Question

What is the closest explanation of Gilgamesh's exclamation in Book XI: "What shall I do, where shall I go now? Death has caught me, it lurks in my bedroom, and everywhere I look, everywhere I turn, there is only death."

Answer 1

Answer:    Gilgamesh realizes and accepts that he is mortal

Explanation:  The Gilgamesh Epic is the oldest written epic, considered by some to be, to some extent, not entirely, related to the historical Gilgamesh that ruled during the Sumerian civilization. Gilgamesh in pursuit of immortality goes to the old and wise Utnapishtim, who survived the great flood and became immortal. Utnapishtim seems to be the Noah character in the Bible. After all these questions about immortality, Gilgamesh realizes that he must rule as a just and wise king, but that he will not attain immortality.