Flood myths exist in many ancient texts, but descriptions of a great deluge in the Epic of Gilgamesh are arguably the most like descriptions of the Great Flood in the Bible. Scholars believe that the Epic of Gilgamesh was created well before 2,000 B.C., and it contains the oldest myth of the Great Flood known to be in existence.
Gilgamesh is an epic hero in many respects, and his story recounts his quest to find immortality. During this quest, Gilgamesh encounters Utnapishtim, who has been warned by Enki (Ea), the god of water and wisdom, that the gods have planned a cataclysmic flood that will purify and renew the world. Utnapishtim has been told to build a gigantic boat that will ensure the survival of his family and every living species on Earth. Like the Biblical Noah, Utnapishtim builds the boat, sails the flood waters for a time, and then...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
releases birds to find land. Like Noah's ark, the boat lands safely on a mountain. Enki was the Sumerian god of water, wisdom, and magic. He was one of the principal trio of gods in Babylonian mythology, and he was revered as a helper to humanity, serving as a purifier (as water is a purifier) and rendering his assistance in times of flood. Because in theEpic of Gilgamesh he provides advice to Utnapishtim and helps humans escape the flood, he has also been linked to the Biblical Noah.
References
There are similarities and differences between Gilgamesh and biblical characters like David and Jesus. Like Gilgamesh, David risked his life in difficult fights. David slew the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17); Gilgamesh, of course, slew Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven. Additionally, both David and Gilgamesh suffered the death of an extremely close friend; David lost his friend Jonathan--the son of Saul, David's enemy--while Gilgamesh lost Enkidu.
Another biblical character many students compare/contrast Gilgamesh to is Jesus. They note that both Gilgamesh and Jesus possess human and divine characteristics. However, Gilgamesh's nature is divided; he is 2/3 god and 1/3 man. Jesus, on the other hand, is fully God and fully man (according to orthodox interpretations of the Bible). Moreover, both the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Bible describe kings as shepherds; Gilgamesh is the king of Uruk, and Christ is ruler of the Kingdom of God. One striking difference between Jesus and Gilgamesh is that while Gilgamesh tries and fails to bring his people eternal life, Christ succeeds by conquering death and rising from the dead.