Enkidus Death In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

Many themes are incorporated into the storyline of Gilgamesh. These include three very important concepts: death is inevitable, immortality is unachievable and friendship is a necessity.The inescapable fact that human life can not last forever, is the greatest lesson Gilgamesh learns, and is shown through Enkidus' death. Enkidus' death is vital to the telling of this tale and to the development of Gilgamesh as it exposes the readers to new lessons of life. It involves sympathy, compassion, and the harsh hit of reality. It is also the first time that Gilgamesh comes face to face with fear. Gilgamesh senses his own mortality in the death of Enkidu. "Gilgamesh touched Enkidus' heart but it did not beat, nor did he lift his eyes again. When Gilgamesh touched his heart it did not beat. So Gilgamesh laid a veil, as one veils the bride, over his dear friend." With the loss of his dear friend, Gilgamesh faces his own fear on his impending doom.
So he set out upon a new quest to find the gift of immortality. "You were given the kingship, such was your destiny, everlasting like was not your destiny. Because of this do not be sad at heart, do not be grieved or oppressed." This left some hope for Gilgamesh, while immortality is a non obtainable goal, there is an immortality of human actions. The walls of Uruk represent Gilgamesh's lasting achievement which is some form of immortality for him. Even though Gilgamesh was devastated by the death of his dearest friend, in the end he learned from it. Enkidus' death made it possible for Gilgamesh to feel something even though immortality wasn't possible for human