The Epic of Gilgamesh Group

Question:

kwilson111
kwilson111
Student
High School - 9th Grade

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, why was Gilgamesh so determined to find the key to everlasting life?

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Posted by kwilson111 on Tuesday September 22, 2009 at 2:56 PM and tagged with everlasting life, gilgamesh, the epic of gilgamesh, themes.

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  1. kponeil
    kponeil Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    Once Gilgamesh came to terms with his own mortality, he began to look for a way to remedy death. As a king, Gilgamesh was a larger than life figure. In fact, the text says he was half divine. It wasn't until Enkidu's death that Gilgamesh realized that he was mortal. He went to find Utanipishtim because Gilgamesh knew he was the only mortal man offered eternal life by the Gods, and Gilgamesh wanted to live forever. 

    During ancient times, especially in ancient Mesopotamia, the afterlife was not a place that was particularly attractive. In fact, Mesopotamians believed the afterlife consisted of an eternity of darkness where you ate dirt. So with that being said, an individual wanted their name to live beyond their life. In that respect, an individual can achieve some sort of everlasting life. Gilgamesh was looking for a literal everlasting life by seeking out Utanipishtim, but once he learned he could not attain it he shifted his focus back to making a name for himself. In the end, Gilgamesh does achieve everlasting life through his name and his great story.

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    Posted by kponeil on Tuesday October 20, 2009 at 3:52 PM