The story of Gilgamesh has captivated readers for centuries with its themes of mortality, power, and the search for meaning in life. In this essay, we will examine a powerful passage from the epic that reflects on the importance of accepting one's mortality and leaving a legacy behind. The passage "Let me now praise famous men and our fathers that begat us" exemplifies the story's themes of remembering the contributions of past generations and recognizing one's place in the world. Through the character of Gilgamesh, we see the journey of self-discovery and acceptance that is necessary for finding true meaning in life. This passage is not only relevant to the ancient world but also serves as a reminder to modern readers of the importance of making the most of our time on earth and leaving a positive impact on those around us.
The passage "Let me now praise famous men and our fathers that begat us. All these were honored in their generations and were a glory in their days. They that come after him shall know him, and they that come after shall be born, his name shall be remembered forever. Let the scribe set his duty to write down trusty judgments, the truth, and nothing else." is a powerful reflection on the inevitability of death and the importance of accepting one's mortality
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The line, "Let the scribe set his duty to write down trusty judgments, the truth, and nothing else" highlights the importance for Gilgamesh that he be remembered after his death. He can only accept his mortality if he can be sure his life is remembered correctly, with all the details. In this way, Gilgamesh feels like he will live on forever if the memory of his life is preserved in writing. In a way, it suggests that the only way to truly achieve immortality is through the written word. By recording one's life and accomplishments, one can ensure that they will be remembered accurately and their legacy will live