Comparison of the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Epic of Noah

The Epic of Noah and the Epic of Gilgamesh has depicted various incidences of similarities in regard to the contents of literatures they present to the target audience. This report will described the similarities between these historical epics, basically in pointing out specific areas within their contents that depict similar issues.
Similarities between the Epic of Noah and the Epic of Gilgamesh

Attraction of Similar Audience

The epic of Gilgamesh and the Epic of Noah has been cited to attract similar audience, who are Christians. Since the discovery of the Epic of Gilgamesh in the early 19th century, it has been one of the pieces of literature that attracts a large Christian audience. The story focuses on the polytheist myths associated with the pagan people that occupied the city of Uruk. It also delves on the story of a tyrant King, Gilgamesh, whose actions compel gods to destroy the city of Uruk through Heavy floods. The epic of Noah also attracts Christian audience as is it focuses the destruction of the world by floods after man had committed sin, hence triggering God’s anger.

Involvement of Divine Warning in Both Epics

In the epic of Noah, there is a divine warning from God, who sends Noah to warn human generation of his plans to destroy the earth through great floods. This is ignored and some people even go to an extent of mocking him. This is also depicted in the Epic of Gilgamesh where, King Gilgamesh is warned by Utnapishtim of the great floods that would destroy the city of Uruk.

Use of a Dove and a Raven in both Epics

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Utnapishtim releases a dove after the rains stop in order to determine if the floods have dried up. However, the dove comes back and Utnapishtim concludes that it came back because there was no landing space. This strategy is also applied by Noah who releases a dove and it comes back with some leaves indicating that the rains had stopped and the floods had dried up.

Involvement of a Hero

Utnapishtim is regarded as the hero in the epic of Gilgamesh where he acts as the mediator between gods and the people of Uruk. In the Epic of Noah, the hero, Noah is sent by God to warn the people and build an ark where he will save a small number of righteous people.

Construction of an Ark in both Epics

The epic of Gilgamesh describes a scenario where an ark is constructed to save a few people considered righteous. The boat/ark comes and rests on top of a mountain after the floods stop. This is also described in the Epic of Noah, where a few people and various animal species are saved on ark that was constructed by Noah. The Ark also rests on top of a large rock after the floods have stopped.

Performing Sacrifice in Both Epics

In both the epics, there is a sacrifice performed by the Heroes to thank God. In the epic of Gilgamesh, Utnapishtim performs a sacrifice for the Gods, while in the Epic of Noah, a sacrifice is performed to thank God by Noah.