Comparing Gilgamesh And The Book Of Genesis

Ancient civilizations have played a major part in the development of religion. From the land of the Aztecs to Greece, the different civilizations have various aspects that have made huge impact on their development. In particular, the Sumerian civilization has one aspect that makes it unique to the others. Their myths and spoken word creates explanation of how the world was created. While they are not the only civilization to use myths, Sumerian stories have yet to cease to exist.
As stated previously, the Sumerian civilization used myths to explain why the world exists. Myths were created to explain everything from the creation of man to what caused the separation of heaven and earth. The Gilgamesh epic is a myth told by the Sumerians that has played a major part in their religious beliefs. While there are a variety of different stories about Gilgamesh, the epic has become the most well known for the Sumerians. Gilgamesh in particular focuses on mortality.
Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, struggled with the thoughts of not being immortal. After losing a close friend he went on a quest to gain immortality. During his quest he encountered different obstacles and people. For example, Utnapishtim challenged Gilgamesh to stay awake for a week in order to gain immortality. Utnapishtim had won immortality, …show more content…
They both include a global flood caused by wickedness and sin. Noah and Utnapishtim were both righteous and blessed after the flood because of their deeds. The two heroes built boats to prepare for the flood, holding both animals and humans. While there are many differences, the two stories are much alike. It has been said that Christians rarely compare the two stories, but the floods were too close in detail to ignore. It is important that we understand the past to get a better understanding of the present and the future. Each religion borrows from the one before it, and makes it their