Zecharia Sitchin
Nibiru - A lot of confusion exists about the Annunaki. A fascination exists about differing religions, and as ancient beings (Annunaki, Nephilim, angels, avatars, and so on) enter our culture through the media and games, a lot of false information gains attention. But who were the Annunaki? Are they aliens? Are they Nephilim?
Ancient Gods
Nibiru - The Annunaki (Ananaki, Annaunaku) were Sumerian, Assyrian, Akkadian and Babylonian gods. The basic translantion of the term roughly means "those of royal blood" or "princely offspring". The word itself refers to the offspring of Anu and Ki. The annunaki are mentioned in the Atra-Hasis flood myth, and also appear in the Babylonian creation myth (Enuma Elish). Some believe that they were seven judges of the nether world (hell), or the 'fates' that waited at the gates of hell to judge new arrivals. In the Epic of Gilgamesh (an epic poem from Mesopotamia, considered to be one of the earliest known works of literature), they are described that way, saying that they raised torches to light the land with vivid fire.
Aliens
Viewing the Annunaki as aliens came about because of a book by Zecharia Sitchin, who postulated that an extraterrestrial race in ancient times genetically manipulated the human race. Sitchin believed he was correctly translating ancient Sumerian texts correctly where others have not (this has come under fire). Sitchinism say that it was the annunaki are aliens from the planet Nibiru (Sitchin's '12thPlanet'). Every 3500 years this planet passes near the earth and the annunaki move from Nibiru to earth. Once here, they create havoc for the human race. The problem with this theory is that upon study of ancient texts and theology, the annunaki are in fact part of a celestial mythos, not aliens. This means that they were viewed as planets or nether spheres, not alien beings.
Are They the Nephilim?
We also have Zecharia Sitchin to thank for creating the confusion around Nephilim and annunaki. Many claim that the passage in Genesis six, where it says that the Nephilim were sons of god who came down and had sexual relations with earthly women, supports the theory that the annunaki were Nephilim. However, there is nothing in the Biblical text (or the apocryphal texts) that would support this. Unfortunately for Sitchin, most scholars believe that the sons of God were fallen angels. But fallen angels are not aliens.
This article only touches on the topic of the Annunaki. Theories abound about these unique creatures. It makes for fascinating reading, both from a truth standpoint, and purely from a fictional standpoint.
Ancient Gods
Nibiru - The Annunaki (Ananaki, Annaunaku) were Sumerian, Assyrian, Akkadian and Babylonian gods. The basic translantion of the term roughly means "those of royal blood" or "princely offspring". The word itself refers to the offspring of Anu and Ki. The annunaki are mentioned in the Atra-Hasis flood myth, and also appear in the Babylonian creation myth (Enuma Elish). Some believe that they were seven judges of the nether world (hell), or the 'fates' that waited at the gates of hell to judge new arrivals. In the Epic of Gilgamesh (an epic poem from Mesopotamia, considered to be one of the earliest known works of literature), they are described that way, saying that they raised torches to light the land with vivid fire.
Aliens
Viewing the Annunaki as aliens came about because of a book by Zecharia Sitchin, who postulated that an extraterrestrial race in ancient times genetically manipulated the human race. Sitchin believed he was correctly translating ancient Sumerian texts correctly where others have not (this has come under fire). Sitchinism say that it was the annunaki are aliens from the planet Nibiru (Sitchin's '12thPlanet'). Every 3500 years this planet passes near the earth and the annunaki move from Nibiru to earth. Once here, they create havoc for the human race. The problem with this theory is that upon study of ancient texts and theology, the annunaki are in fact part of a celestial mythos, not aliens. This means that they were viewed as planets or nether spheres, not alien beings.
Are They the Nephilim?
We also have Zecharia Sitchin to thank for creating the confusion around Nephilim and annunaki. Many claim that the passage in Genesis six, where it says that the Nephilim were sons of god who came down and had sexual relations with earthly women, supports the theory that the annunaki were Nephilim. However, there is nothing in the Biblical text (or the apocryphal texts) that would support this. Unfortunately for Sitchin, most scholars believe that the sons of God were fallen angels. But fallen angels are not aliens.
This article only touches on the topic of the Annunaki. Theories abound about these unique creatures. It makes for fascinating reading, both from a truth standpoint, and purely from a fictional standpoint.