Definition

Proper noun: * A mythological figure in the Epic of Gilgamesh: Utnapishtim is a character in ancient Mesopotamian mythology. He is depicted as a mortal man who, by the favor of the gods, survived a great, divinely-sent flood. As a reward for his piety, he and his wife were granted immortality by the gods. He is a key figure who imparts wisdom to the hero Gilgamesh.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • In his quest for eternal life, Gilgamesh sought out the distant abode of Utnapishtim.
  • The story of Utnapishtim and the flood is considered a precursor to other ancient flood narratives.
  • Utnapishtim recounted to Gilgamesh how the god Ea warned him to build a great boat.

Advanced Usage

• "The Utnapishtim narrative": Refers specifically to the flood story section within the Epic of Gilgamesh.
  • Scholars often compare the Utnapishtim narrative with the biblical story of Noah.

Variants and Related Words

• Atrahasis: The name of the flood hero in an earlier, related Mesopotamian epic (the ), often identified with or as a precursor to Utnapishtim.
• Ziusudra: The Sumerian name for the flood hero in the oldest known version of the myth.

Synonyms

• Flood survivor: A descriptive term for his primary mythological role.
• Immortal sage: A term describing his post-flood status and function in the epic.

Related Cultural & Historical Context

• The Epic of Gilgamesh: The ancient Mesopotamian epic poem in which Utnapishtim appears.
• Great Flood myth: A common mythological motif across ancient cultures; Utnapishtim is the Mesopotamian version of the flood hero.
• Gilgamesh's quest: Utnapishtim represents the ultimate goal and source of wisdom in Gilgamesh's journey.

Noun

1. favorite of the gods and grandfather of Gilgamish; survived the great flood and became immortal