The epic of Gilgamesh, the king who tried to conquer death - Soraya Field Fiorio
TED-Ed・4 minutes read
Archaeologists found the ancient epic of Gilgamesh in Nineveh, Iraq, telling the story of Gilgamesh and Enkidu's adventures, including slaying Humbaba and facing challenges from Ishtar and the Bull of Heaven. Gilgamesh's quest for immortality ends with accepting his mortality, retrieving a magical plant but losing it, choosing instead to focus on leaving a legacy through heroic deeds for future generations.
Insights
- The discovery of the ancient library in Nineveh unearthed the epic of Gilgamesh, a 4,000-year-old tale chronicling the adventures of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, and his loyal companion Enkidu as they face challenges from mythical creatures and gods.
- Gilgamesh's journey from seeking immortality to accepting mortality highlights a profound realization about the importance of legacy and the significance of living a life filled with great deeds, showcasing a shift in perspective from a pursuit of eternal life to a focus on leaving a lasting impact for future generations.
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Recent questions
What is the epic of Gilgamesh?
The epic of Gilgamesh is a 4,000-year-old story discovered in Nineveh, Iraq, detailing the adventures of Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, and his companion Enkidu.
Who is Humbaba in the epic of Gilgamesh?
Humbaba is a creature guarding the Forest of Cedar that Gilgamesh and Enkidu set out to slay in the epic of Gilgamesh.
How does Enkidu die in the epic of Gilgamesh?
Enkidu dies after facing challenges from the goddess Ishtar and the Bull of Heaven in the epic of Gilgamesh.
What does Gilgamesh seek in the epic of Gilgamesh?
Gilgamesh seeks immortality through various obstacles and encounters in the epic of Gilgamesh.
How does the epic of Gilgamesh conclude?
The epic of Gilgamesh concludes with Gilgamesh accepting his mortality, retrieving a magical plant for eternal youth but losing it to a snake, deciding to focus on doing great deeds and leaving his story for future generations.
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Summary
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Epic of Gilgamesh: Quest for Immortality and Friendship
- In 1849, archaeologists discovered one of the oldest libraries in the world in Nineveh, Iraq, containing a 4,000-year-old story known as the epic of Gilgamesh, detailing the adventures of Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, and his companion Enkidu.
- Gilgamesh and Enkidu, after becoming inseparable friends, set out to slay Humbaba, a creature guarding the Forest of Cedar, and later faced challenges from the goddess Ishtar and the Bull of Heaven, leading to Enkidu's death and Gilgamesh's quest for immortality.
- Despite encountering various obstacles and seeking immortality through Utanapishti, Gilgamesh ultimately accepts his mortality, retrieves a magical plant granting eternal youth but loses it to a snake, deciding to focus on doing great deeds and leaving his story for future generations.
