In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Siduri is the tavern keeper whom Gilgamesh consults during his quest for immortality.
After Enkidu’s death, Gilgamesh leaves civilization and crosses dangerous wilderness in search of Utnapishtim, the survivor of the great flood. He eventually reaches Siduri’s tavern near the edge of the world. At first she is frightened by his wild appearance, but she listens to his distress and directs him toward Urshanabi, the boatman who can help him cross the Waters of Death.
Siduri’s advice is one of the epic’s clearest reflections on human life. She urges Gilgamesh to accept ordinary pleasures, family, clothing, and celebration rather than expect a mortal to escape death. The speech is sometimes summarized as a “carpe diem” passage, although its wording differs among translations.
Siduri is not the same character as Shamhat, the woman who civilizes Enkidu earlier in the story.