The Lovers of Dilmun
1. Describe the winter setting of this story, Dilmun, which was “eastward in Eden.”
 
 

2. Why are Enki and Ninhursag a good fit to be a couple (symbolically)
 

The Rapacious Enki
3. Describe Ninhursag’s pregnancy and birth of Ninsar.
 
 

4. Why does Ninhursag leave Enki and her daughter to go to the Middle world?
 
 

5. Describe the metaphorical significance of Enki’s relationships with his daughter.
 
 

6. Hoe does Enki entice Ninkura on the mountain top?
 
 
 

Ninhursag’s Warning
7. What is Ninhursag’s advice to Uttu?
 
 

8. How is Enki’s approach to Uttu different from his lusty advances against his first two daughters?  Why is he called “crafty”?
 
 
 

Ninhursag’s Intervention
9. What are the eight plants created from the flushed out seed of Enki from Uttu’s body?
 
 

10. Explain the symbolism of Enki’s devouring of these eight plants.
 
 
 

The Healing Powers of Ninhursag
11. What curse does Ninhursag place upon Enki due to his lust and unbridled greed?
 
 

12. How does the fox assist Enki?
 
 

13. How does Ninhursag embrace the dying Enki in order to nurture and heal him?
 
 

14. How does she heal him?