Enki, The Sumerian God Who Created Humanity and Organised The Cosmos

Hello gentle listeners, I hope you enjoyed this episode on Enki and the storys I told about him, If you did enjoy it then please listen to some of my other episodes and if you have an reviews or suggestions for future podcasts then send me an email to [e-mail]

Written and read by your host Josh

Sound Designed by Charles Wade

Episode Transcript

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Hello gentle listeners, and welcome back to episode 13 of Whispers of the Past. I'm your

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host Josh, and today we're journeying back to the very heart of ancient Mesopotamia,
to a time when the first cities rose along the banks of the Tigris and the Euphrates
rivers and where gods were believed to walk among mortals, shaping the very foundations of society.
Today we'll be exploring the fascinating story of one of the most important deities of the

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Sumerian pantheon, Enki. While he may not be as widely known today as Zeus, Odin or Ra,
Enki's influence was immense, stretching across wisdom, magic, creation and even the art of
civilization itself. His role in ancient Sumeria is complex and multifaceted, so join me as we

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uncover who Enki was and why he played such a critical role in the ancient world. To understand
Enki's significance, we first need to understand the world and time in which he was worshipped.
Ancient Mesopotamia, often dubbed the cradle of civilization, was home to some of the

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earliest known human societies. It was a region of stark contrast, vast deserts and fertile river
valleys, scorching summers and bitter winters, famine and abundance. And at the centre of this
world, for the Sumerians, was water, the life-giving force that made civilization possible.
It's no coincidence, then, that Enki, the god of water, would be one of the most revered deities.

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His domain was the Abzu, a vast subterranean ocean of freshwater believed to lie beneath
earth's surface. The Sumerians saw this hidden, untapped reservoir as a source of life itself,
the wellspring from which all rivers flowed, nourishing crops and livestock, enabling cities

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to thrive in the arid landscape. But for Enki, water wasn't just about survival, it symbolized
cleansing, renewal and the life-force that perpetuated the cycle of creation.
What's remarkable about Enki is how deeply interconnected he was with the growth of
civilization. He wasn't just a god of nature or a distant deity observing from the heavens.

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Enki was a god who actively participated in the creation and development of human society. He
bestows wisdom and practical knowledge on humankind, teaching them how to irrigate fields,
construct cities, create laws and write records. In fact, writing itself, the art of cuneiform,

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was often attributed to him. Without these gifts, humanity would have remained primitive,
unable to build the complex societies that emerged in Mesopotamia.
Enki's wisdom was not limited to abstract philosophical ideas. It was practical, grounded
in the reality of human needs. He gave people the tools to thrive, to survive and to progress.

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In this way, he is often seen as the architect of civilization itself, a god who shapes human
destiny with intellect and innovation.
One of the most significant roles Enki plays in mythology is that of the organizer of the
universe, a role he takes up in the Sumerian version of the Babylonian creation myth, the

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Yuna-Elish. While the later Babylonian myth places Madok, the patron god of Babylon, in
the spotlight, Sumerian tradition gives Enki a pivotal role in establishing the order of
the cosmos. In the beginning, there was chaos, primordial waters swirling in disarray. Out
of this swirl, the waters divided into sweet, fresh water, known as the god Apsu, and salty

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bitter water, the goddess Tiamat. It was Enki who brought balance to this chaos, setting
the stars and planets in their proper places and establishing the laws of nature that governed
the heavens and the earth.
His divine intelligence allowed him to foresee the structure that the universe needed. He
assigned the gods their roles, granting them control over the seas, the winds and the earth.

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Enki's wisdom ensured that the natural world functioned as a harmonious system, with each
element serving its purpose in the grand design. His role as a cosmic architect illustrates
his power not just as a god of water, but as a god of balance, intelligence and order.
Enki's role as a problem solver and meditator is another key part of his character. In Sumerian

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mythology, the gods were not perfect beings. They had emotions, rivalries, and made mistakes,
much like humans. Enki's intelligence often made him the god who could fix these divine
mistakes and bring resolution to conflicts among the gods. He had the ability to meditate
between them, offering solutions that would restore balance and prevent catastrophic outcomes.

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A clear example of this can be seen in the myth of the Epic of the Traces, one of the
earliest flood stories in human history, predating the story of Noah's Ark by centuries.
In this myth, the gods grow frustrated with humanity's noise and decide to destroy them
with a great flood. The leader of this decision is Enki's brother Enil, the storm god, who

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believes the only way to bring peace to the world is to wipe out humankind. But Enki,
always a protector of life, sees the injustice in this decision. Rather than directly opposing
the other gods, he uses his cunning. He secretly warns the Traces, a wise and pious man, instructing
him to build a boat to save himself, his family, and animals. When the flood waters eventually

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recede, it's Enki who negotiates a new arrangement with the gods, convincing them that humanity
need not be destroyed and that a balance can be struck.
The flood myth gives us a profound insight into Enki's character. While other gods
acted impulsively or out of anger, Enki's actions were guided by a deep sense of compassion

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and understanding. He recognised the value of life and sought to preserve it, even if
it meant going against the will of his fellow gods. His wisdom wasn't just knowledge,
he was tempered with empathy. This combination of intelligence and care is what made Enki
so beloved among the Sumerians. He wasn't a distant or indifferent god, he was a protector,

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always working in the best interests of humanity, even when it put him at odds with his divine
peers. But Enki wasn't always the serious meditator.
He also had a playful and mischievous side, as seen in the story of Inanna and Veme. Veme
were the fundamental powers that governed every aspect of life and civilization. Everything

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from lore and kingship, to love, music, and craftsmanship. These divine decrees were kept
by Enki and his temple in the Abzu, making him the guardian of civilization's most essential
forces. Ianna, the goddess of love, war, and fertility,
coveted these powers for her own city of Uruk. One day, she visited Enki, and the two engaged

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in a drinking contest. As Enki became increasingly intoxicated, Ianna persuaded him to give her
the mei. When Enki sobered up and realised what he had done, he was furious. He sent
demons to chase Ianna and retrieve the mei. But she, being as clever as Enki, outwitted
him and managed to bring the mei safely to her city.

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This story reveals another layer to Enki's character. He wasn't just a wise and serious
god. He had moments of fallibility, where his mischievous nature and love of fun led
to unpredictable outcomes. But even in this, we see that his intentions were never malevolent.
Ianna's trickery shows that the gods themselves could be playful, and the boundaries of power

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and control were not always rigid. It also highlights a certain humility in Enki. After
all, even though he tried to get the mei back, he did not resort to excessive violence or
wrath once they were lost. He allowed the course of events to unfold, suggesting that
even he accepted that some things were beyond control.

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Enki's wisdom also extended beyond problem solving among the gods or matters of the cosmos.
He played a crucial role in shaping the concept of kingship and governance in ancient Mesopotamia.
According to Sumerian belief, it was Enki who gave humankind the nam lugal, the divine

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right to rule. This sacred gift legitimised the authority of kings, establishing the rulers
of cities like Ur and Uruk as representatives of divine will on earth. Kings weren't simply
political leaders. They were stewards of the gods, chosen to maintain the balance and harmony
that Enki had helped create. This concept of divine kingship was fundamental to Mesopotamian

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society and would influence political structures across the ancient world. Through Enki's
teachings, rulers learned to govern with fairness, justice and wisdom.
The ancient Sumerians believed that laws, especially the famous legal codes like Hammurabi's,
were guided by Enki's wisdoms. These laws, inscribed in stone, were seen as reflections

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of the order Enki established in the universe, a means of keeping human society functioning
within the natural order. Enki's influence can be traced into the emphasis on fairness,
justice and protecting the vulnerable that was common in Mesopotamian legal traditions.
While Enlil might have been seen as a god of kingship by power and might, Enki's kingship

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was based on intelligence, wisdom and the wellbeing of the people. Enki's influence
extended far beyond the myths. His wisdom shaped the very structures that governed ancient
societies.
One of the lesser known but fascinating stories about Enki is his involvement in the creation
of humans themselves. In Sumerian mythology, humans were not just created for their own

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sake, but rather to serve a specific purpose, to lighten the burden of the gods. The gods,
according to myth, had grown tired of performing laborious tasks such as farming and maintaining
the earth. It was Enlil, the god of storms, who proposed the creation of a servant race,

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humans, to take on these tasks. But the actual creation process was left to Enki and the
mother goddess Ninhursag.
The story goes that Enki and Ninhursag worked together, moulding humans out of clay which
was mixed with the blood of a slain god to imbue them with life. This connection between

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clay and the earth underscores the idea that humanity was fundamentally tied to the elements
of nature, and it was Enki's breath, his divine spark, that brought these lifeless
figures to consciousness.
This gift of life, however, came with a price, as humans were expected to toil and serve

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for gods through offerings and labor. But Enki's role in this process reveals more
than just his powers as a creator, it shows his compassion and concern for the well-being
of humankind.
Unlike some other deities, Enki did not see humans merely as tools for divine convenience.
He saw humans as his children, his creations, and, therefore, felt solely responsible to

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guide and protect them. He took steps to ensure that humans were equipped with the intelligence
and skills necessary to not only survive, but to thrive. Enki's gifts to humanity,
such as knowledge of irrigation, writing, and construction, were essential in transforming
them from a primitive servile race into a flourishing civilization.

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His creation of humanity wasn't simply an act of utility, it was an act of care. He
wanted to see humans succeed, to build cities, to create art, and to govern themselves wisely.
This is why Enki was often seen as a protector of humanity, constantly meditating between
the gods and mortals to ensure their survival and prosperity.

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Another myth that highlights Enki's role as a protector and benefactor of humanity is
the story of Enki and the World Order. This myth illustrates how Enki, after establishing
the fundamental aspects of civilization, continue to oversee and guide the proper distribution
of resources and responsibilities across the world.

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In this myth, Enki organizes the cosmos, assigning specific roles and duties to each god and
element of nature, ensuring that everything in the universe functions in harmony. What's
particularly interesting about this myth is the way Enki personally distributes blessings
and resources. He travels to different regions and cities, bestowing gifts of abundance,

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fertile lands, healthy rivers, prosperous trade routes upon the people, allowing them
to thrive.
Enki's journey shows his intimate involvement with the physical world, as he personally
ensures that the Earth's resources are allocated fairly and wisely. Each city or region he
visits benefits from his wisdom and his ability to manage the delicate balance between nature

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and society. This myth emphasizes Enki's role not just as a creator, but as a manager
of the World Order, a god who continuously works to maintain harmony and prosperity for
both gods and humans alike.
Enki's influence wasn't limited to grand cosmic acts or the crafting of humanity. He

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was also a god of personal interaction and intimacy, particularly in how he governed
the relationships between humans and gods. One of the most famous myths in which Enki
plays a central role is the story of the goddess Ninhursag and the curation of the plants.
In this tale, Enki's curiosity and involvement in the natural world led to both conflict

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and healing, showcasing another dimension of his personality, his fallibility, and his
ability to make amends.
The myth begins with Ninhursag creating eight sacred plants, a symbol of nature's fertility
and abundance. Enki, curious by nature, becomes intrigued by these plants and decides to consume

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them all, thus disrupting the natural balance.
This angers Ninhursag, who curses Enki by making him gravely ill. His body begins to
waste away, and none of the gods can cure him. It is only when Ninhursag is convinced
to return and forgive Enki that she heals him, giving birth to eight deities from the

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parts of Enki's bodies that were healing.
Each new deity represents a different force of nature, symbolising the idea that, from
Enki's misstep, new life and balance could emerge.
This myth offers profound insight into Enki's character. Even though he was a god, he was
not immune to mistakes, and his curiosity, while often a strength, could sometimes lead

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him astray. But what sets Enki apart is his humility. He does not seek revenge or engage
in destructive conflict when cursed. Instead, he waits, trusting in the process of reconciliation,
allowing Ninhursag to return and restore balance.
This myth shows that even gods must sometimes face the consequences of their actions, and

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that healing, both divine and human, often comes through understanding and forgiveness.
Enki's association with water also plays a vital role in his function as a god of healing
and purification. As the lord of the Abzu, the source of all fresh water, Enki's waters

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were seen as life-giving and regenerative. This is reflected in ancient Sumerian practices,
where water was often used in rituals to purify and cleanse both individuals and spaces. Water,
in this sense, became an extension of Enki's wisdom, capable of not only sustaining life,

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but also restoring balance and health. In fact, Enki was frequently involved in magical
incantations for healing and protection, as his waters were believed to have the power
to wash away illness, evil spirits, and curses.
One particularly interesting aspect of Enki's healing abilities comes from his knowledge

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of secret rituals and incantations. As a god of wisdom, Enki held dominion over the arcane
arts, knowing the sacred words and gestures that could unlock the universe's deepest
mysteries. His magic was not chaotic or malevolent, but rather a tool for restoring harmony. In

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many Sumerian myths, Enki is called upon to perform rituals that heal the sick, bring
fertility to barren lands, or reverse curses cast by other gods. His magical knowledge
was considered a gift to humanity, passed down through priests and healers who invoked
his name when performing their own rituals. In this way, Enki's presence continued to

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be felt in everyday life, as people relied on his wisdom to solve both the physical and
spiritual challenges they faced. Finally, I want to talk about Enki's enduring legacy.
Though ancient Sumerian civilization eventually gave way to the rise of Babylon, Assyria,
and later empires, the influence of Enki remained strong. In Babylonian mythology, Enki was

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later synchronized with the god Ea, maintaining many of the same attributes of wisdom, creation,
and water. Even as religious practices shifted and new gods took precedence, Enki's presence
endured, his myths being told and retold through generations. Today, Enki's legacy can still

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be seen in modern culture. His archetype, the wise and compassionate meditator, the
problem solver, the protector of life, resonates deeply. He represents a model of leadership
that prioritizes intellect over force, empathy over dominion, and balance over chaos. In
a world often defined by conflict and power struggles, Enki's myths offer us an ancient

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but still relevant reminder that true strength comes not from might, but from wisdom and
understanding.
As we conclude today's episode, I'd like you to reflect on the figures in your life
who embody the spirit of Enki, those who solve problems, protect, and seek wisdom not for
personal gain, but for the betterment of others. Enki's myths are ancient, but the themes

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they explore, compassion, wisdom, and the delicate balance of life, are as relevant
today as they were thousands of years ago.
Thank you for joining me today on Whispers of the Past as we explored the fascinating
world of Enki, the Sumerian god of wisdom and water. If you enjoyed this episode, be
sure to subscribe, share, and send me a review or suggestions for future episodes to whispersofthepastreviewsatgmail.com.

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See you next time.