After the death of his beloved friend Enkidu, King Gilgamesh of Uruk was consumed by the fear of his own mortality. He journeyed to the ends of the earth to find Utnapishtim, the only man granted eternal life by the gods. Moved by the king's despair, Utnapishtim revealed a secret: a thorny plant at the bottom of the deep sea called 'The Old Men Are Made Young Again.' Gilgamesh tied heavy stones to his feet, sank to the depths, and successfully plucked the plant. However, on his journey home, he paused to bathe in a cool pool. While he washed, a serpent smelled the plant's sweetness and snatched it away, immediately shedding its skin and becoming young once more. Gilgamesh sat and wept, finally accepting that eternal life was reserved for the gods. He returned to Uruk and looked upon its magnificent walls, realizing that his true immortality lived in the greatness of the city he built for his people.
Mortality is the shared fate of all humans, and true immortality is achieved through the legacy of one's works and deeds.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Plant of Immortality?
It teaches that humans cannot escape death and should focus on building a lasting legacy. Physical eternal life is reserved for the gods, not mortals.
Who told Gilgamesh about the plant?
Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Great Flood, told Gilgamesh about the secret plant as a consolation for failing his test of wakefulness.
Why did the snake take the plant?
The serpent was attracted to the plant's fragrance while Gilgamesh was bathing. In Mesopotamian myth, this explains why snakes can shed their skin to appear youthful.
What does the plant represent?
It represents the desire for rejuvenation and the human struggle to reclaim lost youth. Its loss signifies the finality of the aging process.
Advertisement
Good night.
