Common threads running through flood myths worldwide include themes of divine retribution, renewal, and the survival of a chosen few. Many cultures, such as the Mesopotamian (Epic of Gilgamesh) and Judeo-Christian (Noah's Ark) traditions, depict floods as a means for gods to cleanse humanity of its sinfulness. These narratives often highlight the relationship between humanity and the divine, emphasizing themes of loyalty, righteousness, and the preservation of life. Additionally, they convey the cyclical nature of existence, where destruction leads to the possibility of new beginnings.