Enki and Ninmah
The Myth Mésopotamie N known as of “ Enki and Ninmah ” is an explanation of the creation of the human being. It dates from the middle of the 2nd front millenium J. - C., and was probably inspired by the myth of the Atra-hasis.
Gods, all born from the paramount mother Nammu, resident on Earth, where a first category saw quietly whereas a second works for all. The seconds starting to protest, Nammu requires of Enki to seek to create a creature whose role will be to work in the place of the secondary gods, and for all the gods, thus making their life easier. This last is not long in finding an idea and known as with his/her mother to work this creature with clay drawn on the surface of the Abyss, in a mould which it makes, with the assistance of the goddess Ninmah (the parèdre of Enki) and other divinities, then to give them life then. This work, the Man, finds a reception very favorable on behalf of the gods, who meet around a large banquet to celebrate the event.
During the meal, Enki and Ninmah are passably éméchés. This last lance a challenge with its husband: it will give the life to other human beings which will be “imperfect” (an asexual being, a sterile woman, lame, etc), and puts Enki at the challenge to find a task in the company to them. This one arrives there high the hand. Then it launches in its turn a challenge identical to his wife, by creating a formless human being (a “monster”). Ninmah is not able to find a task to him, and loses the duel.
One sees thus that this account seeks to answer several questions that the men are posed: their raison d'être (i.e. to serve the gods), and why there were “imperfect” beings in their eyes.
| Random links: | John Frankenheimer | Niçois | Bédarieux | Thin Janine | Habib Achour | Navigation_à_l'estime_(film) |