Although there have been many creation stories told throughout history, two seem to stand out more than most. The Epic of Gilgamesh and the first book of The Bible, Genesis, are two that top the list for creation stories. Gilgamesh was an epic poem written, actually carved, onto twelve stone tablets. It is the earliest known poem, written around 2100 B.C.E. The Bible is the Holy book of Christianity, and is known throughout the world. One can see similar stories appear in both Gilgamesh and Genesis. One story that appears in both is the great flood that is meant to cleanse the world of evil. In Gilgamesh, the Gods are trying to destroy humanity and are very merciless; however, in Genesis God is very omniscient and is trying to save Noah and
…show more content…
In both stories, the flood is used as a way to cleanse the world of evil. However, the Gods in Gilgamesh are very merciless, and are trying to destroy humanity. Ea is a goddess who warns Utanapishtim about the God’s plans and advises him to build an arc and fill it with living things instead of materialistic items. Despite this warning, Utanapishtim fills his arc with gold and silver and few living things. In Genesis, God is omniscient and is trying to save Noah. He also tells him to build an arc and fill it with certain living animals; however, unlike Utanapishtim, Noah follows God’s order precisely. Utanapishtim and Noah are both warned by a God of the upcoming flood and told exactly what they should do. Noah listens to God and does what he is told, but Utanapishtim on the other hand does not listen to Ea’s request. Although the floods happened, only one was successful. God succeeded in his mission to save Noah and his family; however, the Gods in Gilgamesh were not successful as they did not destroy humanity as Utanapishtim survived and was granted …show more content…
First in Gilgamesh, the king sends a harlot, named Shamhat, out in order to tame the wild man, Enkidu. Once she tames the wild man, who was living among the animals, he is then brought to civilization and treated as a human instead of an animal. Genesis tells the story of Delilah, a harlot, causing the downfall of Samson by revealing the secret to his power. Two men encounter a prostitute and have vastly different experiences. Both men fall in love with the women, and then regret that decision in the end. Enkidu is introduced to being a human and acting like one, but does not like it and wants to be wild again; however, the animals will no longer accept him since he is now human. Samson regrets falling for Delilah when she reveals to his enemy the secret to his power, which ultimately results to his downfall. The reader would react in very different ways to each situation, feeling sorry for Samson, who was betrayed, but no pity for Enkidu, who made the choice to act human himself. Although very similar, the epic poem of Gilgamesh and the book of Genesis are vastly different. One can compare the two and have much to say; however, there is much to contrast about the two greatest creation stories of all
In both stories, the flood is used as a way to cleanse the world of evil. However, the Gods in Gilgamesh are very merciless, and are trying to destroy humanity. Ea is a goddess who warns Utanapishtim about the God’s plans and advises him to build an arc and fill it with living things instead of materialistic items. Despite this warning, Utanapishtim fills his arc with gold and silver and few living things. In Genesis, God is omniscient and is trying to save Noah. He also tells him to build an arc and fill it with certain living animals; however, unlike Utanapishtim, Noah follows God’s order precisely. Utanapishtim and Noah are both warned by a God of the upcoming flood and told exactly what they should do. Noah listens to God and does what he is told, but Utanapishtim on the other hand does not listen to Ea’s request. Although the floods happened, only one was successful. God succeeded in his mission to save Noah and his family; however, the Gods in Gilgamesh were not successful as they did not destroy humanity as Utanapishtim survived and was granted …show more content…
First in Gilgamesh, the king sends a harlot, named Shamhat, out in order to tame the wild man, Enkidu. Once she tames the wild man, who was living among the animals, he is then brought to civilization and treated as a human instead of an animal. Genesis tells the story of Delilah, a harlot, causing the downfall of Samson by revealing the secret to his power. Two men encounter a prostitute and have vastly different experiences. Both men fall in love with the women, and then regret that decision in the end. Enkidu is introduced to being a human and acting like one, but does not like it and wants to be wild again; however, the animals will no longer accept him since he is now human. Samson regrets falling for Delilah when she reveals to his enemy the secret to his power, which ultimately results to his downfall. The reader would react in very different ways to each situation, feeling sorry for Samson, who was betrayed, but no pity for Enkidu, who made the choice to act human himself. Although very similar, the epic poem of Gilgamesh and the book of Genesis are vastly different. One can compare the two and have much to say; however, there is much to contrast about the two greatest creation stories of all