Part 2: The Anunnaki in Mesopotamian Myths and Texts
The Anunnaki appear in a variety of Sumerian, Akkadian, Assyrian, and Babylonian texts, including myths, epics, hymns, incantations, and royal inscriptions. Here are some of the most important sources and the roles the Anunnaki play within them:
The Atra-Hasis Epic:
This is one of the most crucial texts for understanding the Anunnaki’s role in the creation of humanity.
Story: The epic begins with the Anunnaki gods working the land and digging canals, a task they find incredibly burdensome. They eventually rebel against Enlil, the chief god. To resolve the crisis, Enki (Ea) proposes creating humans to take over the labor. With the help of the mother goddess Ninti (or Mami), they create humans from clay, mixed with the blood and intelligence of a slain god (Geshtu-E or We-ila).
Anunnaki’s Role: The Anunnaki are portrayed as the original laborers who, through their rebellion, indirectly lead to the creation of humanity. They are also involved in the later decision to send a flood to destroy mankind due to their excessive noise and overpopulation. Enki, despite being one of the Anunnaki, takes a sympathetic stance towards humanity and helps Atra-Hasis survive the flood.
The most crucial point of the story is that the gods created human beings to work for them.
The Epic of Gilgamesh:
This epic, while primarily focused on the hero Gilgamesh, features the Anunnaki in several key episodes.
Story: Gilgamesh, two-thirds god and one-third human, is a powerful but tyrannical king of Uruk. The gods, including the Anunnaki, hear the complaints of the people and create Enkidu, a wild man, to challenge Gilgamesh. After a fierce battle, Gilgamesh and Enkidu become close friends and embark on adventures together. They defeat Humbaba, the guardian of the Cedar Forest, and later kill the Bull of Heaven, which was sent by the goddess Ishtar (Inanna) after Gilgamesh rejects her advances. The Anunnaki, as a council of gods, decree that Enkidu must die as punishment for these actions. The death of Enkidu leads Gilgamesh on a quest for immortality, during which he meets Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Great Flood.
Anunnaki’s Role: The Anunnaki act as a divine council, making decisions about the fate of mortals and enforcing divine law. They are involved in both the creation of Enkidu and the decision to punish him. They also appear in Utnapishtim’s account of the flood, where they are depicted as both the instigators of the flood and, in some cases, as remorseful after witnessing its devastation.
Enuma Elish (The Babylonian Creation Epic):
This epic, while not directly focused on the Anunnaki as a group, describes the rise of Marduk, the patron god of Babylon, to supreme power.
Story: The epic tells of a primordial conflict between the older gods (represented by Apsu and Tiamat) and the younger gods. Marduk, the son of Ea (Enki), eventually defeats Tiamat, the embodiment of the chaotic primeval sea, and creates the cosmos from her body. He then establishes order and assigns roles to the various gods.
The Annunaki are given different kinds of duties. Some of them are in heaven some of them are in the underworld.
Anunnaki’s Role: While not the central focus, the Anunnaki are mentioned as part of the assembly of gods who acknowledge Marduk’s supremacy. Their presence reinforces the idea of a divine hierarchy and the importance of order in the cosmos.
Inanna’s Descent to the Underworld:
This Sumerian myth tells the story of the goddess Inanna’s journey to the underworld, the realm of her sister Ereshkigal.
Story: Inanna descends to the underworld for reasons that are not entirely clear (various interpretations exist). She passes through seven gates, at each of which she is forced to remove a piece of her clothing or jewelry, symbolizing her loss of power. When she finally reaches Ereshkigal, she is killed and hung on a hook. After three days, Enki intervenes and sends emissaries to rescue her. However, the Anunnaki, acting as the judges of the underworld, decree that Inanna cannot leave unless someone takes her place. She eventually chooses her husband, Dumuzi, as her substitute.
Anunnaki’s Role: In this myth, the Anunnaki are primarily depicted as the stern and unforgiving judges of the underworld. They enforce the laws of the realm of the dead and ensure that even a powerful goddess like Inanna cannot escape without consequences.
Other Texts:
The Anunnaki also appear in numerous other texts, including hymns, prayers, and incantations. These texts often invoke their power and ask for their protection or favor.
Royal inscriptions.
Key Takeaways from Part 2:
The Anunnaki are not monolithic: Their roles and portrayals vary considerably across different myths and time periods. They can be laborers, rebels, judges, decision-makers, and even sympathetic figures.
They are central to creation: The Atra-Hasis epic highlights their crucial, albeit indirect, role in the creation of humanity.
They represent divine order and justice: In many texts, they uphold divine law and make decisions about the fate of mortals.
They are associated with the underworld: Inanna’s Descent highlights their role as judges of the dead.
Complex Pantheon: These stories reflect a change in the Mesopotamian pantheon and offer valuable insights into the religious beliefs and worldview of ancient Mesopotamia.