Archaic Flood Legend Linked to Noah's Ark Carries a Dark Reinterpretation

In the ancient city of Babylon, a tale of deception and survival unfolded over 4,000 years ago. This story, known as the Babylonian flood myth, is detailed in the Epic of Gilgamesh, and it shares striking similarities with the Biblical account of Noah's Ark.

According to the myth, the god Ea (also known as Enki) warned Uta-napishti (or Atraḫasis) of an impending flood that would wipe out humanity. Ea instructed Uta-napishti to build a large boat to save himself, his family, and samples of all living creatures. The flood was collectively caused by the gods, with Enlil often associated as the god who decided to destroy humanity.

However, Dr. Martin Worthington, a scholar of ancient mythology, considers this early episode to be the earliest example of what we might call "fake news" today. Ea's message seemed to promise a rain of food but was actually a trick, as the god manipulated language to deceive the people into doing his will for self-interest.

Uta-napishti heeded Ea's warning and built the ark. Once it was completed, he, his family, and his helpers clambered aboard. His helpers loaded up the ark with animals, and as the floodwaters rose, they drowned. If humanity had been wiped out, the gods would have starved, as they were reliant on human offerings.

Modern parallels are drawn from the manipulation of language and self-interest in the Babylonian flood myth. Dr. Worthington argues that the Babylonian story and the Bible tale differ in the way the ark was loaded. While the Bible suggests that God directly guided Noah in the selection of animals, the Babylonian myth implies that Uta-napishti had a more active role in the process.

The Babylonian flood myth is thought to have influenced the Bible's Book of Genesis. Scholars have long debated the connections between these two texts, with some suggesting that the Babylonian myth may have been a source of inspiration for the Biblical account.

This article was previously published in January 2021, shedding light on an ancient tale that continues to captivate and inspire scholars today. Dr. Worthington's work highlights the importance of understanding the hidden meanings and manipulations present in ancient texts, reminding us that the study of history is not just about facts, but also about the stories we choose to believe and the lessons we draw from them.