Gilgamesh (Mythology)

Gilgamesh's History
Gilgamesh was the fifth king of Uruk, and the central figure of the Epic of Gilgamesh, considered by some to be the first novel ever written. Although he was of divine descent, the gods came to fear Gilgamesh's power, and instructed the wild man Enkidu to stop him. Enkidu fought against Gilgamesh, but the two found they were evenly matched, and forged an unbreakable friendship.

Later, the goddess Ishtar tried to seduce Gilgamesh, but was spurned. In revenge, Ishtar unleashed the Bull of Heaven upon Uruk. Gilgamesh and Enkidu managed to slay the Bull, but for killing the divine animal, the gods decreed that Gilgamesh must die. Enkidu sacrificed himself to save his friend, but Gilgamesh was left deeply traumatized.

Afraid of death, Gilgamesh ventured into the underworld to seek out Utnapishtim, the only human to have been gifted with immortality. Utnapishtim attempted to convince Gilgamesh of the need for death, but the king remained unconvinced. Finally, Utnapishtim told Gilgamesh of a plant hidden under the ocean that could grant eternal youth. Gilgamesh retrieved the plant, but it was eaten by a snake, which, according to the Sumerians, was why snakes were apparently able to remain forever young by shedding their skin.