17 What are "me" anyway? (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.
17 What are "me" anyway? (Sumerian Mythology)
Another important concept in Sumerian theology, was that of "me".
The "me" were universal decrees of divine authority. They are the
invocations that spread arts, crafts, and civilization. The "me" were
assembled by Enlil in Ekur and given to Enki to guard and impart to the
world, beginning with Eridu, his center of worship. From there, he
guards the "me" and imparts them on the people. He directs the "me"
towards Ur and Meluhha and Dilmun, organizing the world with his decrees.
Later, Inanna comes to Enki and complains at having been given too
little power from his decrees. In a different text, she gets Enki
drunk and he grants her more powers, arts, crafts, and attributes - a
total of ninety-four "me". Inanna parts company with Enki to deliver
the "me" to her cult center at Erech. Enki recovers his wits and tries
to recover the "me" from her, but she arrives safely in Erech with them.
(Kramer & Maier 1989: pp. 38-68)
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