He built a great boat (to survive the flood) that carried him, his family, and one of every living animal; because of his great deed the gods granted him the gift of immortality
Gilgamesh seeks Utnapishtim because he is the only mortal who achieved immortality and can offer him the secret to eternal life. Gilgamesh hopes to gain this knowledge and overcome the fear of death that plagues him after the death of his friend Enkidu.
Utnapishtim is called ''the distant one'' in the Epic of Gilgamesh because he lives far away from civilization, specifically in a remote place at the edge of the world. This distance serves as a metaphor for Utnapishtim's unique status as a survivor of the Great Flood and as a keeper of immortal wisdom.
This want is brought about by deep feelings held by Gilgamesh for his dead friend Enkidu. From this, Gilgamesh finds himself being scared of dying. This fear pushes Gilgamesh to search for the power of immortal life.
In the various renditions of the ancient Mesopotamian epic myth-poem, 'Gilgamesh,' that have been preserved, the character of Utnapishtim is portrayed as a wise and also immortal man who offers counsel to Gilgamesh during his great journey. Of greatest significance, perhaps, he advises Gilgamesh on the location of a plant that is said to have the power to bestow immortality on human beings.
Gilgamesh, in his search for immortality, sought and found Utnapishtim, whom they call the Faraway. Utnapishtim said he would tell Gilgamesh a hidden matter, a secret of the gods. Utnapishtim then proceeded to tell Gilgamesh about the flood.
Utnapishtim directs Gilgamesh to the location of a magical plant that has rejuvenating powers.
Utnapishtim
Utnapishtim had mixed feelings about Gilgamesh because he saw both the potential for greatness and the flaws in his character. He was impressed by Gilgamesh's determination and courage, but also recognized his arrogance and recklessness. Ultimately, Utnapishtim believed that Gilgamesh had the capacity for growth and wisdom.
This is in the Epic of Gilgamesh which has a flood story that is similar to the Noahic Flood in Genesis. Utnapishtim apparently overheard the gods discussing making the flood on man. Utnapishtim advises Gilgamesh.
Yes, because in the end, he learned that he will never be able to be immortal and that the fact that he created such an amazing city should make him happy.
Utnapishtim challenges Gilgamesh to stay awake for six days and seven nights as a test of his worthiness for immortality. However, Gilgamesh falls asleep as soon as he sits down.
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh learns about the afterlife primarily through his encounters with Utnapishtim, the immortal figure who survived the Great Flood. Utnapishtim reveals that the fate of humanity is to face death, and he describes the bleak existence that awaits souls in the underworld, known as the "House of Dust." This revelation deeply impacts Gilgamesh, prompting him to seek a way to achieve immortality and understand the value of life, ultimately leading him to accept his mortality.