The Jealous Gods and the First Man: The Story of Adamu in Sumerian-Babylonian Mythology

The Adamu, according to Sumerian-Babylonian mythology, was the first man created by the gods.

This story predates the Christian account of Adam and Eve, and provides a unique perspective on the concept of the first human being and the origin of mortality.

The first time I came upon this myth was when I read about it in The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets by Barbara G. Walker. It’s haunted me throughout the years because of its implications.

According to the myth, the gods were jealous of Adamu and his special relationship with them. As a result, they decided to trick him out of immortality by convincing him that the food of immortality was poisonous. When Adamu was offered the food, he turned it down, and in doing so, he condemned his descendants to mortal lives.

The story of Adamu highlights the theme of jealousy among the gods and their attempts to retain their power and control over humanity. It also reflects the idea that mortality is a punishment for disobedience or lack of faith.

The Adamu story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly trusting authority and the importance of making informed decisions.

Despite its ancient origins, the story of Adamu continues to be an important cultural touchstone in modern times. It serves as a reminder of the timeless struggles between humanity and the gods, and the eternal quest for knowledge and understanding of the world.

Author: StrangeAgo