f his later position
as the head of the pantheon, sets aside his two fellows and becomes the
solar god of spring _par excellence_. Marduk, it will be recalled, is
commonly designated as the son of Ea,[1100] and we have seen that, apart
from political considerations, the sun rising out of the ocean--the
domain of Ea--was a factor in this association. Adapa dwells at the sea,
and is forced into the ocean by the south wind, in the same way that the
sun dips into the great 'Okeanos' every evening. The identification of
Adapa with Marduk[1101] thus becomes apparent, and as a matter of fact
the Babylonian scribes of later times[1102] accepted this
identification.

The basis of the Adapa legend is, therefore, the nature-myth of the
annual fight of the sun with the violent elements of nature. At the same
time, other ideas have been introduced into it, and Adapa himself, while
playing the role of Marduk, is yet not entirely confounded with this
god. His name is never written with the determinative for deity.
Moreover, the nature-myth is soon lost sight of, in order to make room
for an entirely different order of ideas. The real purport of the legend
in its present form is foreshadowed by the further advice that Ea offers
to Adapa:

When thou comest before Anu they will offer thee food of death.
Do not eat. They will offer thee waters of death. Do not drink.
They will offer thee a garment. Put it on. They will offer thee
oil. Anoint thyself. The order that I give thee do not neglect.
The word that I speak to thee take to heart. The messenger of
Anu approached.[1103] 'Adapa has broken the wings of the south
wind. Deliver him into my hands....'

Ea obeys the order, delivers up Adapa, and everything happens as was
foretold.

Upon mounting to heaven and on his approach to the gate of Anu,
Tammuz and Gishzida were stationed at the gate of Anu. They saw
Adapa and cried 'Help,[1104] Lord! Why art thou thus attired?
For whom hast thou put on mourning?'[1105]

Adapa replies:

'Two gods have disappeared from the earth, therefore do I wear a
mourning garment.'

'Who are the two gods who have disappeared from the earth?'

Tammuz and Gishzida looked at one another, broke out in lament.
'O Adapa! Step before King Anu.' As he approached, Anu saw him
and cried out to him:

'Come, Adapa, why hast thou broken the wings of the south wind?'

Adapa answered Anu: