The Epic Of Gilgamesh The Story Of The Flood Summary
The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known works of literature, and it tells the story of a king named Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu. The story has many different themes and motifs, but one of the most important is the story of the flood. This story is similar to the story of Noah's Ark in the Bible, and it has been studied by scholars for many years.
The Story of the Flood
The story of the flood begins with the gods deciding to destroy mankind because they are too noisy and causing too much chaos. However, the god Ea decides to warn Utnapishtim, a man who is known for his wisdom, about the coming flood. Ea tells Utnapishtim to build a boat and fill it with all kinds of animals so that they can survive the flood.
Utnapishtim follows Ea's instructions and builds a boat that is 120 cubits long, 120 cubits wide, and 120 cubits high. He then loads the boat with all kinds of animals, including birds, beasts, and creeping things. After the boat is loaded, Utnapishtim and his family board the boat and wait for the flood to come.
When the flood arrives, it lasts for six days and six nights. During this time, everything on the earth is destroyed except for Utnapishtim's boat. After the flood waters recede, Utnapishtim sends out a dove, a swallow, and a raven to see if there is any dry land. When the raven does not return, Utnapishtim knows that there is dry land and he and his family leave the boat.
The Meaning of the Story
The story of the flood has many different meanings, and scholars have debated its significance for many years. One of the most common interpretations is that the flood represents the destructive power of nature and the need for humans to respect and fear it.
Another interpretation is that the flood represents the cyclical nature of life and death. The flood represents the end of one cycle of life and the beginning of another, just as the flood in the Bible represents the end of one era and the beginning of another.
Finally, some scholars believe that the story of the flood is a warning about the dangers of pride and arrogance. Utnapishtim is saved because he is humble and obedient, while the rest of humanity is destroyed because they are proud and disobedient.
Conclusion
The story of the flood is a central part of the Epic of Gilgamesh, and it has been studied and interpreted by scholars for many years. While the story has many different meanings, it is clear that it represents the power of nature, the cyclical nature of life and death, and the dangers of pride and arrogance. As such, it is a powerful reminder of the need for humility and respect in the face of the natural world.