The Inevitability of Death

Death is an unavoidable and inescapable destiny of human life, and turns out to be the greatest lesson that Gilgamesh learns throughout the epic. Gilgamesh is accustomed to having superior powers, but he is bitter when he finds out that the gods are immortal, but he, the almighty Gilgamesh, is not. As Gilgamesh witnesses Enkidu’s rather agonizing death, Gilgamesh becomes depressed and weak as their bravado rings hollow. Although Shamash comforts Enkidu, reminding him about all the highlights of his life, Enkidu eventually surrenders and resigns to his death. Gilgamesh then becomes terrified of his own fate, marking the first time in the epic that we, as readers, can see fear in Gilgamesh’s eyes. His quest to Uta-napishti is the only way to escape the realities of life and death. It is said that death is so carefully woven into the fabric of creation. Gods are immortal decide on their own who comes and who goes off into the underworld. Even though people continue to die, humanity continues to live.

Along his journey, however, is very interesting to note that along his journey, none of the three characters that he encounters recognizes him. He appears weak and distraught. However, all of them give the same advice, emphasizing that he should stop searching for immortality and that he should accept the realities of life. It is clear that each take note on his dilapidated appearance, as they patiently listen as he illustrates the reasons for his “terror of death.” He fails to understand that death is his destiny and life is something we can hold on to for as long as we remain alive. Even Uta-napishti, the immortal god, prompts Gilgamesh to stop his quest for immortality. This suggests that Uta-napishti, with all of his knowledge, has more of an idea regarding the value of life that has not yet been discovered by the stubborn Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh is ultimately forced to live life as a mortal, all whilst accepting death as part of life’s vicious and natural cycle.