Maybe Utnapishtim DID give Gilgamesh the means to immortality

Prof. Nussdorfer’s first question in our discussion of Gilgamesh had to do with why the story has had such incredible longevity. One possible factor that we did not address fully in class is that, in the end (or rather in the beginning, again as Prof. Nussdorfer pointed out), Gilgamesh is remembered as a good king. “[He] brought back the ancient, forgotten rights, / restoring the temples that the Flood had destroyed, / renewing the statues and sacraments / for the welfare of the people and the sacred land… What other king / has inspired such awe?” (p. 72)

Gilgamesh manages to evade death in the only way available to mortals, through memory and the retelling of his story. Interestingly, it is Utnapishtim who teaches Gilgamesh the “ancient, forgotten rights” whose restoration in Uruk will contribute greatly to Gilgamesh’s lasting fame. In this way, Utnapishtim actually does assist Gilgamesh in his quest for immortality, not by providing a quick and easy answer like the plant from the bottom of the sea, but by helping him to create a name for himself that people will remember and cherish for many years to come.

I’d be interested to hear if anyone else thinks this is a legitimate reading, so please comment.