Atrahasis Summary and Analysis

The author begins by explaining the character of Atrahasis and the meaning behind the myth. Atrahasis, the savior of mankind, is much like the Babylonian character of Noah in that he builds an ark and saves mankind from destruction of the Flood. The author notes Atrahasis is, historically, referenced as the son of king of Shuruppak, and also as the king himself, as well as by the names Utnapishtim or Uta-na'ishtim in the story of Gilgamesh. The author believes the epic was written at that time to explain why the temple priestesses of the sun god Shamash were not allowed to bear children. The tale, he explains, is similar to that of the Epic of Creation and to Genesis, as well as to creation tales in Greek myth. He explains that the Flood, a proven event in history, was, in the...