Hidden within the poetic verses of the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the world's oldest religious texts, are indispensable clues to the nature and origin of the world's earliest religious tradition- "The Ancient Tradition".  Once you've given Tablet X a listen, turn your ear to our sister podcast, "The Ancient Tradition", where we reveal striking similarities in the ancient record- myths, cosmologies, theologies, and sacred writings- which point to an original, pure religion in deep antiquity.  Is it the true religion?  If so, you are in for the theological adventure of a lifetime. In this audio recording of the Epic of Gilgamesh, Tablet X, King Gilgamesh encounters Shiduri, a tavern-keeper, outside of the garden, near the seashore.  Gilgamesh confides in her the sorrow he feels over the death of his friend, Enkidu, and seeks her aid to cross the Waters of Death so he can continue his quest for Utnapishtim, guardian of the secret of eternal life.  Shiduri warns him of the perils of crossing the Waters and directs him towards  Ur-shanabi, Utnapsithtim's boatman, who can ferry him across.  Ur-shanabi and Gilgamesh successfully cross the Waters.  Upon landing, Gilgamesh  encounters Utnapishtim.