While reading The Epic of Gilgamesh, a quote from the story stuck out to me. The quote from the story that I thought was interesting was towards the end of the “Forest Journey.” Gilgamesh talks to his friend Enkidu, and says “He who leaves the fight unfinished is not at peace.”
Enkidu was fearing to fight the dreaded opponent Humbaba. To motivate Enkidu Gilgamesh speaks these words. They have traveled a great distance and at the time of battle Enkidu was ready to go back.
I think that there is a life lesson taught in this section of the story. That it is important to finish the sometimes epic challenges of life and not to give up. Also to try to live life with no regret, if they had turned back they probably would have regretted their decision and not have been at peace about it. I guess the moral of this part of the story for me is not to give up.
Great point. I think the quote can also apply to the idea of death. "Leaving the fight unfinished" was the path Gilgamesh is originally on -- living an incomplete life in some sense.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think as "incomplete" about Gilgamesh's life at the beginning of the epic?