Adapa - earliest version from 15th-14th c. BC Seven Sages, a.k.a. the seven apkallu

Adapa: Summary Adapa is fishing when boat is overturned by South Wind. Adapa uses magic to incapacitate it. Seven days later Anu notices absence of wind and summons Adapa to explain himself Ea tells Adapa to ingratiate himself with vegetation deities at door of heaven by putting on mourning for their absences. They put in good word for him

Adapa: Summary Ea has also told Adapa not to accept food or drink from gods but to accept clothes and oil Anu offers Adapa food and water of life as well as clothes and oil. Adapa refuses food and drink, as instructed, and hence misses out on immortality Anu is amused at this and sends Adapa back to earth

Earliest evidence for Etana story, 2390-2249 BC

Etana: Summary Gods build a city (Kish) for humans but need a king for it. Ishtar chooses Etana, who builds temple to Adad Serpent and eagle take residence at poplar tree growing in temple, take oath of friendship Eagle devours serpent’s young. Serpent appeals to…

Etana: Summary …Shamash, god of sun, omens, extispicy and justice. He arranges trap for eagle, enabling serpent to hide in body of ox and catch eagle when it feeds Serpent cuts eagle’s wings, plucks it and leaves it to die in pit

Etana: Summary Eagle pleads for mercy. Eventually Shamash promises to send man to save it Etana is unable to produce heir and appeals to Shamash. He tells Etana to save eagle in return for help finding plant of life. Etana nurses eagle back to health, but eagle is unable to find plant on mountain. Suggests a trip to see Ishtar in heaven

Etana: Summary Etana and eagle fly up, but Etana is too scared to go high enough, so return to earth Etana has dreams. Eagle suggests another attempt at trip. They reach heaven and enter… According to Sumerian King List, Etana was succeeded by son Balih