User:Atcovi/ENG225/We are All Going to Die - Discussion Board Three

For your discussion board this week, I want you to explore two things. In these weekly discussion boards, Now that we are actually on to reading literature, I'll always begin with a question which asks you to interpret the text. The second question expands outward and asks you to use the text as a guide while you explore yourself, the world around you, and what literature can teach you about all of it.

Does Gilgamesh evolve in his understanding of life and immortality? If yes, how? To receive full credit, you must reference specific lines/moments/events in the text as evidence for your opinion. What do you think The Epic of Gilgamesh is trying to teach us? If we are all going to die, what is the meaning of existing at all? There is no magic plant that will save us, but is there a way to obtain a different kind of "immortality"? If so, what is it for you? How do you make life meaningful? Are you afraid of death? Do you want to find your version of immortality? How? You may answer one or all of these questions. As always with the DB posts, you do not have to worry about formality. I just want something real and meaningful.

There is no length requirement as long as you fully address what's asked of you in this post.

Your response can be text, video, mixed-media, etc.

Initial post due Friday, September 15 by 11:59PM

Response
Gilgamesh is the opposite of a static character throughout this epic, he is a dynamic character. His views and beliefs on immortality change. In the beginning, Gilgamesh thought very highly of himself (and somewhat rightfully so, wouldn't ya think?) -- and the public opinion of him (described as the "heroic offspring of Uruk" on page 38). After befriending Enkidu, he urges him to join him in killing Humbaba - the beast of the Cedar Forest. After succeeding in this adventure, Gilgamesh's ego is basically at an all-time high. His ego is ever-so-increased after the victory over Ishtar's attack on page 65, where they killed the Bull of Heaven. He enjoys his fruitful friendship with Enkidu until Enkidu's demise due to a severe illness. Tablet 8 shows the depth of Gilgamesh's mourning of Enkidu, to the point he asks himself, "Shall I not die too? Am I not like Enkidu?" (pg. 72). This is when Gilgamesh goes on a hunt for immortality, to which even Siduri herself tried to persuade him to stop such a quest - but he refused. He finally stumbles upon what he was looking for a plant that can take him back to his younger days -- until the snake ate the plant. At the end of his quest, Gilgamesh realizes that his legacy will not be lived on by his soul, but by his works (the wall of Uruk).

I believe the main principle The Epic of Gilgamesh is trying to teach is that no one lives forever & death will be the last friend we will interact with on this Earth. As a religious person, death itself does not scare me but the trial (or the "last test") of death is something I am fearful of. I am content in that death is simply the transportation to the next life - and the actions that I commit every day for myself & those around me are what will set me up for success in this world and the next. I believe we all can, in a certain way, achieve a sense of immortality - and that is by leaving a profound and positive legacy on those around us. This is my version of immortality that I believe everyone should strive for -- creating a legacy that will leave a positive impact on those around you.