Full Answer Section

• Mortality and the Search for Meaning:The epic deviates from a purely celebratory portrayal. As Gilgamesh confronts his own mortality, the focus shifts to the hero’s quest for everlasting life. This existential struggle reflects a deeper human desire for meaning and permanence.

Gilgamesh’s Transformation in the Second Half:

• Loss and Humility:The death of his best friend, Enkidu, forces Gilgamesh to confront his own mortality and the limitations of his strength. This loss humbles him and sets him on a new quest for knowledge and understanding.
• The Journey for Immortality:Gilgamesh undertakes a perilous journey seeking the secret to cheat death. While he ultimately fails to achieve physical immortality, his experiences lead to personal growth.

Achievements and Significance:

• Self-Awareness and Acceptance:Through his travels and encounters with figures like Utnapishtim, the sole survivor of the great flood, Gilgamesh gains wisdom and self-awareness. He accepts his mortality but finds meaning in the accomplishments of his reign and the legacy he leaves behind.
• Importance of the Journey:The epic emphasizes the value of the journey itself rather than the destination. Gilgamesh’s transformation and newfound appreciation for life are more significant than achieving physical immortality.

Enduring Relevance:

The Epic of Gilgamesh continues to resonate because it explores timeless themes:

• The human struggle with mortality.
• The search for meaning and purpose in life.
• The importance of personal growth and self-awareness.

By portraying the hero’s transformation, the epic challenges the simplistic notion of the hero as just a powerful warrior. It offers a more nuanced perspective, highlighting the hero’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance, which remains relevant even today.