Enten

Enten is a Sumerian fertility deity. He was said to have been created by Enlil as a guardian of farmers, along with the vegetation god Emesh. Enten was given specific responsibility for the fertility of ewes, goats, cows, donkeys, birds, and other animals. He is identified with the abundance of the earth and with the winter period.

Quotes

Debate between Winter and Summer

Debate between Winter and Summer, mid to late 3rd millennium BCE. [1]

• Emesh, my brother, you should not praise yourself; whatever harvest produce you bring as gifts to the palace has not been made by your toil: you should not brag. As if you were the one who had done the hard work, as if you had done the farming.

• The slave Emesh, the duly-appointed labourer who will never rest from his toil, a hired man who has to return to the fields of the Land for his own sustenance.

• Emesh, my brother, … although you have gathered all things in the Land and filled the storehouses, in all my strength I am their owner when your limbs become tired.

• I am Ninkasi's help, for her I sweeten the beer.

• Cold water, the tribute of the hills.

Quotes about Enten

Debate between Winter and Summer

Debate between Winter and Summer, mid to late 3rd millennium BCE. [2]

• By hand Enten guided the spring floods, the abundance and life of the Land, down from the edge of the hills. He set his foot upon the Tigris and Euphrates like a big bull and released them into the fields and fruitful acres of Enlil. He shaped lagoons in the water of the sea. He let fish and birds together come into existence by the sea.

• Holy Enten […] made Ezina appear radiant as a beautiful maiden. The harvest, the great festival of Enlil, rose heavenward.

• Emesh bowed to Enten and offered him a prayer. In his house he prepared emmer-beer and wine. At its side they spend the day at a succulent banquet. Emesh presents Enten with gold, silver and lapis lazuli. They pour out brotherhood and friendship like best oil. By bringing sweet words to the quarrel they have achieved harmony with each other.

• Enten, you should not boast about your superior strength after you have explained the grounds for your boasting. … Don't speak with a gaping mouth of your superior strength -- I will make known its shape and essence.
  • Emesh

• Enten is controller of the life-giving waters of all the lands -- the farmer of the gods produces everything. Emesh, my son, how can you compare yourself to your brother Enten?
  • Enlil