Myth of Adapa

The Myth of Adapa is an ancient Mesopotamian tale about Adapa, a wise and learned man created by the god Ea. Adapa is granted wisdom but not immortality. When he accidentally breaks the wing of the south wind, he is summoned to the heavens to answer for his actions. There, he is offered food and drink that would grant him eternal life but, following Ea’s advice, he refuses. As a result, Adapa lives as a mortal. The myth explores themes of wisdom, the human condition, and the limits of knowledge, highlighting the tension between understanding and immortality.