Me (Divine Powers)
The Fundamental Forces of Civilization
The Me (pronounced "may") are divine decrees that govern all aspects of civilization and nature. These are not laws but fundamental essences—rulership, warfare, love, writing, music, justice, and over 100 other powers that make civilization possible.
Nature of the Me
The Me are:
- Concrete: Physical objects that can be stolen (as Inanna did from Enki)
- Transferable: Gods can give or take Me from each other
- Essential: Without the proper Me, activities cannot function
- Divine: Granted by Enlil and kept by Enki
Examples of Me
Kingship • Priesthood • Truth • Descent to underworld • Ascent from underworld • Sexual intercourse • Prostitution • Art of lovemaking • Truthful speech • Slanderous speech • Music • Eldership • Heroism • Power • Enmity • Straightforwardness • The destroyed city • Lamentation • Rejoicing of the heart
Inanna Steals the Me
The most famous myth: Inanna visits Enki (keeper of the Me) and gets him drunk. He gives her all the Me, which she loads onto her boat. When Enki sobers up, he tries to reclaim them, but Inanna successfully brings them to Uruk, making her city supreme.
Related Content
Cross-Cultural Parallels
- Tablet of Destinies - Babylonian fate
- Ma'at - Egyptian cosmic order
- Rita - Vedic cosmic law
Related Archetypes
See Also
- Inanna - Stole the Me from Enki
- Enki - Keeper of the Me
- The Anunnaki - Divine council
- Rituals - Me in practice