Epic of Gilgamesh: Tablet XI — The Flood
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The work opens by praising Gilgamish, Master of wisdom and builder of Erech's ramparts, who is two-thirds divine; his tyranny prompts the gods to have Aruru create the beast-like Enkidu, whom a courtesan tames and draws to Erech, while Gilgamish dreams of a coming friend (Tablet I). Enkidu becomes human, enters Erech, and grapples with Gilgamish (Tablet II). The two clasp hands as brothers, and Gilgamish resolves to overcome Humbaba despite Enkidu's and the Elders' warnings, praying to Shamash and visiting Nin-sun (Tablet III). They journey to the Forest, Enkidu addressing its Gate and falling briefly sick (Tablet IV). Aided by Shamash's eight winds, they cut off Humbaba's head (Tablet V). Ishtar proposes marriage; Gilgamish refuses and recounts her former lovers, so she demands the Heavenly Bull from Anu, which the brothers kill (Tablet VI). Fever lays Enkidu low; he dreams of the Dwelling of Darkness (Tablet VII) and dies, mourned by Gilgamish before the Elders (Tablet VIII). Fearing death, Gilgamish ranges the desert, reaching the Mountains of Mashu and the Scorpion-men, seeking Uta-Napishtim (Tablet IX). He meets Siduri the wine-maker and Ur-Shanabi the boatman, crossing the Waters of Death (Tablet X). Uta-Napishtim recounts the deluge and his gift of divine life; Gilgamish fails a test of sleeplessness, obtains a life-giving plant, loses it to a serpent, and returns to Erech (Tablet XI). Finally, forbidden acts trap a descender in the Underworld; Ea has Nergal release Enkidu's spirit, who describes to Gilgamish the states of the dead (Tablet XII).
Gilgamish addresses Uta-Napishtim the Distant, observing that Uta-Napishtim resembles him, and asks how he came to stand in the Assemblage of Gods to petition for life. Uta-Napishtim answers that he will disclose the hidden story. He recounts that the great gods—Anu, Enlil, Ninurta, Ennugi, and Ea—purposed a deluge, and that Ea betrayed their counsel to a reed-hut, instructing the man of Shurippak, scion of Ubara-Tutu, to pull down his dwelling, build a vessel, abandon possessions, and make every creature embark. Uta-Napishtim asks how he shall explain this to the city; Ea instructs him to tell the people that Enlil hates him. Uta-Napishtim builds the vessel, describing its measurements, caulking, and bitumen, and feasts the workmen. He lades aboard silver, gold, the seed of all living, his kindred, family, cattle, beasts, and craftsmen. Shamash decrees the hour; Uta-Napishtim enters and shuts the hatchway, delivering the poop to Puzur-Amurri the boatman. Adad, Nabu, Sharru, Irragal, Ninurta, and the Anunnaki bring storm and darkness. The gods flee to Anu's heaven; Ishtar cries out, regretting her evil words. Six days and nights the tempest continues; on the seventh it is quelled. The Ark grounds on the Mountain of Nisir. Uta-Napishtim releases a dove, a swallow, then a raven, which does not return. He offers sacrifice; the gods gather. The Queen of the gods lifts her jewels, excluding Enlil. Enlil, angered, is answered by Ninurta and Ea; Enlil then blesses Uta-Napishtim and his wife, making them like gods dwelling at the mouth of rivers. Uta-Napishtim challenges Gilgamish to stay awake six days; Gilgamish sleeps. His wife bakes loaves marking the days. Awakened, Gilgamish laments death. Uta-Napishtim instructs Ur-Shanabi to bathe and clothe Gilgamish, then tells him of a plant granting life. Gilgamish retrieves it from the sea-deeps, intending to take it to Erech. A serpent snatches the plant; Gilgamish weeps. They arrive at Erech, whose ramparts Gilgamish bids Ur-Shanabi survey.
Tablet XI, Section 1aTablet XI, Section 1bTablet XI, Section 1cTablet XI, Section 1dTablet XI, Section 1eTablet XI, Section 1fTablet XI, Section 1g