Which ancient Mesopotamian epic features Utnapishtim, a flood survivor who builds a boat?

The ancient Mesopotamian epic featuring Utnapishtim, a flood survivor who builds a boat, is The Epic of Gilgamesh. In its flood episode, the god Ea warns Utnapishtim to build a large vessel and preserve living things.

Utnapishtim’s story is one of the most important ancient parallels discussed alongside Noah’s Ark. He releases birds to test whether the floodwaters have receded, and he eventually leaves the vessel and offers a sacrifice.

The Epic of Gilgamesh survives in multiple versions and tablets, with the best-known flood account appearing in Tablet XI of the Standard Babylonian version. Its flood hero is not Noah, and its gods, setting, and narrative framework differ from Genesis.

Scholars compare the stories because both include divine warnings, a great flood, a preservation vessel, birds, and a post-flood offering. Similarities do not by themselves settle questions about how the traditions developed or influenced one another.