Concept

Igigi

The lesser gods who labored before humankind existed.Their rebellion birthed the need for mortal hands.

Domains

Sky

Definition

The younger generation of gods who originally performed the manual labor of maintaining the cosmos. Their rebellion against this toil led directly to the creation of humans as replacements.

Significance

The Igigi myth provides the Mesopotamian explanation for why humans were created: to bear the labor that even gods refused to endure.

Symbols & Attributes

pick-axestar-cluster

Connections

Associated with Enlil The Igigi rebelled against Enlil's labor demands, leading to the creation of humanity
Associated with Kingu Humanity was created from Kingu's blood to replace the Igigi as laborers
Associated with Anunnaki Junior gods who served the Anunnaki before humanity was created

Sources & References

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