"Tablet XI" The Epic of Gilgamesh By David Ferry

Gilgamesh is searching for immortality → meets Utnapishtim → the only mortal who survived the great flood and was granted eternal life by the gods

Utnapishtim issues a test on Gilgamesh → stay away for six days and seven nights → Gilgamesh failed immediately (demonstrates that immortality is not achievable by mere human effort)

Gods council decided to destroy the people of Shuruppak

Utnapishtim learned abut the flood from a dream (dream = connection tot he gods?) Lasted 40 days

Final attempt → Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh that there is a special plant (“ how the old man once again becomes a young man) → may grant rejuvenation → Gilgamesh dives to retrieve it.

Human beings cannot escape death and immortality is reserved for Gods

Enlil (a god)→ determines fate and included destruction and Utnapishtim’s immortality

Amid catastrophe, Utnapishtim’s survival → symbolizes hope, renewal after a disaster, survival + rebirth (mythic template)

* Polytheistic = multiple gods

Third person narrative

Mythopoetic style

Oral Formulaic