Siduri

We see him passing through eternal freezing night along a narrow path to the other side of the mountains and then down into lush green valleys. After the chanting has faded out we begin to hear Siduri signing her song about the cool waters of her well and the relief they bring of all that troubles life. 

Scene 2 Siduri

Gilgamesh arrives at a house in a lush green valley. Siduri has seen him coming and hides in her house.

Gilgamesh:

You inside. Why do you hide? 

Siduri: 

You are a reeking mess and you alarm me. 

Gilgamesh:

Open the door Alewoman. 

Siduri:

I will not. I own this property and I say what goes around here. 

Gilgamesh:

Gilgamesh. I have come far. And I thirst. 

Siduri:

You are pathetic. Your face is drawn and your eyes are hollow yet full of fire. Who are you?

 (she pours him a drink and sticks it through the door. he guzzles and falls to his knees)

There now, Gilgamesh, let Siduri sooth your thirst.

Tell me what evil destiny robs you of your youth? Some wicked sorrow sucks the marrow from your bones. A grueling and horrific journey, I take it. You have been through fire and ice and yet still you find no grace. 

Gilgamesh:

I search everywhere for breath of life and find none. Joy has been ripped from me. My brother, my only true friend, dead. He was my soul’s better half racing wild horses here and catching orange tigers there. He conquered mountains and divine bulls that race across the sky like clouds.

 
What awaits us all caught him first. For one whole week I waited thirsty, to see him rise again in all his splendor… until his body did rot. Then I cried for my own death. I ran from my home to the mountain tops to clean the scent of death from my lungs. Wandering to find that breath again, walking and walking. Could I sit and rest when my best friend has died as I will someday?

(she comforts him holding him both like a child and like a lover, she feeds him a second drink)

Siduri:

Hush, now. You must remember that the Anunnaki  decreed our fates many years ago. They alone live life eternal, while we live lives as frail a memory. We all must die, sweet man.

Gilgamesh:

Perhaps, but first I will see Utnapishtim. If it takes my final breath I will find my way to him. 

Siduri:

You will find your way Gilgamesh. But first you must rest and gain your strength.  Are you in such a hurry to meet your death? No, sit and let me quench your thirst. Let me give you breath for life. 

(she feeds him another glass props him up on a pillow and bathes him with a bowl of water and a cloth – head hands and feet. This is reflective of Shamhat and Enkidu) 

Now is the in your life to relax; to sing and dance. Savor the delicacies of my table. Bathe easily in sweet, refreshing waters. 

(She begins to sing to him a reprise of the earlier song.)

Gilgamesh:

I am so weary of this journey. Perhaps I can stay a short while.

Siduri:

Yes, Stay and I will sing for you. There is nothing you could want that I do not have. 

Gilgamesh:

Nothing at all. 

Siduri:

You should be enjoying your children to whom your love gives life. 

Gilgamesh:

I have many children.

Siduri:

Play joyfully with your chosen wife. 

Gilgamesh:

I have no wife.

(she sings again and feeds him another drink)

Siduri:

You have children but no wife?

Gilgamesh:

My children are the people of Uruk. I am their King! 

Siduri:

It is the will of the Anunnaki that even kings smile upon simple pleasures in the freedom of their short days.

Gilgamesh:

Yes, life is much too short. And death is a thief that lies waiting. 

Siduri:

Yes, my dear. Let me protect you from the thief. 


(feeds him another drink. He has a vision of Enkidu being tamed by Shamhat and awakens in a panic)

Gilgamesh:
How long have I been here?

Siduri:

Not long at all, you have only just arrived.

Gilgamesh:

How long, I say?

Siduri:

Hush sweet king, only a few days, perhaps a week or two. 

Gilgamesh:

You have tricked me! You lured me with your song and made me blind to my own purpose. 

Siduri:

You were thirsty and I gave you drink. You were hungry and you ate. You cried out in pain and I gave you my bosom to rest upon. You were alone and I offer you my life. Am I so evil for loving you?

Gilgamesh:

Enough! I have no time to rest! I go to see Utnapishtim. Tell me Siduri how do I find him? 

Siduri:

He lives across the sea of the dead.

Gilgamesh:

How I get there. How will I find safe passage.

Siduri:

Sweet  Sallum, libbu, no man has ever gone there and lived to say he made it. Only Shamash who guides the sun across the sky can go there. For you must cross the sea. Few have made it half way before they grow too weary and are overcome with the pain and misery of death which surrounds them on every side. 

Gilgamesh:

I am already surrounded with death. My brother will be with me.

Siduri:

Ok, Gilgamesh, suppose you make it through this wild jungle to the sea. When you find the boatman Urshanabi what will you do? Hmm? He carries the dead to the underworld. Deadly snakes are his playthings. Will you approach him like an old friend and kiss him on the cheek? Hey buddy! Hey pal, give me a ride to the other side? Well, if he does befriend you then good. Go with him and find your way. 

Gilgamesh:

Please, forgive me.

Siduri:

If he walks away from you, return to me.

He hacks his way through the jungle. When he comes upon a ring of stone tablets he viciously destroys them in a fit of rage.