The 'flood' as found in Genesis is a multidimensional and an archetypal source of metaphor and myth. The 'flood' is an example of metaphorical and mythological language that provides foundational constructs upon which other aspects of the Biblical text and other works can be seen as related. Metaphor and myth make typological analysis possible. The 'flood' narrative will be discussed in relation to other types within the Biblical text, some examples in other popular mythology, and through discussion of Timothy Findley's analysis of the 'flood' as seen in his novel, Not Wanted on the Voyage.
             Discussion of metaphor, myth, typology and Findley's novel surrounding the 'flood' narrative will illustrate its archetypal position. The story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden provides a mythological foundation, an archetype that helps the reader understand the cause of God's distress that leads him to flood the earth. The metaphor of the seed can be seen through the example of the ark strongly, but again, this metaphor is found earlier with Adam (this will be discussed later). God is mythologically understood through different sources. In the flood we are presented with the myth of a powerful and emotional God. The image of God as powerful is not so unique, but the aspect of him being emotional is. The relationship that God has with humankind is typified in myth in different ways. Noah's relationship with God is common for the Biblical presentation of God's relationship with humankind.
             The flood story is introduced by an account of human development. This account sets the stage upon which God will destroy his creation. The text explains that human women were married to and mated with beings called sons of God. Who the sons of God are is not explained, but it is made clear that they are not human. If they are human it would have stated that th...