Comparing/Contrasting: The Creation Stories

The creation stories included Gilgamesh, Epic of Creation, and Genesis/Hebrew Scriptures. Each of the three were similar in that they were written down to be passed on through the generations, and also in their inclusion of Gods being the most powerful beings over men. Also in each of the stories there were floods which shows that there might be some truth in all of these stories even though they aren't exactly the same. The differences would be that in Gilgamesh there wasn't just one God like there is in Genesis, but instead there are many Gods AND Goddesses. This showed that back in 2500 B.C.E. the people believed that women had just as much social standing as men did. They were equal to men. However in Genesis the men are noticeably above the women because  how everything began for them. Adam was made first and then Eve was made from one of his ribs. This shows mens social status over women at that time. The Gods in Gilgamesh were looked to for guidance and gave great advice. The Gods in the Epic of Creation were just there to maintain chaos within the world. In my opinion all these stories are very alike in that a God does exist with the sole purpose of helping the people.


The Bedford Anthology of World Literature. Gilgamesh (42-77) Genesis(78-111)Compact Edition.

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