The
Abzu (
Cuneiform: ,
ZU.
AB;
Sumerian: abzu;
Akkadian:
apsû, ) also called
engur, (
Cuneiform:, LAGAB×HAL;
Sumerian: engur;
Akkadian:
engurru) literally,
ab='ocean'
zu='deep', was the name for the
primeval sea below the void space of the underworld (
Kur) and the earth (
Ma) above. It may also refer to fresh water from underground
aquifers that was given a religious fertilizing quality. Lakes, springs, rivers, wells, and other sources of fresh water were thought to draw their water from the abzu.