Ilawela (formerly variously transcribed as Geshtu-(E), Geshtu, Gestu, or We-ila) is, in Sumerian and Akkadian mythology, a minor god of intelligence. In the Atra-Hasis Epic he was sacrificed by the great gods and his blood was used in the creation of mankind:
Ilawela who had intelligence,
They slaughtered in their assembly.
Nintu mixed clay
With his flesh and blood.
They heard the drumbeat forever after.
A ghost came into existence from the god’s flesh,
And she (Nintu) proclaimed it as his living sign.
The ghost existed so as not to forget (the slain god).
You have slaughtered a god together with his intelligence.
I have relieved you of your hard work.
I have imposed your load on man.
See also
References
- Dalley, Stephanie (2000) Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others, revised edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, page 4
- Mark, Joshua. "The Atrahasis Epic: The Great Flood & the Meaning of Suffering". World History Encyclopedia.
- Dalley, Stephanie (2000) Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others, revised edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, page 15–16
- Michael Jordan, Encyclopedia of Gods, Kyle Cathie Limited, 2002