Epic Of Gilgamesh

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The “Epic of Gilgamesh” is known to be one of the earliest literary works. The epic is generally about King Gilgamesh and his quest for immortality. Above all, the “Epic of Gilgamesh” illustrates the bond of friendship, the effect of death on the longing for immortality, and the knowledge and self-understanding that Gilgamesh demonstrates after his adventure. The story begins by describing King Gilgamesh, who is two-thirds divine and one-third human, and his superiority over all kings for his strength, knowledge, wisdom, and distinctiveness. However, Gilgamesh constantly fights wars and is an oppressive ruler; thus, his people pray for help from the gods and goddesses. In response, a goddess named Aruru creates a companion for Gilgamesh…show more content…
After suffering horribly for twelve days, Enkidu dies with a bitter heart towards Gilgamesh, whom Enkidu recalls as getting all the glory for himself. After Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh laments his best friend. Even though Enkidu resented him in his deathbed, Gilgamesh never stopped worrying about him. For example, Gilgamesh sacrifices animals in exchange for the gods to receive Enkidu well in the underworld. It is also due to Enkidu’s death that Gilgamesh realizes that he will also die. Therefore, Gilgamesh leaves Uruk and goes on an adventure to find…show more content…
Along the way, he encounters a female tavern keeper named Siduri who advises Gilgamesh to enjoy life to the fullest instead of looking for eternal life that would not be found. Nevertheless, Gilgamesh continues his journey to find Utnapishtim. When he finds Utnapishtim, he explains death to Gilgamesh and how he obtained eternal life. Utnapishtim and his wife obtained immortality because they were the only survivors of the genocide caused by a god (thus, the other gods took pity on them). Consequently, after being convinced by his wife, Utnapishtim gives Gilgamesh a plant that would make him young again. On the way to Uruk, the plant was eaten by a snake. As a result, Gilgamesh returns empty-handed to Uruk. However, when he surveys his city’s walls, he is enlightened and fully understood his fate (death), but his legacy would still be intact as civilizations would recognize him as the builder of those

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