Episode 2: The Tale of The Great Flood (The Atrahasis) | Ancient Mesopotamian Folklore

Описание: Episode 2: The Tale of The Great Flood (The Atrahasis) | Ancient Mesopotamian Folklore

The Tale of the Great Flood, also known as the Atrahasis, is one of the most significant myths from ancient Mesopotamian civilization. This myth dates back to the 18th century BCE and tells the story of Atrahasis, a wise man who was warned by the god Enki about a catastrophic flood that would wipe out humanity. The story begins with the gods growing frustrated with the increasing noise and disobedience of humans. As a result, they decide to destroy mankind through a series of plagues and eventually a devastating flood. However, Atrahasis, with the guidance of Enki, builds a boat and saves his family and various animals, ensuring the survival of life.

This ancient flood myth bears remarkable similarities to other flood stories, most notably the biblical tale of Noah’s Ark and the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh. The Atrahasis tablet offers detailed descriptions of how Atrahasis constructed the boat and how the gods regretted their decision to cause the flood after seeing the destruction it wrought. The gods ultimately realize the importance of balance, creating a new order for humanity by introducing measures to control population growth. The myth serves as a reflection on divine-human relationships and the fragility of life in the face of nature's forces.

As one of the oldest known flood myths, the Atrahasis tale provides invaluable insight into the religious beliefs and worldviews of ancient Mesopotamians. The preservation of this myth through cuneiform tablets also demonstrates the literary and cultural sophistication of the time. This video explores the full story of Atrahasis, its significance, and the broader context of ancient flood myths across civilizations, offering viewers a glimpse into the mythology that shaped early human understanding of divine intervention and natural disasters.

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