The Importance Of Death In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

Death is inevitable. Even the mighty hero, Gilgamesh, “two thirds of him god and one third human” (Tablet 1, line 148), is incapable of escaping his inevitable fate. When Gilgamesh comes to the realization that he cannot escape death, he seeks consolidation from Uta-napishti the Distant; Gilgamesh says to him, “O Uta-napishti, what should I do and where should I go? A thief has taken hold of my flesh! For there in my bed-chamber Death does abide, and wherever I turn, there too will be Death” (Tablet 11, line 245). It seems that Uta-napishti denies Gilgamesh of an answer, as Uta-napishti, in response to the questions, turns to Ur-shanabi, the boatman, directing him to, “let him [Gilgamesh] wear royal robes” (Tablet 11, line 258), and return King Gilgamesh to his city.

Gilgamesh presents Uta-napishti with the questions or what he, the King of Uruk, should do and where he should go. The wise, Uta-napishti, then commands the King be dressed in robes fit for royalty and returned to his city, the city of Uruk. In commanding these things, Uta-napishti, is telling Gilgamesh, what he should do—wear royal robes—and, where he should go—back to the city over which he rules. Through his directions, Uta-napishti, does, in fact, answer the questions proposed by the heroic King Gilgamesh; Uta-napishti the Distant, indirectly informs the King that he should return to the city of Uruk and perform the duties imposed upon