In the Epic of Gilgamesh, many people die in the flood. However, the main character, Utnapishtim, along with his family and selected animals, are saved by the gods. The flood is sent by the gods to cleanse the earth of humanity's corruption.
The reason the flood happened was because drowning was the most "humane" way of killing all of the people who had sinned. The gods chose this over famine, pestilence, or being eaten by a wild animal (wolf, lion).
There is nothing in the epic of Gilgamesh to suggest that the flood was a punishment for sin. In fact, we are not told the reason that the flood was sent. Neither are we told that the slaughter of humanity was a 'humane' act. On the contrary, the flood hero and the gods weep at the senseless destruction, and the chief god is rebuked for his hasty and ill considered action.
There is no explanation given for this decision in the Epic of Gilgamesh. However, the flood story in Gilgamesh is based on that contained in the Epic of Atrahasis. The reason given there is that human overpopulation has resulted in too much noise so that the gods cannot rest.
It is important to note that this decision is criticized strongly by the gods themselves in the Epic of Gilgamesh. It is described as a hasty and excessive punishment and the chief god himself (Enlil) is reprimanded for his decision. Ishtar and the creator goddess Nintu/Belit-ili lament the huge loss of life and Utnapishtim is rewarded with immortality precisely because he has saved himanity from extinction.
Why were Brahma and Vishnu quarreling?
An assembly of gods started the flood in the Gilgamesh flood epic.
Certainly the story of Noah's Flood is remarkably similar to the Flood story of Umapishtim in the much older Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh. On that evidence, the Epic of Gilgamesh is the most likely source for the story of Noah's Flood.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is generally regarded as one of the oldest known works of literature and an important piece of ancient Mesopotamian culture. It is appreciated for its exploration of themes such as friendship, mortality, and the search for immortality. Many people find its story and characters compelling and see it as a significant piece of world literature.
The Epic of Gilgamesh.
The Epic of Gilgamesh.
gilgamesh.
gilgamesh.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest surviving works of literature, recounting the adventures of the hero Gilgamesh in his quest for fame and immortality. The story explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the search for meaning in life. Gilgamesh learns important lessons about the limits of power and the value of human connections throughout his journey.
Utnapishtim was granted immortality by the gods after surviving the flood, making him the only witness with firsthand knowledge of the event. This allowed him to share the story with Gilgamesh in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
The tale other than Gilgamesh's journey is the Flood Story. This is the story of Utnapishtim and how he survived the flood the gods sent.
Utnapishtim, his wife and other relatives, his craftsmen, and the animals.
The Epic of Gilgamesh!