Sumerian - Myth of Enlil and Ninlil: A Tale of Divine Love and Creation

In the ancient Sumerian city of Nippur, before mankind set foot on earth, unfolded a celestial love story that would shape the cosmos. Here's the tale of "Enlil and Ninlil," a myth that not only details the begetting of the moon-god Nanna but also introduces us to the intriguing concept of divine metamorphosis.

The Divine Setting of Nippur:
The story begins with an evocative description of Nippur, a city seen as the "bond of heaven and earth." Imagine a place where the sacred river Idsalla flows, where quays stand ready for divine boats, and wells brim with pure water. In this divine landscape, we meet three key figures:

• Enlil, the air-god, known as the "young man" of Nippur.
• Ninlil, the young maid, poised for a divine encounter.
• Nunbarshegunu, the wise old woman, Ninlil's mother.

A Mother's Guidance:
Nunbarshegunu shares with her daughter a plan to capture Enlil's heart. She advises Ninlil to bathe in the pure river and to stroll along the banks of the Idnunbirdu canal, ensuring that Enlil, described as "bright-eyed" and the "great mountain," would see her.

• "At the pure river, O maid, at the pure river wash thyself," she counsels. "O Ninlil, walk along the bank of the Idnunbirdu, The bright-eyed, the lord, the bright-eyed, The 'great mountain,' father Enlil, the bright-eyed, will see thee, The shepherd ... who decrees the fates, the bright-eyed, will see thee, He will ... he will kiss thee."

Following her mother's words, Ninlil does as instructed, and Enlil, captivated by her beauty, kisses her by the sacred waters, leading to the conception of Nanna, the moon-god.

Enlil's Departure and Ninlil's Pursuit:
Post this divine union, Enlil decides to leave Nippur, heading towards the nether world. Before his departure, he instructs the gatekeeper to remain silent about his whereabouts should Ninlil inquire.
Determined, Ninlil follows Enlil, confronting the gatekeeper, who, bound by Enlil's command, gives her no answers. Here's where the story takes a fascinating turn:

• Divine Metamorphosis: Enlil, not wanting to be followed, transforms himself multiple times to continue his union with Ninlil, each transformation resulting in the birth of an underworld deity:
  • As the gatekeeper, he begets Nergal.
  • As the river's water, he fathers Ninazu.
  • Finally, as a ferryman, he conceives a third deity, whose name has been lost to history.

This act of metamorphosis showcases Enlil's divine versatility, weaving a narrative of love, pursuit, and the creation of gods that govern both the heavens and the underworld.