The Quest For Eternal Life In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

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In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the lines that are repeated at the beginning and the end of the epic shows the only definite immortality a human can gain lies in creating things that last beyond a person’s lifetime. Though at first on a quest for eternal life, when Gilgamesh concludes his journey he realizes that he has created an enduring legend through the foundation of his city, Uruk. Through this legend, Gilgamesh lives on in the memory of his people, long after he has passed away. The epic conveys this message multiple ways. The opening lines immediately introduce and impress upon the audience the importance of Gilgamesh, and the significance of his kingship. The following stanzas continue on to describe the city of Uruk, with special consideration given to the walls surrounding Uruk. The juxtaposition of Gilgamesh and Uruk shows how closely the two are connected, and the influence they exert upon each other. Finally, the ending repetition of the lines shows …show more content…

Survey its foundations, examine the brickwork!
Were its bricks not fired in an oven?
Did the Seven Sages not lay its foundation (Tablet XI 324-326)?
When Gilgamesh is able to accept his fate as a mortal being, he becomes conscious of the relationship he has developed with Uruk. Gilgamesh has been so consumed with his desire to last forever, that he became blind to his actual, tangible achievements. He was unable to recognize Uruk for what it really is; an extension of his own legend. The ethos of the city is an echo of Gilgamesh’s own greatness. Uruk is given a presence of its own, but it is still intimately connected with Gilgamesh and his life. As the epic concludes, Gilgamesh has not, nor will he ever become immortal. Yet, he has been able to gain a new understanding of his city Uruk in relation to himself and the preservation of his memory. The legacy of Gilgamesh could not exist without Uruk, and the legacy of Uruk could not exist without

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