In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Siduri is the tavern keeper who advises Gilgamesh before he crosses the Waters of Death.
Gilgamesh reaches Siduri during his quest to find Utnapishtim, the flood survivor who has received immortality. Siduri initially shuts herself away when she sees the exhausted, animal-skin-clad king, but she eventually speaks with him and directs him toward Urshanabi, the ferryman.
Her speech emphasizes the ordinary pleasures and responsibilities of human life: eating, drinking, celebration, clean clothing, and family. This makes Siduri an important voice in the epic’s meditation on mortality. Gilgamesh does not abandon his quest, but her advice presents a contrasting view of what a meaningful human life can be.
Siduri is sometimes mistaken for Shamhat because both are female figures who counsel or influence Gilgamesh’s companions. They are separate characters with different roles and episodes.