The Inevitability Of Epic In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

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Gilgamesh, the mythological King of Uruk, is the main feature in the ancient poem, The Epic of Gilgamesh. Early on in the poem readers learn that Gilgamesh has a harsh and overpowering personality. In fact, many of his nobles live in fear and do not dare to confront him. As a result, they decide to call upon Aruru, the Goddess of Creation, to create a brave enough being that will challenge Gilgamesh. Aruru creates out of moistened clay, Enkidu, who is both equally as strong and as powerful as Gilgamesh. After being raised by animals, the undomesticated Enkidu embarks to Uruk to battle Gilgamesh. However, after a combatted meeting, Gilgamesh and Enkidu realize they would make better friends than enemies. The two combine their strength and power and embark on a journey. For Gilgamesh, this journey quickly becomes a lesson learned in the inevitability of death. However one could argue that the lesson Gilgamesh learns doesn’t so much concern death but …show more content…

It is at this point in the poem that Gilgamesh becomes quite fearful of the afterlife and begins his search for immortality. He sets out to find Utnapishtim, who was granted eternal life by the gods after the great flood of Mesopotamia. Gilgamesh hopes that Utnapishtim will have the answers he needs to be granted eternal life. After overcoming many hurdles, the tired Gilgamesh finally reaches Utnapishtim. Utnapishtim then tells Gilgamesh the story of the flood, and the reason he was granted immortality. The Gods intended to destroy humankind. Ea, the god of wisdom, informed Utnapishtim about the flood, and encouraged him to build a boat and fill it with his family and the seed of every living creature. Utnapishtim did exactly that and he and his gathered creatures were able to survive the flood. The Gods regretted the damaged they had done and were grateful that Utnapishtim saved so many. For this, he was granted eternal

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