Myth of Adapa
The Mesopotamian tale of the sage who refused the bread and water of life, and so lost immortality for humanity.
Core Characteristics
- Known from 14th-century BC copies found at Amarna in Egypt and Nineveh.
- Adapa, sage of Eridu, broke the south wind's wing and was summoned to heaven to answer for it.
- Warned by Ea to refuse all food as poisoned, he obeyed — and thereby refused the bread and water of eternal life Anu offered.
Related Concepts & Sources
Mesopotamian, Enki, Immortality