Reference no: EM133368098
Assignment:
In the past couple weeks, we looked at the differences between the Mesopotamian and Hebrew creation stories. For this assignment, you will read their respective flood myths and compare them in a minimum of two pages. You will also find another flood myth from anywhere in the world and compare the flood myth you found to the Mesopotamian and Hebrew flood myths linked below. You will identify the purpose of these myths. Finally, you will answer whether or not you believe that a flood destroyed the earth based on the fact that there are so many flood myths. Could there be any other reason for all of these myths?
As you are answering comparing the two, some things to consider are: What similarities or differences do you see? Think about the way we compared the creation stories. Are the same things present here? (You may consider: why the floods occurred; how long they lasted; who was saved, how and why; how the gods behaved during the flood.) Don't try to answer all the questions. Choose two things that you noticed that are similar/different and discuss your thoughts on the similarities/differences.
These are only two of a large body of flood myths from around the world. Many cultures have myths of the world being destroyed by a flood. Do you think that since we have so many flood myths that it means an actual flood almost destroyed the world? Why or why not?
For this assignment, you are responsible for:
- Comparing the Hebrew and Mesopotamian flood myths, making sure to refer specifically to the myths
- Finding another flood myth from anywhere in the world and including the link to the myth
- Briefly compare the myth that you found to the Hebrew and Mesopotamian flood myths
- Identify the purpose of the myth. Are these myths explaining anything? Why? What is it trying to teach people? What do we learn about the cultures from these myths?
- Answer whether or not the presence of all these stories means there was a flood. Can there be another reason?
- Remember to cite anything you quote or paraphrase
Follow this link to the story of the Mesopotamian flood as told in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Follow this link to the Hebrew story of the flood as told in Genesis.