In ancient Mesopotamian beliefs, water deities, such as Enki and Tiamat, play a pivotal role in creation and sustenance. Enki, as the god of freshwater, is credited with granting life and knowledge to humanity, while Tiamat represents the primordial chaos of saltwater. These deities illustrate the duality of water—its ability to nourish and destroy—reflecting its essential role in the fertility of the land and the cosmos.