Comparison of the flood stories in Gilgamesh and the BibleThe two stories closely parallel each other, although Gilgamesh was written before 2000 BC and the version in Genesis was compiled ca. 400 BC The biblical writers probably knew the myth much older, but reworked it to fit their story and worldview. They wanted it to fit their mythology. Despite the numerous similarities between the two stories, this difference in intentions is revealed in a series of reasons that distinguish the biblical story from ancient myth: GilgameshGenesis1. The flood is caused by the fickle nature of the gods. We are told in 11.1 lines 14-17 that the gods who were lying at Shuruppak, "on the constant Euphrates", sent the flood with "intent". The flood is sent by God to destroy his creation, which has become corrupt and evil. Humans are so evil and wicked that “the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him in his heart” (Gen. 6). :6). He says, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth..." (Gen. 6:7)2. Demigods and great heroes, such as Gilgamesh, can still be found on earth. This is a golden age, like the one described by Hesiod, when heroes walked the earth and humans and gods mingled.2. Once the earth had giants and heroes, but they became part of evil. These “giants in the earth” (Genesis 6:4) were sons of God and daughters of men, but they were only men famous in ancient days (Gen. 6:4). There is no golden age at the time of the flood.3. A good man is saved (Utnapishtim), who obeys the god's orders to build a boat. Ea warns Utnapishtim (11,1 lns. 26 ff.) to build a covered boat to save himself and the "seed of all he will need" (11,1 lns. 34), to «reject the cadaverous stench of wealth" (11,1 ln. 28) and live a charitable and sober life. U. agrees to do this to "honor God" (l1.1 n. 39), but will tell the people that he does it because Enlil hates him and must escape in a boat where Enlil awaits him to kill him.