Gilgamesh: The Quest for Immortality

Quick answer: Gilgamesh is the central hero of the earliest known literary work, the "Epic of Gilgamesh," dated to 2000 years before the Christian era. He was the king of the city of Uruk in ancient Mesopotamia, renowned for his extraordinary strength, beauty and cruelty. The main plot of the epic is the journey of Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu, their exploits, Enkidu's death and Gilgamesh's subsequent quest to escape death.

King of Uruk and His Beginning

Gilgamesh was the king of the city of Uruk, one of the greatest cities of ancient Mesopotamia. According to the epic, he was two-thirds divine and one-third mortal, which gave him superhuman strength but also condemned him to death. Gilgamesh was renowned for his cruelty toward his people—he took the rights of the first night, his anger was terrible, his strength unlimited. The people of Uruk begged the gods to deliver them from their despotic ruler.

The Creation of Enkidu and Friendship

In response to the people's prayers, the gods created Enkidu, a wild man who had grown up in the steppes in communion with animals. Enkidu was as strong as Gilgamesh, and the gods hoped he would oppose the king. Indeed, Gilgamesh and Enkidu met in fierce combat that lasted long. But instead of destroying each other, they came to mutual respect. Gilgamesh and Enkidu became best friends and subsequently accomplished many joint deeds, including the slaying of the heavenly bull Neb'alu.

Enkidu's Death and Quest for Immortality

When Enkidu died, Gilgamesh was devastated by grief. For the first time in his life he came face to face with death, realizing that he too was mortal. Terror before inevitable death became Gilgamesh's driving force. He set out on a journey across deserts and mountains in search of Utnapishtim, the only man to whom the gods had granted immortality. Gilgamesh hoped that Utnapishtim would share with him the secret of eternal life or point him toward the path to immortality.

The Dangerous Journey and Meeting with Utnapishtim

Gilgamesh's path was full of dangers and trials. He crossed mountains guarded by monsters, traversed oceanic depths, met strange creatures and sorcerers. At last he reached the land of Utnapishtim, the man who had survived the great flood and been saved by the gods. Utnapishtim told Gilgamesh the story of the flood and explained that immortality is a gift of the gods that cannot be obtained through seeking or martial deeds. But Utnapishtim revealed to Gilgamesh the location of a miraculous flower that grew on the ocean floor and restored youth.

Return Home and Realization

Gilgamesh found the miraculous flower of youth on the ocean floor, but as he returned home, a snake stole it from his hands, and he lost his last hope of immortality. Exhausted and defeated, Gilgamesh returned to Uruk. But through his journey and trials he was changed. He understood that mortality is a natural part of human existence, and that true immortality lies in the deeds that remain in the memory of mankind. Gilgamesh returned to Uruk a better king, just and wise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Gilgamesh a historical figure?

Yes, historical records indicate that Gilgamesh was a real king of Uruk who lived around 2700 BCE, though the legends about him are greatly exaggerated.

What does the epic teach about death and mortality?

The Epic of Gilgamesh teaches the universal lesson of the inevitability of death and that true immortality is achieved through glory and deeds that people remember.

Where is the city of Uruk located?

The city of Uruk was in ancient Mesopotamia, in modern-day Iraq. Its ruins were discovered by archaeologists and investigated.