I. Name
In Mesopotamian religion, the term apkallu (Sum. abgal) is used for the legendary creatures endowed with extraordinary Wisdom. Seven in number, they are the culture heroes from before the Flood. Some of the mythological speculations in which they figure have exerted influence on certain biblical and post-biblical traditions. Examples are the figure of Enoch and the tale of the Nephilim (Gen. 6.1–4).
II. Identity
Akk. apkallu is derived from Sum. abgal, a term used in the 3rd millennium …