The Circle of Life, Gilgamesh Style

Ritik Malhotra

Near Eastern Studies R1B Lecture 4

Response Paper: The Epic of Gilgamesh (Tablets IX-XI)

The Circle of Life, Gilgamesh Style

In the culmination of the epic tale of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is scorn with sorrow and grief that drives him to act rashly in his confused state. In this state of mind, Gilgamesh puts himself through many different challenges and hardships, all culminating with his meeting with Uta-napishti whom he expects to uncover the truth about immortality from. But even after braving through the harsh conditions proves to be futile for Gilgamesh as Uta-napishti is unable to give Gilgamesh the answer that he is looking for. However I realized that through this course of action, Gilgamesh truly realizes the role he plays as the king of Uruk. With the death of Enkidu and his epic journey to meet Uta-napishti, Gilgamesh is presented with a newfound knowledge and respect for his people.

Enkidu is initially created by the Gods for the purpose of correcting Gilgamesh of his horrific treatment of the people of Uruk, and while this plan seems to be backfiring throughout the poem, the ending wraps it all around and brings this conclusion to fruition. As Gilgamesh learns about his inability to gain immortality, tells him about a special plant, the “Plant of Heartbeat” (98), that will grant Gilgamesh youth again; however, to much surprise, Gilgamesh decides to take the plant “to Uruk-the-Sheepfold” and give it “to an ancient” (98) for him to use as well. This action displays one of the first signs of affection that Gilgamesh shows for the people of Uruk and displays his transformation from his cruel, tyrannical self to a much more sober, caring king. Furthermore, this transformation is also furthered by Uta-napishti’s orders for Gilgamesh to “wear royal robes” that “dress [him with] dignity” so that Gilgamesh “goes home to his city” with “fresh and new [robes]” (97). This transformation marks the departure of the disgusting appearance that Gilgamesh has taken on his trek to meet Uta-napishti and brings Gilgamesh back to reality as the royal king of Uruk. Ultimately Gilgamesh realizes the true meaning of his life as the king of Uruk and learns that immortality is unobtainable. His quest helps him understand his place in the world and humbles him down to the level that he should be – just as the Gods intended to do at the very beginning.