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Similarities Between Genesis And The Epic Of Gilgamesh

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In Genesis 5-8 and on Tablet XI in the Epic of Gilgamesh, there are stories of a flood that destroys the entirety of humanity, caused by God or gods who were displeased with the corruption and wickedness of mankind. While these stories may seem to very similar from a far, a closer look shows some differences. These differences can be used to show the cultural and religious discrepancies between the two time periods and places where these stories are written. The Epic of Gilgamesh helps to highlight the importance of obedience to God in the Genesis narrative of the flood story. In the Genesis story, the role of God is seen as much more important than in the Epic of Gilgamesh. One of the first examples can be seen as both God and Ea are telling …show more content…

In Genesis 8:12-16, it describes Noah sending the dove out to search for land. The last time Noah sends the dove, it does not return, signaling the water had subsided. Yet Noah does not leave the boat until he is commanded to by God. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, on page 94 Uta-napishti says, “I brought out a raven, I let it loose: off went the raven, it saw the waters receding, finding food, bowing and bobbing, it did not come back to me. I brought out an offering, to the four winds made sacrifice, incense I placed on the peak of the mountain.” Uta-napishti does not concern himself with the wishes of the gods. He exits his boat as soon as he finds land. This discrepancy demonstrates again the role of the gods in each story. Noah is dependent on God and his prosperity and survival is directly connected to his reverence for God. God can be seen as omnipotent and carefully involved in all aspects of the world. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Uta-napishti appears more independent from the gods and make decisions on his own. The majority of the gods do not even know the Uta-napishti has made a boat to survive the flood. In these passages, it is clear to the reader that obedience to God is much more important to Noah than it is for

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