Gilgamesh's Journey and Transformation

In Book Nine of the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is driven by grief for Enkidu and fear of death. He seeks Utnapishtim, the only man granted immortality, to learn how to escape death. Gilgamesh's journey takes him to the Twin Peaks, guarded by scorpion people, and through a dark tunnel he must traverse in 12 hours. Emerging into a divine garden, he reflects on his mortality and the loss of Enkidu, realizing life without his friend is a living death. The passage through the underworld symbolizes a potential rebirth, but Gilgamesh is not yet ready for transformation.

What motivates Gilgamesh to seek out Utnapishtim?

• Fear of his own death

• Quest for power

• Search for a new kingdom

• Desire for wealth

What is unique about the Twin Peaks mountains?

• They are invisible to mortals

• They touch the heavens and descend to the underworld

• They are made of gold

• They are guarded by dragons

How does Gilgamesh manage to pass the scorpion people?

• By sneaking past them

• By overcoming his fear and speaking to them

• By bribing them

• By fighting them

What must Gilgamesh do to survive the tunnel?

• Swim under it

• Fly over it

• Run through it in 12 hours

• Walk slowly and carefully

What does Gilgamesh find at the end of the tunnel?

• A dark cave

• A barren desert

• A marvelous garden of the gods

• A raging river

How does Gilgamesh's view on death change after Enkidu's death?

• He laughs at death

• He becomes indifferent to death

• He seeks to embrace death

• He fears death more than before

What does Gilgamesh wish to achieve by finding Utnapishtim?

• To learn magic

• To avenge Enkidu

• To find a new kingdom

• To gain immortality

What does the underworld passage symbolize for Gilgamesh?

• A path to destruction

• A potential rebirth

• A test of strength

• A journey to find treasure

Why is Gilgamesh not ready for transformation after the underworld passage?

• He is distracted by wealth

• He lacks the necessary strength

• He is still consumed by grief

• He is too focused on revenge

What emotion is just beneath Gilgamesh's grief?

• Fear

• Rage and frustration

• Joy

• Contentment