As Utnapishtim told Gilgamesh his story, it was really hard to keep Noe`s story out of my mind. The story of Noe's arch is reflected on this story as Enlil, a god, decides to create a flood that end with the life of all, one is warned about it and told to build a boat. "The voice of Ea telling me the secret came whispering through the reed walls of my house." (pg. 66)The technique of sending birds, the sketch of the boat, and many other details, match the biblical story. It is very interesting and hard to explain how both stories coming from different times and places are connected in such manner. I couldn`t continue ignoring the mention of the number seven. Seven where the terrors of Huwawa, seven were the days from the one Enkidu fell ill to the day of his death, seven days it took Utnapishtim to build the boat and seven for the storm that covered the glorious city to end, seven days Gilgamesh had to stay awake and seven the days the time he slept. I don`t think it is a coincidence.
The plant he was given, and his entire search, reminds me of the same search made and written of by people all throughout history. One perfect example is the fountain of youth, mentioned in many cultures. This extensive search continues today with all the devices, medicines and researches that take place today and that are meant to extend our lives. People today live more than people one hundred years ago.
At the end of this story, when Gilgamesh becomes himself again and the plant his journey was rewarded with is stolen by the snake, he finally understands the truth of immortality. He is tired of his suffering and feels proud of the greatness of his city and at the same time of his greatness. As he tells the boatman to measure his city he teaches us that eternity is accomplished by leaving a legacy; his legacy being the great city of Uruk.
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