Gilgamesh's Self-Acceptance

A detailed Summary of Gilgamesh's Self-Acceptance

Does Gilgamesh learn anything significant as the epic progresses? I shall argue that, yes, Gilgamesh does learn something of significance as the epic progresses. He learns to love, care for others, accept himself and do what his right for his society.

In the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh does not fear death, let alone anything else. His strength and power encourage him to be a proud and arrogant king. The gods are angry with Gilgamesh, so they send down a creature of equal size and strength to battle with him. Enkidu and Gilgamesh become companions and from this, Gilgamesh learns to love. After witnessing his companion face death, Gilgamesh develops his own fear of death. A worm drops out of Enkidu's nose, and Gilgamesh realizes

that he, too, will become only dirt and clay when he dies. (60) This pushes Gilgamesh to search for the gift of achieving an immortal life. His reasons for becoming immortal come from his own self-interest. He searches to find Utnapishtim, who has the answer to immortality.

He takes this as a sign to abandon his journey for the search for immortal life. Finally accepting the death of the one he loved as well as his own mortality, Gilgamesh goes home. When reaching the city of Uruk, Gilgamesh stops and tells the boatman of the beauty of his city. Gilgamesh appreciates the city he rules, and he goes home to tell the story of his journey. (81)

Although Gilgamesh does not achieve immortality, he finds to answer to life. The obstacle

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Approximate Word count = 502
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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