Who was Enki in Sumerian mythology?
Enki was the Mesopotamian god of wisdom, crafts, fresh subterranean waters, magic, and incantations. He was believed to rule the Abzu, an under-earth fresh water region. In Akkadian he was known as Ea.
Questions about Enki
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What was the difference between Enki and Ea?
Enki and Ea were originally separate deities who were fully equated with each other over time. Enki is the Sumerian name, usually translated as Lord of the Earth, while Ea first occurs in personal names from the Old Akkadian period and is most likely a Semitic name. Alfonso Archi argues a syncretism already existed in the pre-Sargonic period in parts of Babylonia.
Where was Enki worshipped?
Enki was first worshipped in Sumer, and his main cult center was the city of Eridu, regarded as his home. His temple there was the E-Abzu. His cult later spread to Mari, into Hurrian religion and Anatolia, and to the Assyrian cities of Assur, Nineveh, and Kalhu.
How did Enki create mankind?
Mesopotamian tradition regarded Enki as the creator of humans from clay, and the Surpu incantation series calls him the god whose hands created mankind. In Enki and Ninmah he creates mankind with Nammu, Ninmah, and helper goddesses, and in Atra-hasis he works with Belet-ili to create man from clay and divine blood.
What were the symbols of Enki and Ea?
Enki's primary symbols included the goat-fish, the ram-headed staff, and the turtle. In art he was commonly depicted with water streams flowing from his body, often with fish swimming in the water, or holding a vase from which water flows. The goat-fish is at the origin of the zodiacal constellation Capricorn.
Who were the children of Enki?
Enki's children included Nanshe, Asalluhi, Marduk, and Enbilulu, many of them with his spouse Damgalnuna. Marduk, the tutelary god of Babylon, was regarded as his first-born son and heir, and later took over certain characteristics of his father such as his role as organizer of the earth.