Bible and the mesopotamian epics – Genesis

Lodoli, Ivona. (2019). Bible and the mesopotamian epics – Genesis. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Comparative Literature. [mentor Pavlović, Cvijeta].

Preview

PDF (Croatian) Download (595kB) | Preview

Abstract

BIBLE AND THE MESOPOTAMIAN EPICS – GENESIS The paper analyzes Bible story about the creation of the world and mankind described in the Book of Genesis and compares it to the story that was presented in the Mesopotamian epics Enûma Eliš and Epic of Gilgamesh. These literary texts are compared as mythological stories, but also as literary works with different characteristics. The basic information about the historical background of each of these ancient texts is briefly introduced, followed by detailed account of stories about creation presented in them. Certain similarities were identified and these common themes were thoroughly explored. Special emphasis was placed on some of the recurrent motives and ideas like cyclical nature of the creation process or the idea of creating the world out of chaos. The ways in which the Jewish people and the people of ancient Mesopotamia viewed and described their deities was delved into, as well as their ideas about the techniques gods used while creating the world and humankind. Finally, the writing styles of the texts and the narrative structures used were explored in great detail.

Actions (login required)

View Item