S4E6 - Mesopotamian Around with Gilgamesh

The podcast episode "Greeking Out" explores the Mesopotamian myth of Gilgamesh, drawing parallels to familiar themes in Greek mythology. The narrative centers on Gilgamesh's quest for immortality following the death of his friend Enkidu, which leads him to seek out Utnapishtim, the Mesopotamian equivalent of Noah, who survived a great flood and was granted eternal life. Gilgamesh's journey includes facing giant scorpions, receiving counsel from the tavern keeper Sijuri, and crossing the Waters of Death with the ferryman Urshanabi. Ultimately, Gilgamesh learns from Utnapishtim that individual immortality is unattainable, but humanity as a whole lives on, prompting him to dedicate his life to becoming a compassionate king.