The First Female Writer in History

 

Enheduanna, the Sumerian High Priestess and Poet

The Sumerians, known for their many firsts in human civilization, also produced the first known female writer in history: Enheduanna. She was not only the earliest recorded author, but also a high priestess, political figure, and poet, whose works influenced literature, religion, and culture for centuries.

Enheduanna lived in the 24th century BCE, during the reign of her father, Sargon of Akkad (c. 2334–2279 BCE). As the daughter of the first empire-building king in history, she was appointed High Priestess of the Moon God Nanna in the city of Ur, a prestigious and powerful position. From there, she composed hymns, prayers, and religious poetry, many of which have survived today on cuneiform tablets, making her the first author in history whose name and works are known.

Her writings not only played a religious role, but also had a political dimension, helping to unify the newly formed Akkadian Empire by blending Akkadian and Sumerian religious traditions.

Who Was Enheduanna? Her Role in Sumerian Society

Enheduanna was born around 2285 BCE as the daughter of Sargon of Akkad, the founder of the Akkadian Empire. Sargon united Sumerian city-states under one rule, creating the first multi-ethnic empire in history. However, in order to control Sumerian religious centers and maintain political stability, he appointed his daughter, Enheduanna, as the High Priestess of the Moon God Nanna in Ur.

✔ Her title, "High Priestess of Nanna," was the most powerful religious role a woman could hold in Mesopotamia.
✔ As a high priestess, she conducted important religious ceremonies and rituals.
✔ She acted as a political bridge between Akkadian rulers and Sumerian religious traditions.
✔ She wrote religious hymns that praised the gods and reinforced royal authority.

This was a strategic appointment by Sargon, ensuring that the Sumerian religious elite would remain loyal to the Akkadian Empire.

Enheduanna’s Writings: The First Signed Literary Works

Enheduanna is the first writer in history whose name is known, and her works are among the oldest surviving examples of poetry and religious literature.

✔ She wrote hymns, prayers, and poems dedicated to Sumerian gods.
✔ Her works were written in cuneiform script on clay tablets.
✔ She was the first writer to "sign" her works with her own name.
✔ Her poetry blended Sumerian and Akkadian religious traditions, creating a cultural bridge.

Her most famous works include:

✔ "The Exaltation of Inanna" (Nin-Me-Šara): A poetic hymn praising the goddess Inanna, describing her power and divine authority.
✔ "Temple Hymns": A collection of hymns dedicated to various temples and gods, establishing the religious importance of different cities.
✔ "The Hymn to Nanna": A prayer to the moon god Nanna, reflecting her role as his high priestess.

These writings not only had religious significance but also reinforced the power of the Akkadian rulers, ensuring that their rule was seen as divinely sanctioned.

The Exaltation of Inanna: A Poetic Masterpiece

One of Enheduanna’s most famous compositions is “The Exaltation of Inanna”, a hymn dedicated to the goddess Inanna (Ishtar), the goddess of love, war, and political power.

✔ The poem describes Inanna’s supreme power and divine authority.
✔ It includes deeply personal reflections on Enheduanna’s own struggles and exile.
✔ She uses the poem to seek divine intervention, asking Inanna for justice and protection.
✔ The hymn highlights Inanna’s role as a warrior goddess, reinforcing the idea of divine support for kingship.

Her poetry not only reflected religious devotion but also political ambition, as she used her writing to justify Akkadian rule and strengthen its connection to Sumerian gods.

Enheduanna’s Exile and Return to Power

Despite her powerful position, Enheduanna faced political struggles. During the reign of Rimush, the son of Sargon, there was a rebellion in Sumer, and Enheduanna was temporarily exiled from Ur. She describes this period in her poetry, expressing:

✔ Personal suffering and loss of power.
✔ A plea to the goddess Inanna for justice.
✔ Her eventual restoration to her position, showing divine favor.

This suggests that she was not only a poet and priestess but also a political figure, whose influence was important in maintaining Akkadian control over Sumer.

The Importance of Enheduanna in History

Enheduanna’s legacy goes beyond being the first female writer—her work laid the foundation for later literature, religious traditions, and political propaganda.

✔ She was the first known author in history.
✔ She was the first to write in a personal and reflective style.
✔ Her works influenced later Mesopotamian and even biblical poetry.
✔ She demonstrated the power of literature as a tool for religious and political influence.

Her hymns continued to be copied and studied for centuries, proving that her impact lasted long after her death.

The Legacy of Enheduanna

Enheduanna’s writings influenced later cultures and helped define the role of women in literature, religion, and politics. Her influence can be seen in:

✔ Later Mesopotamian religious traditions, particularly in Babylonian hymns.
✔ The use of poetry and writing for political and religious purposes.
✔ The tradition of high priestesses in Mesopotamian temples.
✔ The literary style of lamentations, hymns, and divine praise.

Her existence challenges the misconception that ancient literature was dominated by male voices, proving that women in early civilizations could hold intellectual, religious, and political power.

Why Is Enheduanna Important Today?

✔ She is the first recorded female writer in history.
✔ She shows that literature was already being used as a tool for political influence in ancient times.
✔ Her personal and reflective writing style set the foundation for later poetry.
✔ She demonstrated that women could hold powerful positions in religious and political spheres.

Her writings provide a rare glimpse into the voice of a woman from over 4,000 years ago, proving that women played a crucial role in shaping early literature and religious thought.

Conclusion: Enheduanna, the First Female Writer in History

Enheduanna was more than just a writer—she was a high priestess, political figure, and cultural icon who used literature to shape history. She remains the first named author in human history, and her works paved the way for future literature, religious traditions, and the role of women in society.

Her poetry, hymns, and personal reflections continue to inspire scholars, feminists, and historians, reminding us that women’s contributions to literature and culture date back to the very origins of civilization.