The Flood Story

Paper Summary:

The intent of this research analysis is to compare and contrast multiple versions of the flood myth, in order to identify the predominant motifs that drive the flood myth and to discern the similarities and differences between each of these tales. The analysis begins with a brief review of each of the flood myths highlighting important events, then continues by comparing and contrasting the similarities and significance of each of the flood myths relative to contemporary society. The paper finds multiple parallels in each of the stories mentioned. The primary similarity includes the presence of gods or a God that facilitates the flood. However, the paper also finds that while each of the flood myths share many similarities, they differ in many respects, particularly with regard to the flood motif.

Outline:
Introduction
Biblical Version: Israelitic Genesis 6-9: Story of Noah
Babylonian Atrahasis and Epic of Gilgamesh Motif
Hellenistic Babylonian Berossos - Motif
Babylonian Erra and Ishum - Motif
Comparisons and Similarities
Contrasting the Motifs
Summary of Similarities
Conclusions and Synopsis

From the Paper:

"Most cultures or societies share their own unique version of the Great Flood Myth. While many associate the Great Flood with biblical versions of the tale that involve Noah, in reality the flood story enjoys and ancient and relevant history. The biblical version of the flood story, often referred to as the Genesis account, suggests that God sent the flood to rid the world of wickedness resulting from mankind's wrongful ways. Sin therefore acted as the motivation for the flood. Multiple versions of the flood myth however predate the Genesis account. Many of these arose in the Near East, with versions evident from Mesopotamia, including the "Babylonian Flood Myth" (Crapo, 2000). The Babylonian version (s), often dated to 2,000 BCE provide many similarities to the Genesis version."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Atrahasis in History." Myths from Mesopotamia, pp.2-38.
• Crapo, Richley H "Anthropology and the bible." 15, December 2000. Crapo's World. 14, December 2005: http://cc.usu.edu/~fath6/flood.htm
• Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia, Creation, The Flood, Gilgamesh and Others. Oxford & New York: Oxford University Press. (1991).
• "Epic of Gilgamesh." Myths from Mesopotamia, pp. 109-119.
• "Flood texts from Mesopotamia." Earth History. 13, December 2005: http://www.earthhistory.co.uk/genesis-6-11-and-other-texts/flood-texts-from-mesopotamia/

More papers on The Flood Story:

• Analytical Essay # 74263 : "Flood Story"
• Comparison Essay # 24204 : "Ancient Flood Story"
• Analytical Essay # 122792 : "The Flood- Theme Myth"

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