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Essay / Analysis of immortality through the Epic of Gilgamesh
Mortality can be defined as “the state of being subject to or opposed to death”. Most people view immortality as a precious commodity. It is considered an honor to live a healthy life and die of old age. But for others, the main goal is to earn or create a legacy. And for individuals who do not achieve their goal of leaving a legacy, they interpret that their presence does not matter to society. The problem with society is that it applies double standards, and it changes every day. Even if you were to leave your mark on the world, people would praise you, but for how long? It's normal to prefer to live and not have a name for yourself, because not everyone will know your name anyway. Many people say they would like to leave a legacy for their children, but the “world” will not know their children; they will know more about the parent because they have worked hard. Immortality or mortality is better than the other in many different aspects. In the story “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” he is determined to live forever. His greatest fear is to cease after having existed. Gilgamesh is a hero, so he feels entitled to everyone loving and adoring him. If Gilgamesh wasn't as noble as him, then he would have a different outlook on life. Even though Gilgamesh has the idea of wanting to live forever, he knows that he will have to die one day. In my opinion, immortality is unrealistic. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Gilgamesh is a rebel who thinks he is more important than life. With Gilgamesh's mindset, it's quite difficult to make him understand that he's not as superior as he thinks. “The onslaught of his weapons has no equal.” Enkidu had to perish for Gilgamesh to come down from his high pedestal. Gilgamesh didn't think this could happen to him until it happened to his close friend. Enkidu was a great example of the cycle of life. He said in panic: “I’m going to die!” I'm not like Enkidu?! A deep sadness penetrates me, I am afraid of death. There is no need to fear death. When it comes to life, you are meant to live it to the fullest because every day is not promised. “If everything ends in death, then we can face our death no better than to actively work for things we consider important…with no guarantee of being happy.” Gilgamesh never understood dying because his arrogant and vain attitude would not allow him to do so either. As he is a king, he doesn't have the best outlook on things. If Gilgamesh was like Endiku or any of the other characters, he wouldn't have such a big head and his perspective would be different. Gilgamesh's attitude does not allow him to understand why he cannot live forever, so he asks Utanapishtim to enlighten him on immortality and mortality. He's never had to face death, and now he's trying to learn by asking himself all these questions. Immortality is unrealistic. Immortality does not fit anywhere in the cycle of life. People confuse longevity with eternal life. There are things you can do to prolong your life, like eating right and exercising, but there's only so much you can do when it comes to your body. You may have many chances in life, but eternal life is not one of those options. Immortality is just an ideal fantasy of how people would like to live. Gilgamesh is told several times that his time is yet to come. “The eternal life you seek, you will not find'.