Death and Immortality in the Epic of Gilgamesh Nicole Black College

Death and Immortality in the Epic of Gilgamesh

Death is a common factor that will affect everyone, no matter race, religion or culture. Death will always hold a powerful place in the human condition, and everyone will eventually experience it. Many have sought after immortality in both myth and actual existence. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu go through the cycle of accepting death through each tablet. Gilgamesh starts by acknowledging death but he does not apply it to his own life. After losing Enkidu, Gilgamesh is plagued by the idea and faced with a firsthand experience. He searches for immortality in denial of death. Throughout his journey he finally realizes that he much accept death and become the person he wants to be in his remaining life. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh goes through the cycle of acknowledging, experiencing, denial, and finally acceptance of death.

Gilgamesh is a young demigod who believes he can do anything he pleases. He fears no consequences and does not dwell on death, he may believe that he can live forever, as young and naïve people do. He meets Enkidu and after becoming friends they set out on a journey to kill Humbaba the Terrible. In the forest Gilgamesh becomes...