RT Article
T1 Myth, Meaning, and the Work of Life: Enuma Elish and the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:4–3:24) on the Value of Human Labor and Memory
JF Religions
VO 13
IS 8
A1 Balogh, Amy L.
LA English
PB MDPI
YR 2022
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1812470134
AB This article offers a new comparison of the ancient Mesopotamian story Enuma Elish and the biblical Garden of Eden story (Genesis 2:4–3:24) as a case study that demonstrates how attention to myth theory and comparative method might improve studies of ancient Southwest Asian literatures. This comparison illustrates the connection between myth, meaning making, and the lived experiences that produced and perpetuated these myths by focusing on the cultural value of work and memory as expressed in both narratives. In contrast to previous modes of comparison that conclude with claims to the Bible’s superiority, this comparison uses tools from myth studies and comparative religion toward a clearer understanding of the cultural messaging of both myths regarding the purpose of human life.
K1 Comparative Mythology
K1 Comparison
K1 Comparative Method
K1 Memory
K1 Labor
K1 myth theory
K1 Ancient Near East
K1 myth and Bible
K1 creation myths
DO 10.3390/rel13080703