Sep 1, 2025
The Epic of Gilgamesh follows the journey of Gilgamesh, the powerful king of Uruk, who is part god and part man. His oppressive rule leads the gods to create Enkidu, a wild man who becomes his equal and closest friend. Together, they embark on heroic quests, including defeating the monster Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, but their actions anger the gods. As punishment, Enkidu falls ill and dies, leaving Gilgamesh devastated and fearful of his own mortality.
Driven by grief, Gilgamesh sets out to find Utnapishtim, the only human granted immortality, hoping to escape death himself. He endures many trials and learns the story of the great flood, but ultimately fails to gain eternal life. Even when he finds a plant that restores youth, it is stolen by a serpent. In the end, Gilgamesh returns to Uruk, accepting that death is inevitable and that true legacy lies in the lasting impact of one’s deeds and wisdom.