Table of ContentsThe theme of mortality and human existence in “The Epic of Gilgamesh”ConclusionWorks CitedOne of the earliest works of literature that has survived into the modern era is the Gilgamesh Epic of ancient Mesopotamia. It was written as a poem on 12 tablets in the Akkadian language in 2750 BCE after years of transmission through the stories of the Sumerian people. Storytelling was used by the Sumerians in early times to orally transmit historical stories. The poem has no known author, but it is possible that it was transmitted through storytelling as a means of entertainment and as a means of teaching important cultural and historical values ​​through the quest for eternity of Gilgamesh. The poem tells the story of the life of Gilgamesh, who was part divine and part human king of Uruk as he struggled to accept the concept of immortality. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe theme of mortality and human existence in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” The beginning of the poem depicts Gilgamesh as a leader who abuses his power. Death didn't concern him. He lived as if he were immortal. He enlisted the sons of the community for his army and exploited young women. This led the people of Uruk to ask the gods to intervene. The goddess Arura creates Enkidu – “desert panther” – to counterbalance the power of Gilgamesh. They become the best of friends after a battle between them organized by the inhabitants of Uruk because they wanted to be defended against Enkidu. As Enkidu and Gilgamesh have adventures fighting different battles, the gods decide that Enkidu must die. The loss of his closest friend made Gilgamesh realize that he was like Enkidu and would die a similar, meaningless death. This is demonstrated by Gilgamesh stating, “Am I not like him? Will I lay down and never get up again? Upon his death, Enkidu declares that "his afterlife will be a place of sorrow." This shows that Enkidu was not proud of the way he lived his life and perhaps this is what made Gilgamesh think about the fact that he was mortal. But the bigger question is: does he even deserve immortality after raping young women whenever he pleased and treating his people the way he did? Perhaps it was this question that led him to seek eternal youth. As Gilgamesh realizes that he could die, he decides to achieve immortality. He meets Siduri – a tavern owner – who sends him to find Utnapishtim. Utnapishtim was granted immortality by the gods but Gilgamesh will have to overcome several obstacles to achieve it. After a hard journey, Gilgamesh finally finds Utnapishtim who tells him that no human can be immortal. But there is a plant that restores youth. After finding the plant, Gilgamesh decides to “have an old man eat the plant to test it.” This statement shows Gilgamesh's fear of death as well as his true personality by having it tested by an old man. He could test it himself because you never knew if the plant was working. It could have been poison, but Gilgamesh only cared about his eternal youth. The plant is then taken by a snake while Gilgamesh takes a bath. Therefore, it is not confirmed whether the plant worked or not. This shows us that although Gilgamesh could easily fight visible forces like Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, he did not have the power to fight immortality which is the unknown. He does not have a physical form like Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven. Gilgamesh finally realizes that he is.