Flood of Utnapishtim

The Decision

The gods grew weary of humanity's noise. Enlil decreed a flood to wipe the earth clean. The gods swore an oath of secrecy. None would warn the mortals.

Enki's Trick

Enki, bound by the oath, could not speak to Utnapishtim directly. Instead he spoke to the reed wall of his house. Through the reeds, he whispered instructions: tear down your house, build a boat, take aboard the seed of all living things.

"Wall, wall! Reed wall, reed wall! Hear my words and understand."

The Deluge

For six days and seven nights, the storm raged. The gods themselves cowered like dogs against the walls of heaven. Even they were terrified by what they had unleashed.

Aftermath

When the waters receded, Utnapishtim released a dove, a swallow, and a raven. The raven did not return. Land had been found. He offered sacrifice on the mountaintop, and the gods gathered like flies around the offering.

Immortality

Enlil was furious that anyone survived, but Enki rebuked him. Moved by Utnapishtim's righteousness, Enlil granted him and his wife eternal life, far away at the mouth of the rivers, beyond the reach of mortals.