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Questions and Answers
What is the primary concern expressed by Gilgamesh in his plea to Uta-Napishtim?
What is the primary concern expressed by Gilgamesh in his plea to Uta-Napishtim?
What does the act of kneading dough symbolize in the context of Gilgamesh's journey?
What does the act of kneading dough symbolize in the context of Gilgamesh's journey?
How does Uta-Napishtim's character contribute to themes of wisdom and mortality?
How does Uta-Napishtim's character contribute to themes of wisdom and mortality?
What role does the character Ur-Shanabi play in Gilgamesh's quest?
What role does the character Ur-Shanabi play in Gilgamesh's quest?
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In what way does the text illustrate the theme of dreams in relation to Gilgamesh's experiences?
In what way does the text illustrate the theme of dreams in relation to Gilgamesh's experiences?
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What is the primary reason for Ea's plea to Enlil regarding the deluge?
What is the primary reason for Ea's plea to Enlil regarding the deluge?
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Which character is portrayed as the one who will experience equal status with the gods after the flood?
Which character is portrayed as the one who will experience equal status with the gods after the flood?
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What theme is emphasized through Uta-Napishtim's wisdom in the context of the flood narrative?
What theme is emphasized through Uta-Napishtim's wisdom in the context of the flood narrative?
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In the context of Gilgamesh's quest, which aspect is represented by his inability to resist sleep?
In the context of Gilgamesh's quest, which aspect is represented by his inability to resist sleep?
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What does the proposal for a lion or a famine instead of a flood symbolize in the text?
What does the proposal for a lion or a famine instead of a flood symbolize in the text?
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What role do dreams play in Uta-Napishtim's story?
What role do dreams play in Uta-Napishtim's story?
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What message does Enlil's blessing to Uta-Napishtim convey about the nature of gods and humanity?
What message does Enlil's blessing to Uta-Napishtim convey about the nature of gods and humanity?
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Which of the following best describes the overall tone of the dialogue between Ea and Enlil regarding the deluge?
Which of the following best describes the overall tone of the dialogue between Ea and Enlil regarding the deluge?
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What does Uta-Napishtim’s story ultimately teach about the quest for eternal life?
What does Uta-Napishtim’s story ultimately teach about the quest for eternal life?
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What does the plant that Gilgamesh encounters symbolize?
What does the plant that Gilgamesh encounters symbolize?
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How does Gilgamesh's quest ultimately end?
How does Gilgamesh's quest ultimately end?
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What does the name 'Greybeard-who-turneth-to-man-in-his-prime' signify?
What does the name 'Greybeard-who-turneth-to-man-in-his-prime' signify?
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What theme is prominently illustrated by Gilgamesh's tears after losing the plant?
What theme is prominently illustrated by Gilgamesh's tears after losing the plant?
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What role does Ur-Shanabi play in Gilgamesh's journey?
What role does Ur-Shanabi play in Gilgamesh's journey?
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What mythological interpretation can be derived from the serpent taking the plant?
What mythological interpretation can be derived from the serpent taking the plant?
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What does Gilgamesh's decision to eat the plant suggest about his character?
What does Gilgamesh's decision to eat the plant suggest about his character?
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What is the significance of the heavy stones that Gilgamesh binds to his feet?
What is the significance of the heavy stones that Gilgamesh binds to his feet?
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Study Notes
The Eleventh Tablet: The Flood
- Gilgamesh questions Uta-Napishtim about standing before the gods and petitioning for eternal life.
- Uta-Napishtim agrees to tell the story of the great flood.
- The story centers around the city of Shurippak on the Euphrates.
- The gods, especially Anu and Enlil, plan a great flood to destroy humanity.
- The god Ea warns a mortal of the flood and instructs him to build an ark.
- The man, Uta-Napishtim, follows the instructions and builds a large boat.
- He fills it with animals and people.
- A devastating flood ravages the land.
- In preparation for the flood, the mortal gathers specific materials and people.
- The ark's construction includes wood, pitch, and bitumen.
- The ark's dimensions and shape are described in great detail.
- The story highlights the cooperation and actions of a mortal in following instructions.
- Uta-Napishtim informs Gilgamesh how he survived the flood.
- Uta-Napishtim tells how he received instructions in the form of divine orders from Ea.
- The mortal was instructed to fashion a vessel and disregard his possessions.
- The mortal and his companions then embark in the ark.
- The flood lasts for several days and completely covers the earth.
- After the flood recedes, Uta-Napishtim releases birds to discover dry land.
- The ark lands on Mount Nisir.
- Uta-Napishtim and his people sacrificed animals to the gods to appease them.
- The gods are pleased by this action and offer some relief and support.
- Gilgamesh seeks to understand the reasons for the flood in the first place.
- The text describes how the vessel's construction and filling were handled
- Detailed directions were provided to accommodate and save everyone and their livestock.
- The events emphasize the flood's devastation and the gods' actions toward humanity.
- The gods' anger and desire to wipe out humanity are central to the story.
- Uta-Napishtim's experiences show survival and adaptation to the disaster.
Further Details
- Different versions of the text include various details, leading to different interpretations.
- Parts of the text are fragmentary or damaged.
- Some lines are difficult to translate due to language complexities.
- The text discusses various divine figures and their roles in the events.
- The story has survived across generations due to its profound themes.
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