08 What Deities did they worship? Enlil (Sumerian Mythology)
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This article is from the Sumerian Mythology FAQ, by Christopher Siren cbsiren@cisunix.unh.edu with numerous contributions by others.
08 What Deities did they worship? Enlil (Sumerian Mythology)
* Enlil
An and Ki's union produced Enlil (Lord of 'lil'). Enlil was the
air-god and leader of the pantheon from at least 2500 BC, when his
temple Ekur in Nippur was the spiritual center of Sumer (Kramer 1961
p. 47). In the early days he separated and carried off the earth
(Ki) while An carried off heaven. (Kramer 1961 p. 37-41) He assumed
most of An's powers. He is glorified as "'the father of the gods, 'the
king of heaven and earth,' ' the king of all the lands'". Kramer
portrays him as a patriarchal figure, who is both creator and
disciplinarian. Enlil causes the dawn, the growth of plants, and bounty
(Kramer 1961 p. 42). He also invents agricultural tools such as the
plow or pickaxe (Kramer 1961 pp 47-49). Without his blessings, a city
would not rise (Kramer 1961 pp. 63, 80) Most often he is considered Ninlil's
husband, with Ninhursag as his sister, but some traditions have Ninhursag as
his spouse. (Jacobsen p.105)
"Enlil and Ninlil"
He is also banished to the nether world (kur) for his rape of Ninlil,
his intended bride, but returns with the first product of their union,
the moon god Sin (also known as Nanna). (Kramer, Sumerians
1963: pp.145-147). Ninlil follows him into exile as his wife. He
tells the various underworld guardians to not reveal his whereabouts and
instead poses as those guardians himself three times, each time
impregnating her again. It appears that at least on one occasion Enlil
reveals his true self before they unite. The products of these unions
are three underworld deities, including Meslamtaea (aka. Nergal) and
Ninazu. Later, when Nanna visits him in Nippur, he bestows Ur to him
with a palace and plentiful plantlife. (Kramer 1961 p. 43-49) Enlil is
also seen as the father of Ninurta (Kramer 1961 p. 80).
"Enki and Eridu"
When Enki journeys to Enlil's city Nippur in order for his own city,
Eridu to be blessed. He is given bread at Enki's feast and is seated
next to An, after which Enlil proclaims that the Anunnaki should praise
Enki. (Kramer 1961 pp. 62-63)
"The Dispute between Cattle and Grain"
Enlil and Enki, at Enki's urging, create farms and fields for the
grain goddess Ashnan and the cattle goddess Lahar. This area has places
for Lahar to take care of the animals and Ashnan to grow the crops. The
two agricultural deities get drunk and begin fighting, so it falls to
Enlil and Enki to resolve their conflict - how they do so has not been
recovered. (Kramer 1961 pp. 53-54; Kramer 1963 pp. 220-223)
"The Dispute between Emesh and Enten"
Enlil creates the herdsman deity Enten and the agricultural deity
Emesh. He settles a dispute between Emesh and Enten over who should be
recognized as 'farmer of the gods', declaring Enten's claim to be
stronger. (Kramer 1961 p. 49-51).
"Enki and Ninhursag"
He helps Enki again when he was cursed by Ninhursag. Enlil and a fox
entreat her to return and undo her curse. (Kramer 1961 p. 57)
"Enki and the World Order"
The "me" were assembled by Enlil in his temple Ekur, and given to Enki
to guard and impart to the world, beginning with Eridu, Enki's center of
worship. (Kramer 1963 pp. 171-183)
"Inanna's Descent to the Nether World"
Enlil refuses Ninshubur's appeal on behalf of his [grand-]daughter,
Inanna to help rescue her from Ereshkigal in the underworld. (Kramer
1961 pp. 86, 87, 89, 93)
"Ziusudra"
After the flood, he and An gave Ziusudra eternal life and had him live
in Dilmun. (Kramer 1961 p. 98)
"Gilgamesh, Enkidu and the Netherworld"
When Gilgamesh looses his "pukku" and "mikku" in the nether world, and
Enkidu is held fast there by demons, he appeals to Enlil for
help. Enlil refuses to assist him. (Kramer 1961 p. 35-36)
(See also his Babylonian analog Ellil in the Assyro-Babylonian Mythology
FAQ)
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