me (mythology)

me (mythology)
editor Austen Henry Layard , drawing by L. Gruner · Public domain · source
Name	Me
Caption	Conceptual representation of the divine decrees.
Mythology	Sumerian religion, Mesopotamian mythology
Deity of	Divine decrees, fundamental forces of civilization
Cult center	Eridu, Nippur, Uruk
Symbols	Tablet, stylus, divine regalia
Parents	An (Sky Father)

me (mythology)

In the Sumerian and later Babylonian mythological traditions, the me (𒈨; pronounced /meɪ/) are the foundational divine decrees, the immutable blueprints for all aspects of civilization, social order, and cosmic function. They represent the sacred principles that establish and maintain the proper functioning of the universe, from kingship and law to crafts and agriculture. The concept of the me is central to understanding the Mesopotamian worldview, where the stability of society and the favor of the gods were seen as directly dependent on the proper observance and possession of these divine ordinances.

Definition and Nature

The me are best understood not as physical objects but as abstract, potent essences or divine powers that embody the fundamental templates for all aspects of a functioning, ordered world. They are the immutable laws established by the gods at the dawn of creation. Scholars such as Thorkild Jacobsen and Samuel Noah Kramer have analyzed the concept extensively, describing the me as the "divine decrees" that give form and function to reality. They encompass both tangible elements of culture, like the plough and the art of weaving, and intangible social constructs, such as truth, counsel, and the office of the ensi (city ruler). The possession of the me by a deity or, by extension, a city-state, was believed to confer legitimacy, prosperity, and divine sanction upon their rule and institutions.

Role in Sumerian and Babylonian Cosmology

Within Sumerian cosmology, the me were integral to the cosmic order established after the separation of Heaven (An) and Earth (Ki). They were the instruments through which the gods imposed structure upon the primordial chaos. The Enuma Elish, the later Babylonian creation epic, reflects a similar ideology, where Marduk's victory over Tiamat and his organization of the cosmos can be seen as an act of defining and implementing a new set of divine decrees for his established order. The me provided the sacred rationale for the temple as the center of economic and spiritual life, for the law codes issued by kings like Hammurabi, and for the very institution of kingship itself, which was viewed as a "me" handed down from heaven.

Acquisition and Transfer of the Me

The transfer and acquisition of the me are central themes in Mesopotamian myth, often involving conflict, cunning, or divine decree. The most famous narrative is found in the myth of Inanna and Enki. In this story, the goddess Inanna travels to the Abzu, the watery abyss and domain of the god Enki in Eridu, where the me were originally kept. Through a banquet and clever persuasion, Inanna intoxicates Enki and secures the me, loading them onto her divine boat to transport them to her own city of Uruk. This myth symbolizes the transfer of cultural and religious primacy from the older cult center of Eridu to Uruk, establishing Inanna's city as a new center of civilization under her patronage.

Major Deities Associated with the Me

While many gods were connected to specific me relevant to their domains, a few key deities held paramount authority over them. The wise god Enki (later known as Ea in Akkadian) was originally the keeper and master of all the me in his abode, the Abzu. He was the source of all arts, crafts, and wisdom. The goddess Inanna (Ishtar), through her acquisition of the me, became a powerful holder of the decrees governing love, war, and political power. The sky god Anu was the ultimate source of authority, from whom the me ultimately derived. Furthermore, the god Enlil, the executive authority of the pantheon at Nippur, was a crucial distributor and enforcer of the me, particularly those related to kingship and destiny.

List and Functions of Specific Me

Ancient texts, particularly a hymn known as "Inanna and Enki: The Transfer of the Arts of Civilization," provide a partial catalog of over one hundred me. These decrees covered every facet of organized life. Key examples include the me of: Kingship, the divine right to rule; the Temple, the institution for worship and economic management; the Scribe, the art of cuneiform writing and record-keeping; Truth and Justice, the foundations of law; Music and Musical Instruments; the crafts of the Metalsmith, the Carpenter, and the Leatherworker; Agriculture, including the use of the plough and the pickaxe; states of being like Heroism, Power, and Lamentation; and social functions like the Courtesan and the Orator.

Cultural and Societal Impact

The concept of the me had a profound and enduring impact on Mesopotamian culture and societal structure. It provided a divine mandate for the existing social hierarchy, professional specializations, and political institutions. The king, as the steward of the me of kingship, was responsible for upholding all other decrees, ensuring the favor of gods like Enlil and Marduk. This ideology reinforced tradition, stability, and social cohesion, as innovation or social change required justification within the framework of the established divine ordinances. The me legitimized the legal codes, the temple economy, and the scientific and scholarly pursuits of the scribal schools. In essence, the me were the spiritual and ideological bedrock of Mesopotamia, defining the very essence of civilization as a sacred order bestowed by the gods.