Ali Aksar Shah

Gilgamesh from an Eastern Perspective Ali Aksar Shah

The Epic of Gilgamesh revolves around a young man who ascends to the throne in his early twenties 4500 years ago in Mesopotamia. During that time, agricultural innovations are in their infancy and warfare is a constant part of life. He wins wars, digs wells and builds canals to proliferate agriculture. He is worshiped by his people as a god. He does not have any family and is tormented by his loneliness. He finds a good friend, who is actually his biological brother abandoned at birth by his mother. The relationship with his brother comforts his heart and he became a balanced man. His brother dies suddenly and in mourning of his death, he embarks on a journey to find Utnapishtim, who guards the knowledge to attain immortality. During his quest he finds many obstacles and is discouraged by Siduri the goddess of hospitality and wine. However, as a result of his strong convictions, he eventually meets Utnapishtim and learns the pitfalls of immortality.