At the end of the epic of Gilgamesh, the titular character, Gilgamesh, undergoes a profound transformation that imparts wisdom to him. The most crucial lesson he learns is the inevitability of mortality and the value of human connection and legacy. This transformation is a central theme in the story and is exemplified by several key moments.
1. **Confrontation with Enkidu's Death**: Gilgamesh's journey towards wisdom begins when his beloved friend, Enkidu, dies due to the gods' punishment. Gilgamesh is deeply affected by this loss and becomes consumed by the fear of his own mortality. His quest for eternal life symbolizes humanity's timeless struggle against mortality.
2. **The Quest for Immortality**: In search of immortality, Gilgamesh embarks on a perilous journey to find Utnapishtim, the only mortal granted immortality by the gods. Through this quest, Gilgamesh confronts various trials and challenges that test his resolve and teach him important lessons about the human condition.
3. **Utnapishtim's Revelation**: When Gilgamesh finally meets Utnapishtim, he learns a fundamental truth – that immortality is reserved for the gods alone, and humans are destined to die. Utnapishtim shares the story of the great flood, emphasizing the fragility of human life and the inevitability of death.
4. **Return to Uruk**: After his journey, Gilgamesh returns to his city, Uruk, with a newfound wisdom. He realizes that the pursuit of immortality was futile and that true value lies in living a meaningful life and leaving a lasting legacy.
5. **The Importance of Human Connection**: Gilgamesh's friendship with Enkidu and his interactions with other characters throughout the epic teach him the significance of human relationships. He understands that the connections he forms during his lifetime are what truly matter and that they contribute to his legacy.
In conclusion, by the end of the epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh has learned the wisdom of accepting mortality and valuing the human experience. His realization that immortality is unattainable for humans leads him to appreciate the finite nature of life. This wisdom transforms him from a proud and reckless king into a more compassionate and thoughtful leader, focused on the well-being of his people and the enduring impact he can make on the world through his actions and relationships. The story of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest literary works in human history, continues to resonate with readers because it explores universal themes of mortality, friendship, and the quest for meaning in life.