Atrahasis

Atrahasis refers to a figure in Mesopotamian mythology and to the three-tablet Akkadian epic that recounts both the creation of humanity and a great flood. The name Atrahasis is usually interpreted as “exceedingly wise” or “the very wise one.” In the myth, Atrahasis is the hero who survives the divine flood by following instructions from the god Ea (Enki).

The Atrahasis epic exists in multiple versions, with the best known been preserved on Akkadian tablets from the Middle Assyrian and Neo-Assyrian periods, and earlier fragments from the Old Babylonian era. The standard Akkadian text is often described as three tablets. The narrative is connected with other Mesopotamian myths, including the Eridu Genesis and the flood story of Utnapishtim in the Epic of Gilgamesh, illustrating shared motifs about divine creation, judgment, and survival.

Plot and themes: In the myth, the earth is populated with humans created by the goddess Nintu (Ninmah) from clay, assisted by the god Ea, to relieve the gods of labor. As humans multiply, the noise and demands of the populace anger the higher gods, notably Enlil, who decide to reduce humanity’s burden by drastic measures. Ea warns Atrahasis in a dream and advises him to build a boat to survive a planned deluge. Atrahasis, his family, and various animals embark on the vessel; the flood destroys most life on earth, but Atrahasis survives. Afterward, the gods opt for ongoing population control through plague, famine, and other means, rather than perpetual catastrophe, and they establish rituals to maintain balance between humans and gods.

Significance: The Atrahasis tale is one of the earliest known flood narratives and a key source for ancient Mesopotamian views on creation, divine-human relations, and the management of human population. It has long been studied for its parallels with later flood myths, including the biblical account of Noah.