The Epic of Gilgamesh is characterized by several key features, including its exploration of friendship, the quest for immortality, and the human condition. Gilgamesh, a historical king of Uruk, embarks on a journey with his companion Enkidu, confronting daunting challenges and learning profound lessons about life and death. The epic delves into themes of heroism, the search for meaning, and the inevitability of mortality, making it one of the oldest and most significant literary works reflecting ancient Mesopotamian values and beliefs.