In "Magicians of theGods" Hancock quite properly discusses the Seven Apkallu in contexts that are clearly fundamental to early human technological development. He did not choose to explore the concept beyond the earliest mythological origins, in spite of the fact that precession of the equinoxes may yet again provide something of a key to their original identity. The diagram provided on page 189 offers real food for thought by tracing the circular path of the celestial pole. Modern observers, myself included, will notice familiar reference points either on or very near that circle, including Thuban, Vega, Deneb and Aldebaran, all suitable Pole Stars in different eras.
In fact, Hercules has two possible candidates, making it a suitable celestial reference point over a much longer period of time. So just to launch the idea, could Hercules have been Oannes? If we give him credit for two points and count around the circle, third Vega, fourth Deneb, fifth Aldebaran (or maybe Alfirk, more accurately on the circle), then Polaris and Thuban, we may have just possibly identified the Seven Apkallu. And I love the idea as I look at their portrayal on p. 159, showing them linked together along some shared route, here portrayed by water. I can't think of any reason why attributes of wisdom, industries, etc., could not have been grafted onto such a framework. This would also provide a sufficiently important reason to stress the number seven.
In fact, Hercules has two possible candidates, making it a suitable celestial reference point over a much longer period of time. So just to launch the idea, could Hercules have been Oannes? If we give him credit for two points and count around the circle, third Vega, fourth Deneb, fifth Aldebaran (or maybe Alfirk, more accurately on the circle), then Polaris and Thuban, we may have just possibly identified the Seven Apkallu. And I love the idea as I look at their portrayal on p. 159, showing them linked together along some shared route, here portrayed by water. I can't think of any reason why attributes of wisdom, industries, etc., could not have been grafted onto such a framework. This would also provide a sufficiently important reason to stress the number seven.
