O favorecimento divino: aproximações e distanciamentos entre a Epopeia de Gilgamesh e Gênesis 2–3

Abstract

This thesis seeks to comparatively analyze Genesis 2–3 and the Epic of Gilgamesh. With this objective, the following research problem was established: How can we analyze divine action in the face of the transgression of the first human couple in comparison with the account of eternal life in the face of the determination of the gods in the Epic of Gilgamesh? As a working hypothesis, it was assumed that, even if they come from different contexts, the reports are very close in their descriptions, however, unlike the deities of the Epic of Gilgamesh, the biblical account seeks to build an image of YHWH favoring the first human couple, despite the fact of their transgression. The work was developed from the methodology of bibliographical research, considering it to be the one that would best suit the approach of the research theme. After the introduction, in the first chapter, a brief summary of the stories present in the epic is presented, as well as general considerations about the composition process of the work, as well as reflections about its theological aspects. In the second chapter, an exegetical and theological approach is made about Genesis 3:14-19. There, a comparison of Portuguese language versions, literary analysis, form analysis and theological analysis are carried out. In the third chapter, all points of tension identified between the narratives are placed face to face, with the purpose of analyzing the similarities and differences. In conclusion, it appears that, despite being contemporary and sharing several points of connection, the biblical account and the Epic ofGilgamesh differ essentially in terms of the characterization of the deity: unlike the Mesopotamian composition, quite significant relational attitudes are highlighted in the Bible. YHWH acts in favor of the first human couple, not killing the man and woman after eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, but legitimizing their autonomy. In Genesis, YHWH God offers human beings the role of being a builder of their own history.