Epic of Gilgamesh free essay sample

Like any story, epics are only as captivating as the actions of their main character. The development of an epic hero begins with the buildup and occurrence of an event that either triggers or happens due to the tragic flaw of the hero. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the protagonist fills the classic example of a hero through some obvious and sometimes more subtle aspects of the story. Without a hero, there is no epic. Likewise, without Gilgamesh, there is no epic tale of his triumph. Through his changes in character and environment, Gilgamesh completes his compelling journey as an entirely changed person. I believe that person is a hero. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is a brute tyrant who rules the kingdom of Uruk with an iron fist. The epic states, â€Å"Gilgamesh does not leave a girl to her mother. The daughter of a warrior, bride of a young man† (Tablet I Line 57-58). Through out the large ajority of the text, Gilgamesh regards death with disdain and fear, unwilling to accept that mortality, in the literal sense, is inevitable; thus, leading to his eventual realization that there are nonconventional ways by which can achieve immortality. Gilgameshs fear of death becomes apparent when he and Enkidu begin their quest to kill Humbaba. Gilgamesh believes that their actions and achievements hold little wait in the world, that they are naught but a puff of wind, hardly consequential in nature (Gilgamesh, 93). Gilgameshs attitude towards mortality can be aptly characterized as one of antipathy. He sets little store in human life, and in what can be achieved whilst living; essentially, rejecting any importance in mortality as a whole. This is further exemplified in his reaction to the death of Enkidu. Enkidu, having been assigned the fate of an untimely death by the gods, as punishment for killing Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, leaves Gilgamesh in a broken mental state. Gilgamesh becomes further driven by restlessness and apprehension as he realizes the inevitability of his mortality. He cannot seem to bear the idea of himself falling into the same lifeless fate as Enkidu (Gilgamesh, 158). It becomes clear that Gilgamesh takes a very literal stance in terms of what it means to be immortal. To him, being immortal is to live forever, avoiding death. He has yet to give thought to the fact that immortality may be achieved in a less literal sense. His desire for a tangible solution to avoid the eventuality of death seems to become consuming. He is no longer really living, and is essentially becoming obsessed with death, which is opposite of becoming immortal. Gilgameshs lack of vivacity for life is brought to light upon his encounter with Shiduri. She advises him on the importance of living life ully and Joyfully; underscoring, the good in the concept of mortality (Gilgamesh, 167-168). This is Gilgameshs first encounter with the idea of figurative immortality. Shidurs advice is particularly meaningful because it is the first introduction to a the concept of a timeless existence achieved by living a unhindered life though still bound by a time limit. This point in the text is a turning point as far as what the idea of immortality is characterized as. Ones accomplishments in their mortal life can serve as a testament to them; thus preserving their memory immortally This notion greatly differs from Gilgameshs initial assertion regarding his own mortality. Gilgameshs attitude towards mortality is drastically changed upon meeting Utnapishtam, Shiduri, and Urshanabi, all of who attest to the idea of preserving ones life fguratively through the establishment of a legacy. Utnapishtam relates the story of a great flood to Gilgamesh. He describes a scene of total desolation for humankind, only to be preserved by Utnapishtams creation of a boat (Gilgamesh, 183). Utnapishtam is granted immortality by Enlil for his achievement of preserving umankind. He further describes a gathering of the gods to applaud his service to the world, resulting in his granted immortality (Gilgamesh, 190). It is apparent that the reason the gods granted a godly status to Utnapishtam, a human, was because of his accomplishment of saving the human race. His great achievement lives on through each generation of humans after the flood. Each individual is a living breathing testament to Utnapishtams mortal life; thus, granting him figurative immortality. His literal immortality can be seen as a tool by which his legacy is further stablished and its importance further highlighted. Gilgamesh is now faced with an alternate explanation for what it means to become immortal. He sees that it does not necessarily result from living forever, especially if nothing is ever achieved over the timeless period. Preserving ones self by the establishment of a legacy is now a second option by which Gilgamesh can achieve immortality. His encounter with Utnapishtam is the precipice upon which is understanding of mortality rests. In the final pages of the text, Gilgamesh describes to Urushnabi, his boatsman, the great ite of Uruk in its entire splendor. His description of the magnificent walls, gardens, and the masterful skill characteristic of the city showcases one aspect of Gilgameshs legacy (Gilgamesh, 199). He finds that he is essentially immortal due to his meaningful contribution brought to light via his prosperous and thriving city. This realization is indicative of Gilgameshs changing perspective on death. The knowledge he has gained through out his Journey and the accomplishments he has made along the way are no longer regarded as mere puff of wind, as he would have haracterized them in the beginning of the text (Gilgamesh, 93). Gilgameshs change in attitude is accompanied by a transition in what he considered to be a meaningful contribution. Unlike Utnapishtams accomplishments, which were cunning and innovative, Gilgameshs initial achievements were less knowledge based and were more a showcase of his strength. Now, however, he shows a switch from brawn to brain. He has built a prosperous beautiful city, and brought back knowledge from before the flood time. His intellectual contributions are what will endure and build his legacy. His achievements bring together the concepts of mortality and immortality. One cannot be immortal without having been mortal first. The city and the wisdom Gilgamesh provides to the world are indicative of his mortal self, having only been achieved as a mortal, and not as a god, but are also exemplary of his achieved immortality through the legacy they provide. Overall, Gilgameshs encounter with Utnapishtam is the turning point in his perception for what characterizes immortality. His apprehensive outlook is swayed towards one of acceptance when faced with death. Gilgameshs fear is a perfect mirror for the fear of death experienced by most individuals; however, it is overcoming this fear enough to make meaningtul contributions and person achievements that will set apa rt the morta from the immortal. Gilgamesh, ultimately, achieves his desire for immortality through the legacy he leaves behind. The influence of Utnapishtam, underscored by the advice given by Shiduri, proves immensely influential is shaping Gilgameshs final perception of immortality. Immortality, if only in the figurative sense, is attainable through living a good and full mortal life.