Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh is a series of poems written on clay tablets over five thousand years ago in ancient Mesopotamia. It is quite possibly one of the earliest works of literature ever found and even today has the power and literary strength to capture a reader’s attention. The hero of the story, Gilgamesh, is unsatisfied with facing eventual death, and goes on a journey to find immortality. Through his travels the ideas of …

…do not be grieved or oppressed” (118). These are the limitations that determine the definition of human freedom. When humans are caught up on trying to overcome these confines, then we have taken away the freedoms we do have. Humans can find freedom in the simple joys of life. “Dance and be merry, feast and rejoice… cherish the little child that holds your hand, and make your wife happy” (102). For this is the lot of man.