Enki was the Sumerian deity of fresh water, wisdom, and crafts.
Sumerians associated Enki with the subterranean freshwater ocean called the abzu. They viewed this life-giving water as a source of fertility, knowledge, and ordered civilization. His main cult center was Eridu, one of the oldest cities in southern Mesopotamia.
Enki was also portrayed as a clever and creative divine figure. Myths describe him advising gods and humans, establishing cultural practices, and using intelligence to resolve conflicts. His Akkadian counterpart was Ea, a name used in later Mesopotamian traditions.
Enki is sometimes confused with Enlil, another major Sumerian god. Enlil was strongly associated with air, authority, and kingship, while Enki’s traditional domains centered on freshwater, wisdom, magic, and skilled craftsmanship.