Gilgamesh
The King Who Sought Immortality
Gilgamesh is the legendary king of Uruk, protagonist of the world's oldest epic. Two-thirds god, one-third human, his journey from tyrant to wise leader explores mortality, friendship, and the meaning of legacy.
The Epic Journey
Brotherhood: Enkidu transforms Gilgamesh from arrogant king to loving friend.
Loss: Enkidu's death shatters Gilgamesh, forcing him to confront mortality.
Quest: He seeks Utnapishtim to find eternal life but fails the tests.
Wisdom: Returns to Uruk accepting death, finding immortality in legacy and wisdom.
Related Content
Cross-Cultural Parallels
- Babylonian Gilgamesh - Later Akkadian versions
- Heracles - Greek hero parallels
- Arjuna - Epic hero archetype
Related Archetypes
- The Hero - Hero's journey pattern
- The King - Sacred kingship
- Death and Mortality
See Also
- Epic of Gilgamesh - The complete epic
- Inanna - Rejected Gilgamesh's advances
- The Underworld - Gilgamesh's quest destination
- Mythical Creatures - Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven