The Flood of Utnapishtim

After the death of his companion Enkidu, King Gilgamesh journeyed to the ends of the earth to find Utnapishtim, the only mortal to escape death. Upon meeting him, Utnapishtim recounted how the god Enlil, frustrated by the clamor of humanity, decided to wipe them out with a great deluge. However, the wise god Ea warned Utnapishtim through the wall of his reed hut, instructing him to abandon his possessions and build a massive, seven-decked boat. Utnapishtim loaded the vessel with his family, craftsmen, and the 'seed of all living creatures.' For six days and seven nights, a terrifying storm ravaged the world, making even the gods cower in fear. When the storm subsided, the boat grounded on Mount Nimush. Utnapishtim released a dove, a swallow, and finally a raven, which did not return, signaling that land had reappeared. After Utnapishtim offered a sacrifice to the gods, Enlil was initially enraged that a mortal had survived, but he eventually relented. He touched Utnapishtim and his wife, granting them eternal life, though he warned Gilgamesh that such a gift was a unique divine exception, not a destiny for all men.

“As for you, Gilgamesh, who will assemble the gods for your sake, so that you may find the life that you are seeking?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Flood of Utnapishtim?

The moral is that immortality is a divine gift reserved for the gods, and humans must accept their mortality. It teaches that one should focus on living a meaningful life rather than chasing eternal physical existence.

How does Utnapishtim's story relate to Noah's Ark?

The story of Utnapishtim is a precursor to the biblical story of Noah, sharing similarities like the building of a boat, the preservation of animals, and the release of birds. It is one of the oldest recorded flood myths in human history.

Why did the gods decide to flood the earth?

In the Mesopotamian tradition, the god Enlil ordered the flood because the human population had become too numerous and their noise prevented the gods from sleeping. It represents a divine 'reset' of the world's order.

How did Utnapishtim survive the great flood?

He survived because the god Ea (Enki) secretly warned him by speaking to the wall of his reed hut. Ea instructed him to tear down his house and build a great ship to save himself and the seeds of life.

What happened to Utnapishtim after the flood?

After showing remorse for his anger, the god Enlil blessed Utnapishtim and his wife with immortality. They were taken to live forever at the 'mouth of the rivers,' far from the rest of humanity.

Why was Gilgamesh searching for Utnapishtim?

Gilgamesh was terrified of his own eventual death after witnessing the passing of his friend Enkidu. He sought out Utnapishtim to learn the secret of eternal life, hoping to escape the common fate of man.