1. Adapa - earliest version from 15th-14th c. BC
Seven Sages, a.k.a. the seven apkallu

2. Adapa: Summary
Adapa is fishing when boat is overturned by
South Wind. Adapa uses magic to
incapacitate it. Seven days later Anu
notices absence of wind and summons
Adapa to explain himself
Ea tells Adapa to ingratiate himself with
vegetation deities at door of heaven by
putting on mourning for their absences.
They put in good word for him

3. Adapa: Summary
Ea has also told Adapa not to accept food or
drink from gods but to accept clothes
and oil
Anu offers Adapa food and water of life as
well as clothes and oil. Adapa refuses
food and drink, as instructed, and hence
misses out on immortality
Anu is amused at this and sends Adapa back
to earth

4. Earliest evidence for Etana story,BC

5. Etana: Summary
Gods build a city (Kish) for humans but need
a king for it. Ishtar chooses Etana, who
builds temple to Adad
Serpent and eagle take residence at poplar tree
growing in temple, take oath of friendship
Eagle devours serpent’s young. Serpent appeals
to…

6. Etana: Summary
…Shamash, god of sun, omens, extispicy
and justice. He arranges trap for eagle,
enabling serpent to hide in body of ox and
catch eagle when it feeds
Serpent cuts eagle’s wings, plucks it and leaves
it to die in pit

7. Etana: Summary
Eagle pleads for mercy. Eventually Shamash
promises to send man to save it
Etana is unable to produce heir and appeals to
Shamash. He tells Etana to save eagle in
return for help finding plant of life. Etana
nurses eagle back to health, but eagle is
unable to find plant on mountain. Suggests
a trip to see Ishtar in heaven

8. Etana: Summary
Etana and eagle fly up, but Etana is too scared
to go high enough, so return to earth
Etana has dreams. Eagle suggests another
attempt at trip. They reach heaven and
enter…
According to Sumerian King List, Etana was
succeeded by son Balih