In Sumerian mythology, Enki is associated with wisdom, water and the subterranean Apsu.
Enki, later known by the Akkadian name Ea, is one of the major gods of ancient Mesopotamia. He is linked with the freshwater ocean beneath the earth, called the Apsu, and with the life-giving power of water. His other major qualities include intelligence, craft, magic and the organization of the world.
Enki frequently acts as a problem-solver in myths. In the flood tradition, he warns the human survivor Utnapishtim, or Atrahasis in a related story, rather than allowing humanity to disappear entirely. In Inanna’s descent, he helps arrange the goddess’s revival.
Enki is not the same deity as Enlil, who is strongly associated with wind, authority and storms. Their differing decisions often shape Mesopotamian creation and flood narratives.