In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the voyage to seek out eternal life is seized by the pompous and arrogant Gilgamesh. Throughout the entire novel, Gilgamesh has one thought on his mind, to not be forgotten. “I will kill Humbaba,/ the whole world will know how mighty I am./ I will make a lasting name for myself./ I will stamp my fame on men’s minds forever.” (94-95) However, the book clearly shows how ludicrous and naive the pursuit of immortality can be through characters’ basic common sense and personal experiences. The first character to openly speak to Gilgamesh about the stupidity of immortality was Shiduri. Shiduri being a realist explains immortality in a very intellectual and scientific way. She explains that a mortal can not seek immortality
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However like Shiduri, Utnapishtim does not believe that immortality could enhance the life. Utnapishtim also applies the aspect that eternal life could make Gilgamesh’s life have no worth. “ .” In the same sense of Shiduri, Utnapishtim also makes a point about how great of a life Gilgamesh has, and how he should not ask for more. “You were made from the flesh of both gods and humans,/ the gods have lavished you with their gifts/ as though they were your fathers and mothers,/ from your birth they assigned you a throne…” (176-177) When talking to Utnapishtim, Gilgamesh can relate to him as Utnapishtim was once a mortal and was granted eternal life from the god Enlil. This helps Gilgamesh understand the point Utnapishtim is making. Along with all the other points Utnapishtim made, Gilgamesh’s self entitlement is also brought up “Now then, Gilgamesh, who will assemble/ the gods for your sake?” (191) Then he also brings up the point, that Gilgamesh isn’t entitled to immortality and that he must prove his worth to the gods. “Who convince them/ to grant the eternal life you seek?/ How would they know you deserve it?”(191) Utnapishtim then gives Gilgamesh a test to “Just stay awake/ for seven days. Prevail against sleep,/ and perhaps you will prevail against death.” (191) As Gilgamesh finally loses his battle against sleep, he decides to travel back to
However like Shiduri, Utnapishtim does not believe that immortality could enhance the life. Utnapishtim also applies the aspect that eternal life could make Gilgamesh’s life have no worth. “ .” In the same sense of Shiduri, Utnapishtim also makes a point about how great of a life Gilgamesh has, and how he should not ask for more. “You were made from the flesh of both gods and humans,/ the gods have lavished you with their gifts/ as though they were your fathers and mothers,/ from your birth they assigned you a throne…” (176-177) When talking to Utnapishtim, Gilgamesh can relate to him as Utnapishtim was once a mortal and was granted eternal life from the god Enlil. This helps Gilgamesh understand the point Utnapishtim is making. Along with all the other points Utnapishtim made, Gilgamesh’s self entitlement is also brought up “Now then, Gilgamesh, who will assemble/ the gods for your sake?” (191) Then he also brings up the point, that Gilgamesh isn’t entitled to immortality and that he must prove his worth to the gods. “Who convince them/ to grant the eternal life you seek?/ How would they know you deserve it?”(191) Utnapishtim then gives Gilgamesh a test to “Just stay awake/ for seven days. Prevail against sleep,/ and perhaps you will prevail against death.” (191) As Gilgamesh finally loses his battle against sleep, he decides to travel back to