Illustration of Gilgamesh's face

The Epic of Gilgamesh

Start Free Trial

Student Question

How long did the flood last in The Epic of Gilgamesh?

Quick answer:

In "The Epic of Gilgamesh," the flood lasts at least two weeks, possibly closer to three, though the exact duration is uncertain. The storm causing the flood lasts six days and seven nights, after which the ship is stranded for another six days and seven nights. The narrative does not specify the time intervals between sending out the birds and when the waters recede, leaving the total duration ambiguous.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

There is not a direct answer to this question in the text. The storm that triggers the Flood lasts six days and seven nights. On that day, the ship runs aground Mount Nimush, & is stranded for another six days and seven nights. On the seventh day, a dove is released, but returns , unable to find land. Then Utnapishtim says "I waited, then I brought out a swallow and set it free." there's no telling how long that interval was. An hour? A day? A week? The scenario is repeated with the raven, which finds land.

But then Utnapishtim says "when the waters had dried up and land appeared" he set the animals free. Again, how long was that? Since there's no definite time frame, it's impossible to know. We do know that the Flood lasted at least 2 weeks, and probably closer to 3. It could be even longer however.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial