Here's why he might be considered favored by the gods:
* He was chosen: Among all humans, Utnapishtim was selected to build the ark and save the world. This implies a level of trust and confidence from the gods.
* He was given a task: While a daunting task, the gods entrusted him with the survival of humanity. This indicates a belief in his capability and reliability.
* He was spared: Unlike the rest of humanity, Utnapishtim was spared the flood. This implies some level of divine favoritism, although this is a consequence of his obedience rather than a reward.
However, it's crucial to remember that Utnapishtim's story isn't one of simple favoritism. It's a story of survival and obedience. He followed the gods' instructions, demonstrating his worthiness of the trust they placed in him. He wasn't favored for being a particularly virtuous individual; he was favored for being the chosen one, the one deemed capable of fulfilling the divine mandate.
In essence, Utnapishtim's story is about responsibility and consequence. He was entrusted with a task, not rewarded for his personal qualities. His survival was a result of his actions, not a testament to divine favoritism.