Enki or Ea: The god of medicine in Mesopotamia from the sea

Enki or Ea. is the name of the god of wisdom, medicine and sea in the Mesopotamia Sumer and Elam. He is the ruler of the freshwater ocean, “Abzu”. Enki is represented by the rivers Euphrates and Tigris flowing from his shoulders. He has a bowl in his hand from which water flows. He is associated with his symbolic animals such as fish, goats and turtles. Boats and canes with ram heads are his tools. His special achievement was the creation of man and he is known in various epics as the creator of human beings. In addition, he owns the “ME” destiny tables on which the destinies of the gods and people are written. Enki has been recorded since the early Sumerian period and has been shown in various inscriptions to worship him as the god of fresh water and the god of the moisture of life. His main shrine was “Ayapsu” in the city of “Eridu”. Enki, as one of the most important deities in the Mesopotamia, had temples in many cities. As the influence of the city of “Erido” waned, his main shrine was moved to the city of “Uruk”, which is reflected in the legend of “Inana and Enki”. The physician in ancient Babylon was called “Asu”, which is derived from the Sumerian word “A-zu” and means a man who knows water (or oil). It is related to water prediction with the help of Enki. Enki's role in the medicine of Mesopotamian inscriptions has been repeated. In the legend of “Enki and Ninorsag”, the details of a story about medicinal plants, diseases and gods are written. This article reviews Enki's role in Mesopotamian medicine.

Keywords:

Enki , Ea , God , Mesopotamia , Medicine , Sea