The Noah story is similar to many other flood myths
Anthropologists, cultural historians and folklorists have documented and commented on remarkably similar creation and flood legends and myths from various parts of the globe, many which share common themes. The general framework for the stories is punishment and redemption, destruction and recreation or rebirth. Many of the stories include the following specific details: A universal flood or deluge is the result of divine retribution against corrupt humanity; one individual is chosen save and redeem humanity; the individual is then instructed to build a large ship for himself, his family, animals and plants.
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh was probably a real character who ruled Ur in ancient Mesopotamia in the 27th century B.C. The epic of Gilgamesh was written on 12 tablets, with the 11th tablet presenting details on a great flood. According to the story, King Gilgamesh is troubled by the death of his best friend Enkidu. Gilgamesh departs on a quest to learn about immortality after Enkidu's death. He endures many dangers and adventures to meet Utnapishtim who was famous for surviving the great flood. Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh the story of the flood, which was an act of divine retribution to punish humanity. Utnapishtim is warned about the flood and instructed to build an ark. He takes his family and animals on the ark where they remain for seven days and nights as the flood completely destroys the world. The ark comes to rest on a mountain after the flood ceases.
The Hindu Flood Legend
There is similar flood story in the Hindu religion. The protagonist in the Hindu version of the flood story is Manu, considered the first king of the Earth and the father of humanity. As Manu is washing his hands in a small bowl one day he notices a small fish. The fish asks Manu to save it by placing it in a larger clay jar with water. As the fish continues to grow, Manu places it in larger and larger clay jars. Eventually it becomes too big and Manu places it the ocean. The fish is grateful, so he warns Manu about an impending flood and instructs him to build a large ship that will take two of each animal and plant on board. The flood destroys the world and Manu's ship comes to rest on top of the Himalayan mountains.
The Chinese Flood Legends
China has several versions of the flood story. The most well known version is the Hihking story of the family of Fuhi. The entire world is flooded and only Fuhi, his wife, his three sons and three daughters survive. This tradition regards Fuhi as the father of Chinese civilization. A second Chinese flood legend is the Hei Miao people. Only two people, a brother and sister, survive the great deluge. The brother wants to marry his sister but she refuses. After a series of tests, the couple marries and have a child but the child is severely deformed. The husband kills the child and cuts it into several piece. The next day the pieces are transformed into human beings and they repopulate the earth.
Native American Flood Legends
The Native American population of North America, Central America and South America all had versions of the flood story. In the Toltec tradition from Mexico the original creation lasted for a millenium and then was destroyed by a great flood. Only one family survived. The Aztecs has a story very similar to the Gilgamesh and Noah tales. The hero of the story is an individual named Tapi. The creator tell Tapi to build a boat to save himself, his family and the animals. In the Inca version, humanity is punished for neglecting the gods. The only uncorrupted people live high in the Andes. Two brothers notice the llamas acting strangely and they inquire as to the reason why. The llamas warn the two brothers about the impending flood. They take refuge in caves high in the mountains with their families. They survive the flood but everyone else perishes.
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