Stuff You Should Know Why Do Great Flood Myths Seem To Be Universal?
Dec 7, 2021
Discover the fascinating world of universal flood myths found across cultures. Uncover parallels between tales like Noah's Ark and the Epic of Gilgamesh. Explore how these narratives reflect historical events and serve as early warning systems for natural disasters. Delve into cultural transformations influenced by missionary work and the impact of colonization on these stories. Join a discussion on how these myths shape concepts of human survival and resilience in the face of calamity.
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Gilgamesh Flood Story
- George Smith, an Assyrian hobbyist, discovered a flood story in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
- This story predates the Noah's Ark story by centuries and has striking similarities.
Potential Historical Basis
- The Epic of Gilgamesh, containing a flood narrative, predates the Old Testament.
- This suggests a potential historical basis for the flood story, given its early recording.
Universal Flood Myths
- Flood myths exist across many cultures, raising questions about a potential historical event.
- Alternative explanations include localized floods misinterpreted as global events and cultural transmission.