This study analyzes the divine concept of the Sumero-Akkadian deity Enki in its literary and mythological development through different periods of Mesopotamian history. Sumerian myths and theology related to the god Enki are influential throughout the history of the Ancient Near East. Several mythological motives from the Sumerian cultural area later reach the creation stories of the Old Testament and beyond. Through the Biblical narratives the ancient Sumerian mythology of Enki reaches the later Christian world, and therefore this mythology has become a part of the collective memory and culture of the present day world.Seven chapters give a diachronical overview of the relevant source materials (royal inscriptions, hymns, etc.) related to the god Enki and other close divine figures and religious phenomena from the period of about 2500–1700 BC. The last two chapters concentrate on the aspects of comparative mythology and archaic Sumerian religion.The relations of Enki and the Mother Goddess in the Mesopotamian religion and YHWH and Eve in the Old Testament are briefly analyzed. Some aspects about the decline of the cult of the Mother Goddess and several details of the political history of the Ancient Near East reflected in the relevant texts are discussed in the book. It is claimed that there is no direct conflict between the theologies of Nippur and Eridu (Enlil and Enki), at least when analyzing the available source material.

- 257 pages
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
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The God Enki in Sumerian Royal Ideology and Mythology
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Table of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Copyright
- Table of Contents
- Body
- Abbreviations
- Acknowledgements
- Preface of Gebhard J. Selz
- Introduction
- 1. Early Dynastie Period
- 2. The Dynasty of Akkade
- 3. The Second Dynasty of Lagaš
- 4. Ur III Period
- 5. The Dynasty of Isin
- 6. The Dynasty of Larsa
- 7. The First Dynasty of Babylon
- 8. Enki (Ea) in the mythology of creation
- 9. Enki and the Archaic Sumerian Religion: The Question of Rivalry between the Theologies of Enki and Enlil
- General Conclusions
- Bibliography
- Index of Royal Inscriptions and Mythological Texts
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Yes, you can access The God Enki in Sumerian Royal Ideology and Mythology by Peeter Espak in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in History & Ancient History. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.