The Relationship between Mythology and Religion: How Do Monotheistic Religions Interpret Myth?

Abstract

This article explores the intricate relationship between ancient Mesopotamian mythology and monotheistic religions, focusing on the interplay between the Epic of Gilgamesh, Sumerian-Babylonian flood narratives, and sacred texts such as the Torah and Quran. It investigates how mythological themes, particularly those concerning divine-human relationships, morality, and the quest for transcendence, are reinterpreted and reframed within monotheistic traditions. Central to this inquiry is the hypothesis that these myths evolved from a proto-monotheistic faith represented by the Ṣuḥuf Ibrāhīm (Scrolls of Abraham), a lost text referenced in the Quran, which predated and influenced the theological and cultural landscapes of Mesopotamian civilizations.
Through comparative textual analysis of primary sources and their translations, the study identifies significant parallels between mythological and scriptural narratives. These include the thematic connections between the khillah (intimate friendship) of Abraham and God, as depicted in the Quran and Torah, and the profound bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu in Mesopotamian mythology. The research highlights how monotheistic texts transformed inherited myths to align with their theological imperatives, embedding them in moral, covenantal, and universal frameworks.
This article contributes to the understanding of how religious traditions integrate and reinterpret cultural myths, shedding light on the dynamic process through which sacred texts evolve. By proposing that the Ṣuḥuf Ibrāhīm may represent an early unified monotheistic revelation, the study offers a compelling hypothesis on the origins and transformations of spiritual narratives in human history. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of religious and mythological traditions, revealing a shared human preoccupation with morality, divine justice, and the pursuit of transcendence. This exploration invites further study into the transmission and evolution of religious ideas, bridging the gap between mythology and theology in the development of cultural identity.