Epic Wisdom.
Pattern inspired by the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Inspiration.
The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the world's earliest literary works, explores humanity's quest for meaning and immortality. At its heart is the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who embarks on a transformative journey after the death of his close companion, Enkidu. Confronted with the reality of mortality, Gilgamesh seeks eternal life and learns that true immortality lies not in living forever but in the lasting legacy of one's deeds and the shared human experience.
At the end of his journey, Gilgamesh obtains a plant of youth that promises to restore vitality, offering hope for renewal. However, a snake steals the plant, eats it and teasingly sheds its skin.
At one point of Gilgamesh’s journey, an ale-wife says:
'Gilgamesh, whither rovest thou?
The life thou pursuest thou shalt not find.
When the gods created mankind,
Death for mankind they set aside,
Life in their own hands retaining.
Thou, Gilgamesh, let full be thy belly,
Make thou merry by day and by night.
Of each day make thou a feast of rejoicing,
Day and night dance thou and play!
Let thy garments be sparkling fresh,
Thy head be washed; bathe thou in water.
Pay heed to the little one that holds on to thy hand,
Let thy spouse delight in thy bosom!
For this is the task of mankind!'
Translation by E. A. Speiser, in Ancient Near East Texts (Princeton, 1950).