The Epic of Gilgamesh, often considered the oldest work of literature, reveals many themes pertaining to human nature. These themes transcend literature in history and are seen repeatedly even in today’s culture. This ancient Mesopotamian epic tells the life cycle of the physically beautiful and powerful, King Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh starts his journey as an uncontrollable King who leaves pain and hardship in the paths of his people with all his actions. Through the power of friendship, he learns to connect to others and to be human. Gilgamesh, fearing death, has to face it head on when a loved one of his passes away. Throughout his journeys and encounters with others, he learns to love and enjoy the life he has been given. The theme of love …show more content…
Gilgamesh’s desires to “make a lasting name for himself” and has convinced Enkidu to go with him on his impossible journey. The “brothers” encourage one another when they are at their limits. They become confident in themselves while working as a team to fight their battles and experience personal growth. They succeed in their mission but death awaits them when they return. Ishtar tries to seduce Gilgamesh but he refuses. Gilgamesh’s logical decision shows evidence that Gilgamesh has grown and is more wise than he was previously. The goddess leashes the Bull of Heaven upon him. Gilgamesh and Enkidu succeed in killing it but all is not well. The gods decide that one of the friends must be punished for offending them. Enkidu dies causing Gilgamesh to feel the reality of death’s …show more content…
Grieving for Enkidu, Gilgamesh goes to seek immortality with hope to overcome death. In a state of inner turmoil, he runs away to the wilderness to start his search. With matted hair and in a lion skin in the wilderness, Gilgamesh is the image of Enkidu. While Gilgamesh’s friendship with Enkidu taught him to value friendship and have feelings for others, it is Enkidu’s death that sparks something in him to want to fully change as a person. Gilgamesh continues to look for immortality and finds Shiduri, the tavern keeper. She can read the heartache and fear on Gilgamesh’s face and gives him a warning; “The eternal life you are seeking you shall not find.” Gilgamesh refuses to accept Shiduri’s advice. His fear and grief motivates him to continue searching for the secret of immortality. Worn out and weary, Gilgamesh finally encounters Utnapishtim. Gilgamesh hopes to get everlasting life from Utnapishtim but gets words of wisdom instead. Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh that there is nothing to gain from worrying and grief. All he achieved was “to bring himself one day nearer to the end of his days.” He also states that “man’s life is short” and that “death destroys all of us.” Gilgamesh starts to understand these concepts and learns to accept that death is a natural occurrence in life and moves on after his quest