The Flood: Gilgamesh vs. Noah

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, although native to different civilizations, Noah to the Hebrews and Utnapishtim to the Babylonians, these two stories are very similar to each other, with only specific details being different. he author points out that these similarities have brought some people to believe that one of the stories developed from a copy of the other story. The paper states that these stories tell of the power of the all-powerful God or god of the people and how the people are afraid to displease their divine power.

From the Paper:

"There are many similarities between the two flood stories. In both stories, the divine are annoyed with humanity. In the book of Genesis, God notices man has become sinful and wicked in their actions and thoughts. In Gilgamesh, the divine assembly find humankind too numerous and noisy. In an effort to rid the earth of humankind, both stories tell of a flood that will destroy everything including animals.
However, in each story, a righteous man finds favor with God and has his life spared. In the book of Genesis, God finds favor with Noah and warns him of his plans to destroy the world. In Gilgamesh, Ea does not agree with Enlil and his plans to flood the earth so he warns Utnapishtim, through a dream, of Enlil's plan. After finding out about the flood, Noah and Utnapishtim both build arks using the specifications provided to them and bring in every living creature into the ark."

More papers on The Flood: Gilgamesh vs. Noah:

• Analytical Essay # 145087 : "The Flood Narrative"
• Comparison Essay # 91386 : "The Flood Story"
• Comparison Essay # 1377 : "Stories of the Flood in the Bible and the "Epic of Gilgamesh"

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