The Poems Of Enheduanna

by Enheduanna, Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

Enheduanna, also known as En-hedu-ana or Enheduana, is widely regarded as the world's first known author and poet, as well as one of the earliest recorded female figures in history. She lived in ancient Mesopotamia during the 23rd century BCE and held the esteemed position of high priestess in the city of Ur, which was a thriving center of Sumerian civilization. Enheduanna's literary works and religious contributions have left an indelible mark on the cultural and literary landscape of ancient Mesopotamia. Enheduanna was born in the city of Ur, located in what is now southern Iraq, around 2285 BCE. She was the daughter of King Sargon of Akkad, who established the Akkadian Empire, and Queen Tashlultum. Being born into a royal family, Enheduanna enjoyed a privileged upbringing and received an exceptional education in literature, religion, and politics. At a young age, Enheduanna's intelligence, eloquence, and spiritual devotion were recognized, leading to her appointment as the high priestess of the moon god Nanna at the renowned temple in Ur. This position bestowed upon her significant religious authority and influence within the society, making her a powerful figure in both the political and spiritual realms. Enheduanna's most significant contributions are her literary works, which include a collection of hymns, poems, and prayers dedicated to various deities. These compositions were written in the Sumerian language, the oldest known written language in human history. Through her writings, Enheduanna expressed her deep reverence for the gods and sought to establish a personal connection between the divine and humanity. One of Enheduanna's most renowned works is "The Exaltation of Inanna," a composition that pays homage to the goddess Inanna, the Sumerian deity of love, beauty, fertility, and war. In this epic poem, Enheduanna beautifully portrays the multifaceted nature of Inanna and her significance in the pantheon of gods. Her lyrical verses and vivid imagery have captivated readers throughout the centuries. Enheduanna's writings were not only expressions of religious devotion but also political tools. She used her literary skills to reinforce the legitimacy of her father's reign and to assert her own authority as a high priestess. Her works were widely circulated and revered, ensuring her enduring legacy as a gifted poet and scholar.

53 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2023

About the author

Akkadian princess, High Priestess of the Moon god Nanna, daughter of Sargon the Great. c 2285–2250 BCE.

While millions of Mesopotamian women lived ordinary lives, an Akkadian princess, daughter of Sargon the Great, lived a life anything but ordinary. Enheduanna (2285 to 2250 B.C.) became one of the most prominent and powerful priestesses in all of Sumer and Akkad.

Her literary output of hymns and songs to the goddess Inanna set a high standard and example of religious psalms, hymns, prayers and poetry that was followed for the next two thousand years. The writings of Enheduanna echoed through the centuries, influencing hymns and prayers in other cultures and religions, such as the Bible and Greece’s Homeric hymns.

Enheduanna was born in northern Mesopotamian to Sargon the Great and his Queen Tashlultum in the city of Akkad. As Sargon’s daughter, she learned to read and write cuneiform as she studied to be a priestess. Sargon, who usurped the throne of Kish and proceeded to conquer all of Mesopotamia and beyond, needed to consolidate his power over southern Mesopotamia.

To smooth the religious differences between the Sumerians and Akkadians and to influence the political climate in the south, he appointed Enheduanna as En-Priestess or high priestess of the goddess Inanna in the important Sumerian city of Ur. The role of an En-priestesses was important both politically and religiously and was often held by royal daughters.

Enheduanna held the position of En-priestess throughout Sargon’s reign and that of her brother, Rimush as well. Sometime during Rimush’s reign, Enheduanna was cast out from her position in the temple. During this time of political and religious upheaval, she composed some of her most beautiful poetry and prayers, asking the goddess Inanna to help her. When her position was later reinstated, she wrote Nimesarra or "The Exaltation of Inanna,” which describes both her expulsion and reinstatement.

As En-priestess, Enheduanna was the chief administrator of the temple to An. Her original Akkadian name is unknown, but Enheduanna, the Sumerian title she chose when she came to Ur, translates as En (high priestess), Hedu (ornament) Anna (of heaven). Temple complexes in Sumeria were huge, the city’s essential center, organizing all religious affairs and controlling many secular businesses as well. Temples oversaw charitable endeavors, planned religious festivals and employed half the city. Enheduanna held this vital position for over 40 years. That she survived her exile speaks to her superior performance as En-priestess.

Enheduanna’s literary works include her poems to Inanna, goddess of love, fertility and war, three powerful hymns that helped homogenize Akkadian and Sumerian religions. She also composed 42 hymns, poems and prayers known today as the Sumerian Temple Hymns. In these she speaks with a direct, personal voice. Apparently, Enheduanna was confidant not only as the En-priestess but also as an author.

Reviews

[Patricia Puckett]

I was so intrigued to learn that some of the earliest poetry ever written was attributed to woman. So I just had to go read. Unfortunately, this particular translation is... rough. To put it lightly. There's no attempt to fill in missing words or even define words. I think what I really want is a more in depth, detailed discussion about these poems alongside a better translation.

[Summer]

Enheduanna, was a Akkadian princess and Sumerian high priestess of Nanna, or Ur. Her poems are the oldest writings by a known author. I was a little excited it was by a woman. After also reading Gilgamesh and finding that at least my translation was very choppy, I was curious what this writing would be like. I think her writing, aside from not being fluent in reading Sumerian cuneiform, and knowing they only have fragments, what was preserved was very well written.

Aspects of her hymns and the structure was similar to the Psalms. Yet, so different. Things I noticed: there was an obeisance to her Moon Goddess, but it was one-sided. There was very little in them that showed this was a relationship. I believe and have to admit to really wanting to see what the temple looked like because it was described in many hymns and elsewhere in her writings as being Lapis Lazuli. When Hnheduanna is telling of Inanna and Ebil, I find it curious that they were trying to take down the natural mountain because it was so offensive, but in other of her writings wrote of the ziggurat that they would build for the Moon Goddess. While Hnheduanna is a great writer I'm not sure what her reward was. In the end, her writings tells of her calling on this deity, but mentions no victory or answering of those prayers beautifully written but only of anguish and bodily pains. Perhaps, those were lost.

It was nice to read about a snippet of the culture of Ur, that would birth Abraham 500 years later. I have to admit to being mildly curious about all the lost writings that are no longer available to us, and I'm thankful for the miracle the Bible is.

[Mary]

Perhaps this book was created for a class? The translations are archaic and use words that are not defined (mes for example). What little explanation there is sounds like Wikipedia.

[Emily]

Trans people have always been here 🩵🩷🤍

[Nicole Bergen]

Not the most interesting poems, but still pretty cool to read some of the first poems ever written down.