He is the central figure in the Epic of Gilgamesh, a Mesopotamian epic poem written in Akkadian.
Here's how Utnapishtim's story parallels that of Noah:
* The Flood: In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Utnapishtim is warned by the god Ea about an impending flood that will wipe out humanity. He is instructed to build a large boat and gather animals to preserve life.
* Survival: Utnapishtim, his family, and the animals survive the flood, which lasts for six days and seven nights.
* Landing: The ark lands on Mount Nisir, the Babylonian version of Mount Ararat.
* New Beginning: Utnapishtim and his wife are granted immortality and are given the task of protecting humanity's knowledge and traditions.
While the stories share striking similarities, there are also some differences:
* Cause of the flood: In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the flood is sent by the gods as a punishment for humanity's noise and excessive population. In the Bible, the flood is a punishment for human wickedness and sin.
* Motivation: Utnapishtim is chosen to survive because of his righteousness and obedience to the gods. Noah is chosen because of his righteous character and his faithfulness to God.
* Outcome: Utnapishtim receives immortality, while Noah is simply allowed to continue living with his descendants.
These similarities and differences have led scholars to theorize that the biblical story of Noah's Ark may have been influenced by the earlier Mesopotamian story of Utnapishtim. They believe that these stories represent a common theme found in many ancient cultures around the world, reflecting a universal fear of floods and a desire for renewal and rebirth.