Tablet I |
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1~When the heavens above did not exist, 2~And earth beneath had not come into being— 3~There was Apsû, the first in order, their begetter, 4~And demiurge Tia-mat, who gave birth to them all; 5~They had mingled their waters together 6~Before meadow-land had coalesced and reed-bed was to he found — 7~When not one of the gods had been formed 8~Or had come into being, when no destinies had been decreed, 9~The gods were created within them: 10~Lah(mu and Lah(amu were formed and came into being. 11~While they grew and increased in stature 12~Anšar and Kišar, who excelled them, were created. 13~They prolonged their days, they multiplied their years. 14~Anu, their son, could rival his fathers. 15~Anu, the son, equalled Anšar, 16~And Anu begat Nudimmud, his own equal. 17~Nudimmud was the champion among his fathers: 18~Profoundly discerning, wise, of robust strength; 19~Very much stronger than his father's begetter, Anšar 20~He had no rival among the gods, his brothers. 21~The divine brothers came together, 22~Their clamour got loud, throwing Tia-mat into a turmoil. 23~They jarred the nerves of Tia-mat, 24~And by their dancing they spread alarm in Anduruna. 25~Apsû did not diminish their clamour, 26~And Tia-mat was silent when confronted with them. 27~Their conduct was displeasing to her, 28~Yet though their behaviour was not good, she wished to spare them. 29~Thereupon Apsû, the begetter of the great gods, 30~Called Mummu, his vizier, and addressed him, 31~"Vizier Mummu, who gratifies my pleasure, 32~Come, let us go to Tia-mat!" 33~They went and sat, facing Tia-mat, 34~As they conferred about the gods, their sons. 35~Apsû opened his mouth 36~And addressed Tia-mat 37~"Their behaviour has become displeasing to me 38~And I cannot rest in the day-time or sleep at night. 39~I will destroy and break up their way of life 40~That silence may reign and we may sleep." 41~When Tia-mat heard this 42~She raged and cried out to her spouse, 43~She cried in distress, fuming within herself, 44~She grieved over the (plotted) evil, 45~"How can we destroy what we have given birth to? 46~Though their behaviour causes distress, let us tighten discipline graciously." 47~Mummu spoke up with counsel for Apsû— 48~(As from) a rebellious vizier was the counsel of his Mummu— 49~"Destroy, my father, that lawless way of life, 50~That you may rest in the day-time and sleep by night!" 51~Apsû was pleased with him, his face beamed 52~Because he had plotted evil against the gods, his sons. 53~Mummu put his arms around Apsû's neck, 54~He sat on his knees kissing him. 55~What they plotted in their gathering 56~Was reported to the gods, their sons. 57~The gods heard it and were frantic. 58~They were overcome with silence and sat quietly. 59~Ea, who excels in knowledge, the skilled and learned, 60~Ea, who knows everything, perceived their tricks. 61~He fashioned it and made it to be all-embracing, 62~He executed it skilfully as supreme—his pure incantation. 63~He recited it and set it on the waters, 64~He poured sleep upon him as he was slumbering deeply. 65~He put Apsû to slumber as he poured out sleep, 66~And Mummu, the counsellor, was breathless with agitation. 67~He split (Apsû's) sinews, ripped off his crown, 68~Carried away his aura and put it on himself. 69~He bound Apsû and killed him; 70~Mummu he confined and handled roughly. 71~He set his dwelling upon Apsû, 72~And laid hold on Mummu, keeping the nose-rope in his hand. 73~After Ea had bound and slain his enemies, 74~Had achieved victory over his foes, 75~He rested quietly in his chamber, 76~He called it Apsû, whose shrines he appointed. 77~Then he founded his living-quarters within it, 78~And Ea and Damkina, his wife, sat in splendour. 79~In the chamber of the destinies, the room of the archetypes, 80~The wisest of the wise, the sage of the gods, Be-l was conceived. 81~In Apsû was Marduk born, 82~In pure Apsû was Marduk born. 83~Ea his father begat him, 84~Damkina his mother bore him. 85~He sucked the breasts of goddesses, 86~A nurse reared him and filled him with terror. 87~His figure was well developed, the glance of his eyes was dazzling, 88~His growth was manly, he was mighty from the beginning. 89~Anu, his father's begetter, saw him, 90~He exulted and smiled; his heart filled with joy. 91~Anu rendered him perfect: his divinity was remarkable, 92~And he became very lofty, excelling them in his attributes. 93~His members were incomprehensibly wonderful, 94~Incapable of being grasped with the mind, hard even to look on. 95~Four were his eyes, four his ears, 96~Flame shot forth as he moved his lips. 97~His four ears grew large, 93~And his eyes likewise took in everything. 99~His figure was lofty and superior in comparison with the gods, 100~His limbs were surpassing, his nature was superior. 101~'Mari-utu, Mari-utu, 102~The Son, the Sun-god, the Sun-god of the gods.' 103~He was clothed with the aura of the Ten Gods, so exalted was his strength, 104~The Fifty Dreads were loaded upon him. 105~Anu formed and gave birth to the four winds, 106~He delivered them to him, "My son, let them whirl!" 107~He formed dust and set a hurricane to drive it, 108~He made a wave to bring consternation on Tia-mat. 109~Tia-mat was confounded; day and night she was frantic. 110~The gods took no rest, they . . . . . . . 111~In their minds they plotted evil, 112~And addressed their mother Tia-mat, 113~"When Apsû, your spouse, was killed, 114~You did not go at his side, but sat quietly. 115~The four dreadful winds have been fashioned 116~To throw you into confusion, and we cannot sleep. 117~You gave no thought to Apsû, your spouse, 113~Nor to Mummu, who is a prisoner. Now you sit alone. 119~Henceforth you will be in frantic consternation! 120~And as for us, who cannot rest, you do not love us! 121~Consider our burden, our eyes are hollow. 122~Break the immovable yoke that we may sleep. 123~Make battle, avenge them! 124~[ . . ] . . . . reduce to nothingness! 125~Tia-mat heard, the speech pleased her, 126~(She said,) "Let us make demons, [as you] have advised." 127~The gods assembled within her. 128~They conceived [evil] against the gods their begetters. 129~They . . . . . and took the side of Tia-mat, 130~Fiercely plotting, unresting by night and day, 131~Lusting for battle, raging, storming, 132~They set up a host to bring about conflict. 133~Mother H(ubur, who forms everything, 134~Supplied irresistible weapons, and gave birth to giant serpents. 135~They had sharp teeth, they were merciless . . . . 136~With poison instead of blood she filled their bodies. 137~She clothed the fearful monsters with dread, 138~She loaded them with an aura and made them godlike. 139~(She said,) "Let their onlooker feebly perish, 140~May they constantly leap forward and never retire." 141~She created the Hydra, the Dragon, the Hairy Hero 142~The Great Demon, the Savage Dog, and the Scorpion-man, 143~Fierce demons, the Fish-man, and the Bull-man, 144~Carriers of merciless weapons, fearless in the face of battle. 145~Her commands were tremendous, not to be resisted. 146~Altogether she made eleven of that kind. 147~Among the gods, her sons, whom she constituted her host, 148~She exalted Qingu, and magnified him among them. 149~The leadership of the army, the direction of the host, 150~The bearing of weapons, campaigning, the mobilization of conflict, 151~The chief executive power of battle, supreme command, 152~She entrusted to him and set him on a throne, 153~"I have cast the spell for you and exalted you in the host of the gods, 154~I have delivered to you the rule of all the gods. 155~You are indeed exalted, my spouse, you are renowned, 156~Let your commands prevail over all the Anunnaki." 157~She gave him the Tablet of Destinies and fastened it to his breast, 158~(Saying) "Your order may not be changed; let the utterance of your mouth be firm." 159~After Qingu was elevated and had acquired the power of Anuship, 160~He decreed the destinies for the gods, her sons: 161~"May the utterance of your mouths subdue the fire-god, 162~May your poison by its accumulation put down aggression." |
Tablet II |
1~Tia-mat gathered together her creation 2~And organised battle against the gods, her offspring. 3~Henceforth Tia-mat plotted evil because of Apsû 4~It became known to Ea that she had arranged the conflict. 5~Ea heard this matter, 6~He lapsed into silence in his chamber and sat motionless. 7~After he had reflected and his anger had subsided 8~He directed his steps to Anšar his father. 9~He entered the presence of the father of his begetter, Anšar, 10~And related to him all of Tia-mat's plotting. 11~"My father, Tia-mat our mother has conceived a hatred for us, 12~She has established a host in her savage fury. 13~All the gods have turned to her, 14~Even those you (pl.) begat also take her side 15~They . . . . . and took the side of Tia-mat, 16~Fiercely plotting, unresting by night and day, 17~Lusting for battle, raging, storming, 18~They set up a host to bring about conflict. 19~Mother H(ubur, who forms everything, 20~Supplied irresistible weapons, and gave birth to giant serpents. 21~ They had sharp teeth, they were merciless. 22~With poison instead of blood she filled their bodies. 23~She clothed the fearful monsters with dread, 24~She loaded them with an aura and made them godlike. 25~ (She said,) "Let their onlooker feebly perish, 26~May they constantly leap forward and never retire." 27~She created the Hydra, the Dragon, the Hairy Hero, 28~The Great Demon, the Savage Dog, and the Scorpion-man, 29~Fierce demons, the Fish-man, and the Bull-man, 30~Carriers of merciless weapons, fearless in the face of battle. 31~Her commands were tremendous, not to be resisted. 32~Altogether she made eleven of that kind. 33~Among the gods, her sons, whom she constituted her host, 34~She exalted Qingu and magnified him among them. 35~The leadership of the army, the direction of the host, 36~The bearing of weapons, campaigning, the mobilization of conflict, 37~The chief executive power of battle supreme command, 38~She entrusted to him and set him on a throne. 39~"I have cast the spell for you and exalted you in the host of the gods, 40~I have delivered to you the rule of all the gods. 41~You are indeed exalted, my spouse, you are renowned, 42~Let your commands prevail over all the Anunnaki." 43~She gave him the tablet of Destinies and fastened it to his breast, 44~(Saying) "Your order may not he changed; let the utterance of your mouth be firm." 45~After Qingu was elevated and had acquired the power of Anuship 46~He decreed the destinies for the gods. her sons: 47~"May the utterance of your mouths subdue the fire-god, 48~May your poison by its accumulation put down aggression." 49~Anšar heard; the matter was profoundly disturbing. 50~ He cried "Woe!" and bit his lip. 51~ His heart was in fury, his mind could not be calmed. 52~Over Ea his son his cry was faltering. 53~"My son, you who provoked the war, 54~Take responsibility for whatever you alone have done! 55~You set out and killed Apsû, 56~And as for Tia-mat, whom you made furious, where is her equal?" 57~The gatherer of counsel, the learned prince, 58~ The creator of wisdom, the god Nudimmud 59~With soothing words and calming utterance 60~Gently answered [his] father Anšar 61~"My father, deep mind, who decrees destiny, 62~Who has the power to bring into being and destroy, 63~Anšar, deep mind, who decrees destiny, 64~Who has the power to bring into being and to destroy, 65~I want to say something to you, calm down for me for a moment 66~And consider that I performed a helpful deed. 67~Before I killed Apsû 68~Who could have seen the present situation? 69~Before I quickly made an end of him 70~What were the circumstances were I to destroy him? 71~Anšar heard, the words pleased him. 72~His heart relaxed to speak to Ea, 73~"My son, your deeds are fitting for a god, 74~You are capable of a fierce, unequalled blow . . [ . . . ] 75~Ea, your deeds are fitting for a god, 76~You are capable of a fierce, unequalled blow . . [ . . . ] 77~Go before Tia-mat and appease her attack, 78~. . [ . . . ] . . . her fury with [your] incantation." 79~He heard the speech of Anšar his father, 80~He took the road to her, proceeded on the route to her. 81~He went, he perceived the tricks of Tia-mat, 82~[He stopped], fell silent, and turned back. 83~[He] entered the presence of august Anšar 84~Penitently addressing him, 85~"[My father], Tia-mat's deeds are too much for me. 86~I perceived her planning, and [my] incantation was not equal (to it). 87~Her strength is mighty, she is full of dread, 88~She is altogether very strong, none can go against her. 89~Her very loud cry did not diminish, 90~[I became afraid] of her cry and turned back. 91~[My father], do not lose hope, send a second person against her. 92~Though a woman's strength is very great, it is not equal to a man's. 93~Disband her cohorts, break up her plans 94~Before she lays her hands on us." 95~Anšar cried out in intense fury, 96~Addressing Anu his son, 97~"Honoured son, hero, warrior, 98~Whose strength is mighty, whose attack is irresistible 99~Hasten and stand before Tia-mat, 100~Appease her rage that her heart may relax 101~If she does not harken to your words, 102~Address to her words of petition that she may be appeased." 103~He heard the speech of Anšar his father, 104~He took the road to her, proceeded on the route to her. 105~Anu went, he perceived the tricks of Tia-mat, 106~He stopped, fell silent, and turned back. 107~He entered the presence of Anšar the father who begat him, 108~Penitently addressing him. 109~"My father, Tia-mat's [deeds] are too much for me. 110~I perceived her planning, but my [incantation] was not [equal] (to it). 111~Her strength is mighty, she is [full] of dread, 112~She is altogether very strong, no one [can go against her]. 113~Her very loud noise does not diminish, 114~I became afraid of her cry and turned back. 115~My father, do not lose hope, send another person against her. 116~Though a woman's strength is very great, it is not equal to a man's. 117~Disband her cohorts, break up her plans, 118~Before she lays her hands on us." 119~Anšar lapsed into silence, staring at the ground, 120~He nodded to Ea, shaking his head. 121~The Igigi and all the Anunnaki had assembled, 122~They sat in tight-lipped silence. 123~No god would go to face . . [ . . ] 124~Would go out against Tia-mat . . . . [ . . ] 125~Yet the lord Anšar, the father of the great gods, 126~Was angry in his heart, and did not summon any one. 127~A mighty son, the avenger of his father, 128~He who hastens to war, the warrior Marduk 129~Ea summoned (him) to his private chamber 130~To explain to him his plans. 131~"Marduk, give counsel, listen to your father. 132~You are my son, who gives me pleasure, 133~Go reverently before Anšar, 134~Speak, take your stand, appease him with your glance." 135~Be-l rejoiced at his father's words, 136~He drew near and stood in the presence of Anšar. 137~Anšar saw him, his heart filled with satisfaction, 138~He kissed his lips and removed his fear. 139~"My [father] do not hold your peace, but speak forth, 140~I will go and fulfil your desires! 141~[Anšar,] do not hold your peace, but speak forth, 142~I will go and fulfil your desires! 143~Which man has drawn up his battle array against you? 144~And will Tia-mat, who is a woman, attack you with (her) weapons? 145~["My father], begetter, rejoice and be glad, 146~Soon you will tread on the neck of Tia-mat! 147~[Anšar], begetter, rejoice and be glad, 148~Soon you will tread on the neck of Tia-mat! 149~["Go,] my son, conversant with all knowledge, 150~Appease Tia-mat with your pure spell. 151~Drive the storm chariot without delay, 152~And with a [ . . ] which cannot be repelled turn her back." 153~Be-l rejoiced at his father's words, 154~With glad heart he addressed his father, 155~"Lord of the gods, Destiny of the great gods, 156~If I should become your avenger, 157~If I should bind Tia-mat and preserve you, 158~Convene an assembly and proclaim for me an exalted destiny. 159~Sit, all of you, in Upšukkinakku with gladness, 160~And let me, with my utterance, decree destinies instead of you. 161~Whatever I instigate must not be changed, 162~Nor may my command be nullified or altered." |
Tablet III |
1~Anšar opened his mouth 2~And addressed Kaka, his vizier, 3~"Vizier Kaka, who gratifies my pleasure, 4~I will send you to Lah(mu and Lah(amu. 5~You are skilled in making inquiry, learned in address. 6~Have the gods, my fathers, brought to my presence. 7~Let all the gods be brought, 8~Let them confer as they sit at table. 9~Let them eat grain, let them drink ale, 10~Let them decree the destiny for Marduk their avenger. 11~Go, be gone, Kaka, stand before them, 12~And repeat to them all that I tell you: 13~" Anšar, your son, has sent me, 14~And I am to explain his plans. 15-52~= II, 11*-48~(* instead of ' "My father,' put ' "Thus,' ) 53~I sent Anu, but he could not face her. 54~Nudimmud took fright and retired. 55~Marduk, the sage of the gods, your son, has come forward, 56~He has determined to meet Tia-mat. 57~He has spoken to me and said, 58-64~= II, 156*-162~(* begin with quotation marks: "If ) 65~Quickly, now, decree your destiny for him without delay, 66~That he may go and face your powerful enemy." 67~Kaka went. He directed his steps 68~To Lah(mu and Lah(amu, the gods his fathers. 69~He prostrated himself, he kissed the ground before them, 70~He got up, saying to them he stood, 71-124. = II, 13-66 125~When Lah(h(a and Lah(amu heard, they cried aloud. 126~All the Igigi moaned in distress, 127~"What has gone wrong that she took this decision about us? 128~We did not know what Tia-mat was doing." 129~All the great gods who decree destinies 130~Gathered as they went, 131~They entered the presence of Anšar and became filled with [joy], 132~They kissed one another as they . [ . . ] in the assembly. 133~They conferred as they sat at table, 134~They ate grain, they drank ale. 135~They strained the sweet liquor through their straws, 136~As they drank beer and felt good, 137~They became quite carefree, their mood was merry, 138~And they decreed the fate for Marduk, their avenger. |
Tablet IV |
1~They set a lordly dais for him 2~And he took his seat before his fathers to receive kingship. 3~(They said,) "You are the most honoured among the great gods, 4~Your destiny is unequalled, your command is like Anu's. 5~Marduk, you are the most honoured among the great gods, 6~Your destiny is unequalled, your command is like Anu's. 7~Henceforth your order will not be annulled, 8~It is in your power to exalt and abase. 9~Your utterance is sure, your command cannot be rebelled against, 10~None of the gods will transgress the line you draw. 11~Shrines for all the gods needs provisioning, 12~That you may be established where their sanctuaries are. 13~You are Marduk, our avenger, 14~We have given you kingship over the sum of the whole universe. 15~Take your seat in the assembly, let your word be exalted, 16~Let your weapons not miss the mark, but may they slay your enemies. 17~Be-l, spare him who trusts in you, 18~But destroy the god who set his mind on evil." 19~They set a constellation in the middle 20~And addressed Marduk, their son, 21~"Your destiny, Be-l, is superior to that of all the gods, 22~Command and bring about annihilation and re-creation. 23~Let the constellation disappear at your utterance, 24~With a second command let the constellation reappear." 25~He gave the command and the constellation disappeared, 26~With a second command the constellation came into being again. 27~When the gods, his fathers, saw (the effect of) his utterance, 28~They rejoiced and offered congratulation: "Marduk is the king!" 29~They added to him a mace, a throne, and a rod, 30~They gave him an irresistible weapon that overwhelms the foe: 31~(They said,) "Go, cut Tia-mat's throat, 32~And let the winds bear up her blood to give the news." 33~The gods, his fathers, decreed the destiny of Be-l, 34~And set him on the road, the way of prosperity and success. 35~He fashioned a bow and made it his weapon, 36~ He set an arrow in place, put the bow string on. 37~He took up his club and held it in his right hand, 38~His bow and quiver he hung at his side. 39~He placed lightning before him, 40~And filled his body with tongues of flame. 41~He made a net to enmesh the entrails of Tia-mat, 42~And stationed the four winds that no part of her escape. 43~The South Wind, the North Wind, the East Wind, the West Wind, 44~He put beside his net, winds given by his father, Anu. 45~He fashioned the Evil Wind, the Dust Storm, Tempest, 46~The Four-fold Wind, the Seven-fold Wind, the Chaos-spreading Wind, the . . . . .Wind. 47~He sent out the seven winds that he had fashioned, 48~And they took their stand behind him to harass Tia-mat's entrails. 49~Be-l took up the Storm-flood, his great weapon, 50~He rode the fearful chariot of the irresistible storm. 51~Four steeds he yoked to it and harnessed them to it, 52~The Destroyer, The Merciless, The Trampler, The Fleet. 53~Their lips were parted, their teeth bore venom, 54~They were strangers to weariness, trained to sweep forward. 55~At his right hand he stationed raging battle and strife, 56~On the left, conflict that overwhelms a united battle array. 57~He was clad in a tunic, a fearful coat of mail, 58~And on has head he wore an aura of terror. 59~Be-l proceeded and set out on his way, 60~He set his face toward the raging Tia-mat. 61~In his lips he held a spell, 62~He grasped a plant to counter poison in his hand, 63~Thereupon they milled around him, the gods milled around him, 64~The gods, his fathers, milled around him, the gods milled around him. 65~Be-l drew near, surveying the maw of Tia-mat, 66~He observed the tricks of Qingu, her spouse. 67~As he looked, he lost his nerve, 68~His determination went and he faltered. 69~His divine aides, who were marching at his side, 70~Saw the warrior, the foremost, and their vision became dim. 71~Tia-mat cast her spell without turning her neck, 72~In her lips she held untruth and lies, 73~"[ . ] . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74~In their [ . ] . they have assembled by you." 75~Be-l [lifted up] the Storm-flood, his great weapon, 76~And with these words threw it at the raging Tia-mat, 77~"Why are you aggressive and arrogant, 78~And strive to provoke battle? 79~The younger generation have shouted, outraging their elders, 80~But you, their mother, hold pity in contempt. 81~Qingu you have named to be your spouse, 82~And you have improperly appointed him to the rank of Anuship. 83~Against Anšar, king of the gods, you have stirred up trouble, 84~And against the gods, my fathers, your trouble is established. 85~Deploy your troops, gird on your weapons, 86~You and I will take our stand and do battle." 87~When Tia-mat heard this 88~She went insane and lost her reason. 89~Tia-mat cried aloud and fiercely, 90~All her lower members trembled beneath her. 91~She was reciting an incantation, kept reciting her spell, 92~While the (battle-)gods were sharpening their weapons of war. 93~Tia-mat and Marduk, the sage of the gods, came together, 94~Joining in strife, drawing near to battle. 95~Be-l spread out his net and enmeshed her; 96~He let loose the Evil Wind, the rear guard, in her face. 97~Tia-mat opened her mouth to swallow it, 98~She let the Evil Wind in so that she could not close her lips. 99~The fierce winds weighed down her belly, 100~Her inwards were distended and she opened her mouth wide. 101~He let fly an arrow and pierced her belly, 102~He tore open her entrails and slit her inwards, 103~He bound her and extinguished her life, 104~He threw down her corpse and stood on it. 105~After he had killed Tia-mat, the leader, 106~Her assembly dispersed, her host scattered. 107~Her divine aides, who went beside her, 108~In trembling and fear beat a retreat. 109~ . . . . to save their lives, 110~But they were completely surrounded, unable to escape. 111~He bound them and broke their weapons, 112~And they lay enmeshed, sitting in a snare, 113~Hiding in corners, filled with grief, 114~Bearing his punishment, held in a prison. 115~The eleven creatures who were laden with fearfulness, 116~The throng of devils who went as grooms at her right hand, 117~He put ropes upon them and bound their arms, 118~Together with their warfare he trampled them beneath him. 119~Now Qingu, who had risen to power among them, 120~He bound and reckoned with the Dead Gods. 121~He took from him the Tablet of Destinies, which was not properly his, 122~Sealed it with a seal and fastened it to his own breast. 123~After the warrior Marduk had bound and slain his enemies, 124~Had . . . . the arrogant enemy . . . , 125~Had established victory for Anšar over all his foes, 126~Had fulfilled the desire of Nudimmud, 127~He strengthened his hold on the Bound Gods, 128~And returned to Tia-mat, whom he had bound. 129~Be-l placed his feet on the lower parts of Tia-mat 130~And with his merciless club smashed her skull. 131~He severed her arteries 132~And let the North wind bear up (her blood) to give the news. 133~His fathers saw it and were glad and exulted; 134~They brought gifts and presents to him. 135~Be-l rested, surveying the corpse, 136~In order to divide the lump by a clever scheme. 137~He split her into two like a dried fish: 138~One half of her he set up and stretched out as the heavens. 139~He stretched the skin and appointed a watch 140~With the instruction not to let her waters escape. 141~He crossed over the heavens, surveyed the celestial parts, 142~And adjusted them to match the Apsû, Nudimmud's abode. 143~Be-l measured the shape of the Apsû 144~And set up Ešarra, a replica of Ešgalla. 145~In Ešgalla, Ešarra which he had built, and the heavens, 146~He settled in their shrines Anu, Enlil, and Ea. |
Tablet V |
1~He fashioned heavenly stations for the great gods, 2~And set up constellations, the patterns of the stars. 3~He appointed the year, marked off divisions, 4~And set up three stars each for the twelve months. 5~After he had organized the year, 6~He established the heavenly station of Ne-beru to fix the stars' intervals. 7~That none should transgress or be slothful 8~He fixed the heavenly stations of Enlil and Ea with it. 9~Gates he opened on both sides, 10~And put strong bolts at the left and the right. 11~He placed the heights (of heaven) in her (Tia-mat's) belly, 12~He created Nannar, entrusting to him the night. 13~He appointed him as the jewel of the night to fix the days, 14~And month by month without ceasing he elevated him with a crown, 15~(Saying,) "Shine over the land at the beginning of the month, 16~Resplendent with horns to fix six days. 17~On the seventh day the crown will be half size, 18~On the fifteenth day, halfway through each month, stand in opposition. 19~When Šamaš [sees] you on the horizon, 20~Diminish in the proper stages and shine backwards. 21~On the 29th day, draw near to the path of Šamaš, 22~. [ . . ] the 30th day, stand in conjunction and rival Šamaš. 23~I have ( . . . . ] . the sign, follow its track, 24~Draw near . . ( . . . . . ) give judgment. 25~. [ . . . . ] . Šamaš, constrain [murder] and violence, 26~. [ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ] . me. *~*~*~*~*~* 35~At the end [ . . . 36~Let there [be] the 29th day [ . . . " 37~After [he had . . . . ] the decrees [ . . . 38~The organization of front and . [ . . . 39~He made the day [ . . . 40~Let the year be equally [ . . . 41~At the new year [ . . . 42~The year . . . . . [ . . . 43~Let there be regularly [ . . . 44~The projecting bolt [ . . . 45~After he had [ . . . 46~The watches of night and day [ . . . 47~The foam which Tia-mat [ . . . 48~Marduk fashioned [ . . . 49~He gathered it together and made it into clouds. 50~The raging of the winds, violent rainstorms, 51~The billowing of mist—the accumulation of her spittle— 52~He appointed for himself and took them in his hand. 53~He put her head in position and poured out . . [ . . ] . 54~He opened the abyss and it was sated with water. 55~From her two eyes he let the Euphrates and Tigris flow, 56~He blocked her nostrils, but left . . 57~He heaped up the distant [mountains] on her breasts, 58~He bored wells to channel the springs. 59~He twisted her tail and wove it into the Durmah(u, 60~[ . . . ] . . the Apsû beneath his feet. 61~[He set up] her crotch—it wedged up the heavens— 62~[(Thus) the half of her] he stretched out and made it firm as the earth. 63~[After] he had finished his work inside Tia-mat, 64~[He spread] his net and let it right out. 65~He surveyed the heavens and the earth . . [ . ] . 66~[ . . ] their bonds . . . . . . . 67~After he had formulated his regulations and composed [his] decrees, 68~He attached guide-ropes and put them in Ea's hands. 69~[The Tablet] of Destinies which Qingu had taken and carried, 70~He took charge of it as a trophy (?) and presented it to Anu. 71~[The . ] . of battle, which he had tied on or had put on his head, 72~[ . ] . he brought before his fathers. 73~[Now] the eleven creatures to which Tia-mat had given birth and . . . , 74~He broke their weapons and bound them (the creatures) to his feet. 75~He made images of them and stationed them at the [Gate] of the Apsû, 76~To be a sign never to be forgotten. 77~[The gods] saw it and were jubilantly happy, 78~(That is,) Lah(mu, Lah(amu and all his fathers. 79~Anšar [embraced] him and published abroad his title, "Victorious King," 80~Anu, Enlil and Ea gave him gifts. 81~Mother Damkina, who bore him, hailed him, 82~With a clean festal robe she made his face shine. 83~To Usmû, who held her present to give the news, 84~[He entrusted] the vizierate of the Apsû and the care of the holy places. 85~The Igigi assembled and all did obeisance to him, 86~Every one of the Anunnaki was kissing his feet. 87~They all [gathered] to show their submission, 88~[ . . . ] . they stood, they bowed down, "Behold the king!" 89~His fathers [ . . . ] . and took their fill of his beauty, 90~Be-l listened to their utterance, being girded with the dust of battle. 91~. [ . . . . . . . . . . . . ] . . . . . . . 92~Anointing his body with . [ . . . ] cedar perfume. 93~He clothed himself in [his] lordly robe, 94~With a crown of terror as a royal aura. 95~He took up his club and held it in his right hand, 96~~. . . ] . he grasped in his left. 97~[ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ] 98~~. . . ] . he set his feet. 99~He put upon . [ . . . 100~The sceptre of prosperity and success [he hung] at his side. 101~After [he had . . . ] the aura [ 102~He adorned(?) his sack, the Apsû, with a fearful [ . . ]~ 103~Was settled like . [ . . . 104~In [his] throne room [ . . . 105~In his cella [ . . . 106~Every one of the gods [ . . . 107~Lah(mu and Lah(amu . [ . . . . . . . ] . 108~Opened their mouths and [addressed] the Igigi gods, 109~"Previously Marduk was our beloved son, 110~Now he is your king, heed his command!" 111~Next, they all spoke up together, 112~"His name is Lugaldimmerankia, trust in him!" 113~When they had given kingship to Marduk, 114~They addressed to him a benediction for prosperity and success, 115~"Henceforth you are the caretaker of our shrine, 116~Whatever you command, we will do!" 117~Marduk opened his mouth to speak 118~And addressed the gods his fathers, 119~"Above the Apsû, the emerald (?) abode, 120~Opposite Ešarra, which I built for you, 121~Beneath the celestial parts, whose floor I made firm, 122~I will build a house to be my luxurious abode. 123~Within it I will establish its shrine, 124~I will found my chamber and establish my kingship. 125~When you come up from the Apsû to make a decision 126~This will be your resting place before the assembly. 127~When you descend from heaven to make a decision 128~This will be your resting place before the assembly. 129~I shall call its name 'Babylon', "The Homes of the Great Gods", 130~Within it we will hold a festival: that will be the evening festival. 131~[The gods], his fathers, [heard] this speech of his, 132~. [ . . . . . . . . . . . . ] . they said, 133~"With regard to all that your hands have made, 134~Who has your [ . . . ]? 135~With regard to the earth that your hands have made, 136~Who has your [ . . . 1? 137~In Babylon, as you have named it, 138~Put our [resting place] for ever. 139~. [ . . . . . . . . . ] let them our bring regular offerings 140~. [ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ] . . 141~Whoever [ . . . ] our tasks which we . [ . . . 142~Therein [ . . . . . ] its toil . [ . . . 143~[ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ] 144~They rejoiced [ . . . . . . . . . . . ] . . [ . . . 145~The gods . [ . . . . . . . . . . . . . ] 146~He who knows [ . . . . . . . . . ] . them 147~He opened [his mouth showing] them light, 148~. . [ . . . . . . . . . ] his speech . [ . ] 149~He made wide [ . . . . . . . . ] . them [ . . . 150~And . [ . . . . . . . . . . . . ] . . . . . 151~The gods bowed down, speaking to him, 152~They addressed Lugaldimmerankia, their lord, 153~"Formerly, lord, [you were our beloved] son, 154~Now you are our king, . . [ . . . ] 155~He who . [ . ] . [ . ] preserved [us] 156~. . [. . . ] the aura of club and sceptre. 157~Let him conceive plans [ . . . . ] . . [ . . . ] 158~[ . ] . . [ . . . . . . that] we . [ . . ." |
Tablet VI |
1~When Marduk heard the gods' speech 2~He conceived a desire to accomplish clever things. 3~He opened his mouth addressing Ea, 4~He counsels that which he had pondered in his heart, 5~"I will bring together blood to form bone, 6~I will bring into being Lullû, whose name shall be 'man'. 7~I will create Lullû—man 8~On whom the toil of the gods will be laid that they may rest. 9~I will skilfully alter the organization of the gods: 10~Though they are honoured as one, they shall be divided into two." 11~Ea answered, as he addressed a word to him, 12~Expressing his comments on the resting of the gods, 13~"Let one brother of theirs be given up. 14~Let him perish that people may be fashioned. 15~Let the great gods assemble 16~And let the guilty one be given up that they may be confirmed." 17~Marduk assembled the great gods, 18~Using gracious direction as he gave his order, 19~As he spoke the gods heeded him: 20~The king addressed a word to the Anunnaki, 21~"Your former oath was true indeed, 22~(Now also) tell me the solemn truth: 23~Who is the one who instigated warfare, 24~Who made Tia-mat rebel, and set battle in motion? 25~Let him who instigated warfare be given up 26~That I may lay his punishment on him; but you sit and rest. 27~The Igigi, the great gods, answered him, 28~That is, Lugaldimmerankia, the counsellor of the gods, the lord, 29~"Qingu is the one who instigated warfare, 30~Who made Tia-mat rebel and set battle in motion." 31~They bound him, holding him before Ea, 32~They inflicted the penalty on him and severed his blood-vessels. 33~From his blood he (Ea) created mankind, 34~On whom he imposed the service of the gods, and set the gods free. 35~After the wise Ea had created mankind 36~And had imposed the service of the gods upon them— 37~That task is beyond comprehension 38~For Nudimmud performed the creation with the skill of Marduk— 39~King Marduk divided the gods, 40~All the Anunnaki into upper and lower groups. 41~He assigned 300 in the heavens to guard the decrees of Anu 42~And appointed them as a guard. 43~Next he arranged the organization of the netherworld. 44~In heaven and netherworld he stationed 600 gods. 45~After he had arranged all the decrees, 46~And had distributed incomes among the Anunnaki of heaven and netherworld, 47~The Anunnaki opened their mouths 48~And addressed their lord Marduk, 49~"Now, lord, seeing you have established our freedom 50~What favour can we do for you? 51~Let us make a shrine of great renown: 52~Your chamber will be our resting place wherein we may repose. 53~Let us erect a shrine to house a pedestal 54~Wherein we may repose when we finish (the work)." 55~When Marduk heard this, 56~He beamed as brightly as the light of day, 57~"Build Babylon, the task you have sought. 58~Let bricks for it be moulded, and raise the shrine!" 59~The Anunnaki wielded the pick. 60~For one year they made the needed bricks. 61~When the second year arrived, 62~They raised the peak of Esagil, a replica of the Apsû. 63~They built the lofty temple tower of the Apsû 64~And for Anu, Enlil, and Ea they established its . . as a dwelling. 65~He sat in splendour before them, 66~Suveying its horns, which were level with the base of Ešarra. 67~After they had completed the work on Esagil 68~All the Anunnaki constructed their own shrines. 69~{300 Igigi of heaven and 600 of the Apsû, all of them, had assembled.} 70~Be-l seated the gods, his fathers, at the banquet 71~In the lofty shrine which they had built for his dwelling, 72~(Saying,) "This is Babylon, your fixed dwelling, 73~Take your pleasure here! Sit down in joy! 74~The great gods sat down, 75~Beer-mugs were set out and they sat at the banquet. 76~After they had enjoyed themselves inside 77~They held a service in awesome Esagil. 78~The regulations and all the rules were confirmed: 79~All the gods divided the stations of heaven and netherwor1d. 80~The college of the Fifty great gods took their seats, 81~The Seven gods of destinies were appointed to give decisions. 82~Be-l received his weapon, the bow, and laid it before them: 83~His divine fathers saw the net which he had made. 84~His fathers saw how skilfully wrought was the structure of the bow 85~As they praised what he had made. 86~Anu lifted it up in the divine assembly, 87~He kissed the bow, saying, "It is my daughter!" 88~Thus he called the names of the bow: 89~"Long Stick" was the first; the second was, "May it hit the mark." 90~With the third name, "Bow Star", he made it to shine in the sky, 91~He fixed its heavenly position along with its divine brothers. 92~After Anu had decreed the destiny of the bow, 93~He set down a royal throne, a lofty one even for a god, 94~Anu set it there in the assembly of the gods. 95~The great gods assembled, 96~They exalted the destiny of Marduk and did obeisance. 97~They invoked a curse on themselves 98~And took an oath with water and oil, and put their hands to their throats. 99~They granted him the right to exercise kingship over the gods, 100~They confirmed him as lord of the gods of heaven and netherworld. 101~Anšar gave him his exalted name, Asalluh(i 102~"At the mention of his name, let us show submission! 103~When he speaks, let the gods heed him, 104~Let his command be superior in upper and lower regions. 105~May the son, our avenger, be exalted, 106~Let his lordship be superior and himself without rival. 107~Let him shepherd the black-heads, his creatures, 108~Let them tell of his character to future days without forgetting. 109~Let him establish lavish food offerings for his fathers, 110~Let him provide for their maintenance and be caretaker of their sanctuaries, 111~Let him burn incense to rejoice their sanctums. 112~Let him do on earth the same as he has done in heaven: 113~Let him appoint the black-heads to worship him. 114~The subject humans should take note and call on their gods, 115~Since he commands they should heed their goddesses, 116~Let food offerings be brought [for] (?) their gods and goddesses, 117~May they (?) not be forgotten, may they remember their gods, 118~May they . . . their . . , may they . . their shrines. 119~Though the black-heads worship some one, some another god, 120~He is the god of each and every one of us! 121~Come, let us call the fifty names 122~Of him whose character is resplendent, whose achievement is the same. 123~(1) MARDUK As he was named by his father Anu from his birth, 124~Who supplies pasturage and watering, making the stables flourish. 125~Who bound the boastful with his weapon, the storm flood, 126~And saved the gods, his fathers, from distress. 127~He is the son, the sun-god of the gods, he is dazzling, 128~Let them ever walk in his bright light. 129~On the peoples that he created, the living beings, 130~He imposed the service of the gods and they took rest. 131~Creation and annihilation, forgiveness and exacting the penalty 132~Occur at his command, so let them fix their eyes on him. 133~(2) Marukka: he is the god who created them 134~Who put the Anunnaki at ease, the Igigi at rest. 135~(3) Marutukku: he is the support of land, city, and its peoples, 136~Henceforth let the peoples ever heed him. 137~(4) Meršakušu: fierce yet deliberating, angry yet relenting, 138~His mind is wide, his heart is all-embracing. 139~(5) Lugaldimmerankia is the name by which we all called him, 140~Whose command we have exalted above that of the gods his fathers. 141~He is the lord of all the gods of heaven and netherworld, 142~The king at whose injunctions the gods in upper and lower regions shudder. 143~(6) Narilugaldimmerankia is the name we gave him, the mentor of every god, 144~Who established our dwellings in heaven and netherworld in time of trouble, 145~Who distributed the heavenly stations between Igigi and Anunnaki, 146~Let the gods tremble at his name and quake on their seats. 147~(7) Asalluh(i is the name by which his father Anu called him, 148~He is the light of the gods, a mighty hero, 149~Who, as his name says, is a protecting angel for god and land, 150~Who by a terrible combat saved our dwelling in time of trouble. 151~(8) Asalluh(i-Namtilla they called him secondly, the life-giving god, 152~Who, in accordance with the form (of) his (name), restored all the ruined gods, 153~The lord, who brought to life the dead gods by his pure incantation, 154~Let us praise him as the destroyer of the crooked enemies. 155~(9) Asalluh(i-Namru, as his name is called thirdly, 156~The pure god, who cleanses our character." 157~Anšar, Lah(mu, and Lah(amu (each) called him by three of his names, 158~Then they addressed the gods, their sons, 159~"We have each called him by three of his names, 160~Now you call his names, like us." 161~The gods rejoiced as they heard their speech, 162~In Upšuukkinaki they held a conference, 163~"Of the warrior son, our avenger, 164~Of the provisioner, let us extol the name." 165~They sat down in their assembly, summoning the destinies, 166~And with all due rites they called his name: |
Tablet VII |
1~(10) Asarre, the giver of arable land who established plough-land, 2~The creator of barley and flax, who made plant life grow. 3~(11) Asaralim, who is revered in the counsel chamber, whose counsel excels, 4~The gods heed it and grasp fear of him. 5~(12) Asaralimnunna, the noble, the light of the father, his begetter, 6~Who directs the decrees of Anu, Enlil, and Ea, that is Ninšiku. 7~He is their provisioner, who assigns their incomes, 8~Whose turban multiplies abundance for the land. 9~(13) Tutu is he, who accomplishes their renovation, 10~Let him purify their sanctuaries that they may repose. 11~Let him fashion an incantation that the gods may rest, 12~Though they rise up in fury, let them withdraw. 13~He is indeed exalted in the assembly of the gods, his [fathers], 14~No one among the gods can [equal] him. 15~(14) Tutu-Ziukkinna, the life of [his] host, 16~Who established, the pure heavens for the gods, 17~Who took charge of their courses, who appointed [their stations], 16~May he not be forgotten among mortals, but [let them remember] his deeds. 19~(15) Tutu-Ziku they called him thirdly, the establisher of purification, 20~The god of the pleasant breeze, lord of success and obedience, 21~Who produces bounty and wealth, who establishes abundance, 22~Who turns everything scant that we have into profusion, 23~Whose p1easant breeze we sniffed in time of terrible trouble, 24~Let men command that his praises be constantly uttered, let them offer worship to him. 25~As (16) Tutu-Agaku, fourthly, let humans extol him, 26~Lord of the pure incantation, who brought the dead back to life, 27~Who showed mercy on the Bound Gods, 28~Who threw the imposed yoke on the gods, his enemies, 29~And to spare them created mankind. 30~The merciful, in whose power it is to restore to life, 31~Let his words be sure and not forgotten 32~From the mouths of the black-heads, his creatures. 33~As (17) Tutu-Tuku, fifthly, let their mouth give expression to his pure spell, 34~Who extirpated all the wicked by his pure incantation. 35~(18) Šazu, who knew the heart of the gods, who saw the reins, 36~Who did not let an evil-doer escape from him, 37~Who established the assembly of the gods, who rejoiced their hearts, 38~Who subjugated the disobedient, he is the gods' encompassing protection. 39~He made truth to prosper, he uprooted perverse speech, 40~He separated falsehood from truth. 41~As (19) Šazu-Zisi, secondly, let them continually praise him, the subduer of aggressors, 42~Who ousted consternation of from the bodies of the gods, his fathers. 43~(20) Šazu-Suh(rim, thirdly, who extirpated every foe with his weapons, 44~Who confounded their plans and turned them into wind. 45~He snuffed out all the wicked who came against him, 46~Let the gods ever shout acclamations in the assembly. 47~(21) Šazu-Suh(gurim, fourthly, who established success for the gods, his fathers, 48~Who extirpated foes and destroyed their offspring, 49~Who scattered their achievements, leaving no part of them, 50~Let his name be spoken and proclaimed in the land. 51~As (22) Šazu-Zah(rim, fifthly, let future gererations discuss him, 52~The destroyer of every rebel, of all the disobedient, 53~Who brought all the fugitive gods into the shrines, 54~Let this name of his be established. 55~As (23) Šazu-Zah(gurim, sixthly, let them altogether and everywhere worship him, 56~Who himself destroyed all the foes in battle. 57~(24) Enbilulu is he, the lord who supplies them abundantly, 58~Their great chosen one, who provides cereal offerings, 59~Who keeps pasturage and watering in good condition and established it for the land, 60~Who opened watercourses and distributed plentiful water. 61~(25) Enbilulu-Epadun, lord of common land and . . ., let them [call him] secondly, 62~Canal supervisor of heaven and netherworld, who sets the furrow, Who establishes clean arable land in the open country, 63~Who directs irrigation ditch and canal, and marks out the furrow. 64~As (26) Enbilulu-Gugal, canal supervisor of the water courses of the gods, let them praise him thirdly, 65~Lord of abundance, profusion, and huge stores (of grain), 66~Who provides bounty, who enriches human habitations, 67~Who gives wheat, and brings grain into being. 68~(27) Enbilulu-H(egal, who accumulates abundance for the peoples . . . . 69~Who rains down riches on the broad earth, and supplies abundant vegetation. 70~(28) Sirsir, who heaped up a mountain on top of Tia-mat, 71~Who plundered the corpse of Tia-mat with [his] weapons, 72~The guardian of the land, their trustworthy shepherd, 73~Whose hair is a growing crop, whose turban is a furrow, 74~Who kept crossing the broad Sea in his fury, 75~And kept crossing over the place of her battle as though it were a bridge. 76~(29) Sirsir-Malah( they named him secondly—so be it— 77~Tia-mat was his boat, he was her sailor. 78~(30) Gil, who ever heaps up piles of barley, massive mounds, 79~The creator of grain and flocks, who gives seed for the land. 80~(31) Gilima, who made the bond of the gods firm, who created stability, 81~A snare that overwhelmed them, who yet extended favours. 82~(32) Agilima, the lofty, who snatches off the crown, who takes charge of snow, 83~Who created the earth on the water and made firm the height of heaven. 84~(33) Zulum, who assigns meadows for the gods and divides up what he has created, 85~Who gives incomes and food-offerings, who administers shrines. 86~(34) Mummu, creator of heaven end underworld, who protects refugees, 87~The god who purifies heaven and underworld, secondly Zulummu, 88~In respect of whose strength none other among the gods can equal him. 89~(35) Gišnumunab, creator of all the peoples, who made the world regions, 90~Who destroyed Tia-mat's gods, and made peoples from part of them. 91~(36) Lugalabdubur, the king who scattered the works of Tia-mat, who uprooted her weapons, 92~Whose foundation is secure on the "Fore and Aft". 93~(37) Pagalguenna, foremost of all lords, whose strength is exalted, 94~Who is the greatest among the gods, his brothers, the most noble of them all. 95~(38) Lugaldurmah(, king of the bond of the gods, lord of Durmah(u, 96~Who is the greatest in the royal abode, infinitely more lofty than the other gods. 97~(39) Aranunna, counsellor of Ea, creator of the gods, his fathers, 98~Whom no god can equal in respect of his lordly walk. 99~(40) Dumuduku, who renews for himself his pure abode in Duku, 100~Dumuduku, without whom Lugalduku does not make a decision. 101~(41) Lugalšuanna, the king whose strength is exalted among the gods, 102~The lord, the strength of Anu, he who is supreme, chosen of Anšar. 103~(42) Irugga, who plundered them all in the Sea, 104~Who grasps all wisdom, is comprehensive in understanding. 105~(43) Irqingu, who plundered Qingu in . . . battle, 106~Who directs all decrees and establishes lordship. 107~(44) Kinma, the director of all the gods, who gives counsel, 108~At whose name the gods bend down in reverence as before a hurricane. 109~(45) Dingir-Esiskur—let him take his lofty seat in the House of Benediction, 110~Let the gods bring their presents before him 111~Until he receives their offerings. 112~No one but he accomplishes clever things 113~The four (regions) of black-heads are his creation, 114~Apart from him no god knows the measure of their days. 115~(46) Girru, who makes weapons hard (?), 116~Who accomplished clever things in the battle with Tia-mat, 117~Comprehensive in wisdom, skilled in understanding, 118~A deep mind, that all the gods combined do not understand. 119~Let (47) Addu be his name, let him cover the whole span of heaven, 120~Let him thunder with his pleasant voice upon the earth, 121~May the rumble fill (?) the clouds And give sustenance to the peoples below. 122~(48) Aša-ru, who, as his name says, mustered the Divine Fates 123~He indeed is the warden of absolutely all peoples. 124~As (49) Ne-beru let him hold the crossing place of heaven and underworld, 125~They should not cross above or below, but should wait for him. 126~Ne-beru is his star, which he caused to shine in the sky, 127~Let him take his stand on the heavenly staircase that they may look at him. 128~Yes, he who constantly crosses the Sea without resting, 129~Let his name be Ne-beru, who grasps her middle, 130~Let him fix the paths of the stars of heaven, 131~Let him shepherd all the gods like sheep, 132~Let him bind Tia-mat and put her life in mortal danger, 133~To generations yet unborn, to distant future days, 134~May he continue unchecked, may he persist into eternity. 135~Since he created the heavens and fashioned the earth, 136~Enlil, the father, called him by his own name, (50) 'Lord of the Lands'. 137~Ea heard the names which all the Igigi called ]38~And his spirit became radiant. 139~"Why! He whose name was extolled by his fathers 140~Let him, like me, be called (51) 'Ea'. 141~Let him control the sum of all my rites, 142~Let him administer all my decrees." 143~With the word "Fifty" the great gods 144~Called his fifty names and assigned him an outstanding position. 145~They should be remembered; a leading figure should expound them, 146~The wise and learned should confer about them, 147~A father should repeat them and teach them to his son, 148~One should explain them to shepherd and herdsman. 149~If one is not negligent to Marduk, the Enlil of the gods, 150~May one's land flourish, and oneself prosper, 151~(For) his word is reliable, his command unchanged, 152~No god can alter the utterance of his mouth. 153~When he looks in fury, he does not relent, 154~When his anger is ablaze, no god can face him. 155~His mind is deep, his spirit is all-embracing, 156~Before whom sin and transgression are sought out. 157~Instruction which a leading figure repeated before him (Marduk): 158~He wrote it down and stored it so that generations to come might hear it. 159~[ . . ] . Marduk, who created the Igigi gods, 160~Though they diminish . . . let them call on his name. 161~. . . . the song of Marduk, 162~Who defeated Tia-mat and took kingship. --> by W.G. Lambert |
Adapted from Enuma Elish translation by W.G. Lambert from pp. 37-59 of his “Mesopotamian Creation Stories.” The full article is at pp. 15-59 in M.J. Geller and M. Schipper (eds), Imagining Creation (IJS Studies in Judaica 5; Brill Academic Publishers 2007).