Topic > Analysis of Immortality Through the Epic of Gilgamesh

Mortality can be defined as "the state of being subject to or opposed to death." Most people consider immortality a precious commodity. It is considered an honor to live a healthy life and die of old age. But for others, the main goal is to acquire or create a legacy. And individuals who do not achieve the goal of leaving a legacy interpret that their presence is irrelevant to society. The problem with society is that it is a double standard and changes every day. Even if you made your mark on the world, people would praise you, but for how long? It's rather okay to live and not have a name for yourself, because not everyone will know your name anyway. Many people say they would like to leave a legacy to their children, but the "world" will not know their children; they will know more than the parent because they are committed. Immortality or mortality is better than the other in many different ways. In the story "The Epic of Gilgamesh", he is determined to live eternally. His greatest fear is to cease once he has existed. Gilgamesh is a hero, so he feels entitled to everyone liking and worshiping him. If Gilgamesh were not as noble as him, he would have a different outlook on life. Even though Gilgamesh has the idea that he wants to live forever, he knows that one day he will have to die. In my opinion, immortality is unrealistic. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Gilgamesh is a rebel who thinks he is more significant than life. With Gilgamesh's mentality, it is quite difficult to make him understand that he is not as superior as he thinks. “The onslaught of his weapons is unparalleled.” It took Enkidu to die for Gilgamesh to come down from his high pedestal. Gilgamesh didn't think this could happen to him until it happened to his dear friend. Enkidu was a great example of the life cycle. He said in a panic, "I'm going to die!" Am I not like Enkidu?! A deep sadness penetrates me deeply, I am afraid of death.' There is no need to fear death. When it comes to life, you should live it to the fullest because every day is not promised. “If everything ends in death, then we can deal with our death no better than by actively working towards the things we deem important…with no guarantee of being happy.” Gilgamesh has never understood death because he is arrogant and his vain attitude wouldn't let him. Being a king, he doesn't have the best view on things. If Gilgamesh was like Endiku or any of the other characters, he wouldn't be so stubborn and his point of view would be different. Gilgamesh's attitude does not allow him to understand why he cannot live eternally, so he asks Utanapishtim to enlighten him about immortality and mortality. He has never had to face death and now he is trying to learn by asking all these questions. Immortality is not realistic. Immortality does not fit into any point of the cycle of life. People confuse longevity with eternal life. There are things you can do to prolong your life, like eating well and exercising, but you can only do so much when it comes to your body. You may have multiple options in life, but eternal life is not one of those options. Immortality is just an ideal fantasy of how people would like to live. Gilgamesh is told several times that his time is yet to come. 'The eternal life you seek you will not find.' Gilgamesh understands that he will have to die one day, but he is also wasting time thinking about it. Personal immortality is an act that many people approach in different ways. Death is neither good nor bad. Eternal life is what we all desire, but it ends sooner or later. Death is used as a way to deal with life and be the best you can be'.