Sample Solution

han two months until the other peaks of the mountain surface. Utanapishtim boat rested on Mount Nimush, which translates to “Mountain of Salvation.”
The two men both sent out birds while the boat/ark floated around the sea. Utanapishtim sent out three different birds and Noah only sent two. Utanapishtim first sends out a dove that left and returned because it did not find a landing-place. Next he sent out a swallow and it returned because of the same reason. Lastly he sent out a raven which did not return. Likewise, Noah sent out his raven and it did not find land. Noah sent out his dove three times and the last time it did not return.
The last few likeness between the two stories is toward the end. Utnapishtim and Noah both show respect to the divine by offering sacrifices and are remunerated. Enlil grants Utnapishtim and his wife with immortality and God says to Noah and his sons “ Be fruitful and multiply.”(Gen.9). Finally, in two forms a sign is given to prove that the divine will not destroy the earth in a flood ever again. In Genesis, God said “My bow I have set in the clouds to be a sign.”(Gen.9). In Gilgamesh, “these shall be my lapis necklace, lest I forget,”(XI.169).
In the two stories you have a similar fundamental storyline, but it is obvious the littler points of interest are vastly different. There are also many messages conveyed but the one that stands out the most is salvation. When Utnapishtim was told to build a cubical boat, he did not question the divine knowledge he just listened. In the story of Noah and the flood, “God commanded him, so he did.”(Gen.7.) They both were obedient because they also believed that God and the gods were going to get them through their situation. God and the gods showed that even through the sin humans created, that they forgave them and were going to do everything to keep the boat and ark safe.