In Sumerian mythology, Nammu (more properly Namma [1]) is the Sumerian creation goddess. If the Babylonian creation myth Enûma Elish is based on a Sumerian myth, which seems likely, Nammu is the Sumerian goddess of the primeval sea that gave birth to An (heaven) and Ki (earth) and the first gods. She was probably the first personification of the constellation which the Babylonians later called Tiamat and the Greeks called Cetus and represented the Apsu, the fresh water ocean which the Sumerians believed lay beneath the earth, the source of life-giving water and fertility in a country with almost no rainfall. She is attended by seven minor goddesses.
Nammu bore An a son, Enki. She and her Enki created mankind as assistants for the gods. She moulded clay collected and brought it to life, thus creating mankind.
References
- Michael Jordon, Encyclopedia of Gods, Kyle Cathie Limited, 2002
According to Raey Tannahill, "History of Sex" Nammu is the only female prime mover in ancient creation myths - of which the Sumerian is the earliest.
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