The Epic Of Gilgamesh: Gilgamesh’s Search To Make Himself Better

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh explores the possibility of immortality after the painful death of his close friend, Enkidu. In fear of his own mortality, Gilgamesh goes on a series of journeys to search for a way to protect himself from death, something he had no knowledge of before the passing of Enkidu. Is he searching to make himself better or is he just placing himself in situations where he is doomed to fail?

At the beginning of the epic, Gilgamesh seeks to make a name for himself with many deeds. 'This was the man to whom all things were known; this was the king who knew the countries of the world. . . In Uruk he built walls, a great Rampart, and the temple of blesses Eanna for the god of firmament Anu, and for Ishtar the goddess of love. ' (p. 61). These temples and buildings dedicated to and built for gods could definitely be real. Since the beginning of time, man has built objects to stand for the good, civilized life or as items that would bring some sort of good fortune. Even though Gilgamesh is seen as a wise and courageous warrior, he is still criticized as a cruel, oppressive ruler to the people of Uruk. He was dedicated to building great things but not building great relationships with his people. Because of Gilgamesh's oppression, Enkidu is created as a rival to put a stop to the unjust treatment. Their relationship could be symbolic. He embraces Enkidu after a test of strength, and they become close friends. Is this test of strength really his own mind trying to tell him that he can associate himself with anyone, even if they are not of the gods? Gilgamesh wants to accomplish heroic endeavors so that he will be forever remembered. But should he be a hero that everyone can relate to or the zero that is not so bad in his eyes? He sets out with Enkidu and travels to a distant cedar forest where he battles the giant and guard of the forest, Humbaba. His intention is to gain lasting fame by slaying the monster, but ultimately, Gilgamesh's arrogance leads to Enkidu's death as a punishment. Enkidu's death causes Gilgamesh to become obsessed with overcoming his own mortality. 'Bitterly Gilgamesh wept for his brother Enkidu; … what my brother is now, that I shall be when I am dead. Because I am afraid of death I will go as best I can to find Utnapishtim whom they call the Faraway, for he has entered the assembly of the gods'. (p. 97).

Sumerian values are definitely apparent in the epic. While Gilgamesh is on his journey, he walks through the garden of the gods and meets Siduri, the woman of the vine and the maker of wine, and begs for everlasting life. She provides wise, common sense facts and emphasizes seeing the good in the little things. The advice that was given to him was, 'You will never find that life for which you are looking. When the gods created man they allotted to him death, but life they retained in their own keeping. As for you Gilgamesh fill your belly with god things; day and night, night and day, dance and be merry, feast and rejoice. Let your clothes be fresh bath yourself in water, cherish the little child that holds your hand, and make your wife happy in your embrace; for this too is the lot of man'. (p. 102). Wisdom and ideas of greatness continues when he then meets Utnapishtim and receives more advice. 'There is no permanence. Do we build a house to stand forever, do we seal a contract to hold for all time? Do brothers divide an inheritance to keep forever, does the flood-time of rivers endure? It is only the nymph of the dragon fly who sheds her larva and of the dragon-fly who sheds her larva and sees the sun in his glory. From the days of old there is no permanence'. (p. 107).

Sumerians believed that they will never be able to achieve any sort of paradise. The afterlife has nothing for them, so they desire to do as much as they can while on earth. Gods also had unequal status and power. This explains Gilgamesh's return to Uruk and how he admires how great his walls are. 'Urshanabi, climb up on to the wall of Uruk, inspect its foundation terrace and examine well the brickwork, see if it is not of burnt bricks; and did not the seven men lay these foundations? One third is garden, and one third is field, with the precinct of the goddess Ishtar. These parts and the precinct are all Uruk. ' (p. 117). Uruk is a true city in Mesopotamia dominated by monumental mud-brick buildings decorated with mosaics of printed clay embedded in the walls and extraordinary work of art. The town was developed with diverse populations. The Sumerian society was urbanized and religious structures was built for gods and priests which covered many acres.

Perhaps this tale is so well-loved because it gives the reader insight into the human concerns of people thousands of years ago that are still relevant today. Some of these human concerns are fear, everlasting life, and the impact of friendship on a person's life - a personal interest. The impact of Gilgamesh's friendship with Enkidu was expressed in the epic. 'Despair is in my heart and my face is the face of one who has made a long journey, it was burned with heat and with cold. Why should I not wander over the pasture in search of the wind?. . . My friend who was very dear to me and who endured dangers beside me, Enkidu my brother, whom I loved, the end of mortality has fortaken him'. (p. 101). This is Gilgamesh to Siduri, the woman of the vine, who had just locked him out of her tavern because she sees him as a felon. Gilgamesh defends himself explaining his friend has just died, so should he look any different when mourning for the death of his friend? ' I loved him dearly together we endured all kinds of hardships; … I have wept for him day and night. . . Since he went, my life has been nothing. ' (p. 98). Here Gilgamesh is devoted to Enkidu and focuses on how losing him makes him feel bad about himself or losing a part of himself that he wrestled with.

In conclusion, the story of Gilgamesh reveals how he uses his flaws to help him succeed as a human. Although Gilgamesh was a great king with power, he still was man. He failed his city many times, especially in the beginning, but in the end, he succeeded, like many of us do. He learned that although he sought immortality, something that could not be achieved, he could live a good life with a better attitude and values. He could be proud of the city, and the city could be proud of him and his name for many years to come. In this respect, maybe he did achieve immortality.