This book provides a substantive, reliable, and accessible comparison of the Gilgamesh Epic and Genesis 1–11, investigating their presentation of humanistic themes such as wisdom, power, and the ‘good life.’
While the Gilgamesh Epic and Genesis 1–11 are characterized by historical and cultural features that may seem unusual or challenging to modern readers, such as the intervention of gods and goddesses and talking animals, these ancient literary masterpieces are nonetheless familiar and relatable stories through their humanistic composition. This volume explores the presentation of humanistic themes and motifs throughout both stories. Significant passages and narratives, such as stories from the Garden of Eden and the Flood, are translated into English and accompanied by comprehensive discussions that compare and contrast shared ideas in both compositions. Written in a lucid and concise fashion, this book offers new insights into the Gilgamesh Epic and Genesis 1–11 in an accessible way.
The Gilgamesh Epic in Genesis 1–11: Peering into the Deep is suitable for students and scholars of ancient Near Eastern literature, with broad appeal across religious studies, ancient history, and world literature.
Author(s): Adam E. Miglio
Series: Studies in the History of the Ancient Near East
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 190
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Series
Title
Copyright
Table of Contents
List of Maps, Tables, and Figures
Preface
1 The Art of Comparison
World Literature
Reading Literature Comparatively
Textuality
Intertextuality
The Sources
The Gilgamesh Epic
Genesis 1–11
Organization and Themes of the Book
2 Wisdom was Woven Together at the Beginning
Introducing and Reintroducing Gilgamesh’s Epic Journey
The Journey Follows a Path to Wisdom
The Journey’s Surprising, Tiring, and Restful Itinerary
The Journey Involves Companions
At the Beginning of Beginnings
A Discrete Introduction
Introducing Israel’s God
Framing the Primeval History
Conclusion
3 “O Brave New World!"
A Divine Model for the Human Experience
Enkidu’s Sense of Understanding
Gilgamesh’s Naïveté About the Human Experience
The Human Experience Awakened
The First Man’s and Woman’s Sense of Understanding
Immaturity and the Confrontation of Newfound Knowledge
Conclusion
4 Sound(Scapes) and Fury
Gilgamesh’s Potential: “Perfect in His Appearance"
Soundscapes and Portentous Calls in the Cedar Forest
The Punishment Fits the Crime
Humanity’s Potential: “Let Us Make Humanity in Our Image"
An Indistinct “Sound” in the Garden and the Fitting Punishments
Sounds of Guilt, Bloodshed, and Hubris
Conclusion
5 (Re)Interpreting the Divine in the Deluge
The Flood and the Need for Established Divine-Human Relations in Atra-ḫasīs
Reinterpreting the Flood in the Gilgamesh Epic
Uta-napishti’s Testimony About Divine Culpability and Regret
Uta-Napishti, Divine Councils, and the Absurdity of Human Mortality
Reinterpreting the Flood in the Primeval History
(Re)Introducing the Flood
YHWH’s Conflicted Response to Human Evil
Conclusion
6 Rereading and Reflecting on (Im)Permanence and Enduring Renown
“I will Establish Lasting Renown!"
The Impermanence of Life and the Consolation of Wisdom
“Return in Peace to Uruk’s Haven"
The Impermanence of Human Undertakings and Divine Consolation
“If YHWH Does Not Construct the House"
“I Will Establish Your Renown"
Conclusion
7 Perennial Inquiry in Lieu of a Conclusion
Mortality and Meaning in the “Dialog of Pessimism"
Impermanence and Meaning in Ecclesiastes
Works Cited
Index
