Full Answer Section

• How were the stories of Noah and Gilgamesh that we read similar and what differences do you see?

The stories of Noah and Gilgamesh are both flood myths that share many similarities. In both stories, a god warns a man named Noah or Utnapishtim to build a boat to save himself, his family, and a few pairs of each animal from a great flood. The flood destroys the world, but the survivors repopulate the earth.

However, there are also some key differences between the two stories. In the story of Noah, God is motivated to send the flood because of the wickedness of humanity. In the story of Gilgamesh, the flood is sent by the gods as punishment for angering the goddess Ishtar.

The story of Noah is also more focused on the relationship between God and Noah, while the story of Gilgamesh is more focused on the journey of Gilgamesh and his quest for immortality.

• What do you think these ancient were trying to communicate to subsequent generations through their flood myth stories?

The ancient people who told flood myths were likely trying to communicate a number of things to subsequent generations. These stories may have been a way to explain the natural world and the origin of their own people. They may also have been a way to warn people about the dangers of hubris and the importance of following the gods’ commands.

The flood myths may also have been a way to teach people about the importance of community and cooperation. The survivors of the flood had to work together to rebuild their world. This message of cooperation is still relevant today, as we face the challenges of climate change and other environmental threats.