A Translation of “The Babylonian Genesis” By Alexsander Heidel with an Analytical Introductio

Myths and Religion have been historically and intensely interrelated. Through decoding and interpreting myths, mythologists have shown that myths, to a great extent, reveal beliefs and attitudes which were later introduced in more complete form in different religions, yet, intrinsic to religions today. These common beliefs, particularly those in Mesopotamia and Ancient Near East, are highlighted extensively. Judaism, being the first monotheistic religion in that region, tells much of the stories and narratives which are basically and elaborately similar to Mesopotamian myths. There exist major similarities between some of Hebrew narratives, such as those of Creation, of Cain and Abel, and of Noah and the Flood, with Babylonian myths like the epic of Gilgamesh. This paper first describes the concept of myth and its functions, and then tries to investigate its role and position in religion, along with their interrelations. Finally, it briefly refers to common backgrounds and themes in the narrative of Cain and Abel, and of Noah and the Flood, with Mesopotamian myths. Illustrating the relations and similarities between the Hebrew Holy Scripture and the Mesopotamian myths, the author tries to focus on the significance of mythology in the study of religions.