Exploring the World's First Known Author: Enheduanna

In this episode of 'She Change History,' hosts Cara and Vicky delve into the remarkable life and contributions of Enheduanna, the world's first known named author and poet. An ancient Taylor Swift if you will! Set against the backdrop of ancient Mesopotamia, they explore Enheduanna's role as a high priestess, her pioneering use of written language for storytelling, and her emotional and political influence. The episode also covers her temporary fall from grace, her eventual reinstatement, and the legacy of her literary works. With insights into Mesopotamian society, religion, and early innovations, this episode showcases the profound impact of one woman on the history of literature and beyond.

Other eps mentioned Grace O'Malley and Octavia Butler

Sources
1 https://www.bbc.co.uk/culture/article/20221025-enheduanna-
the-worlds-first-named-author
2 TedEd video
http://facebook.com/watch/?v=1258413257681012
3 https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-struggle-
to-unearth-the-worlds-first-author
4 She Who Wrote exhibition notes
https://www.themorgan.org/blog/she-who-wrote-enheduanna-
and-women-mesopotamia
5 https://www.aramcoworld.com/articles/2022/was-
enheduanna-the-worlds-first-author

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
01:04 Weekend Plans and Early Morning Adventures
03:03 Ancient History: Setting the Stage
04:00 Introducing Enheduanna: The First Author
10:23 The Role of Women in Mesopotamia
14:05 Enheduanna's Literary Contributions
19:34 The Roaring Storm: A Passionate Priestess
20:46 Mesopotamian Marvels: Gods and Warriors
22:04 The First Comic Book: Ishtar's Story
23:23 Exile and Return: Anana's Desert Journey
26:48 Rediscovering Anana: From Ancient Texts to Modern Translations
28:49 The Legacy of Anana: Literature and Humanity
35:47 Fun Facts and Final Thoughts