The tale of the first man and woman created from clay is most notably found in Mesopotamian mythology, specifically in the Epic of Gilgamesh. In this tradition, the gods mold human beings from clay to serve as workers on earth. This creation reflects not only the divine act of creation but also emphasizes humanity's relationship with the gods, portraying humans as both blessed and burdened by their origins. The narrative highlights themes of mortality, divine purpose, and the complexity of existence, suggesting a cycle of creation, life, and eventual return to the earth, symbolized by the clay from which humanity was born.