p. 40 (10 verses): “Because of her you eat the food and drink…. Gilgamesh the king will build a statue / to celebrate the fame of Enkidu.”
The quest for eternal fame, the desire for immortality, is a theme that reverberates throughout The Epic of Gilgamesh. Although much of the story encompasses Gilgamesh’s quests to establish his own immortality, this passage considers what makes a mortal life worthwhile. On his death bed, Enkidu curses those who would introduce him to a world he could only briefly experience and enjoy. Before Shamhat civilized Enkidu, Enkidu epitomized unspoiled man, living in blissful ignorance of life’s philosophical questions like the wild creatures he dwelt among. Enkidu laments the transformation he has undergone and curses Shamhat, the woman responsible for his evolution. Transforming from beast to human required acknowledgement of universal truths about mankind, the most challenging of which to accept is the fact that everyone will die. The words of Shamash in this passage serve to remind Enkidu of the overwhelming joy and sense of purpose that companionship and community offer, even if the end of life is inevitable. Shamash’s call for Enkidu to contemplate his words recalls to Enkidu the many benefits of being human, of knowing that there are many things to enjoy even if those experiences will not last. “Because of [Shamhat],” Enkidu has enjoyed the riches of civilization including the best food, drink, clothes, and shelter, not to mention he commands tremendous respect from the people of Uruk (40). He has become a part of a larger community as, “the great ones of the earth bow down before [him]” (40). Most importantly, those gifts were the fruits of his relationship with Gilgamesh, a companionship which gives not only Enkidu’s life purpose but Gilgamesh’s life as well. Together, Enkidu and Gilgamesh confronted seemingly insurmountable challenges and provided each other counsel at times of uncertainty. This passage highlights the ability of relationships, like those between Shamhat and Enkidu and Enkidu and Gilgamesh, to completely reshape perspectives. The repetition of phrases, “because of her,” and, “you will be the cause”, within the passage signal the ability of human interaction to inextricably change lives and give them new meanings, even if those relationships end eventually (40). Shamhat forever changed Enkidu’s life by introducing him to the rest of humanity and giving him understanding of mankind. With his death, Enkidu inspired Gilgamesh’s search for immortality by showing him just how fragile life is. Gilgamesh offered Enkidu friendship and allowed him to enjoy the fruits of civilization. Shamash reminds Enkidu of the world to which Shamhat introduced him. Enkidu’s life has taken on meaning as a member of the community of Uruk and as the companion of Gilgamesh. The statue, representative of Enkidu’s influence, symbolizes his impact upon Uruk and Gilgamesh’s life, much like the story of Gilgamesh is indicative of Gilgamesh’s impact on the world. Thus, each character has a means by which to become immortal.
The quest for eternal fame, the desire for immortality, is a theme that reverberates throughout The Epic of Gilgamesh. Although much of the story encompasses Gilgamesh’s quests to establish his own immortality, this passage considers what makes a mortal life worthwhile. On his death bed, Enkidu curses those who would introduce him to a world he could only briefly experience and enjoy. Before Shamhat civilized Enkidu, Enkidu epitomized unspoiled man, living in blissful ignorance of life’s philosophical questions like the wild creatures he dwelt among. Enkidu laments the transformation he has undergone and curses Shamhat, the woman responsible for his evolution. Transforming from beast to human required acknowledgement of universal truths about mankind, the most challenging of which to accept is the fact that everyone will die. The words of Shamash in this passage serve to remind Enkidu of the overwhelming joy and sense of purpose that companionship and community offer, even if the end of life is inevitable. Shamash’s call for Enkidu to contemplate his words recalls to Enkidu the many benefits of being human, of knowing that there are many things to enjoy even if those experiences will not last. “Because of [Shamhat],” Enkidu has enjoyed the riches of civilization including the best food, drink, clothes, and shelter, not to mention he commands tremendous respect from the people of Uruk (40). He has become a part of a larger community as, “the great ones of the earth bow down before [him]” (40). Most importantly, those gifts were the fruits of his relationship with Gilgamesh, a companionship which gives not only Enkidu’s life purpose but Gilgamesh’s life as well. Together, Enkidu and Gilgamesh confronted seemingly insurmountable challenges and provided each other counsel at times of uncertainty. This passage highlights the ability of relationships, like those between Shamhat and Enkidu and Enkidu and Gilgamesh, to completely reshape perspectives. The repetition of phrases, “because of her,” and, “you will be the cause”, within the passage signal the ability of human interaction to inextricably change lives and give them new meanings, even if those relationships end eventually (40). Shamhat forever changed Enkidu’s life by introducing him to the rest of humanity and giving him understanding of mankind. With his death, Enkidu inspired Gilgamesh’s search for immortality by showing him just how fragile life is. Gilgamesh offered Enkidu friendship and allowed him to enjoy the fruits of civilization. Shamash reminds Enkidu of the world to which Shamhat introduced him. Enkidu’s life has taken on meaning as a member of the community of Uruk and as the companion of Gilgamesh. The statue, representative of Enkidu’s influence, symbolizes his impact upon Uruk and Gilgamesh’s life, much like the story of Gilgamesh is indicative of Gilgamesh’s impact on the world. Thus, each character has a means by which to become immortal.
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