Gilgamesh

According to the text, “The Norton’s Anthology of World Literature”, When the gods created man they allotted to him death, but life retained in their own keeping.


A lesson Gilgamesh learned only after his (friend/brother/companion/equal) Enkidu died. Gilgamesh’s life before Enkidu consisted with self absorption, chasing ideas of fame, self gratification by taking whomever he desired to bed with him; regardless if they were married women or virgins to be married. He had no self respect, nor any morals; although Gilgamesh would say otherwise. Gilgamesh was a “creature” that was 2/3 part God and 1/3 part man who had been blessed with gifts from the Gods. He had beauty unlike no other, more courage than anyone could dream of. With these great things he felt he was owed anything he desired. He didn’t know what life was about nor did he care who he hurt, destroyed, or disrespected.

The only time Gilgamesh appeared selfless was when he realized that Enkidu would soon die. For days Gilgamesh would sit with Enkidu in hopes that he would get better. It wasn’t until Enkidu’s death that he actually felt pain. Distraught about his death Gilgamesh decided to seek a God that could keep him immortal. Only to find out that for man, “there is no permanence.” Only then did he realize what the meaning of life was really about; Love, friendship, and companionship.

In my opinion the moral of the story is that life is too short to chase dreams, fame, and constantly looking beyond what is sitting in front of you. I’m not saying to stop doing all of the above but don’t get so caught up in the “chase” that you forget to enjoy who or what’s in front of you. Enjoy the process because you never know when it will be gone!