The Fall of Man | The Myth of Adapa

Discover the intriguing Mesopotamian myth of Adapa, which looks into the origin of human mortality and the role of the gods in shaping human destiny.

In this ancient tale, Ea, the god of wisdom, crafts the first man, Adapa, gifting him with intelligence but withholding immortality. When offered eternal life by the mighty god Anu, Adapa is deceived by Ea and refuses the divine gift. As a king, Adapa's fateful encounter with the south wind leads to a confrontation with Anu, where Ea guides him in navigating the council of gods. Despite Adapa's trust in Ea, the god fears Anu's intentions and advises him to reject the food and drink of eternal life. This pivotal decision ultimately leads to Adapa's return to mortal life and incurs Anu's punishment upon Ea.

Dive into this interesting myth which seeks to answer the profound existential question: Why are humans destined to die, and what meaning does life hold in the face of mortality?