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The scorpion is a constant reminder that death walks with us. We should always remember that we are in a limnal state -- in the process of crossing a threshold. The Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh is one of our oldest pieces of literature, possibly the prototype for all quest tales and certainly, of the "buddy" kind of story. It recounts the adventures of the hero Gilgamesh and his friend, Enkidu the giant. As in all quest myths, the hero undertakes a descent to the Land of the Dead. Along his way, Gilgamesh journeyed many miles to get to the place where Utnapishtim resided. He traveled through the desert alone, though he had never been alone before. Then he approached the mountains where scorpion folk guarded the entrance to the underworld. A Scorpion man realized that Gilgamesh was two-thirds god, and one-third man. He asked Gilgamesh, "Why have you taken this route to us? The way is arduous and long, and no one goes beyond here." Gilgamesh answered: "I have come to see my father, Utnapishtim, who was allowed to go beyond. I want to ask him about life and death . . . . "In the mythology of ancient Egypt, the scorpion stands for Seth, the Trickster and brother of Nephthys, queen of the Land of the Dead. He is the nemesis and opponent of Osiris, and Isis the Magician. Seth caused the death of his brother Osiris by tricking him into "trying on" an irresistibly gorgeous coffin
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