Mesopotamian flood myth

The Mesopotamian flood myth, notably found in the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis Tablet, depicts a great flood sent by gods to destroy humanity due to their excesses and noise. In the story, a favored mortal—such as Utnapishtim—receives instructions from a god to build a sturdy boat, save his family, and gather animals. After the floodwaters cover the land, the world is cleansed, and life begins anew. This myth explains natural floods as divine acts and emphasizes themes of mortality, divine justice, and renewal.