

war asked Gilgamesh to marry her but he refused, making her very angry.

She retaliates by sending the bull of heaven down to attack Gilgamesh and

Enkidu. In the battle, they killed the bull, but Enkidu injured his hand;

he eventually died from his wound. After Enkidu died, Gilgamesh went on a

quest for immortality.

Gilgamesh was trying to find immortality for both Enkidu and

Himself. After gilgamesh got the "immortality" plant and scratched himself

with it he was bathing and a snake ate the plant. As soon as that happened

Gilgamesh started to cry. Since he had already used the plant on himself,

it was evident that he still wanted the plant for Enkidu. Another example

occurred during Gilgameshes conversation with the boatman.