Uta-Napishti sheds truth of immortal life to Gilgamesh. 1. Only a fool would leave important duties to search for immortality. 2. Immortality is reserved for the Gods. 3. Immortality is not simply a blessing, but a hardship.
Uta-Napishti alludes to Gilgamesh being a fool by asking the king if he has ever compared himself to a fool (X 270). Although speaking to Gilgamesh as the fortunate king, Uta Napishti’s description of the fool is very accurate of Gilgamesh, especially his unkempt look from wandering the dessert. Uta-Napishti proceeds to tell the tale of the Deluge which confirms that immortality is normally meant for gods, except in this situation with Uta Napishti and his wife: “’In the past, Uta-Napishti was a mortal man, but now he and his wife shall become like us gods!” (XI 207). A test is given to Gilgamesh to see his endurance in staying awake only one week, but he fails and falls asleep for a week instead. This may suggest that Gilgamesh could not endure the hardship of eternal life, as staying awake is representative of being alive. In contrast, the long slumber is interpreted by Gilgamesh to mirror death. Which he complains is inescapable (XI 242-6).
Gilgamesh’s complaints are useless, and he seems have no change in attitude since his arrival. Gilgamesh fails to learn Uta Napishti’s three truths of immortal life (as listed above). Uta-Napishti sees that Gilgamesh is a fool, and he tells the boatman he is fired and sends the king home (XI 247-259). Ur Shanabi offers one last lesson to Gilgamesh, that of the special plant that can offer eternal youth, but this seems to be a way to confirm Gilgamesh is a fool. Gilgamesh does indeed lose the plant, yet is further encouraged to return to his city. Gilgamesh must return empty handed of any bounty from his own interests and search for immortal life. He must accept that he is fortunate enough to be king and return to fulfill his duty in a mature and responsible fashion, and with Uta Napishti's lessons in mind.
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