keatonscc

10/11/09

Great and Mighty Deeds

By

Keaton

Gilgamesh’s last quest was to find the way to live forever. Desperately he had searched for months over jagged mountainsides and barren desserts for the plant of life. He trudged to the rushing Euphrates river, tied rocks onto his ankles, and daringly dove in. As he was swept down the crashing current he saw the radiant glowing plant. He knew he had only one chance to pick it. When he drew near he reached out and pulled. The plant was firmly rooted but Gilgamesh did not let go. It loosened and he valiantly swam to the surface. He had succeeded!

On his way home, Gilgamesh discovered a glimmering pond and began to bathe. He placed the plant on a rock. Presently, he turned back, and watched a serpent slither toward the plant. Then, despairingly, Gilgamesh witnessed the serpent stretch out and devour his treasure. He dismayed and could do nothing. The plant was gone forever in the belly of the beast. Gilgamesh wept.

While Gilgamesh was wailing in despair a familiar voice echoed down to him. It was his friend Enkidu in the form of an eagle. Enkidu comforted him. Gilgamesh hopped on his back and they swiftly flew over Sumer. Joyfully Gilgamesh gazed upon the colossal temples, complex houses, and glorious gardens that he had created. Enkidu revealed to him, “This is your immortality, you will live in the hearts of our people forever. Because of your great and mighty deeds you will not be forgotten.”