The Relationship Between Divine Creators and Their Creations in Gilgamesh and Genesis

  The Relationship Between Divine Creators and Their Creations in Gilgamesh and Genesis In both the epic of Gilgamesh and the excerpt from Genesis, the relationships depicted between divine creators and their creations, especially human beings, reveal interesting similarities and differences. By analyzing a brief passage from each text, we can gain insight into these relationships and draw significant conclusions about their nature. Passage from Gilgamesh: "Enkidu, a hairy-bodied wild man, born in the wilderness, who eats grasses with the gazelles, and joins the throng with the game at the water-hole. He has knowledge of everything in the world, but he cannot compete with the wild animals in running about the wilderness. Enkidu is innocent of mankind; he knows nothing of the cultivated land" (Gilgamesh, Tablet I). This passage highlights the creation of Enkidu, a wild man brought into existence by the gods to be a companion for Gilgamesh. Enkidu is depicted as a being connected to nature, lacking knowledge of civilization and human society. The gods create Enkidu to fulfill a specific purpose - to challenge and ultimately civilize Gilgamesh. Passage from Genesis: "Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being" (Genesis 2:7). This passage describes the creation of Adam, the first human being in Genesis. Here, God personally forms Adam from the dust of the ground and breathes life into him. Unlike Enkidu, Adam is not created as a companion for a specific purpose but rather as a representative of humanity. Similarities between the Relationships: Both passages demonstrate a divine creator fashioning their creations - Enkidu and Adam - according to their own will. In both cases, the creators take an active role in bringing their creations into existence. Furthermore, both Enkidu and Adam are given life by their respective creators. This suggests that there is intentionality behind their creation and that they serve a purpose in the grand scheme of things. Differences between the Relationships: While both creations serve a purpose, the nature of their relationship with their creators differs. Enkidu is created specifically to be a companion for Gilgamesh, to challenge him and lead him towards a more civilized existence. In contrast, Adam is created as a representative of all humanity, with a broader purpose to populate and steward the Earth. Another significant difference lies in the process of creation. Enkidu is formed through divine intervention but is not given life by the gods. In comparison, God breathes life into Adam, bringing him to life directly. This distinction emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and humanity in Genesis. Significance of Similarities and Differences: The similarities in divine creation highlight a common theme across cultures - that humans are brought into existence by higher powers for specific purposes. The differences in these relationships shed light on cultural nuances and theological perspectives. The creation of Enkidu reflects a utilitarian purpose, while Adam's creation emphasizes humanity's unique role in God's plan. In conclusion, both Gilgamesh and Genesis depict relationships between divine creators and their creations. While there are similarities in terms of active creator involvement and purposeful creation, there are also significant differences in terms of the nature of the relationships and the process of creation. These similarities and differences offer insights into cultural beliefs and theological perspectives regarding human existence and purpose.

Sample Answer