In Tablet XI, I found many parallels to the biblical story of Noah, such as the ordering of all living things to go into the boat, the exact dimensions of how the boat was built, and the sending of the dove from the boat. Though the stories may seem similar, however, there are also marked differences. In the biblical story, man’s wickedness incites God into punishing man and bringing forth the flood. God chooses Noah to survive because God finds favor in him, emphasizing that righteousness will be unforgotten and rewarded. However, Enlil sends the flood for cleansing and controlling the population growth. Although the gods in Gilgamesh do not explicitly state feelings of regret over the flood, God in Genesis states his repentance for cursing man and every living thing. Also, the people’s tumultuous experience during the flood is described in Gilgamesh, unlike Genesis. The Bible is clearly for spiritual guidance and dogma, for it glorifies the holy God, encouraging followers to become like Him. But Gilgamesh is presented simply as a story without intentions of acquiring followers.
When Urshanabi takes Gilgamesh away to the washing place and he casts off his animal skin, it reminded me of The Dawn Treader, when Eustace turns into a dragon. I felt as if both characters were shedding not only their skin, but their sins so they could have spiritual renewal.
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