Bible Vs. Gilgamesh

Looking at two different texts from different time periods and finding similarities in them can help bridge cultural lines. There are many identifiable parallels between the Mesopotamian epic Gilgamesh and the Biblical book of Genesis. By looking at these similarities we can further understand history as it relates to all people, not just religions.

A major parallel that can be seen is between Adam, and Gilgamesh and Enkidu. God created Adam in his own image, and ordained man to dominate over all other living things. Gilgamesh is the same, with only a few slight differences. Instead of Gilgamesh being created in the image of the gods, he was created 1/3 man and 2/3 god. Also instead of being dominating over all things he was unequaled in human attributes. Even with these differences a parallel can be identified. Adam not only parallels Gilgamesh, but he also parallels Enkidu. Enkidu and Adam were both made from the earth. Enkidu was made from clay, and Adam from dust. Both men were well aquatinted with the animals and nature that surrounded them, until women came into their lives. The harlot sent to Enkidu plays a role very similar to Eve. When Enkidu lays with her and eats as

A third, and probably the most prominent parallel is the flood story. The Bible story involves a man named Noah, who is instructed by god to gather two of every animal, his family, every type of known food ,and build an ark. God tells Noah that he is going to destroy all living things on earth with a flood because it is overrun with wickedness, and that it is his job to replenish the earth after the punishment. Once again the same story can be seen in Gilgamesh. However, the man’s name is Utnapishtim, and the gods are angry because the people of earth are making too much noise, disturbing their sleep. This parallel is the most interesting because both men were given exact measurements to make their boats and both men send out birds to check the land before they leave their vessels. In this particular story the similarities are very apparent. One can understand why there is so much debate about their validity and which one was the original story of if they are variations of the same one.

“This indeed is evidence that the writers of the bible drew upon older stories and myths to create their own tales” (Casselman p.1). This statement would cause a riot between many Christians who believe that the Bible is completely true and is the first account of the great flood in history. However, Gary F. Zeolla’s Essay expounds on P J. Wiseman’s interesting theory on how the two stories parallel. H

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