Gilgamesh vs the Genesis Essay Example

Gilgamesh vs the Genesis Essay The Great Floods: Gilgamesh vs. The Genesis The epic story of Gilgamesh talks about a great flood that covered the whole world. Isn’t it strange that this story seems to mirror that of the great flood in the Book of Genesis? These two stories contain general similarities but when comparing the minute details, they are very different. The story of Gilgamesh was written around 2000 B. C. , many years before the Genesis story in about 400 B. C. The writers of the bible probably knew of the flood in Gilgamesh’s story but revised it so as to fit with their own worldview and history. They most likely intended the original story with their own mythology. Despite the many similarities between the two stories, the differences are revealed in a number of different lines that distinguish the two versions from each other. In both versions of the flood, something angers the gods (in Gilgamesh) and God (in Genesis). â€Å"The uproar of mankind is intolerable and sleep is no longer possible by reasons of the babel. The reasoning for the flood in Gilgamesh seems very irrational. The Gods decide to destroy mankind because there are too many people in the world and they are making too much noise. We will write a custom essay sample on Gilgamesh vs the Genesis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Gilgamesh vs the Genesis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Gilgamesh vs the Genesis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer It seems that the gods didnt think over their decision wisely. Being they are the gods, one would think they possess the power to come do a different means of resolving this problem instead of just destroying mankind. In Genesis, there is a much more acceptable reason for God to eliminate mankind. The humans are so wicked and evil that It repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart (Gen. 6:6). He says: I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth. . . (Gen. 6:7). God destroys mankind because it has become evil and corrupt within. This is not a quick irrational decision on the part of God, but a very well thought out and logical decision. It is definitely much better reason for the destruction of the human race. Another major difference is something that most often is overlooked by many people; the presence of demi-gods and great heroes during this time period. In the story of Gilgamesh, the gods allow half-god half-human beings to exist on earth. They were still apart of the Golden Age, which was presided over by Saturn. This was when the final structures of the Olympian Gods, men, animals, and the underworld were still being risen up. Great heroes like Gilgamesh, even though he came much later, still existed. In Genesis the Golden Age was completely over. There are no more heroes that were alive on the earth. These giants in the earth (Gen. 6:4) were the sons of God and of the daughters of men, but they were only men of renown in the old days (Gen. 6:4). These giants in the earth had become earlier and were destroyed long before the flood happened. A very important similarity is how many people the gods in Gilgamesh and God in Genesis choose to save from the flood. In both stories one good man, Utnapishtim (from Gilgamesh) and Noah (from Genesis, is saved and chosen to build an ark or boat. In Gilgamesh, Ea warns Utnapishtim in a dream that he must help the human race survive. In Genesis, God decides to destroy everyone but Noah, who found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Gen. 6:8). Noah becomes the source of salvation for the creation of man in the future. He is also the symbol of Gods mercy and grace. Both these men are symbols that God and Ea want the good in mankind to survive. By doing this they give the human race a chance to survive. Another major difference between the two stories is how the floods began and how the whole event ended up. In both a great storm rages and wipes out everyone and everything except the passengers onboard the boat/ark. In Gilgamesh, the gods cry and that creates the incredibly destructive flood. The great gods of heaven and hell wept. The rains last for 6 days and 6 nights in the Gilgamesh version, and finally when the waters receded the boat landed on Nisir. The boat is on the mountain for seven days. This is one of many instances where the number 7 is used in context to the flood stories. It is a mystical number symbolizing when gods and men interact. In Genesis, God sends down the flood with his divine power. After seven days the waters of the flood were upon the earth (Gen. 7:10). Here the number 7 is used again for the interaction of God and Noah. The rain lasts a lot longer in the Genesis version then in the Gilgamesh story. The rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights (Gen. 7:12). As the waters receded, the ark landed on Mt. Ararat. It is here for approximately two and a half months more until the other mountain tops surface. In both stories you have the same basic storyline, but as one can see the smaller details are much different. In both stories when the ark or boat is floating around the endless sea, Noah and Utnapishtim send out birds. Utnapishtim sends out hree different birds while Noah sends only two out. First, Utnapishtim sends out a dove but it returns. The same thing happens when he sends out a swallow. Finally when he sends out the raven it finds land and eats, so it does not return. I loosed a dove but finding no resting-place she returned then I loosed a swallow, and she flew away but finding no resting-place she returned I loosed a raven and she did not come back. Noah sends out a raven once but i t doesn’t find land. He sends out a dove twice and the second time it does not return. The two men send these out in order to find land. Each one of these birds has a significant meaning. The swallow lives around farms and it is sent out to find dry land for agriculture. In Genesis, the dove brings back an olive branch, and that symbolizes peace. Peace would mean that the punishment by God has finally ended. Ravens were looked upon as the messengers of the Gods. It only makes sense that the messenger of the gods in the Gilgamesh version helps Utnapishtim find land. In both versions of the story birds that represent certain good things in life were used. The final main similarity between the two stories comes at the end. Noah and Utnapishtim both show proper reverence to the gods and are rewarded. Utnapishtim offers a sacrifice to the gods, but Enlil becomes very angry because he is excluded from this sacrifice and that Utnapishtim escaped his wishes for all man to be destroyed. Ea convinces Enlil that Utnapishtim escaped on his own and then Enlil grants Utnapishtim the gift of immortality. In the Genesis story, God orders Noah to leave the ark. Noah then gives god a sacrifice. God makes the first covenant of the Hebrew Bible with Noah. Then finally, in both versions a sign is given to show that the gods and God wont destroy the earth in a flood ever again; a rainbow in Genesis and a necklace in the story of Gilgamesh. When comparing the stories of the flood within the Story of Gilgamesh and The Genesis, one can find many similarities and differences. The way these two stories portray comparisons within each other show how stories are carried throughout history and are adapted by the people of that time to fit their history and worldviews.

3 Clarifications Thanks to Commas

3 Clarifications Thanks to Commas 3 Clarifications Thanks to Commas 3 Clarifications Thanks to Commas By Mark Nichol The omission of commas in a sentence can damage its comprehensibility. Employed according to the statement’s structural requirements, they clarify the syntax and therefore the meaning. Here are three sentences repaired with the assistance of one or two of these punctuation marks. 1. â€Å"Egyptian boys held posters of Ahmed Hussein Eid who was fatally stabbed by three bearded men during his funeral procession.† One might misread this photo caption and come away with the impression that the victim was stabbed during his funeral procession. However, the subject of the image is boys in a funeral procession carrying posters of the victim; the explanation of the victim’s fate is parenthetical nonessential to the sentence and should thus be set off by commas: â€Å"Egyptian boys held posters of Ahmed Hussein Eid, who was fatally stabbed by three bearded men, during his funeral procession. 2. â€Å"Several job schedulers like Quartz and Flux are available on the market.† This sentence reads as if Quartz and Flux have already been mentioned, which is not the case. Because they are being introduced, the phrase in which they are mentioned should be parenthetical: â€Å"Several job schedulers, like Quartz and Flux, are available on the market.† Better yet, though like is often interchangeable with â€Å"such as,† in this case, the latter choice is the preferable one. 3. â€Å"The State Senate voted 29 to 5 to approve a revised version of the deal, and a few hours later, the State Assembly also passed the updated legislation by a vote of 54 to 12.† This sentence is contradictory: It states that that one legislative body passed a bill by a particular vote, and then adds that another group did the same thing passed a bill with a certain split of yes and no votes but then provides a different vote result. The statement thus needs to be amended to indicate that the simple outcome passage of the bill was replicated, but that the initial vote was not. The solution? Insertion of a comma that changes the meaning by setting the second vote count off from the rest of the sentence: â€Å"The State Senate voted 29 to 5 to approve a revised version of the deal, and a few hours later, the State Assembly also passed the updated legislation, by a vote of 54 to 12.† Or, more elegantly, transform the appended parenthetical phrase into an interjected one by moving it to an earlier position: â€Å"The State Senate voted 29 to 5 to approve a revised version of the deal, and a few hours later, the State Assembly also passed, by a vote of 54 to 12, the updated legislation.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Useful Stock Phrases for Your Business EmailsConfusing "Passed" with "Past"Epidemic vs. Pandemic vs. Endemic

Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 8

Assignment - Essay Example In addition, they wanted to dictate others’ rights and interests, but did not want others to dictate and control their rights and interests. That is, white national group (including all Whites in South Africa) never wanted to surrender its right of political self-determination, or share political rights with Non-White. (). Instead they wanted to determine and restrict the rights of the majority non-white people and that formed the philosophical basis of Apartheid. So, apartheid short-circuited the multi-culturality of the South African society and in many respects alienated their philosophical reflection from its immediate context. (). Apartheid came to an end because of both internal as well as external factors. One of key factor which put an end was the opposition against Apartheid by not only the non-White people but also by certain sections of the White people. With opposition from all sections, the minority white government started to have second thoughts on continuing Apartheid. Then, there was intense external pressure particularly from Western countries, civil rights groups and even business organizations. With many protectionist and communist regimes like Soviet Union disintegrating and more countries adopting democracy, there was more pressure on the South African government to abolish Apartheid and call for free and fair democratic elections. Many business organizations from Western countries operating in South Africa were pressurized to stop and leave from there. In addition, South African companies’ products were boycotted in foreign countries. Thus, lack of business flow negatively impacted th e South African economy. â€Å"By the 1980s the economy in general and the manufacturing sector in particular showed signs of stagnation. The investment rate dropped from being one of the highest in the world--22.3% in 1964 to 16% in 1991† (). Thus, these social

Engineering manager doing research and analysis Coursework

Engineering manager doing research and analysis - Coursework Example This will need conscious effort from the student but is very effective. Practices like switching to eco-friendly bulbs, switching off electrical appliances when not in use, use of eco-friendly alternatives in everyday life contribute to the conversation of energy. Also use of recyclable and reusable products are advised as this reduces the waste that goes into the environment. Products that cannot be reused must be boycotted on the campus by the students. Students must get actively involved making their campus greener ad eco-friendly. Plants can be grown on the rooftops of dorm and apartment buildings. Waste reduction and management will also help to keep the campus clean and greener. Conscious effort in commuting can also be an effective go green initiative. Riding bikes, using mass transport options, alternative vehicles and energy, etc will reduce the stress that transport puts on the environment. Video conferencing can be used as an effective tool for communication in the campus and wherever possible. Use of paper must be reduced and softcopies of documents must be used as an alternative to printouts. These practices as a whole will help reducing overall carbon footprint of the student body. Introduction With global warming reaching alarming figures, it has now become a major global concern. There is a need for immediate action in order to curb global warming and reduce its effects on the environment. The governments, organizations, companies, institutions worldwide have woken up to the fact that there needs to take measures sooner than later to fight global warming. Going green or eco-friendly is now the most important social responsibility. This report is a recommendation plan to the University of Greenwich on various green strategies that it can adopt to enable students studying in the university to go green. Various green strategies and practices have been analysed. There are numerous green strategies such as water and electricity conservation, acquisit ion of alternate fuel vehicles for communication inside the campus, recycling, water preservation, green building, green power, waste diversion, reduction of emission of green house gases, green space and ecosystems.etc. But in this report only those strategies are suggested that will enable the students studying in the University to go green. Practice Energy Conservation This is the most simple of solutions and the one that is most difficult and neglected. Students must try to conserve energy wherever possible. Use less energy wherever possible. Switch the old fashioned light bulbs to latest one which saves energy. Use alternate energy wherever possible. Small steps like switching off your computers, lights and other electric equipment when not in use when practiced by a large number of people, in this case students, make a huge difference. Even setting the computer in sleep mode when not in use can save a lot of energy. Products that have eco-friendly alternative must be purchased even if it would be a little costlier as it will pay off in a long run (Swallow, 2009). For example, energy start products contribute to the cause. Items that are not being used such as appliances, cell phone chargers must be unplugged. Even though they are not being used, they draw electricity from the outlets (Carnegie Mellon, 2012). All students must be introduced to the various ways on conserving energy on a day-to-day basis and must

Arab-Israeli War of 1973 Essay Example for Free

Arab-Israeli War of 1973 Essay The Arab-Israeli War was an armed conflict initiated by the Arab nations of Egypt and Syria against Israel on October 6, 1973 in an effort to reclaim territories that Israel had controlled since the Six Day War of 1967. The date holds special significance to the Jewish calendar, being Yom Kippur, hence this war is also known as the Yom Kippur War. Though Israel was caught by surprise and experienced severe losses during the war, assistance from the United States military led to a cease-fire less than three weeks later. In the aftermath, Israel retained its territories and its aftermath had far ranging effects on the geopolitics of the Middle East. First, the victory of Israel had an uplifting effect on its population. Its military had been seen to have grown largely complacent following the Six Day War. However, despite initial defeats, they managed a successful turnaround of the Yom Kippur War’s outcome. As such, despite the surprise advantage of Egypt and Syria they had regained the upper hand in less than two weeks, though at a high cost in casualties. In effect, Israel woke up to the reality that their military supremacy in the region was not absolute. (Rabinovich 498) Second, by granting support to Israel, the United States invited the ire of oil-producing Arab states. This manifested itself in the actions of Saudi Arabia, which not only reduced its oil production but declared an embargo against the United States. Saudi Arabia was later joined by other oil-producing Arab states and together they extended their embargo against other import dependent nations in Western Europe as well as Japan. The result was the 1973 energy crisis that sent oil prices spiraling past $60 per barrel and close to $100 per barrel in 1979. (Smith 329) Third, on the geopolitical front, enemy states of Israel concluded in the aftermath that they could not defeat it by force, and thus turned towards diplomatic tactics in antagonizing it. The effect was that many African and Third World nations, under pressure from the Arab states, broke their diplomatic ties to Israel. Works Cited No author. â€Å"The 1973 Yom Kippur War. † Anti-Defamation League, 1999. Retrieved September 24, 2008 from: http://www. adl. org/ISRAEL/record/yomkippur. asp Smith, Charles. Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict. New York, NY: Bedford, 2006. Rabinovich, Abraham. The Yom Kippur War: The Epic Encounter That Transformed the Middle eAst. New York, NY: Shocken Books, 2005. Rabinovich, Abraham [2005]. The Yom Kippur War: The Epic Encounter That Transformed the Middle East. New York, NY: Schocken Books. ISBN 0 8052 4176 0. Charles D. Smith, Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict, New York: Bedford, 2006, p. 329.

The Pilgrimage to Cathedral of Compostela :: Religion

The Pilgrimage to Cathedral of Compostela In the twelfth century one the most popular destinations for pilgrimages was to the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The shrine of St. James the Great is in the Cathedral of Compostela and it is what attracted so many people. The saint's shrine was believed to be a healing shrine for all sorts of problems. The religious relics that the Cathedral contained held a special power for the pilgrims by curing them of their problems. The pilgrims used the road to Santiago as a test of their faith and love for God. At the same time that they were testing their religious devotion they were also contributing to generating massive information. The pilgrims were creating and recycling information and taking that information on the road to more people. Two ways that the pilgrims were putting information out was by visiting the shrines on the way to the cathedral and at the actual Cathedral of Compostela and through the book of Codex Calixtinus. A pilgrimage was essentially a course of movement along a sequence of shrines along a road until one reached a final destination (usually a large cathedral or religious site). Besides the remission of sin, a reason for a person to go on a pilgrimage was to search for the renewal of physical or mental health. In the twelfth century, there was a deeply rooted belief in Christians that plague, leprosy, fever, migraines; even toothaches were all caused by sins. A doctor did not heal the person as well as saint could and thus, pilgrimages were occurring all the time. Not just people who were ill went on the pilgrimage, people seeking religion or adventure also set out on the road of Compostela. The pilgrims that were on the road to Santiago came from a wide variety of backgrounds. The route of Compostela became literally a cultural highway. The pilgrims "founded churches, monasteries, and hospitals; they robbed and killed, composed stories, legends, poems and songs, and slept rough in the hostels provided for them" (Tate, Pg. 1). Most importantly, the pilgrims talked. They talked about St. James, about the church, and about their different ideas and beliefs. By doing so they were exchanging information that otherwise would not be available to them. They talked about the history pertaining to St. James and at the same time learned through the shrines themselves at the Cathedral about the Moors, Charlemagne and other historical figures. The Pilgrimage to Cathedral of Compostela :: Religion The Pilgrimage to Cathedral of Compostela In the twelfth century one the most popular destinations for pilgrimages was to the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The shrine of St. James the Great is in the Cathedral of Compostela and it is what attracted so many people. The saint's shrine was believed to be a healing shrine for all sorts of problems. The religious relics that the Cathedral contained held a special power for the pilgrims by curing them of their problems. The pilgrims used the road to Santiago as a test of their faith and love for God. At the same time that they were testing their religious devotion they were also contributing to generating massive information. The pilgrims were creating and recycling information and taking that information on the road to more people. Two ways that the pilgrims were putting information out was by visiting the shrines on the way to the cathedral and at the actual Cathedral of Compostela and through the book of Codex Calixtinus. A pilgrimage was essentially a course of movement along a sequence of shrines along a road until one reached a final destination (usually a large cathedral or religious site). Besides the remission of sin, a reason for a person to go on a pilgrimage was to search for the renewal of physical or mental health. In the twelfth century, there was a deeply rooted belief in Christians that plague, leprosy, fever, migraines; even toothaches were all caused by sins. A doctor did not heal the person as well as saint could and thus, pilgrimages were occurring all the time. Not just people who were ill went on the pilgrimage, people seeking religion or adventure also set out on the road of Compostela. The pilgrims that were on the road to Santiago came from a wide variety of backgrounds. The route of Compostela became literally a cultural highway. The pilgrims "founded churches, monasteries, and hospitals; they robbed and killed, composed stories, legends, poems and songs, and slept rough in the hostels provided for them" (Tate, Pg. 1). Most importantly, the pilgrims talked. They talked about St. James, about the church, and about their different ideas and beliefs. By doing so they were exchanging information that otherwise would not be available to them. They talked about the history pertaining to St. James and at the same time learned through the shrines themselves at the Cathedral about the Moors, Charlemagne and other historical figures.

Tutankhamen was not a very influential Pharaoh

Tutankhamen was not a very influential Pharaoh. However his tomb has revealed significant information about the New Kingdom Egypt. When Tutankhamen moved the court back to Thebes, he turned his back to the Reforms of Amarna period. He was at a very young age therefore his decisions must have been under the advice of someone. ROLE OF THE PHARAOH The Pharaoh had many objectives throughout his life on the throne. These activities included keeping order of his people, religion and had many roles as a warrior and a ruler. Akhenaton’s religious beliefs did not last. His was where seen as heretic. When Tutankhamen came into power, within 10 years he restored all beliefs in the gods that Akhenaten ignored. This put all his followers behind him and gained him respect. This can be illustrated through the decorations in Tutankhamun’s tomb. He was seen with various gods, which depicted he believed in number of gods that Akhenaten did not. Further more there were drawings and pictures of the god Hapi and statues of the gods Isis, Nephthys, Serqet and Neith protecting the body of the king. It was important that the Pharaoh had strong relation with the gods and his religion. This showed a power within the pharaoh and provided loyalty by the people of the kingdom. He also had to be a ruler and keep his people in order. He did this through entertainments such as hunting. Evidence of this is found on his chest when he is hunting for animals. Hunting was a way of entertainment and to keep people please in the New kingdom Egypt. Hunting wild animals showed that there was none greater than the pharaoh. This secured his people’s belief and trust in him. There are also statues of the god of Water and Fertility (Hapi). This is an indication that Tutankhamen believed in this god. Therefore the fertility and wealth of the kingdom must have been good. The people of the kingdom had the pharaoh to thank to as a living god. MILITARY Tutankhamen was seen as a warrior in various drawings of him in his tomb. He was seen as a ruler and Ma’ar of the kingdom. Infact he is seen wearing the blue war crown of a pharaoh to indicate his relation with war and hunting. His rule over war and military is also demonstrated in the painting on the sides of his treasure chest, showing him either hunting wild animals or in battle. In the scene he is seen has fighting in a battle on his chariot, with his bow and arrows, he is shown has huge however his enemies much smaller. Tutankhamen was a great influence to his people in war. His ruling power was shown through his mask, which states him as a pharaoh. The mask is made of pure gold and has the two protective animals in it, the cobra and the vulture. However, Tutankhamen has never been involved in a war himself as there is no evidence of any battles. EGYPTIAN SOCIETY Fashion, food, economies, entertainment and fundamental living ways were very advanced and crucial in the Egyptian Society. The Egyptians usually wore white clothing, because white sustained coolness while black sustained heat. Their clothing was made from the stem of the flax plant. The clothing was a symbol of wealth as poor people and workers usually walked around naked and lived naked. Clothing also showed a man’s rank in the society, this depended on how elaborate his kilt was. Kings, gods and higher-class rulers usually wore colourful clothing this showed that they were noble and rich. Therefore clothing performed the role of symbolism for wealth, rank and importance in the society. However as well as clothing, fashion was very crucial. In Tutankhamen’s tomb, there are bottles of perfumes made from pure coconut oil. This shows the class and quality of the society and it had already advanced to perfumes and make up. The pharaoh had all sorts of skin care in his tomb for after life. There was also food and water provided in Tutankhamen’s tomb for his travel, which indicated the type of food consumed. There was also money provided in the tomb, which indicated the type of currency used. The Egyptian life stile was unique and advanced to all other. Tomb of Tutankhamen help is illustrate the needs of Egyptian society and its unique fundamentals. BURIAL CUSTOMS The burial customs of the ancient Egypt is very complex and symbolic. There are 3 aspects of a soul that the Egyptians believed in, the Kha, the Ba and the Akh. The mummification and burial of the pharaoh was crucial for the soul to keep safe and alive. The Egyptians would mummify someone in the belief that the body would be needed in the after life. The first process was the remove all moisture from the body so the body would not decay. After that his stomach, intestines and liver would be removed and put into special alabaster containers. The heart was left in the body as it would be needed to be weighted in the afterlife. The body then would be wrapped up with over 143 items such as amulets and jewellery to protect the pharaoh in the afterlife. There is proof of the process painted on the walls of Tutankhamen’s tomb. The process of the mummification would take 70 days in total. The body then would be sealed in the pharaoh’s body shaped coffin. In fact the body was put into 3 coffins. 2 made out of wood and the final one pure gold. After 70 days of process, the pharaoh is taken to his tomb and receives the opening of the mouth ceremony. Finally the body is sealed and the gods are left alone with the pharaoh to protect the body. RELIGION AND THE AFTERLIFE The pharaoh’s religion was the most crucial part of his ruling time. He was considered a living god, therefore his way of living was a role model to those below him. The previous pharaoh before Tutankhamen disobeyed all gods but himself. This caused unhappiness in the public and when Tutankhamen came into power, he revived the religious beliefs of the kingdom. The Egyptians believed that in the afterlife, pharaohs would become gods and their hearts would be weighted in line with a feather, if the heart is heavier than the feather than the pharaohs would not gain access.