The Dual Image of Enki (Ea) in Mesopotamian Mythology

Enki, later known as Ea in Babylonian-Akkadian mythology, is a Sumerian word for the god of fresh waters in Mesopotamian mythology. Given the effective and functional role of water in the livelihood of ancient people and its symbolization in mythology, Enki seems to have had particular importance and presence in Mesopotamian mythology. He is characterized with various functions as vivification, fertility, purgation, cure, sorcery, wisdom and intelligence. They are all particularly in line with the cosmic order. Apparently, the gods of ancient Mesopotamia can often be considered as "the gods of order" or at least "the gods affected by natural order". Compared to other gods, Enki plays an outstanding role in establishment and retention of this natural order of things, for which he exhibits a dual image and acts for and against the man. Moreover, Enki's immanence in various myths is justified by the significance of water in all aspects of human life such as agriculture. Enki's monologues and his disclosure of god's commands and secrets to man can be considered as the early forms of Revelation. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the present study attempts to explain the philosophy of Enki's behavioral contradiction and his dual image in Mesopotamian mythology