Primordial

Apsu

sumerian Abzu
The sweet water beneath all things, still and deep.Before the world was named, he was already there.

Role

Primordial god of the freshwater ocean (the abzu). Consort of Tiamat. Father of the first generation of gods.

Significance

Apsu's attempt to destroy his noisy offspring triggered the chain of events leading to the creation of the world. Enki killed him, and his body became the freshwater abyss.
water-basindepth

Sources & References

  • Myths from Mesopotamia Dalley, Stephanie (2000)
  • Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia Bottéro, Jean (2001)