Ancient Flood Stories

Man has been searching for meaning and inner peace since the formation of the Earth. Sometimes, man finds meaning in the creation of culture, and sometimes he finds it in physical or emotional journeys. Whatever the case may be, man often seeks to understand who or what he is by trying to make sense of his origins.

In this topic, you will take a literary journey that begins with how the ancients dealt with supernatural elements and the forces of nature. You will look at the archetypal features of ancient flood stories such as the flood as a form of punishment, sole survivors alive as a reward for their obedience, and the repopulation of the Earth. You will also explore the purpose of these stories and how they relate to man’s journey to self-discovery.

Essential Questions

• What archetypes do the ancient flood stories share?
• What is the purpose of creation and apocalyptic myths and stories?