The Gilgamesh XI Flood Tablet contains a story other than the flood. The flood is included because the epic’s theme of immortality is granted to Utnapishtim by the gods. The main theme is that Utnapishtim is seen to have gained eternal life under unique, never-to-be-repeatable circumstances.
He steps into the sanctity of Nin-Asu, goddess of the underworld and the death of Enkidu. He is so entranced by the beauty of the naked goddess and the luminosity of her body that he forgets all the advice Gilgamesh gave him.
The creation of Gilgamesh and Enkidu is described.
Enkidu’s relationship with a prostitute, the prostitute taking Enkidu to Gilgamesh, and Gilgamesh’s journey with Enkidu to kill Humbaba, the god of the Cedar Forest, are described.
It tells the story of the elders giving advice to Gilgamesh before she set out to kill Humbaba
It describes Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s arrival in the cedar forest and their first encounter with Humbaba.
Gilgamesh’s wearing of the king’s crown and Ishtar’s marriage proposal to Gilgamesh are described.