The seven antediluvian sages in Mesopotamian mythology are called the Apkallu, or Abgal in Sumerian.
The Apkallu are primordial wise beings associated with Eridu and the transmission of civilization, ritual knowledge, and wisdom to humanity before the Flood. In later traditions they are often portrayed as demigods or supernatural figures, sometimes with fish-like or bird-like features.
One traditional list names seven sages: Uanna, Uannedugga, Enmedugga, Enmegalamma, Enmebulugga, An-Enlilda, and Utuabzu. Their roles vary across texts, but they are regularly connected with kingship, temple foundations, protective rituals, and specialized knowledge.
The name is also used more broadly. In later Mesopotamian ritual texts, apkallu can refer to protective figurines placed in buildings, including fish-cloaked or bird-headed figures. After the Flood, comparable human experts are often distinguished as ummanu rather than Apkallu. They are therefore not the same as the Anunnaki, Igigi, or Utukku, which are different categories of Mesopotamian supernatural beings.