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Questions about Enki

Short answers, pulled from the story.

What does the name Enki mean in Sumerian mythology?

The Sumerian spelling dEN-KI usually translates to Lord of the Earth, yet this definition does not fit all known functions of the god. Some researchers argue that the second element ki(g) might mean favor or benevolence instead of earth.

When did the name Ea first occur in personal names during the Old Akkadian period?

The name Ea first occurs in personal names from the Old Akkadian period around 2300 BCE. Earlier translations interpreting Ea as House of Water are now regarded as implausible by most experts.

Who were the parents of Enki according to ancient sources like the myth Enki and Ninmah?

The sky god An is named as the father of Enki in multiple sources including the myth Enki and the World order. The creator goddess Nammu was regarded as the mother of Enki in the tradition of Eridu.

Where was the main cult center of Enki located during the Early Dynastic Period?

His main cult center was the city of Eridu which was regarded as his home already in the sources of the Early Dynastic Period. The temple of Enki in Eridu was named the E-Abzû meaning House of the Abzû.

How did Enki create mankind in the myths Enki and Ninmah and Enūma Eliš?

Enki devises a plan to create mankind from the clay of the Abzû in collaboration with his mother Ninmah. In another myth called Enūma Eliš, Ea fashions mankind from Qingu's blood after he is executed.

When was the worship of Ea introduced into Anatolia through Hurrian cults?

The worship of Ea was introduced into Anatolia through Hurrian cults possibly as early as the third millennium BCE. His name was rendered as Eyan in Hurrian and Aaš in Hittite while Iyas appears in Luwian texts.

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