Story Summary
Explore the legend of Gilgamesh King of Uruk, the oldest epic in history, as he seeks immortality and learns the profound value of human legacy and friendship.
In the ancient city of Uruk, King Gilgamesh reigned as a mighty but tyrannical ruler, two-thirds god and one-third man. To curb his arrogance, the gods created Enkidu, a wild man of equal strength. After a titanic struggle that ended in a draw, the two became inseparable brothers. Together, they ventured into the Cedar Forest to slay the monster Humbaba and later defeated the Bull of Heaven sent by the goddess Ishtar. However, the gods decreed that Enkidu must die for these transgressions. Shattered by the loss of his friend and the sudden realization of his own mortality, Gilgamesh abandoned his kingdom to seek the secret of eternal life. He traveled to the ends of the earth to find Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Great Flood. After failing a trial of wakefulness and losing a magical plant of youth to a serpent, Gilgamesh understood that immortality is reserved for the gods. He returned to Uruk, finding peace in the knowledge that his legacy would live on through the magnificent walls he built and the stories of his deeds.
The Moral
Death is an inevitable part of the human condition, and true immortality is found in the lasting legacy of one's achievements and the impact of one's life on others.
“As for mankind, numbered are their days; whatever they achieve is but the wind.”
Fun Fact
The Epic of Gilgamesh was written on clay tablets in cuneiform and was lost for nearly 2,000 years until it was rediscovered in the ruins of the Library of Ashurbanipal in 1849.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Gilgamesh King of Uruk?
The story teaches that death is unavoidable for mortals. One should focus on living a meaningful life and building a legacy rather than chasing the impossible dream of physical immortality.
Who was Enkidu in the Epic of Gilgamesh?
Enkidu was a wild man created by the gods to be a rival and equalizer to Gilgamesh. He eventually became the king's closest friend and companion in his many adventures.
Why did Gilgamesh go on a quest for immortality?
Gilgamesh was deeply traumatized by the death of his friend Enkidu. Seeing his friend die made him fear his own demise, driving him to seek the secret of eternal life from Utnapishtim.
Who is Utnapishtim?
Utnapishtim is a legendary figure who was granted immortality by the gods after surviving a great, world-destroying flood. He serves as a mentor figure who reveals the truth about death to Gilgamesh.
What does the serpent symbolize in the story?
The serpent that steals the plant of youth represents the trickery of fate and the fact that youth and life are easily lost. It explains why snakes shed their skin to appear 'reborn' while humans cannot.
Why is the Epic of Gilgamesh significant?
It is considered the world's first great work of literature. It explores universal human themes like friendship, the fear of death, and the search for meaning that remain relevant today.
