Compare and contrast the flood story - Essay Example

Despite the chronological and spatial disparity between the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Hebrew Bible, striking similarities abound between them, as shall be seen in the ensuing discussion. The Hebrew Bible and the Epic of Gilgamesh agree that the global flooding took place in ancient times. For instance, the Chaldean Flood Tablets have been established to date back to at least 2000 BC, while the Genesis account, 1450-1410 BC. It is also interesting to note that in both accounts, the universal flood is presented as divine intervention.

For instance, in the Chaldean Flood Tablets, there is a description on how Ea, the Babylonian deity reaching a decision to extirpate all life, with the ark dwellers being the only exception. It is for this reason that Ea, the creator of heaven and earth chose Utnapishtim and instructed him to make a six-storey ark. In Genesis, the flood is also a divine intervention by the Judeo-Christian God, Jehovah. He decides to end life forms on earth, chooses (to save) Noah and his family and instructs Noah on how on make the ark.

Heidel divulges that in both cases, the flood is universal and brings an end to life forms, particularly, mankind, terrestrial life and all flying species. The flood covered all physical features such as land and mountain. Because of this, an ark is given to the main character. In the Hebrew Bible, the main character is Noah, while in the Epic of Gilgamesh, it is Utnapishtim. In both accounts, Noah and Utnapishtim are chosen because they are righteous men. It is also important to note that in both accounts, the arks are very huge, so that they can contain different animal species.

Both arks in Genesis and the Epic of Gilgamesh have at least a door and a window (Heidel, 44). In both accounts, samples of animal species were to be taken aboard the ark. The animals are taken in male-and-female, for the purpose of