Inanna and Enki

Sumerian mythological narrative of more than 800 lines (ETCSL 1.3.1), recounting how Inanna, patron goddess of the Eanna temple in Uruk, journeys to the E-abzu sanctuary in Eridu, feasts and drinks beer with the wisdom god Enki, receives from him over a hundred sacred decrees of civilization (Divine Essence (Me)), and successfully brings them upriver to Uruk aboard the "Boat of Heaven" despite seven attempts by Enki's minister Isimud and sea monsters to reclaim them.

Core Themes

• Comprehensive catalog of the Sumerian me (Divine Essence (Me)), encompassing kingship, priestly offices, truth, descent to and ascent from the Underworld, musical instruments, scribal art, carpentry, metallurgy, and law.
• Transfer of cultural and political hegemony from the ancient cult center of Eridu to the rising metropolis of Uruk.
• Role of Inanna's sukkal Ninshubur (Papsukkal) in defending the Boat of Heaven (Divine Boats) at seven river stations.

Primary Text & Editions

• Untranslated Sumerian (composite transliteration): ETCSL c.1.3.1 — Inana and Enki (Sumerian transliteration)
• English translation: ETCSL t.1.3.1 — Inana and Enki (English translation)
• Primary tablet witnesses (CDLI): Nippur tablets (CBS 15283+, Penn Museum & Istanbul) on CDLI
• Critical edition: Farber-Flügge, G. 1973. Der Mythos "Inanna und Enki" unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Liste der me (Studia Pohl 10). Rome: Biblical Institute Press.

Related Concepts & Sources

Inanna (goddess of Uruk), Enki (keeper of the me at Eridu), Isimud (Enki's two-faced vizier), Divine Essence (Me) (transferred powers), Eridu & Uruk (linked cities)