Women Who Went Before
Bodily Matters: The Lifecycle of an Ancient Woman
Oct 3, 2024
Dive into the life of Enheduanna, the first known author, as her hymns reveal the emotional depth of ancient spirituality. Explore the sensory experiences of women in the ancient Mediterranean, addressing historical silences and celebrating resilience. Uncover Egeria's spiritual journey as she climbs Mount Sinai, showing how ancient women's experiences transcend gender. This journey reframes motherhood and pregnancy, pushing for a universal narrative that honors the diverse bodily experiences of women throughout history.
16:07
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights Enheduanna's significance as the first named author, illuminating the complex emotional and bodily experiences of ancient women.
- It emphasizes the importance of understanding women's subjective experiences throughout history, challenging traditional male-centric narratives and enriching historical perspectives.
Deep dives
Enheduanna: The First Named Author and Her Poetic Legacy
Enheduanna, a high priestess of the Sumerian moon god Suen, is recognized as the first named author in history. Living around 2300 BCE in the city of Ur, she authored numerous hymns that reveal her intricate relationship with the divinity she served. Her poetry reflects personal emotions, including devotion and feelings of abandonment, while also alluding to physical abuse she may have suffered. Through her vivid imagery, such as the scorching heat and swirling dust, she conveys the complexities of her embodied experience and the sociocultural challenges faced by women in her position.
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