Adapa

Adapa ( altbabylonisch a -da -ap -a, also Atrahasis, Atra - hasis, the very manner ) is the main character of an ancient Babylonian mythological narrative, BC was about 2000-1600. The oldest specimen is a copy from Amarna and is received only incomplete in several other clay tablets from the library of Ashurbanipal. Adapa is equated by Erich Ebeling with "man", possibly a mythological and etymological connection between the biblical Adam and Adapa.

Adapa is a mortal who comes as the son of Enki's Eridu from its place of worship. His father Enki inherited his wisdom; However, the immortality remained Adapa refused. On a boat trip Adapa is against the south wind to a curse after it had capsized the boat of Adapa and the fishing power destroyed. Through the power of the curse of the south wind can not blow inland. The effect of the curse angered the supreme god An, because mortals can not cause curses. To see the fact that Adapa obviously has divine powers and asks him to himself. By Enki Adapa Council passes from alone to the court Ans by, passes in mourning attitude to the gatekeepers Ans, Dumuzi and Ningišzida.

Dumuzi and Ningišzida offered him on behalf of to to food and drinks. But Adapa refused, on advice of Enki out the food offered to him, since it could be in the order food of death. At that, however, was so impressed by Adapas honesty, Adapa wanted to give eternal life through food and end the intolerable situation for the gods, that mortal part, had their powers. Thus Adapa missed the chance for humanity to achieve immortality. The god An was angered when he received note of, because so remained for Adapa and his descendants and thus for humanity to receive the " divine-human " combination of knowledge and death.

Adapa is often referred to as a consultant to Alulim, the first king of Eridu, according to the Sumerian king list. In paintings and drawings Adapa is usually represented with clothing that is made from fish scales.