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The Epic Of Gilgamesh: The Immortal Flood Epic

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The Immortal Flood Hero Utanapishtim
Most societies have heard about the great flood. Due to this tale being so popularly known, there are multiple versions to the knowledge of the current mankind. Though there are multiple versions that are quite common to know, the Hebrew’s version can be recognized as the most known version of the great flood. The Epic of Gilgamesh can be acknowledged as the oldest version of the great flood, dating back to the city of Babylonia. Utanapishtim tells the secrets of the great Gods to Gilgamesh. The God of Ea makes known to Utanapishtim the coming of a great flood and the need to prepare. Just as the Hebrew version, it states of Noah, of the Bible, building the ark. The task of building an ark or a big boat is a massive undertaking. Utanapishtim builds a boat, prepares for the flood, and takes on the aftermath [Gil., Tablet XI. 80-85]. Gilgamesh …show more content…

Utanapishtim puts on board skilled Craftsmen, silver, gold, and animals of every kind. The storm is upon him; Utanapishtim sees the faces of death, in the storms from the depths of hell. Utanapishtim seals himself inside the boat, while the gods, Shullat and Hanish, destroy the world around him [Gil., Tablet XI. 83-84]. Enlil, a valiant god, has the need to destroy all mankind for the wrongdoers and transgressions, the same wish of the God of the Hebrews as well. The gods call the flood to come and destroy the entity of the world. Enlil destroys every living entity and leaves the land as bare of life. He sees Utanapishtim, and feels anger at the gods for sparing Utanapishtim’s life and the lives of his kin. Ea scolds Enlil for the irrational flood, for he could’ve sent wild beast, pestilence, famine, or have the wolves rise up and demolish the human race. Just like the Hebrew God, Enlil chooses to destroy everyone and everything. Enlil decides to make Utanapishtim just like the gods [Gil., Tablet XI

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