In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Utnapishtim released a raven last after the flood.
In Tablet XI, Utnapishtim first sends out a dove, which returns because it finds no place to rest. He then sends a swallow, which also returns. Finally, he releases a raven. The raven finds exposed land and does not return, showing Utnapishtim that the waters have receded.
This sequence resembles the bird episode in Genesis but differs in important details. Genesis places a raven before the dove, while the Gilgamesh account places the raven after a dove and a swallow. The shared motif has therefore generated comparisons, but the order cannot be transferred from one story to the other.
After leaving the boat, Utnapishtim offers a sacrifice, and the gods respond. The episode is part of Gilgamesh’s search for the secret of immortality, since Utnapishtim has received extraordinary life after surviving the deluge.