Primordial State: The universe began with the primordial waters, represented by Tiamat (saltwater) and Apsu (freshwater).
Transition: The younger gods, led by Marduk, fought and defeated Tiamat and Apsu, who represented chaos.
When above the heavens had not been named, nor earth below, Apsu, the primal, and Tiamat mingled.
Associated with water, wisdom, creation, and magic, Hea was believed to reside in the Apsu, a freshwater subterranean ocean that symbolized life-giving waters.
In myths like the Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation epic, he helps establish order by defeating Apsu, the primal waters of chaos, and becomes the custodian of wisdom.
Flowing Water: Streams of water (sometimes accompanied by fish) flow from his shoulders or a vase he holds, representing his association with the life-giving Apsu and his role as the god of fresh water.
The Apsu Vase: A vase or jar pouring water symbolizes his mastery over freshwater sources and his life-giving qualities.
The Abzu (Apsu): Often symbolized in depictions, the Abzu is the primordial sea beneath the earth where Hea resides.
Primordial State: The universe began with the primordial waters, represented by Tiamat (saltwater) and Apsu (freshwater).
Transition: The younger gods, led by Marduk, fought and defeated Tiamat and Apsu, who represented chaos.
In Sumerian mythology, the Abzu (or Apsu) is the primeval sea below the void space of the underworld (Kur) and the earth (Ma).
"When the heights above were not named, Nor the earth below pronounced by name, Apsu, the first one, their begetter, And maker Tiamat, who bore them all, Had mixed their waters together, But had not formed pastures, nor discovered reed-beds; When yet no gods were manifest, Nor names pronounced, nor destinies decreed, Then gods were born within them."
"When in the height heaven was not named, And the primeval Apsu, who begat them, And chaos, Tiamat, the mother of them both, Their waters were mingled together, And no field was formed, no marsh was to be seen; When of the gods none had been called into being, And none bore a name, and no destinies were ordained; Then were created the gods in the midst of heaven, Lahmu and Lahamu were called into being.
"Out of the Deep was Apsu engendered, And Tiamat, she who bore them all, who formed all things, Made in addition weapons invincible; she spawned monster-serpents, Sharp of tooth and merciless of fang; With poison, instead of blood, she filled their bodies.