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Chances for Immortality Utnapishtim's story was of a great flood and building an arc to hold one of each animal and plant to escape the flood. In that moment immortality descended on Utnapishtim. As Utnapishtim finished his story Gilgamesh had fallen asleep, therefore he could not have the secret of immortality. However, Utnapishtim had pity on Gilgamesh and told him of a plant in the sea where the light shines. This plant would make Gilgamesh young. Gilgamesh found the light and dove in the waters, not knowing if he would survive. He managed to retrieve the plant. Later he stopped on an island to eat fruit, where he rested in happiness. However, his happiness did not last as a snake stole the plant from him. When Gilgamesh woke up, he found the flower missing and Ishtar gloating of her revenge. Heartbroken was Gilgamesh, since he lost Enkidu and now youth. True immortality Enkidu returned as a bird and embraced Gilgamesh to show him his immortality. Shamhat had sent him from the Underworld. Gilgamesh sat on Enkidu's back as Enkidu showed him the city of Uruk. Gilgamesh saw his kingdom and his heart swelled with honor, "Here is your immortality Gilgamesh in the city you built and good you have done. You will be remembered forever".
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Bibliography Zeman, Ludmila. Gilgamesh The King. New York: Tundra Books, Incorporated/Livres Toundra, Incorporated, 1993. |
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