Adapa and Etana Summary and Analysis

The author begins by explaining that Adapa was a sage sent by Ea, god of the first city, that of Eridu, to show mankind how to build a civilization. Adapa was responsible for showing man religious rites, but angered Ea, and thus lost his right to immortality. The author also notes this story is severely fragmented. The myth begins, after a few missing lines, by explaining that Ea gave Adapa wisdom, but not eternal life. Adapa is described as higher than man, much like Atrahasis in the Flood story, and as a holy and pure man, responsible for tending the rites, baking with bakers of the town, and fishing for Eridu. On one journey, however, he sets sail without a rudder, with a strong South Wind, and is blown over. Angered, he curses the South Wind, and...