Mesopotamian Flood Myths

Mesopotamian flood myths, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Ziusudra, describe a divine decision to flood the world to punish humanity or as a response to chaos. These myths often depict a chosen survivor who builds an ark or boat to preserve life, highlighting themes of renewal and divine justice. These stories reflect early human concerns about natural disasters, morality, and the relationship between gods and humans, serving as cultural explanations for catastrophic floods and emphasizing themes of survival, obedience, and rebirth.