The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest surviving works of literature. The exciting story begins in Uruk, a city in ancient Summer (Mesopotamian), where Gilgamesh is the ruler. Gilgamesh is considered to be the most muscular man there. The ordinary people complain about him misusing his power to God. And God hears them and makes another man as strong as him named Enkidu.
It is a very interesting poem that explores themes of friendships, the quest for Immortality, and the human condition as he seeks meaning and understanding in a world ruled by gods and the inevitability of death. In this article, we will explore the summary of the story of The Epic Of Gilgamesh.
Contents
The Story Of Gilgamesh: Key Event And Plot
Gilgamesh Tyranny and the creation of Enkidu
It begins with describing Gilgamesh as a powerful but arrogant king of Uruk who misuses his power and exploits the ordinary people, a combination of two-thirds god and one-third human; Gilgamesh contains superhuman strength but does not have compassion, causing his people to suffer a lot in Uruk in hi rule then the common people gathered and complain to God about Gilgamesh. God hears people’s complaints and creates Enkidu, a wild man who lives among the animals and has the same power as Gilgamesh, only to counter him.
Enkidu, a creature of wildness, becomes civilized after he encounters a woman named Shamhat. She teaches him the fundamental human customs, and Enkidu becomes more aware of human behaviour and society. After hearing about Gilgamesh’s cruelty, Enkidu travels to Uruk to confront him.
The friendship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu
When Gilgamesh and Enkidu meet for the first time, they engage in a fierce battle, but neither one is able to defeat the other. Gilgamesh is inspired by Enkidu’s strength because he has never seen someone as strong as him, and he forms a deep friendship with Enkidu. They both become very good friends and inseparable companions, symbolizing the balance between nature(Enkidu) and civilization (Gilgamesh).
The Heroic Quest: Slaying the monster Hambaba
Both Gilgamesh and Enkidu, in search of solidifying their reputation as heroes, set off on a very dangerous adventure in the cedar forest. Ced3er forest is the home to the fearsome guardian Humbaba. With the blessing of the sun god Shamash, they decide to confront the guardian Humbaba and fight with him together, and after a long fight, they defeat Humbaba. However, their victory cements their fame in the wrath of the gods. However, it also proved the gods who see their triumph of killing Humbaba as an act of Hubris.
The death of Enkidu
After Gilgamesh and Enkidu kill Humbaba, one of the goddesses, Ishtar, becomes very unhappy and infatuated with Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Then she sends some bulls to fight them; however, they both manage to kill the bulls. However, this action further angers the gods, and in retribution, they sentence Enkidu to death, which causes Gilgamesh to break down and be filled with sorrow.
Enkidu’s death marks a turning point in the story. Over time, Gilgamesh overcomes grief and fear of his own mortality, realizing that even the mightiest heroes cannot escape death. This realization drives him to a new chapter to find the secret of eternal life.
The search for Immortality
Gilgamesh desperately wants to avoid the truth of Enkidu’s death, so he starts a journey to find Utnapishtim, the only human granted Immortality by the gods. Gilgamesh travels through dangerous lands, encountering many people, such as Siduri, a tavern keeper who advises him to live in the present, and Urshanabi, the ferryman who takes him to Utnapishtim.
When Gilgamesh finally found the Utnapishtim, he learned about the story of the great flood, which mirrors the biblical tale of Noah’s Ark. Utnapishtim explains that the gods granted him Immortality after the flood, but this gift was a unique exception. Despite this, Utnapishtim reveals a plant at the bottom of the sea that can restore youth. Gilgamesh finds the plant, but before he can use it, a serpent steals it, symbolizing that it is impossible to attain eternal life.
Gilgamesh returns and accepts the mortality.
Gilgamesh failed to find Immortality and returned to his kingdom in Uruk, where he was king. He started to recognize the value of human life and achievements, such as the great walls of his city, as a form of legacy. He must accept that he can not live morality and cannot live forever, but his deeds, what he did, and the civilization he built will endure.
Conclusion
The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient story of a king of Uruk that teaches important lessons about life. It shows how even influential people like Gilgamesh must face and learn to accept death. Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s friendship changes him, helping him become a better person. Although Gilgamesh searches for eternal life, he realizes that living forever isn’t possible. Instead, what matters most is how we live our lives and what we leave behind. Though very old, this story still speaks to us today about the meaning of life and death and is still relevant in today’s time.
FAQ
What is the Epic of Gilgamesh story mainly about?
The Epic of Gilgamesh narrates the story of the protagonist, Gilgamesh, his sidekick, Enkidu, and Gilgamesh’s journey to achieve renown and eternal life. During their expedition, they come across supernatural beings and accomplish various remarkable deeds, which provoke the deities.
Is Gilgamesh a hero or god?
The hero King Gilgamesh of Uruk is portrayed in The Epic of Gilgamesh as similar to many other epic heroes, despite being half human and half god.
Who beat Gilgamesh?
Saber (King Arthur) emerged victorious over Gilgamesh in one of the multiple storylines of Fate/Stay Night, preventing him from unleashing his ultimate attack, Enuma Elish.
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