Geshtu-E

Ilawela (formerly variously transcribed as Geshtu-(E), Geshtu, Gestu, or We-ila)^[1] is, in Sumerian and Akkadian mythology, a minor god of intelligence. In the Atra-Hasis Epic^[2] he was sacrificed by the great gods and his blood was used in the creation of mankind:

Ilawela who had intelligence,
They slaughtered in their assembly.
Nintu mixed clay
With his flesh and blood.
They heard the drumbeat forever after.
A ghost came into existence from the god’s flesh,
And she (Nintu) proclaimed it as his living sign.
The ghost existed so as not to forget (the slain god). […]
You have slaughtered a god together with his intelligence.
I have relieved you of your hard work.
I have imposed your load on man.^[3]

References

^ Dalley, Stephanie (2000) Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others, revised edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, page 4
^ Mark, Joshua. "The Atrahasis Epic: The Great Flood & the Meaning of Suffering". World History Encyclopedia.
^ Dalley, Stephanie (2000) Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others, revised edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, page 15–16

Michael Jordan, Encyclopedia of Gods, Kyle Cathie Limited, 2002

[1] Dalley, Stephanie (2000) Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others, revised edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, page 4

[2] Mark, Joshua. "The Atrahasis Epic: The Great Flood & the Meaning of Suffering". World History Encyclopedia.

[3] Dalley, Stephanie (2000) Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others, revised edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, page 15–16

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See also

References