A Changed Man?

Gilgamesh is heartbroken over his brother’s death. He is sits by Enkidu’s body, mourning the loss and the fact that he must now be alone in the word. His grief spreads to everyone around him. As a tribute to Enkidu, Gilgamesh tells the craftspeople of Uruk to make a statue. Gilgamesh only leaves Enkidu’s body when a worm crawls out of its nose. Then he sets off to find Utnapishtim, the only person who the gods granted immortality.

The affect that Enkidu’s death has on Gilgamesh is very interesting. In one sense, it makes him more human. It emphasizes the sacred notion of life and that all things must come to pass. After Enkidu’s death, Gilgamesh’s mind is plagued with fear. He is not ready to die or endure what his brother endured. This human side of Gilgamesh makes him unworthy of immortality. When Utnapishtim hears that Gilgamesh wants to become immortal, he is scornful. He sets up a test that Gilgamesh fails which justifies Utnapishtim’s attitude. The fact that Gilgamesh seeks immortality so highly is because he is a human, with human desires, such as the gift of everlasting life. He does not deserve this ability.

On the other hand, when Gilgamesh finishes the initial grieving process and leaves Enkidu’s body, he is a changed man. He is not the same person who cared about riches and other materialistic items. In fact before starting on his quest to find Utnapishtim, Gilgamesh strips himself of all his fine clothes and covers himself in animal skins. Even while he stays with Siduri, the veiled barmaid, he cannot be swayed from his mission. Earthy pleasures that once satisfied him no longer do so. In this respect, Gilgamesh has matured and shows his worthiness of immortality.

The answer to whether Gilgamesh should be granted immortality by the Gods is questionable. While it is true that Gilgamesh lets go of his desire for material possessions, he also withdraws from the idea of death and does his best to shield himself from it. However, it is clear that Enkidu’s death brings about a change of heart. The death of his brother affects Gilgamesh in a harsh and strong way.