Gilgamesh and the Gods

Ut-napishtim was a regular human mortal at one point, who was granted the gift of immortality upon his survival of the great flood that the gods spread upon humanity. He has no real heightened status above any other mortal human is concerned, but the fact that he is immortal sets him apart well enough. Ut-napishtim has exiled himself, seemingly to avoid interaction with any other humans for reasons unknown. “They cast off the magillu-boat and sailed away. (After) a journey of a new moon and a full moon, on the third day.” The amazing distance Ut-napishtim as put between himself and the rest of the world is absurd, and while he was only granted immortality by the gods, he got more than they may have anticipated. Ut-napishtim gained a godly ability beyond immortality, knowledge. He is a very wise man, having lived for many years longer than any other human, he gives Gilgamesh advice one might only ever hear from a god in any other tale. He gives Gilgamesh not only a lesson in living, but offers him the chance for immortality as well, so it could be assumed he has the ability to grant such a trait.” That you too may find eternal life which you seek? For a start, you must not sleep for six days and seven nights.” When Gilgamesh fails the trial he is then given the location of a plant which could give him renewed youth, something, once again, only someone with godly knowledge would know.

It is easy to see that the close relations the people had to their gods, in both relationships as well as in direct heritage, has on occasion imbued some people with god like powers. It can be said that the physical prowess of Gilgamesh, the loss of powers in Enkidu, and the vast knowledge of Ut-napishtim are all the results of godly powers being given to regular human mortals.

Bibliography

Dalley, Stephanie. (2000). “Gilgamesh”. Myths from Mesopotamia (50-125). New York : Oxford University Press.
Stephanie Dalley. Myths from Mesopotamia , New York : Oxford University Press. 51