What is utanapishti?

Uta-Napishti is a character in the Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian epic poem, and is known as the Babylonian Noah. In the story of the flood, Uta-Napishti is visited by the god Enki, who warns him of the impending disaster and instructs him to build a huge boat to save himself and his family along with all the animals.

Uta-Napishti successfully survives the flood and is granted immortality by the gods. He then becomes the only human who knows the secret of immortality. Later, when Gilgamesh seeks eternal life, he tries to find Uta-Napishti to learn the secret of everlasting life. Uta-Napishti tells Gilgamesh about his journey to immortality, but ultimately tells him that it is impossible for any mortal to achieve immortality.

Uta-Napishti is considered a wise and knowledgeable character in the Epic of Gilgamesh and his story has been used as an inspiration for many flood stories and myths in different cultures.