Book IX: The Book of Enok I
Chapter 2: Adam and Eve Return to Eden
The following tale was documented in the Book of Enok I – how the mysterious Enok gained this knowledge, who can say? [I have modified it to include my perspective]
Having overseen the establishment of their branch of mankind in the secret valley I created for them, Adam and Eve knew their time on earth was nearing its completion. Their firstborn, the infamous Kane, had long since departed with his people, leaving Seth, Norea, and their many other children—30 sons and 30 daughters—to populate the valley. Despite the challenges and hardships, Adam and Eve’s efforts bore fruit, and their descendants thrived, creating a vibrant, self-sustaining community that worshipped their god Yahway (which was of course one of my alter ego’s).
Feeling their mission accomplished, Adam and Eve prepared for the next phase of their journey through life – planning to go off alone and live out the remainder of their days in peace until death finally took them. Gathering the Clan of the Valley together, the progenitors of humanity gave their descendants final words of wisdom and encouragement. Then, they departed – telling no one where they were going and obtaining the promise that none should follow out of respect for their privacy and age.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon on the small glade where Adam and Eve planned to let death take them, the earth was awash in hues of gold and crimson, and the elderly couple felt a familiar presence.
Donning my Yahway disguise again, I appeared before them, saying, “You have fulfilled your purpose and I am pleased.”
Now a man so old that time had stopped counting his years, Adam overcame his tiredness to reply. “What now, Lord?”
I smiled, a mysterious glint in my eyes. “It is time for you to rest.”
Eve glanced at Adam, a silent conversation passing between them. They nodded in unison, and then took my Yahway’s hands. A soft light enveloped all of us as I took them away.
A moment later, Adam and Eve found themselves standing at the entrance of the Garden of Eden – for you’ll recall that although I’d hidden it from the world, the Garden still existed. The couple looked upon the lush greenery and vibrant blooms of the haven they long remembered. A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of flowers, and the air was filled with the soft hum of life. And Adam and Eve were flooded with emotions.
“Welcome home,” I said, my Yahway’s voice echoing with a hint of satisfaction. “Here, you shall live in a state of eternal peace. Time will slow for you, allowing you to enjoy eternal life without the burden of mortal constraints.”
Eve looked around, her eyes wide with wonder. “But why, Lord?”
My smile widened, though it did not reach my eyes as I lied, “You have earned it. Your efforts have paved the way for the people of Mankind.”
Yet Adam couldn’t hide his concern, perhaps knowing I had another agenda. “Is our destiny to remain alive forever? Will our souls never return to the heavens? Wha-“
“Are you that ungrateful, man?” My Yahway’s voice boomed in anger as I was perturbed that the man had guessed my secret. “Shall I cast you out of Eden again?”
Eve screamed, pulling Adam close to her and wailing, “Have mercy, Lord!”
“Let us stay!” The man begged, horrified at this slip of the tongue.
“So be it.” I grumbled. “Be at peace.”
With that, my Yahway left the old pair to explore their new home. I watched as Adam and Eve walked hand in hand through the familiar paths of Eden, marveling at the beauty around them. I could see they felt a profound sense of peace – unaware of my true intentions for them.
And so it was that another one of my plans was unfolding perfectly. By bringing Adam and Eve back to Eden, I’d ensured they would be available for my future use, should the need arise. For now, they were content, living in a timeless paradise, while their descendants continued to shape the world they had left behind.
As for the rest of the Clan in the Valley, as the days turned into weeks, Adam and Eve’s family accepted the patriarch’s departure as a natural part of life. The valley thrived under the leadership of Seth’s sons, who carried forward their ancestors’ teachings. Little did I know that Seth’s peopleharbored a secret that tied them to the mystery man Enok – a secret that threatened to cause big problems…
The Apocrypha of Azazel 