Adapa was the first and greatest of the seven Apkallu, the antediluvian sages sent by Enki to teach humanity the arts of civilization before the Flood.
Dumuzi and Ningishzida stood guard at the gates of Anu's celestial palace, and when the sage Adapa was summoned to heaven for breaking the South Wind's wing, the two gods interceded on his behalf, securing Anu's mercy.
Enki created Adapa as the first of the seven sages and granted him wisdom but not eternal life. He then warned Adapa to refuse Anu's offered food, inadvertently costing him immortality.
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