What do the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Bible have in common?
The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of how humans are eventually reborn after the flood, and it portrays the gods as being merciful. The Bible tells the story of how God punishes humanity for their sins, but it also offers the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ. In both the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Bible, a flood occurs.
What did Gilgamesh learn from his journey?
Gilgamesh was given knowledge of how to worship the gods, why death was ordained for human beings, what makes a good king, and how to live a good life. The story of Utnapishtim, the hero of the flood myth, can also be found in the Babylonian epic of Atra-Hasis.
Is there a biblical flood story in the light of Gilgamesh?
"The Biblical flood story in the light of the Gilgamesh flood account," in Gilgamesh and the world of Assyria, eds Azize, J & Weeks, N. Peters, p. 117. ^ Wexler, Robert (2001). Ancient Near Eastern Mythology.
What does water symbolize in the Epic of Gilgamesh?
A stream then carries it away. In the Epic, water comes to serve as a symbol of the impersonal will of nature: Gilgamesh can, fleetingly, possess the plant of youth, but ultimately his possession of it is out of his control—no action of his, no matter how heroic, can overcome the inevitability of his death.
Who builds the boat in the Epic of Gilgamesh?
The god Ea, warned Utnapishtim and instructed him to build an enormous boat to save himself, his family, and "the seed of all living things." He does so, and the gods brought rain which caused the water to rise for many days.
Did Utnapishtim build a boat?
Utnapishtim was the only man to escape death, since, having preserved human and animal life in the great boat he built, he and his wife were deified by the god Enlil.
How long did it take to build the boat in the Epic of Gilgamesh?
seven daysIt was like a festival. In seven days the boat was ready. With great difficulty, they launched it in the Euphrates. After Puzuramurri the caulker had sealed them inside, Utnapishtim gave him his house and everything in it.
Why does Utnapishtim build boats?
Both Noah and Utnapishtim are divinely commanded to save themselves and their families, together with representatives of all living animals, by building a huge boat in which to survive the coming deluge. Once the boats (or arks) are ready, torrential rains flood the entire Earth, killing all living creatures.
Who was on the boat with Utnapishtim?
Two-thirds of the boat was in the water. Utnapishtim loaded his silver and gold into the boat. He loaded "all the living beings that I had." His relatives and craftsmen, and "all the beasts and animals of the field" boarded the boat.
Why did Utnapishtim survive the Flood?
In gratitude, Utnapishtim offered blood sacrifice to the gods. As for the gods, they regretted their watery devastation and promised never to do it again, and to reward Utnapishtim, they made him immortal.
Is Gilgamesh mentioned in the Bible?
Various themes, plot elements, and characters in the Hebrew Bible correlate with the Epic of Gilgamesh – notably, the accounts of the Garden of Eden, the advice from Ecclesiastes, and the Genesis flood narrative.
How long did the Flood last in Gilgamesh?
seven days and seven nightsAll the gods sat trembling, and wept. The Flood lasts for seven days and seven nights, and finally light returns to the earth. Utnapishtim opens a window and the entire earth has been turned into a flat ocean; all humans have been turned to stone. Utnapishtim then falls to his knees and weeps.
How does the Epic of Gilgamesh end?
After a perilous journey over the waters of death, Gilgamesh finally meets Utanapishtim and asks for the secret to immortality. In one of the earliest literary anti-climaxes, Utanapishtim tells him that he doesn't have it. The story ends with Gilgamesh returning home to the city of Uruk.
What did Utnapishtim sacrifice after the flood?
Finally, Utnapishtim sent out a raven, and the raven saw that the waters had receded, so it circled around, but did not return. Utnapishtim then set all the animals free, and made a sacrifice to the gods.
Why does Gilgamesh want Utnapishtim?
Why does Gilgamesh want to find Utnapishtim? He wants to learn the secret of immortality from Utnapishtim. According to Utnaphishtim, why did the gods decide to destroy humanity? Human noise kept them awake.
Why did Enlil send the flood?
In the Sumerian flood myth, Enlil rewards Ziusudra with immortality for having survived the flood and, in the Babylonian flood myth, Enlil is the cause of the flood himself, having sent the flood to exterminate the human race, who made too much noise and prevented him from sleeping.
What is the timeline of The Epic of Gilgamesh?
1800 BCE. The Old Babylonian Gilgamesh epic is written by an unknown person between 1800-1600 BCE.
How long is The Epic of Gilgamesh?
The average reader will spend 5 hours and 4 minutes reading this book at 250 WPM (words per minute).
What is the oldest story in the world?
The Epic of GilgameshThe Epic of Gilgamesh. What, When and Where: An epic poem concerning or (very) loosely based on the historical King Gilgamesh, who ruled Sumerian Uruk (modern day Iraq) in 2700 BC. This is the oldest written story, period, anywhere, known to exist.
What is the oldest story?
While Shuruppak's fatherly wisdom is one of the most ancient examples of written literature, history's oldest known fictional story is probably the “Epic of Gilgamesh,” a mythic poem that first appeared as early as the third millennium B.C. The adventure-filled tale centers on a Sumerian king named Gilgamesh who is ...
Why is the ''Epic of Gilgamesh'' so important?
The Epic of Gilgamesh is important because it acts as a model for other hero quest myths and stories. For example, it can be argued that the Ody...
Why is the ''Epic of Gilgamesh'' called an epic?
The Epic of Gilgamesh is considered an epic because is a poem that recounts the trials of a semi-divine hero or someone significant to a culture'...
What does the ''Epic of Gilgamesh'' teach?
The Epic of Gilgamesh teaches that physical immortality and longevity is unattainable. Someone can live forever, however, by being remembered for...
What is the ''Epic of Gilgamesh'' mainly about?
The Epic of Gilgamesh is about the hero, Gilgamesh, his companion, Enkidu, and Gilgamesh's quest to find fame and immortality. Along the way, the...
What is the epic of Gilgamesh?
The Epic of Gilgamesh ( / ˈɡɪlɡəmɛʃ /) is an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia, regarded as the earliest surviving notable literature and the second oldest religious text, after the Pyramid Texts. The literary history of Gilgamesh begins with five Sumerian poems about Bilgamesh (Sumerian for "Gilgamesh"), king of Uruk, dating from the Third Dynasty of Ur ( c. 2100 BCE ). These independent stories were later used as source material for a combined epic in Akkadian. The first surviving version of this combined epic, known as the "Old Babylonian" version dates to the 18th century BCE and is titled after its incipit, Shūtur eli sharrī ("Surpassing All Other Kings"). Only a few tablets of it have survived. The later Standard Babylonian version compiled by Sîn-lēqi-unninni dates from the 13th to the 10th centuries BCE and bears the incipit Sha naqba īmuru ("He who Saw the Abyss", in modern terms: "He who Sees the Unknown"). Approximately two-thirds of this longer, twelve-tablet version have been recovered. Some of the best copies were discovered in the library ruins of the 7th-century BC Assyrian king Ashurbanipal .
Which version of Gilgamesh was partially reconstructed?
From the diverse sources found, two main versions of the epic have been partially reconstructed: the Standard Babylonian version, or He who saw the deep, and the Old Babylonian version, or Surpassing all other kings. Five earlier Sumerian poems about Gilgamesh have been partially recovered, some with primitive versions of specific episodes in the Babylonian version, others with unrelated stories.
Why did Ishtar send the Bull of Heaven?
The goddess Ishtar sends the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh for spurning her advances. Gilgamesh and Enkidu kill the Bull of Heaven after which the gods decide to sentence Enkidu to death and kill him.
Why does Gilgamesh reject the advances of the goddess Ishtar?
Tablet six. Gilgamesh rejects the advances of the goddess Ishtar because of her mistreatment of previous lovers like Dumuzi. Ishtar asks her father Anu to send the Bull of Heaven to avenge her. When Anu rejects her complaints, Ishtar threatens to raise the dead who will "outnumber the living" and "devour them".
How many poems did Gilgamesh write?
The literary history of Gilgamesh begins with five Sumerian poems about Bilgamesh (Sumerian for "Gilgamesh"), king of Uruk, dating from the Third Dynasty of Ur ( c. 2100 BCE ). These independent stories were later used as source material for a combined epic in Akkadian.
Who wins the contest in Gilgamesh?
Gilgamesh wins the contest; nonetheless, the two become friends. Together, they make a six-day journey to the legendary Cedar Forest, where they plan to slay the Guardian, Humbaba the Terrible, and cut down the sacred Cedar. The goddess Ishtar sends the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh for spurning her advances.
When did the Sumerian epic start?
They date from as early as the Third Dynasty of Ur ( c. 2100 BC ). The Old Babylonian tablets ( c. 1800 BC ), are the earliest surviving tablets for a single Epic of Gilgamesh narrative. The older Old Babylonian tablets and later Akkadian version are important sources for modern translations, with the earlier texts mainly used to fill in gaps ( lacunae) in the later texts. Although several revised versions based on new discoveries have been published, the epic remains incomplete. Analysis of the Old Babylonian text has been used to reconstruct possible earlier forms of the epic. The most recent Akkadian version, also referred to as the Standard Babylonian version, consists of twelve tablets and was edited by Sîn-lēqi-unninni, who is thought to have lived sometime between 1300 BC and 1000 BC.
What is the epic of Gilgamesh?
The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient poem about a king of Uruk who was one-third god. Parts of the original Sumerian story may have been written as early as 2100 BC, although Gilgamesh is said to have reigned around 2700 BC. The epic was subsequently translated into Babylonian dialects.
Why did Gilgamesh go to the bottom of the ocean?
Gilgamesh goes to the bottom of the ocean to get the youth-giving plant, but a snake eats it. Gilgamesh gives up the quest for eternal life and contents himself with his legacy—the great walls of Uruk he had built. It's very possible that the actual flood story was not originally included in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
How did the gods respond to Enkidu?
The gods respond by creating a wild man named Enkidu to distract him. Gilgamesh learns of Enkidu and sends Shamhat, a temple prostitute, to distract Enkidu. Tablet 2: Shamhat seduces and then civilizes Enkidu. Enkidu learns of Gilgamesh's abuses and challenges him to a fight. They battle, and then become close friends.
What tablet tells Gilgamesh about the flood?
Tablet 11: Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh the story of the flood. The gods decided to flood the world and destroy all the people, but the god Ea told Utnapishtim to build a boat big enough for his family and the animals. The boat was to be covered with pitch and bitumen.
How many tablets are there in the Epic of Gilgamesh?
Epic of Gilgamesh. The Epic of Gilgamesh is told in twelve tablets. Where some tablets are damaged, corresponding passages have been taken from other translations to fill in the gaps. Tablet 1: Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, is seen abusing his subjects. The gods respond by creating a wild man named Enkidu to distract him.
What tablet does Gilgamesh mourn his friend with?
Tablet 8 : Gilgamesh mourns his friend with great despair and ceremony.
Where do Gilgamesh and Enkidu go in Tablet 4?
Tablet 4: Gilgamesh and Enkidu travel to the Cedar Forest. They have many dreams along the way and talk about how scared they are.
When was the Epic of Gilgamesh Written?
Tablet XI or the Flood Tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh is an example of how cuneiform was written on small, rectangular clay tablets.
Who Wrote the Epic of Gilgamesh?
How exactly the Epic of Gilgamesh was written is unclear, but scholars know who was involved. Mesopotamian traditions and cuneiform signatures on tablets attribute the epic's authorship to Sin-leqe-unnini, a scribe and priest.
Gilgamesh and Enkidu
Several characters appear in the Epic of Gilgamesh, but there are a few that carry significant connotations for the epic's prevailing themes:
What is the flood in Gilgamesh?
For example, the earlier version of the Gilgamesh Flood account [v] clearly identifies the flood as a local river flood, with the dead bodies of humans filling the river “like dragonflies” and moving to the edge of the boat “like a raft” and moving to the riverbank “like a raft.” Centuries later, this gets exaggerated into a global, worldwide flood where humans killed in the flood “fill the sea” like a “spawn of fish.”
What is the difference between the Gilgamesh story and the Bible?
These stark differences between Genesis and Gilgamesh accounts highlight the feasibility and priority of the biblical one . The Gilgamesh account was written 800 years [iv] after Genesis and describes a cube-shaped Ark 200 feet on each side tumbling around in the ocean in a 6-day flood put on by the “angry, fighting gods” that sent it. The Bible’s Flood was recorded earlier, has an Ark sealed on the inside and out with dimensions that are on par with today’s ocean liners, lasted a full year, and was sent to judge an Earth that deserved it.
How long did the Gilgamesh flood last?
The second key for determining which of these Flood accounts is the original is the duration of the Flood provided by each. The Gilgamesh flood lasted a mere six days , whereas the Genesis Flood lasted 371 days.
How many decks does the Ark have?
First, we have the feasibility of the Gilgamesh version of the Ark, described as a massive, unstable cube that was about 200 feet on each side with six decks that divided it into seven parts. Along with help from the community and craftsmen, he supposedly built this vessel—which was over three times the size of the Biblical Ark, in just a week.
How long did it take Noah to build the Ark?
Scripture provides clues that Noah and helpers likely had between 55 and 75 years to build the Ark. [iii]
How long did God wait before sending the flood?
In the Genesis account, God’s judgment is just —he was patient with utterly wicked mankind for 120 years before sending the Flood and showed mercy to the last righteous family.
When was the Gilgamesh tablet discovered?
In 1853, archaeologists found a series of 12 tablets dated to around 650 BC, although parts of the story existed in earlier, fragmentary versions. [i] Because the story had many of the same elements as the Genesis account, skeptics believed that Gilgamesh preceded the Biblical account, negating the Genesis account as just a spin-off.
What does Gilgamesh do with the rocks?
Gilgamesh weighs himself down with rocks and walks along the riverbed underwater. He sees the plant growing, and though it pricks him, he takes it and cuts the rocks from his feet. The sea takes him back to shore. It is no coincidence that the plant that restores youth grows on the seafloor.
What does Gilgamesh find in the well?
On the first night, Gilgamesh finds a cool well and bathes in it. There is a serpent there who can sense the presence of the plant. The serpent jumps out of the water to snatch the plant away, and then it sheds its skin and goes back in the well.
What does Gilgamesh tell Urshanabi about the plant he has?
Gilgamesh tells Urshanabi that the plant he has can restore youth, and that he will take it back to Uruk for the elderly to eat. They set out in the boat and travel back across the sea, and then journey together towards Uruk. On the first night, Gilgamesh finds a cool well and bathes in it.
How many nights does Gilgamesh stay awake?
To get the sympathy and attention of the gods, Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh that he must stay awake for six days and seven nights. As Gilgamesh sits and waits, he is tempted by sleep.
What does Gilgamesh ask Utnapishtim to do?
Gilgamesh asks Utnapishtim what he should do to overcome his fear of death. Unlike Gilgamesh’s previous challenges out in nature, the one Utnapishtim suggests has nothing to do with physical strength. Instead, it focuses on a unique need of mortals: necessity of sleep.
How long did it take Gilgamesh to reach Uruk?
In three days , the two reach Uruk. Gilgamesh tells Urshanabi about the city and asks him to climb up on the walls and inspect it for himself. Much of the construction was Gilgamesh’s doing, and Gilgamesh is proud of it.
Why does Gilgamesh lament to Urshanabi?
Gilgamesh laments to Urshanabi, asking why he has endured so much only to have the plant taken from him. The stream, he believes, must have already taken the plant far away. Again, it is significant that the serpent comes from the water to steal the plant: the plant grew underwater, and there it is meant to return.
What is the epic of Gilgamesh?
The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient story of a great flood that wipes out humanity with many parallel features to the story of Noah. The problem is that the ancient poem from Mesopotamia predates the Bible by a few thousand years.
How old is the Gilgamesh Dream tablet?
The Epic tells of a man who built a ship, saved the animals and sent out birds for the all clear signal. In fact, just recently a 3,500-year-old tablet, known as the Gilgamesh Dream Tablet, was returned by the US government to an Iraqi museum, from where it was stolen 30 years ago as recounted in a fascinating article on Israel365 News.
Is the Bible deeper than Gilgamesh's flood?
My friends, if this concerns you, then let me reassure you. The truth of the Bible is much deeper than the waters of Gilgamesh’s flood!
Overview
The Epic of Gilgamesh is an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia, regarded as the earliest surviving notable literature and the second oldest religious text, after the Pyramid Texts. The literary history of Gilgamesh begins with five Sumerian poems about Bilgamesh (Sumerian for "Gilgamesh"), king of Uruk, dating from the Third Dynasty of Ur (c. 2100 BC). These independent stories were later use…
History
Distinct sources exist from over a 2000-year timeframe. The earliest Sumerian poems are now generally considered to be distinct stories, rather than parts of a single epic. They date from as early as the Third Dynasty of Ur (c. 2100 BC). The Old Babylonian tablets (c. 1800 BC), are the earliest surviving tablets for a single Epic of Gilgamesh narrative. The older Old Babylonian tablets and later Akkadian version …
Versions
From the diverse sources found, two main versions of the epic have been partially reconstructed: the Standard Babylonian version, or He who saw the deep, and the Old Babylonian version, or Surpassing all other kings. Five earlier Sumerian poems about Gilgamesh have been partially recovered, some with primitive versions of specific episodes in the Babylonian version, others with u…
Later influence
Various themes, plot elements, and characters in the Hebrew Bible correlate with the Epic of Gilgamesh – notably, the accounts of the Garden of Eden, the advice from Ecclesiastes, and the Genesis flood narrative.
The parallels between the stories of Enkidu/Shamhat and Adam/Eve have been long recognized by scholars. In both, a man is created from the soil by a god, and lives in a natural setting amongst …
See also
• List of artifacts in biblical archaeology
• List of characters in Epic of Gilgamesh
• Babylonian literature
• Cattle in religion
Further reading
Translations
• Jastrow, Morris; Clay, Albert Tobias (2016). An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic: On the Basis of Recently Discovered Texts. Cambridge Library Collection – Archaeology. ISBN 978-1-108-08127-6.
• Jastrow, M.; Clay, A. (1920). An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic: On the Basis of Recently Discovered Texts. Yale University Press.
External links
• Translations of the legends of Gilgamesh in the Sumerian language can be found in Black, J.A., Cunningham, G., Fluckiger-Hawker, E, Robson, E., and Zólyomi, G., The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, Oxford 1998–
• An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic by Anonymous at Project Gutenberg, edited by Morris Jastrow, translated by Albert T. Clay