Story of Utnapishtim

In Gilgamesh, the eleventh tablet introduces us to the character Utnapishtim, King of Shuruppak, who tells of the great flood that he survived along with his wife.  The story begins with the Sumerian gods fighting which provokes Ellil, chief of the gods, to plan to flood and destroy all of mankind.  However, Utnapishtim was warned by the god Ea to build an ark that would carry gold, silver and the seeds of all living things.  After six days and seven nights of rain, and twelve more for the waters to recede, Utnapishtim found himself grounded on the mountain of Nisir. Seven days later he released a dove that returned without locating any land.  A swallow was then released, and also returned without locating land. Finally, a raven was released and did not return at all, indicating to Utnapishtim that the waters had receded.  With this information Utnapishtim made offerings to the gods of roasted meat and libation.  With the feat of saving mankind under his belt, the gods felt that Utnapishtim and his wife should be granted immortality for their sacrifice.