Siduri's Quest In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

The objective is universal and timeless. First, what sets him on his quest, and the goal of achieving eternal life in the here and now, not in the hereafter, was death of his friend, Enkidu. He encounters a number of hurdles and/or challenges: (1) Unable to come to terms with his loss and with the realization of his own mortality, Gilgamesh’s quest begins with him seeking an audience with Utnapishtim. (2) Gilgamesh has to make his way past poison scorpions monsters; (3) Must scale large mountains in the cold and in the dark.

In most quest or journeys information and guidance is usually imparted. Such is the case with "Gilgamesh". Siduri gives him a life saving drink. In return, Gilgamesh tells her of his plight and his desire to reach Utnapishtim. She advises him to cherish the simple everyday pleasures in life. She direct him to Urshanabi, the ferryman. As Siduri has advised, Urshanabi does the same, telling Gilgamesh to review his own emotions and to realize the
Given the secret of eternal life, Gilgamesh dives in the cold water, finds the plant and brings it to the surface. He cannot. On his return trip, a serpent steals the plant. Despairing, Gilgamesh has an epiphany when he returns to his native land of Uruk. At the city gates, he has an epiphany and comes to realize the importance of living life, of cherishing the everyday things one tends to take for granted.Gilgamesh’s quest was one of personal insight and growth. Through the physical and psychological trials and tribulations of his journey and in being advised by Utnapishtim and Siduri, Gilgamesh comes to understand the meaning of life and the importance of cherishing the everyday moments that make up a person’s life. Siduri’s advice encases the outcome beautifully: “Remember always…Relish warm food and cool drinks. Cherish children to whom your love give life…simple pleasures in the lesure time of your short