Eridu, also known as Eridug, is an ancient Sumerian city located in southern Mesopotamia, and it plays an important role in Mesopotamian mythology. The city was considered to be the oldest city in the world and the first city built by the gods.
In Sumerian mythology, Eridu is known as the home of Enki, the god of wisdom, magic and water. Enki was one of the most important gods in Sumerian religion, and was considered to be the patron god. He was also known as the god of creation, as he was believed to have helped create the world and mankind.
Enki’s temple was known as E-abzu, which means “house of the cosmic waters,” and it was believed to be the source of all the fresh water in the world. Enki was also believed to have lived in the Abzu, a subterranean chamber within the temple, and it was said that all the wisdom and knowledge of the world came from this chamber.
Eridu also played a significant role in the Sumerian creation story, the Enuma Elish. In this story, Eridu is described as the first city built by the gods, and it is where the god Marduk defeated the goddess Tiamat and created the world.
In addition, Eridu also had a significant role in the Sumerian king list, which lists the kings of Sumer and their reigns. It is said that the first king of Sumer was Alulim, who ruled for 28,800 years, and was said to be a god-king who ruled with the help of Enki.
Eridu was also an important religious center in Mesopotamian mythology, as it was the site of many religious ceremonies and festivals, including the Akitu festival, which celebrated the New Year and the victory of Marduk over Tiamat.