Chapter 4, Sumer: Land of the Gods Summary and Analysis

Sitchin classifies some Sumerian gods as heavenly and interprets their stories as scientific accounts of the creation of the planets. Another group of gods Sitchin classifies as earthly leaders, in charge of mundane tasks. The other gods "of heaven and earth" were human in their emotions and activities but incredibly powerful and descended to Earth from the skies, and created man.

An or Anu was head of the gods, symbolized by a star, and lived in the heavens. Men as well as gods might ascend to heaven. Anu also visited Earth, and a temple was built for him at Uruk, where the gods could descend to Earth. Sitchin describes the pomp and ceremony of one of Anu's visits. All right of rulership and kingship came from Anu.

Enlil was Anu's son...