The Journey of Gilgamesh
The oldest piece of literature in the world today has transcended time. The main character of Gilgamesh reflects a journey that we must all make in life, learning we will not live forever. This lesson transforms Gilgamesh from a tyrannical leader to a humble king. Gilgamesh undergoes this transformation through a hero's journey. A hero’s journey was identified by Joseph Campbell when he recognised a similar theme across all cultures and times. The subject of the journey must endure a separation, and an initiation, before his eventual return as a hero transformed. Due to the common thread of this theme, the story remains relatable in current culture. Everyone must go through a similar journey during their lifetime. …show more content…
Losing the last fragile hope to live forever he collapses into acceptance. Letting go of living forever he returns to Uruk whole again. He is no longer wild with fear and consumed with need. He becomes grounded, more down to earth. His thirst for immortality has ended. He comes to terms with the fact that he will eventually die, there is nothing he can do. Gilgamesh learns to live his life and savor the good. Gone are the days of tyranny and selfishness. Gilgamesh is a humbled ruler and is finally at peace. Gilgamesh spends the remainder of his life preaching his story and lessons. This is Gilgamesh’s return in the cycle of a hero’s …show more content…
I believe people still relate to this ancient text because we all want to leave a legacy. In ancient times a legacy could be left by making a name for yourself. In today's society I think this stress is larger, people want to be remembered, but now there is a global community. There are a lot of people competing to be revered forever and there just isn’t enough space in the collective memory for everyone. There is a part of coming of age and finding your place in the world that confronts the crushing fact of mortality. In the grand sum of things a human life is a infinitesimal blip on the timeline of the universe. With the expansion of knowledge a human life has only grown smaller. Siduri is a pivotal character in talking about why this story transcends time. She has the knowledge every person must discover in their lifetime. “Gilgamesh, wherefore do you wander? The eternal life you are seeking you shall not find. When the gods created mankind, they established death for mankind...This, then, is the work of mankind” (p.97) Siduri speaks about how living life is mankind's work. Having a family, raising children, and treating people right is the point of life. This message can apply to every single human regardless of faith or culture. A legacy does not have to be grand, just leave kindness and live a good
The oldest piece of literature in the world today has transcended time. The main character of Gilgamesh reflects a journey that we must all make in life, learning we will not live forever. This lesson transforms Gilgamesh from a tyrannical leader to a humble king. Gilgamesh undergoes this transformation through a hero's journey. A hero’s journey was identified by Joseph Campbell when he recognised a similar theme across all cultures and times. The subject of the journey must endure a separation, and an initiation, before his eventual return as a hero transformed. Due to the common thread of this theme, the story remains relatable in current culture. Everyone must go through a similar journey during their lifetime. …show more content…
Losing the last fragile hope to live forever he collapses into acceptance. Letting go of living forever he returns to Uruk whole again. He is no longer wild with fear and consumed with need. He becomes grounded, more down to earth. His thirst for immortality has ended. He comes to terms with the fact that he will eventually die, there is nothing he can do. Gilgamesh learns to live his life and savor the good. Gone are the days of tyranny and selfishness. Gilgamesh is a humbled ruler and is finally at peace. Gilgamesh spends the remainder of his life preaching his story and lessons. This is Gilgamesh’s return in the cycle of a hero’s …show more content…
I believe people still relate to this ancient text because we all want to leave a legacy. In ancient times a legacy could be left by making a name for yourself. In today's society I think this stress is larger, people want to be remembered, but now there is a global community. There are a lot of people competing to be revered forever and there just isn’t enough space in the collective memory for everyone. There is a part of coming of age and finding your place in the world that confronts the crushing fact of mortality. In the grand sum of things a human life is a infinitesimal blip on the timeline of the universe. With the expansion of knowledge a human life has only grown smaller. Siduri is a pivotal character in talking about why this story transcends time. She has the knowledge every person must discover in their lifetime. “Gilgamesh, wherefore do you wander? The eternal life you are seeking you shall not find. When the gods created mankind, they established death for mankind...This, then, is the work of mankind” (p.97) Siduri speaks about how living life is mankind's work. Having a family, raising children, and treating people right is the point of life. This message can apply to every single human regardless of faith or culture. A legacy does not have to be grand, just leave kindness and live a good