The Role Of Death In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

Death is an inevitable vice that humans cannot wrap their heads around, and to be honest most of them are not ready to die when their time does come. What makes a life worth living? This serious, but relevant question will never have a definitive answer. Is death about being infamous to everyone’s knowledge, but never truly touching anyone, or is it centered around the relationship with close family and friends? Based on am individuals personal desires comes a hero that follows the path they hope they will pave. Ancient civilizations created epics that surpass any modern day super hero. From the ancient Sumerian culture came the tale of Gilgamesh, and from the Greeks came a man by the name of Odysseus. These heroes were people set on a journey,
However, Gilgamesh received the response that he was young, foolish, and most definitely not invincible. This advice from his country of Uruk did not stop him. After he gained justification from the Gods, Gilgamesh and Enkidu did in fact destroy the beast, but a curse was set in place. As punishment, Enkidu was sent to death by the gods. “He touched his heart but it was not beating” (Gilgamesh 133 line 52). This very moment is when Gilgamesh sets on a voyage for immortality. When confronting Utanapishtim, Gilgamesh is told of the flood, but more importantly about a plant that will restore his youth. This progression of selfishness does shed a light of selflessness as Gilgamesh lost the plant but gained self- recognition. He and the Boat man then return to Uruk, where Gilgamesh proudly displays the beauty of the city he built. This ending proves that what made Gilgamesh physically heroic was his bravery to go on a journey, even though it was driven by immortal desire. Gilgamesh is mentally named a hero within himself as it was never about his travels, but him accepting that he is only
The story of a man leading his men home after being victorious in the Trojan war. Culturally this can be connected to how Greek men would risk it all if it meant protection for their country and the end of plight for their people. There are many experiences that show Odysseus’s skill he attained from being trained in the war. There are also experiences that show he has some learning to do. Through all of these folly’s one thing is for sure, he is determined to succeed. The trip home is an unexpected tale that shows there is a difference between being a hero, and being a