Introduction to Mesopotamian Mythology

In this seminar, we'll delve into some of the world’s most ancient written stories. We’ll journey to the beginning of the world, into the dramas between gods and goddesses, kings and elemental forces, where the ocean goddess makes love with the god of freshwater and deities war and trick one another out of power. We’ll ascend to mountaintops and sacred groves, and follow goddesses and warriors down into the underworld. These stories come from the same world that Biblical monotheism arose out of. By following them, we can find the seams where our modern worldview was sewn together—and find possibilities for new orientations to our world. We’ll treat these as living stories, exploring the way these myths can offer fresh possibilities to our present and future, and crack open the mythic needs of our own inner lives and wider culture. At each participatory session, Ingrid Norton will retell the evening’s myths and deliver a mini-lecture about their origins. Our remaining time will be divided between discussion and creative activities to bring these stories alive. Students will be given access to primary texts just as the myths will also be delivered orally at each session. No reading is required. Myths covered will include "Enki and the World Order," the Eridu flood story, "Enlil and Ninlil," "Inanna's Descent," "Ereshkigal and Nergal," selections from the Epic of Gilgamesh, "Enuma Elis," and more. Non ISM Members: $225. ISM Members: $175. (email Info@ismythology.com for the code).