The Role Of Immortality In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

From the beginning of time, mythology has acted as the key of understanding life’s confusions, battles and teaches the reader valuable life lessons. Many of mankind’s tales of expeditions, searching for immortality is a very mutual theme for that, the search for immortality has been a major concern for many men and women throughout history. To spend time with a special someone and never having to say goodbye would greatly attract to most people, however when death steps into the picture, one starts to reevaluate themselves. The myths we have read in class have dealt with a hero and their story of overcoming a fear, a battle or a journey. In the case of The Epic of Gilgamesh, the myth addresses the struggle to gain immorality and escape from death. …show more content…
Enkidu’s death shatters Gilgamesh. “He tore out (his hair, threw away (his clothing)” (Gilgamesh, pg 54 ll. 30). Gilgamesh was so distraught of Enkidu’s death that he ripped out his perfectly groomed hair and circles Enkidu’s body while pacing restlessly. After Gilgamesh pulls him self-together, he commands the craftsmen of Uruk to honor Enkidu by building a statue of Enkidu so the people of Uruk could also celebrate his fame. However, even though Gilgamesh knew Enkidu’s name would live on forever, that wasn’t enough for Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh now was afraid of death. His fear led him to seek out Utnapishtim, the survivor of the great flood, in order to learn how Gilgamesh himself could become immortal so he would not have to face death like his friend did. However, in order to get to Untapishtim, Gilgamesh must take on a journey no mortal has ever