Enuma Elish

W G Lambert

by W.G. Lambert

Tablet I

01 ~ When the heavens above did not exist,

02 ~ And earth beneath had not come into being—

03 ~ There was Apsû, the first in order, their begetter,

04 ~ And demiurge Tia-mat, who gave birth to them all;

05 ~ They had mingled their waters together

06 ~ Before meadow-land had coalesced and reed-bed was to he found —

07 ~ When not one of the gods had been formed

08 ~ Or had come into being, when no destinies had been decreed,

09 ~ 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

01 ~ Tia-mat gathered together her creation

02 ~ And organised battle against the gods, her offspring.

03 ~ Henceforth Tia-mat plotted evil because of Apsû

04 ~ It became known to Ea that she had arranged the conflict.

05 ~ Ea heard this matter,

06 ~ He lapsed into silence in his chamber and sat motionless.

07 ~ After he had reflected and his anger had subsided

08 ~ He directed his steps to Anšar his father.

09 ~ 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

01 ~ Anšar opened his mouth

02 ~ And addressed Kaka, his vizier,

03 ~ "Vizier Kaka, who gratifies my pleasure,

04 ~ I will send you to Lah(mu and Lah(amu.

05 ~ You are skilled in making inquiry, learned in address.

06 ~ Have the gods, my fathers, brought to my presence.

07 ~ Let all the gods be brought,

08 ~ Let them confer as they sit at table.

09 ~ 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

01 ~ They set a lordly dais for him

02 ~ And he took his seat before his fathers to receive kingship.

03 ~ (They said,) "You are the most honoured among the great gods,

04 ~ Your destiny is unequalled, your command is like Anu's.

05 ~ Marduk, you are the most honoured among the great gods,

06 ~ Your destiny is unequalled, your command is like Anu's.

07 ~ Henceforth your order will not be annulled,

08 ~ It is in your power to exalt and abase.

09 ~ 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

01 ~ He fashioned heavenly stations for the great gods,

02 ~ And set up constellations, the patterns of the stars.

03 ~ He appointed the year, marked off divisions,

04 ~ And set up three stars each for the twelve months.

05 ~ After he had organized the year,

06 ~ He established the heavenly station of Ne-beru to fix the stars' intervals.

07 ~ That none should transgress or be slothful

08 ~ He fixed the heavenly stations of Enlil and Ea with it.

09 ~ 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

01 ~ When Marduk heard the gods' speech

02 ~ He conceived a desire to accomplish clever things.

03 ~ He opened his mouth addressing Ea,

04 ~ He counsels that which he had pondered in his heart,

05 ~ "I will bring together blood to form bone,

06 ~ I will bring into being Lullû, whose name shall be 'man'.

07 ~ I will create Lullû—man

08 ~ On whom the toil of the gods will be laid that they may rest.

09 ~ 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

01 ~ (10) Asarre, the giver of arable land who established plough-land,

02 ~ The creator of barley and flax, who made plant life grow.

03 ~ (11) Asaralim, who is revered in the counsel chamber, whose counsel excels,

04 ~ The gods heed it and grasp fear of him.

05 ~ (12) Asaralimnunna, the noble, the light of the father, his begetter,

06 ~ Who directs the decrees of Anu, Enlil, and Ea, that is Ninšiku.

07 ~ He is their provisioner, who assigns their incomes,

08 ~ Whose turban multiplies abundance for the land.

09 ~ (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.

Version 2

...insert story here...

-source E.A.T. Wallis-Budge 1921 Tablets at British Museum [1] [2] [3]

- - - FIRST TABLET.

1. When the heavens above were yet unnamed,

2. And the name of the earth beneath had not been recorded,

3. Apsu, the oldest of beings, their progenitor,

4. "Mummu" Tiâmat, who bare each and all of them--

5. Their waters were merged into a single mass.

6. A field had not been measured, a marsh had not been searched out,

7. When of the gods none was shining,

8. A name had not been recorded, a fate had not been fixed,

9. The gods came into being in the midst of them.

10. The god Lakhmu and the goddess Lakhamu were made to shine, they were named.

11. [Together] they increased in stature, they grew tall.

12. Anshar and Kishar came into being, and others besides them.

13. Long were the days, the years increased.

14. The god Anu, their son, the equal of his fathers, [was created].

15. The god Anshar made his eldest son Anu in his own image.

16. And the god Anu begat Nudimmud (Ea) the image of himself.

17. The god Nudimmud was the first among his fathers,

18. Endowed with understanding, he who thinketh deeply, the orator

19. Exceedingly mighty in strength above his father Anshar who begat him.

20. Unrivalled amongst the gods his brothers ...

21. The confraternity of the gods was established.

22. Tiâmat was troubled and she ... their guardian.

23. Her belly was stirred up to its uttermost depths.

24. ...........

25. Apsu (the watery abyss) could not diminish their brawl

26. And Tiâmat gathered herself together ...

27. She struck a blow, and their works ...

28. Their way was not good,...

29. At that time Apsu, the progenitor of the great gods,

30. Shouted out and summoned Mummu, the steward of his house, saying

31. "[O] Mummu, my steward, who makest my liver to rejoice,

32. "Come, to Tiâmat we will go."

33. They went, they lay down [on a couch] facing Tiâmat.

34. They took counsel together about the gods [their children].

35. Apsu took up his word and said,

36. To Tiâmat, the holy (?) one, he made mention of a matter, [saying],

37. "... their way ...

38. "By day I find no peace, by night I have no rest.

39. "Verily I will make an end of their way, I will sweep them away,

40. "There shall be a sound of lamentation; lo, then we shall rest."

41. Tiâmat on hearing this

42. Was stirred up to wrath and shrieked to her husband,

43. ... unto sickness. She raged all alone,

44. She uttered a curse, and unto [Apsu, spake, saying,],

45. "Whatsoever we have made we will destroy.

46. "Verily their way shall be filled with disaster; lo, then we shall rest."

47. Mummu answered and gave counsel unto Apsu,

48. The counsel of Mummu was ... and dire [in respect of the gods]:

49. "Come, [do thou destroy] their way which is strong.

50. "Then verily by day thou shalt find peace, [and] by night thou shalt have rest."

51. Apsu heard him, his face grew bright,

52. For that they were planning evil against the gods, his children.

53. Mummu embraced his neck ...

54. He took him on his knee, he kissed him ...

55. They (i.e. Mummu and Apsu) planned the cursing in the assembly,

56. They repeated the curses to the gods their eldest sons.

57. The gods made answer ...

58. They began a lamentation...

59. [Endowed] with understanding, the prudent god, the exalted one,

60. Ea, who pondereth everything that is, searched out their [plan].

61. He brought it to nought (?), he made the form of everything to stand still.

62. He recited a cunning incantation, very powerful and holy.

-

- [In the British Museum tablets lines 63-108 are either wanting entirely, or are too broken to translate, and the last 130 lines of the Berlin fragment are much mutilated. The fragments of text show that Ea waged war against Apsu and Mummu. Ea recited an incantation which caused Apsu to fall asleep. He then "loosed the joints" of Mummu, who in some way suffered, but he was strong enough to attack Ea when he turned to deal with Apsu. Ea overcame both his adversaries and divided Apsu into chambers and laid fetters upon him. In one of the chambers of Apsu a god was begotten and born. According to the Ninevite theologians Ea begat by his wife, who is not named, his son Marduk, and according to the theologians of the City of Ashur, Lakhmu begat by his wife Lakhamu a son who is no other than Anshar, or Ashur. A nurse was appointed to rear him, and he grew up a handsome child, to the great delight of his father. He had four ears and four eyes, a statement which suggests that he was two-headed, and resembled the Latin god Janus.]

-

109. They formed a band, and went forth to battle to help Tiâmat.

110. They were exceedingly wroth, they made plots by day and by night without ceasing.

111. They offered battle, fuming and raging.

112. They set the battle in array, they uttered cries of hostility,

113. Ummu-Khubur, who fashioned all things,

114. Set up the unrivalled weapon, she spawned huge serpents,

115. Sharp of tooth, pitiless in attack (?)

116. She filled their bodies with venom instead of blood,

117. Grim, monstrous serpents, arrayed in terror,

118. She decked them with brightness, she fashioned them in exalted forms,

119. So that fright and horror might overcome him that looked upon them,

120. So that their bodies might rear up, and no man resist their attack,

121. She set up the Viper, and the Snake, and the god Lakhamu,

122. The Whirlwind, the ravening Dog, the Scorpion-man,

123. The mighty Storm-wind, the Fish-man, the horned Beast (Capricorn?)

124. They carried the Weapon which spared not, nor flinched from the battle.

125. Most mighty were Tiâmat's decrees, they could not be resisted,

126. Thus she caused eleven [monsters] of this kind to come into being,

127. Among the gods, her first-born son who had collected her company,

128. That is to say, Kingu, she set on high, she made him the great one amongst them,

129. Leader of the hosts in battle, disposer of the troops,

130. Bearer of the firmly grasped weapon, attacker in the fight,

131. He who in the battle is the master of the weapon,

132. She appointed, she made him to sit down in [goodly apparel]

133. [Saying], "I have uttered the incantation for thee. I have magnified thee in the assembly of the gods.

134. "I have filled his [sic, read 'thy'] hand with the sovereignty of the whole company of the gods.

135. "Mayest thou be magnified, thou who art my only spouse,

136. "May the Anunnaki make great thy renown over all of them."

137. She gave him the TABLET OF DESTINIES, she fastened it on his breast, [saying],

138. "As for thee, thy command shall not fall empty, whatsoever goeth forth from thy mouth shall be established."

139. When Kingu was raised on high and had taken the heavens (literally, the god Anutum)

140. He fixed the destinies for the gods his sons,

141. Open your mouths, let the Fire-god be quenched,

142. He who is glorious in battle and is most mighty, shall do great deeds.

- - - SECOND TABLET.

1. Tiâmat made solid that which she had moulded.

2. She bound the gods her children with [evil bonds].

3. Tiâmat wrought wickedness to avenge Apsu.

4. When ... had harnessed his chariot he went to meet Ea,

5. Ea hearkened to his story,

6. He was sorely afflicted and abode in sorrow,

7. The days were long, his wrath died down.

8. He went his way to the dwelling of Anshar, his father,

9. He went into the presence of Anshar, the father who begat him,

10. Whatsoever Tiâmat had devised he repeated unto him,

11. Mother Tiâmat who gave us birth hath sown these things.

12. She hath set in order her assembly, she rageth furiously,

13. All the gods have joined themselves to her.

14. They march by her side together with those whom ye have created.

15. They formed a band and went forth to battle to help Tiâmat,

16. They were exceedingly wroth, they made plots by day and by night without ceasing,

17. They offered battle, fuming and raging,

18. They set the battle in array, they uttered cries of defiance.

19. Ummu-Khubur, who fashioned all things,

20. Set up the unrivalled weapon, she spawned huge serpents

21. Sharp of tooth, pitiless in attack (?)

22. She filled their bodies with venom instead of blood,

23. Grim, monstrous serpents arrayed in terror.

24. She decked them with brightness, she fashioned them in exalted forms,

25. So that fright and horror might overcome him that looked upon them,

26. So that their bodies might rear up, and no man resist their attack.

27. She set up the Viper, and the Snake, and the god Lakhamu,

28. The Whirlwind, the ravening Dog, the Scorpion-man,

29. The Storm-wind, the Fish-man, the Horned Beast.

30. They carried the Weapon which spared not, nor flinched from the battle.

31. Most mighty were Tiâmat's allies, they could not be resisted.

32. Thus she caused eleven [monsters] of this kind to come into being.

33. Among the gods, her first-born son who had collected her company,

34. That is to say, Kingu, she set on high, she made him the great one amongst them.

35. Leader of the hosts in battle, disposer of the troops,

36. Bearer of the firmly-grasped weapon, attacker in the fight,

37. He who in the battle is the master of the weapon,

38. She appointed, she made him to sit down in [goodly apparel]

39. [Saying], "I have recited the incantation for thee, I have magnified thee in the assembly of the gods,

40. "I have filled his [sic, read 'thy'] hand with the sovereignty of the whole company of the gods.

41. "Mayest thou be magnified, thou who art my only spouse,

42. "May the Anunnaki make great thy renown over all of them."

43. She gave him the TABLET OF DESTINIES, she fastened it on his breast, [saying]--

44. "As for thee, thy command shall not fall empty, what goeth forth from thy mouth shall be established."

45. When Kingu was raised on high and had taken the heavens (literally, "the god Anutum")

46. He fixed the destinies for the gods his sons, [saying],

47. "Open your mouths, let the Fire-god be quenched,

48. "He who is glorious in battle and is most mighty shall do great deeds."

49. When Anshar heard that Tiâmat was stirred mightily,

50. ... he bit his lips

51. ... his mind was not at peace

- [Lines 52-54 too fragmentary for translation.]

An'shar then addresses Ea and says:--

55. "Thou hast slain Mummu and Apsu

56. "But Tiâmat hath exalted Kingu--where is the one who can meet her?

- [Lines 57 and 58 imperfect; lines 59-71 wanting.]

72. Anshar spake a word unto his son [Anu]:--

73. "... this is a difficulty, my warrior

74. "Whose power is exalted, whose attack cannot be stayed,

75. "Go and stand thou in the presence of Tiâmat,

76. "That her spirit [be quieted], her heart softened.

77. "But should she not hearken unto thy word,

78. "Speak thou our word unto her so that she may be abated."

79. [Anu] heard the order of his father Anshar.

80. He took the straight road to her, and hastened on the way to her.

81. Anu drew nigh, he searched out the plan of Tiâmat,

82. He could not prevail against her, he turned back.

- Lines 83 and 84 contain Anu's report to Anshar, but they are too fragmentary to translate; line 85 reads:--

83. He (Anu) went to his father Anshar who begat him,

84. He spake unto him a word [concerning Tiâmat]

85. [She laid] hands upon me that withered me up."

86. Anshar was distressed, he looked down upon the ground,

87. He turned pale; towards Ea he lifted up his head.

88. All the Anunnaki assembled at their posts.

89. They shut their mouths, they sat in lamentation.

90. [They said], "Nowhere is there a god who can attack Tiâmat.

91. "He would not escape from Tiâmat's presence with his life."

92. The Lord Anshar, the Father of the gods, [spake] majestically,

93. He lifted up his heart, he addressed the Anunnaki, [saying]

94. "He whose [strength] is mighty [shall be] an avenger for [us]

95. "The ... in the strife, Marduk the Hero."

96. Ea called Marduk to the place where he gave oracles,

97. Marduk came and according to his heart he addressed him,

98. [Saying], "O Marduk, hear the counsel and advice of thy father,

99. "Thou art the son who refresheth his heart,

100. "Draw nigh and enter the presence of An-shar,

101. "Stand there [with joy], when he looketh upon thee he will be at rest."

113. The Lord [Marduk] rejoiced at the word of his father,

114. He approached and took up his place before Anshar.

115. Anshar looked upon him and his heart was filled with gladness.

116. He (i.e., Anshar) kissed his (Marduk's) lips, and his (Anshar's) fear was removed. [Then Marduk said]

117. "My father, let not the opening of thy mouth be closed,

118. "I will go, I will make to take place all that is in thy heart.

119. "Anshar, let not the opening of thy mouth be closed,

120. "I will go, I will make to take place all that is in thy heart." [Anshar says to Marduk]

121. "What man is the cause of the battle which made thee go forth

122. "... Tiâmat, who is a woman, pursueth thee with weapons.

123. "Rejoice our [hearts] and make us glad.

124. "Thou thyself shalt soon trample upon the neck of Tiâmat,

125. "Rejoice our [hearts] and make us glad.

126. "Thou thyself shalt soon trample upon the neck of Tiâmat.

127. "My son, who dost comprehend everything,

128. "Cast deep sleep upon Tiâmat with thy holy spell.

129. "Betake thyself to thy march with all speed.

130. "..."

131. The Lord [Marduk] rejoiced at the word of his father,

132. His heart leaped with joy, to his father he spake, [saying],

133. "O Lord of the gods, Overlord of the Great Gods,

134. "Should I as your avenger

135. "Slay Tiâmat and bestow life upon you,

136. "Summon a meeting, proclaim and magnify my position,

137. "Sit ye down together in friendly fashion in Upshukkinaku.

138. "Let me issue decrees by the opening of my mouth even as ye do.

139. "Whatsoever I bring to pass let it remain unaltered,

140. "That which my mouth uttereth shall never fail or be brought to nought."

- - - THIRD TABLET.

1. Anshar opened his mouth, and

2. Unto the god Gaga, his envoy, spake a word [saying],

3. "O Gaga, my envoy, who makest glad my liver.

4. "I will despatch thee unto the gods Lakhmu and Lakhamu.

5. "Thou must know and understand the [intention of my heart]

6. "... are brought before thee

7. "... all the gods.

8. "Let them make a council, let them sit down to a feast

9. "Let them eat bread, let them heat sesame wine.

10. "Let them issue decrees to Marduk as their avenger.

11. "Get thee gone, Gaga, take up thy stand before them.

12. "All that I am now going to tell thee do thou repeat to them [saying],

13. "'[O ye gods], Anshar your son hath charged me,

14. "'The intention of his heart he hath made me to know in this wise:--

15. "'Mother Tiâmat who gave us birth hath sown these things,

16. "'She hath set in order her assembly, she rageth furiously,

17. "'All the gods have joined themselves to her.

18. "'They march by her side together with those whom ye have created.

19. "'They formed a band and went forth to battle to help Tiâmat.

20. "'They were exceedingly wroth, they made plots by day and by night without ceasing.

21. "'They offered battle, foaming and raging.

22. "'They set the battle in array, they uttered cries of defiance.

23. "'Ummu-Khubur, who formed all things,

24. "'Set up the unrivalled weapon, she spawned huge serpents,

25. "'Sharp of tooth, pitiless in attack (?)

26. "'She filled their bodies with venom instead of blood.

27. "'Grim, monstrous serpents arrayed in terror.

28. "'She decked them with brightness, she fashioned them in exalted forms,

29. "'So that fright and horror might overcome him that looked upon them,

30. "'So that their bodies might rear up, and no man resist their attack.

31. "'She set up the Viper, and the Snake, and the god Lakhamu,

32. "'The Whirlwind, the Ravening Dog, the Scorpion-man,

33. "'The Storm-wind, the Fish-man, the Horned Beast.

34. "'They carried the Weapon which spared not, nor flinched from the battle,

35. "'Most mighty were Tiâmat's allies, they could not be resisted.

36. "'Thus she caused Eleven [monsters] of this kind to come into being.

37. "'Among the gods, her first-born son who had collected her company,

38. "'That is to say, Kingu, she set on high, she made him the great one among them,

39. "'Leader of the hosts in the battle, disposer of the troops,

40. "'Bearer of the firmly-grasped weapon, attacker in the fight.

41. "'He who in the battle is the master of the weapon,

42. "'She appointed, she made him to sit down in [goodly apparel]

43. "'[Saying]: I have recited the incantation for thee, I have magnified thee in the assembly of the gods.

44. "''I have filled his (i.e., thy) hand with the sovereignty of the whole company of the gods.

45. "''Mayest thou be magnified, thou who art my only spouse,

46. "''May the Anunnaki make great thy renown over all of them."'

47. "She gave him the TABLET OF DESTINIES, she fastened it on his head [saying]:

48. "'As for thee, thy command shall not fall empty, what goeth forth from thy mouth shall be established.'

49. "When Kingu was raised on high and had taken the heavens (literally, the god Anutum),

50. "He fixed the destinies for the gods, his sons, [saying]:

51. "'Open your mouths, let the Fire-god be quenched.

52. "'He who is glorious in battle and is most mighty shall do great deeds.'

53. "'I sent the god Anu, but he could not prevail against her.

54. "'Nudimmud (i.e., Ea) was afraid and turned back,

55. "'Marduk, your son, the envoy of the gods, hath set out.

56. "'His heart is stirred up to oppose Tiâmat.

57. "'He opened his mouth, he spoke unto me [saying]:

58. "'Should I as your avenger

59. "'Slay Tiâmat, and bestow life upon you,

60. "'Summon a meeting, proclaim and magnify my position,

61. "'Sit ye down together in friendly fashion in Up-shukkinaku.

62. "'Let me issue decrees by the opening of my mouth even as ye do,

63. "'Whatsoever I bring to pass let it remain unaltered.

64. "'That which my mouth uttereth shall neither fail nor be brought to nought.'

65. "Hasten ye therefore, issue your decrees speedily

66. "That he may go to meet your mighty enemy."

67. Gaga departed and hastened upon his way

68. To the god Lakhmu and the goddess Lakhamu, the gods his fathers, reverently

69. He did homage, and he kissed the ground at their feet.

70. He bowed down, stood up, and spake unto them [saying]:

71. "[O ye gods], Anshar your son hath charged me,

72. "The intention of his heart he hath made me to know in this wise:--

73. "Mother Tiâmat who gave us birth hath sown these things,

74. "She hath set in order her assembly, she rageth furiously.

75. "All the gods have joined themselves to her.

76. "They march by her side together with those whom ye have created,

77. "They formed a band and went forth to battle to help Tiâmat.

78. "They were exceedingly wroth, they made plans by day and by night without ceasing.

79. "They offered battle, foaming and raging.

80. "They set the battle in array, they uttered cries of defiance.

81. "Ummu-Khubur, who formed all things,

82. "Set up the unrivalled weapon, she spawned huge serpents,

83. "Sharp of tooth, pitiless in attack (?)

84. "She filled their bodies with venom instead of blood,

85. "Grim, monstrous serpents, arrayed in terror,

86. "She decked them with brightness, she fashioned them in exalted forms,

87. "So that fright and horror might overcome him that looked upon them,

88. "So that their bodies might rear up, and no man resist their attack.

89. "She set up the Viper, and the Snake, and the god Lakhamu,

90. "The Whirlwind, the Ravening Dog, the Scorpion-man,

91. "The Storm-wind, the Fish-man, the Horned Beast,

92. "They carried the Weapon which spared not, nor flinched from the battle.

93. "Most mighty were Tiâmat's allies, they could not be resisted.

94. "Thus she caused Eleven [monsters] of this kind to come into being.

95. "Amongst the gods, her first-born son who had collected her company,

96. "That is to say, Kingu, she set on high, she made him the great one among them.

97. "Leader of the hosts in the battle, disposer of the troops,

98. "Bearer of the firmly-grasped weapon, attacker in the fight,

99. "He who in the battle is the master of the weapon

100. "She appointed, she made him to sit down in [goodly apparel],

101. "[Saying]: 'I have recited the incantation for thee, I have magnified thee in the assembly of the gods.

102. "'I have filled his (i.e., thy) hand with the sovereignty of the whole company of the gods.

103. "'Mayest thou be magnified, thou who art my only spouse.

104. "'May the Anunnaki make great thy renown over all of them.'

105. "She gave him the TABLET OF DESTINIES, she fastened it on his head [saying]:

106. "'As for thee, thy command shall not fall empty, what goeth forth from thy mouth shall be established.'

107. "When Kingu was raised on high, and had taken the heavens (Anutum)

108. "He fixed the destinies for the gods, his sons, [saying]:

109. "'Open your mouths, let the Fire-god be quenched,

110. "'He who is glorious in battle and is most mighty shall do great deeds.

111. "'I sent the god Anu, but he could not prevail against her.

112. "'Nudimmud (i.e., Ea) was afraid and turned back.

113. "'Marduk, your son, the envoy of the gods, hath set out.

114. "'His heart is stirred up to oppose Tiâmat.

115. "'He opened his mouth, he spoke unto me, [saying]:

116. "'Should I as your avenger

117. "'Slay Tiâmat, and bestow life upon you,

118. "'Summon a meeting (i.e., council), proclaim and magnify my position,

119. "'Sit down together in friendly fashion in Upshukkinaku,

120. "'Let me issue decrees by the opening of my mouth, even as ye do,

121. "'Whatsoever I bring to pass let it remain unaltered.

122. "'That which my mouth uttereth shall neither fail nor be brought to nought."'

123. "Hasten ye therefore, issue your decrees speedily

124. "That he may go to meet your mighty enemy."

125. The gods Lakhmu and Lakhamu heard, they wailed loudly,

126. All the Igigi gods wept bitterly [saying]:

127. "Who were [our] enemies until [the gods] were posted [in heaven]?

128. "We cannot comprehend the work of Tiâmat."

129. They gathered themselves together, they went,

130. All the great gods, who issue decrees.

131. They entered in, they filled [the court] before Anshar.

132. Brother [god] kissed brother [god] in the [divine] assembly,

133. They held a meeting, they sat down to a feast,

134. They ate bread, they heated the [sesame wine],

135. The taste of the sweet drink confused their ...

136. They drank themselves drunk, their bodies were filled to overflowing,

137. They were overcome by heaviness [of drink], their livers (i.e., spirits) were exalted,

138. They issued the decree for Marduk as their avenger.

- - - FOURTH TABLET.

1. They founded for him a majestic canopy,

2. He (i.e., Marduk) seated himself in the seat of kingship in the presence of his fathers [who said unto him]:

3. "Thou art honourable by reason of thy greatness among the gods.

4. "Thy position is unrivalled, the words thou utterest become Anum (i.e., as fixed as the sky).

5. "Thou art honourable by reason of thy greatness among the gods.

6. "Thy position is unrivalled, the words thou utterest become Anum (i.e., as fixed as the sky).

7. "From this day onward thy command shall not be abrogated.

8. "The power to exalt to heaven and to cast down to the earth both shall be in thy hand,

9. "That which goeth forth from thy mouth shall be established, against thy utterance shall be no appeal.

10. "No one among the gods shall overstep thy boundary,

11. "Worship, which is the object of the sanctuary of the gods,

12. "Whensoever they lack [it] shall be forthcoming in thy sanctuary,

13. "O god Marduk, thou art our avenger.

14. "We have given unto thee sovereignty over the whole creation,

15. "Thou shalt sit down, in the council thy word shall be exalted,

16. "Thy weapon shall never fall [from thy hands], it shall break the head of thy foe.

17. "Lord, whosoever putteth his trust in thee, spare thou his life,

18. "And the god who deviseth evil, pour thou out his soul."

19. Then a cloak (literally, one cloak) was set in their midst,

20. They addressed the god Marduk their first-born [saying]:

21. "Thou, Lord, shalt hold the foremost position among the gods.

22. "Decree thou the throwing down and the building up,and it shall come to pass.

23. "Speak but the word, and the cloak shall disappear,

24. "Speak a second time and the cloak shall return uninjured."

25. Marduk spoke the word, the cloak disappeared,

26. He spoke a second time, the cloak reappeared.

27. When the gods his fathers saw the issue of the utterance of his mouth

28. They rejoiced and adored [him, saying], "Marduk is King."

29. They conferred upon him the sceptre, the throne, and the symbol of royalty (?)

30. They gave him the unrivalled weapon, the destroyer of the enemy [saying]:

31. "Go, cut off the life of Tiâmat.

32. "Let the wind carry her blood into the depth [under the earth]."

33. The gods, his fathers, issued the decree for the god Bel.

34. They set him on the road which leadeth to peace and adoration.

35. He strung [his] bow, he set ready his weapon [in the stand],

36. He slung his spear, he attached it to [his belly],

37. He raised the club, he grasped it in his right hand.

38. The bow and the quiver he hung at his side.

39. He set the lightning in front of him.

40. His body was filled with a glancing flame of fire.

41. He made a net wherewith to enclose Tiâmat.

42. He made the four winds to take up their position so that no part of her might escape,

43. The South wind, the North wind, the East wind, the West wind.

44. He held the net close to his side, the gift of his father Anu,

45. He created the "foul" wind, the storm, the parching blast,

46. The wind of "four," the wind of "seven," the typhoon, the wind incomparable

47. He despatched the seven winds which he had made,

48. To make turbid the inward parts of Tiâmat; they followed in his train.

49. The Lord raised up the wind storm, his mighty weapon.

50. He went up into his chariot, the unequalled and terrible tempest.

51. He equipped it, he yoked thereto a team of four horses,

52. Pawing the ground, champing, foaming [eager to] fly,

53. ... [the odour] of their teeth bore foetidness,

54. They were skilled [in biting], they were trained to trample under foot.

- [Lines 55-57 too fragmentary to translate; they continue the description of Marduk's equipment.]

58. His brightness streamed forth, his head was crowned [thereby].

59. He took a direct path, he hastened on his journey.

60. He set his face towards the place of Tiâmat, who was ...

61. On his lips ... he restrained

62. ... his hand grasped.

63. At that moment the gods were gazing upon him with fixed intensity,

64. The gods, his fathers, gazed upon him, they gazed upon him.

65. The Lord approached, he looked upon the middle of Tiâmat,

66. He searched out the plan of Kingu, her husband.

67. Marduk looked, Kingu staggered in his gait,

68. His will was destroyed, his motion was paralysed.

69. And the gods his helpers who were marching by his side

70. Saw the [collapse of] their chief and their sight was troubled.

71. Tiâmat [shrieked but] did not turn her head.

72. With lips full of [rebellious words] she maintained her stubbornness

73. [Saying], "... that thou hast come as the Lord of the gods, [forsooth],

74. "They have appointed thee in the place which should be theirs."

75. The Lord raised up the wind-storm, his mighty weapon,

76. [Against] Tiâmat, who was furious (?), he sent it, [saying]:

77. "[Thou hast made thyself] mighty, thou art puffed upon high,

78. "Thy heart [hath stirred thee up] to invoke battle

79. "... their fathers ...

80. "...

81. "[Thou hast exalted Kingu to be [thy] husband,

82. "[Thou hast made him to usurp] the attributes of Anu

83. "... thou hast planned evil.

84. "[Against] the gods, my fathers, thou hast wrought evil.

85. "Let now thy troops gird themselves up, let them bind on their weapons.

86. "Stand up! Thou and I, let us to the fight!"

87. On hearing these words Tiâmat

88. Became like a mad thing, her senses became distraught,

89. Tiâmat uttered shrill cries again and again.

90. That on which she stood split in twain at the words,

91. She recited an incantation, she pronounced her spell.

92. The gods of battle demanded their weapons.

93. Tiâmat and Marduk, the envoy of the gods, roused themselves,

94. They advanced to fight each other, they drew nigh in battle.

95. The Lord cast his net and made it to enclose her,

96. The evil wind that had its place behind him he let out in her face.

97. Tiâmat opened her mouth to its greatest extent,

98. Marduk made the evil wind to enter [it] whilst her lips were unclosed.

99. The raging winds filled out her belly,

100. Her heart was gripped, she opened wide her mouth [panting].

101. Marduk grasped the spear, he split up her belly,

102. He clave open her bowels, he pierced [her] heart,

103. He brought her to nought, he destroyed her life.

104. He cast down her carcase, he took up his stand upon it,

105. After Marduk had slain Tiâmat the chief,

106. Her host was scattered, her levies became fugitive,

107. And the gods, her allies, who had marched at her side,

108. Quaked with terror, and broke and ran

109. And betook themselves to flight to save their lives.

110. But they found themselves hemmed in, they could not escape,

111. Marduk tied them up, he smashed their weapons.

112. They were cast into the net, and they were caught in the snare,

113. The ... of the world they filled with [their] cries of grief.

114. They received [Marduk's] chastisement, they were confined in restraint,

115. And [on] the Eleven Creatures which Tiâmat had filled with awfulness,

116. The company of the devils that marched at her ...

117. He threw fetters, he ... their sides.

118. They and their resistance he trod under his feet.

119. The god Kingu who had been magnified over them

120. He crushed, he esteemed him [as little worth] as the god Dugga, (as a dead god?).

121. Marduk took from him the TABLET OF DESTINIES, which should never have been his,

122. He sealed it with a seal and fastened it on his breast

123. After he had crushed and overthrown his enemies,

124. He made the haughty enemy to be like the dust underfoot.

125. He established completely Anshar's victory over the enemy,

126. The valiant Marduk achieved the object of Nudimmud (Ea),

127. He imposed strict restraint on the gods whom he had made captive.

128. He turned back to Tiâmat whom he had defeated,

129. The Lord [Marduk] trampled on the rump of Tiâmat,

130. With his unsparing club he clave her skull.

131. He slit open the channels (i.e., arteries) of her blood.

132. He caused the North Wind to carry it away to a place underground.

133. His fathers (i.e., the gods) looked on, they rejoiced, they were glad.

134. They brought unto him offerings of triumph and peace,

135. The Lord [Marduk] paused, he examined Tiâmat's carcase.

136. He separated flesh [from] hair, he worked cunningly.

137. He slit Tiâmat open like a flat (?) fish [cut into] two pieces,

138. The one half he raised up and shaded the heavens therewith,

139. He pulled the bolt, he posted a guard,

140. He ordered them not to let her water escape.

141. He crossed heaven, he contemplated the regions thereof.

142. He betook himself to the abode of Nudimmud (Ea) that is opposite to the Deep (Apsu),

143. The Lord Marduk measured the dimensions of the Deep,

144. He founded E-Sharra, a place like unto it,

145. The abode E-Sharra, which he made to be heaven.

146. He made the-gods Anu, Bel and Ea to inhabit their [own] cities.

- - - FIFTH TABLET.

1. He appointed the Stations for the great gods,

2. He set in heaven the Stars of the Zodiac which are their likenesses.

3. He fixed the year, he appointed the limits thereof.

4. He set up for the twelve months three stars apiece.

5. According to the day of the year he ... figures.

6. He founded the Station of Nibir (Jupiter) to settle their boundaries,

7. That none might exceed or fall short.

8. He set the Station of Bel and Ea thereby.

9. He opened great gates under shelter on both sides.

10. He made a strong corridor on the left and on the right.

11. He fixed the zenith in the heavenly vault (?)

12. He gave the god Nannar (i.e., the Moon-god) his brightness and committed the night to his care.

13. He set him for the government of the night, to determine the day

14. Monthly, without fail, he set him in a crown (i.e., disk) [saying]:

15. "At the beginning of the month when thou risest over the land,

16. "Make [thy] horns to project to limit six days [of the month]

17. "On the seventh day make thyself like a crown.

18. "On the fourteenth day ...

-

- [Lines 19-26 dealt further with Marduk's instructions to the Moon-god, but are too fragmentary to translate. After line 26 comes a break in the text of 40 lines; lines 66-74 are too fragmentary to translate, but they seem to have described further acts of Creation.]

-

75. The gods, his (Marduk's) fathers, looked on the net which he had made,

76. They observed how craftily the bow had been constructed,

77. They extolled the work which he had done.

78. [Then] the god Anu lifted up [the bow] in the company of the gods,

79. He kissed the bow [saying]: "That ..."

80. He proclaimed [the names] of the bow to be as follows:--

81. "Verily, the first is 'Long Wood,' the second is ...

82. "Its third name is 'Bow Star in heaven' ..."

83. He fixed a station for it ...

-

- [Of the remaining 57 lines of this tablet only fragments of 17 lines are preserved, and these yield no connected sense.]

- - - SIXTH TABLET.

1. On hearing the words of the gods, the heart of Marduk moved him to carry out the works of a craftsman.

2. He opened his mouth, he spake to Ea that which he had planned in his heart, he gave counsel [saying]:

3. "I will solidify blood, I will form bone.

4. "I will set up man, 'Man' [shall be] his name.

5. "I will create the man 'Man.'

6. "The service of the gods shall be established, and I will set them (i.e., the gods) free.

7. "I will make twofold the ways of the gods, and I will beautify [them].

8. "They are [now] grouped together in one place, but they shall be partitioned in two."

9. Ea answered and spake a word unto him

10. For the consolation of the gods he repeated unto him a word of counsel [saying]:

11. "Let one brother [god of their number] be given, let him suffer destruction that men may be fashioned.

12. "Let the great gods be assembled, let this [chosen] one be given in order that they (i.e., the other gods) may be established."

13. Marduk assembled the great gods, [he came near] graciously, he issued a decree,

14. He opened his mouth, he addressed the gods; the King spake a word unto the Anunnaki [saying]:

15. "Verily, that which I spake unto you aforetime was true.

16. "[This time also] I speak truth. [Some there were who] opposed me.

17. "Who was it that created the strife,

18. "Who caused Tiâmat to revolt, to join battle with me?

19. "Let him who created the strife be given [as sacrifice],

20. "I will cause the axe in the act of sinking to do away his sin."

21. The great gods, the Igigi, answered him,

22. Unto the King of the gods of heaven and of earth, the Prince of the gods, their lord [they said]:

23. "[It was] Kingu who created the strife,

24. "Who made Tiâmat to revolt, to join battle [with thee]."

25. They bound him in fetters [they brought] him before Ea, they inflicted punishment on him, they let his blood,

26. From his blood he (i.e., Ea) fashioned mankind for the service of the gods, and he set the gods free.

27. After Ea had fashioned man he ... laid service upon him.

28. [For] that work, which pleased him not, man was chosen: Marduk ...

29. Marduk, the King of the gods, divided ... he set the Anunnaki up on high.

30. He laid down for Anu a decree that protected [his] heart ... as a guard.

31. He made twofold the ways on the earth [and in the heavens?] 32. By decrees ...

33. The Anunnaki who ...

34. The Anunnaki ...

35. They spake unto Marduk, their lord, [saying]:

36. "O thou Moon-god (Nannaru), who hast established our splendour,

37. "What benefit have we conferred upon thee?

38. "Come, let us make a shrine, whose name shall be renowned;

39. "Come [at] night, our time of festival, let us take our ease therein,

40. "Come, the staff shall rule ...

41. "On the day that we reach [thereto] we will take our ease therein."

42. On hearing this Marduk ...

43. The features of his face [shone like] the day exceedingly.

44. [He said), "Like unto ... Babylon, the construction whereof ye desire

45. "I will make ... a city, I will fashion a splendid shrine."

46. The Anunnaki worked the mould [for making bricks], their bricks were ...

47. In the second year [the shrine was as high as] a hill, and the summit of E-Sagila reached the [celestial] Ocean.

48. They made the ziggurat [to reach] the celestial Ocean; unto Marduk, Enlil, Ea [shrines] they appointed,

49. It (i.e., the ziggurat) stood before them majestically: at the bottom and [at the top] they observed its two horns.

50. After the Anunnaki had finished the construction of E-Sagila, and had completed the making of their shrines,

51. They gathered together from the ... of the Ocean (Apsu). In BAR-MAH, the abode which they had made,

52. He (i.e., Marduk) made the gods his fathers to take their seats ... [saying]: "This Babylon shall be your abode.

53. "No mighty one [shall destroy] his house, the great gods shall dwell therein.

-

- [After line 53 the middle portions of several lines of text are obliterated, but from what remains of it it is clear that the gods partook of a meal of consecration of the shrine of E-Sagila, and then proceeded to issue decrees. Next Marduk assigns seats to the Seven Gods of Fate and to Enlil and Anu, and then he lays up in E-Sagila the famous bow which he bore during his fight against Tiâmat. When the text again becomes connected we find the gods singing a hymn of praise to Marduk.]

-

94. "Whatever is ... those gods and goddesses shall bear(?)

95. "They shall never forget, they shall cleave to the god (?)

96. "... they shall make bright, they shall make shrines.

97. "Verily, the decision (concerning) the Black-headed [belongeth to] the gods

98. "... all our names have they called, he (Marduk) is most holy (elli)

99. "... they proclaimed and venerated (?) his names.

100. "His ... is exceedingly bright, his work is ...

101. "Marduk, whose father Anu proclaimed [his name] from his birth,

102. "Who hath set the day at his door ... his going,

103. "By whose help the storm wind was bound ...

104. "Delivered the gods his fathers in the time of trouble.

105. "Verily, the gods have proclaimed his sonship.

106. "In his bright light let them walk for ever.

107. "[On] men whom he hath formed, the created things fashioned by his fingers

108. "He hath imposed the service of the gods, and them he hath set free

109. "...

110. "... they looked at him,

111. "[He is] the far-seeing (maruḳu)god, verily ...

112. "Who hath made glad the hearts of the Anunnaki, who hath made them to ...

113. "The god Marudukku -- verily, he is the object of trust of his country ...

114. "Let men praise him ...

115. "The 'King of the Protecting Heart,' (?), hath arisen and hath [bound] the Serpent ...

116. "Broad is his heart, mighty [his] belly.

117. "King of the gods of heaven and of earth, whose name our company hath proclaimed,

118. "We will fulfil (?) the utterance of his mouth. Over his fathers the gods,

119. "Yea, [over] the gods of heaven and earth, all of them,

120. "His kingship [we will exalt].

121. "[We] will look unto the King of all the heaven and the earth at night when the place of all the gods is darkness (literally sadness).

122. "He hath assigned our dwelling in heaven and in earth in the time of trouble,

123. "He hath allotted stations to the Igigi and the Anunnaki.

124. "The gods themselves are magnified by his name; may he direct their sanctuaries.

125. "ASAR-LU-DUG, is his name by which his father Anu hath named him.

126. "Verily, he is the light of the gods, the mighty ...

127. "Who ... all the parts of heaven and of the land

128. "By a mighty combat he saved our dwelling in the time of trouble.

129. "ASAR-LU-DUG, the god who made him (i.e.man) to live, did the god ... call him in the second place

130. "[And] the gods who had been formed, whom he fashioned as though [they were] his offspring.

131. "He is the Lord who hath made all the gods to live by his holy mouth."

[Lines 132-139 are too fragmentary to translate, but it is clear from the text that remains that Lakhmu, and Lakhamu, and Anshar all proclaimed the names of Marduk. When the text again becomes connected Marduk has just been addressing the gods.]

140. In Up-shukkinaku he appointed their council for them.

141. [They said]:--"Of [our] son, the Hero, our Avenger,

142. "We will exalt the name by our speech."

143. They sat down and in their assembly they proclaimed his rank.

144. Every one of them pronounced his name in the sanctuary.

- - - SEVENTH TABLET.

1. O ASARI,--giver of plantations, appointer of sowing time,

2. Who dost make grain and fibrous plants, who makest garden herbs to spring up.

3. O ASARU-ALIM--who art weighty in the council-chamber, who art fertile in counsel,

4. To whom the gods pay worship (?) reverent ...

5. O ASARU-ALIM-NUNA--the adored light of the Father who begat him,

6. Who makest straight the direction of Anu, Bel, [and Ea].

7. He is their patron who fixed [their] ...

8. Whose drink is abundance, who goeth forth ...

9. O TUTU--creator of their new life,

10. Supplier of their wants, that they may be satisfied [or, glad],

11. Let but [Tutu] recite an incantation, the gods shall be at rest;

12. Let but [the gods] attack him (i.e., Tutu) in wrath, he shall resist them successfully;

13. Let him be raised up on a high throne in the assembly of the gods....

14. None among the gods is like unto him.

15. O god TUTU, who art the god ZI-UKKINA, life of the host of the gods,

16. Who stablished the shining heavens for the gods,

17. He founded their paths, he fixed [their courses].

18. Never shall his deeds be forgotten among men.

19. O god TUTU, who art ZI-AZAG, was the third name they gave him--holder (i.e., possessor) of holiness,

20. God of the favourable wind, lord of adoration and grace,

21. Creator of fulness and abundance, stablisher of plenty,

22. Who turneth that which is little into that which is much.

23. In sore straits we have felt his favouring breeze.

24. Let them (the gods) declare, let them magnify, let them sing his praises.

25. O TUTU, who art the god AGA-AZAG in the fourth place--let men exult.

26. Lord of the holy incantation, who maketh the dead to live,

27. He felt compassion for the gods who were in captivity.

28. He riveted on the gods his enemies the yoke which had been resting on them.

29. In mercy towards them he created mankind,

30. The Merciful One in whose power it is to give life.

31. His words shall endure for ever, they shall never be forgotten,

32. In the mouth of the Black-headed whom his hands have made.

33. O God TUTU, who art the god MU-AZAG in the fifth place--let their mouth recite a holy incantation [to him],

34. Who by his own holy incantation hath destroyed all the evil ones.

35. O god SHAZU, the wise heart of the gods, who searchest the inward parts of the belly,

36. Who dost not permit the worker of evil to go forth by his side,

37. Establisher of the company of the gods ... their hearts.

38. Reducer of the disobedient ...

[Lines 39-106 are wanting. The positions of the fragmentary lines supplied by duplicate fragments are uncertain; in any case they give no connected sense.]

107. Verily, he holdeth the beginning and the end of them, verily ...

108. Saying, "He who entered into the middle of Tiâmat resteth not;

109. "His name shall be 'Nibiru' the seizer of the middle.

110. "He shall set the courses of the stars of the heavens,

111. "He shall herd together the whole company of the gods like sheep.

112. "He shall [ever] take Tiâmat captive, he shall slit up her treasure (variant, life), he shall disembowel her."

113. Among the men who are to come after a lapse of time,

114. Let [these words] be heard without ceasing, may they reign to all eternity,

115. Because he made the [heavenly] places and moulded the stable [earth].

116. Father Bel proclaimed his name, "Lord of the Lands."

117. All the Igigi repeated the title.

118. Ea heard and his liver rejoiced,

119. Saying, "He whose title hath rejoiced his fathers

120. "Shall be even as I am; his name shall be Ea.

121. "He shall dispose of all the magical benefits of my rites,

122. "He shall make to have effect my instructions."

123. By the title of "Fifty times" the great gods

124. Proclaimed his names fifty times, they magnified his going.

- EPILOGUE -

125. Let the first comer take them and repeat them;

126. Let the wise man and the learned man meditate upon all of them;

127. The father shall repeat them to his son that he may lay hold upon them.

128. Let them (i.e., the names) open the ears of the shepherd and the herdsman.

129. Let [man] rejoice in Marduk, the Lord of the Gods,

130. That his land may be fertile and he himself abide in security.

131. His word is true, his command altereth not.

132. No god hath ever brought to the ground that which issueth from his mouth.

133. They (i.e., the gods) treated him with contempt, he turned not his back [in flight],

134. No god could resist his wrath at its height.

135. His heart is large, his bowels of mercy are great.

136. Of sin and wickedness before him ...

137. The first comer utters his complaint of humiliation before him.

- [Lines 138-142 are too fragmentary to translate.]

-

-source D.D. Luckenbill 1921 Ashur version of Seven Tablets of Creation 1921

TABLET I - Translation.

When above the heaven was not named,

below the earth was not called by name,

but Apsu, the primeval, their progenitor,

Mummu and Tiamat, who bore all of them,

5. their waters as one they mingled :

(when) reeds were not yet matted together, marshes had not yet appeared,

when the gods had not yet been fashioned, not one,

none was called by name, destinies were not fixed :

then the gods were created in their midst.

10. Lahmu and Lahamu were fashioned, were called by name;

as they grew they became mighty.

Anshar and Kishar were created — they were (now) more than they.

Long were the days; years were added thereto:

Anu, their son, rival of his fathers —

15. Anshar made Anu, his first-born, (their) equal.

Then Anu begat Nudimmud (in) his (own) image.

Nudimmud became master of his fathers;

keen (open-eared), thoughtful, mighty in strength,

stronger, by far, than his begetter, his father Anshar:

20 he had no equal among the gods, his brothers.

So came into being the brothers, the gods.

They perturbed Tiamat, they overpowered all of their guards,

troubling the belly of Tiamat.

-

In _ _ _ they mourned( ?) in the midst of _ _ _.

25. Apsu (could) not diminish their uproar,

and Tiamat was distressed by their . . . ;

their deeds "smote" [them],

their way was not good, they _ _ _ .

Then Apsu, the begetter of the great gods,

30. cried to Mummu, his messenger, saying unto him:

"Mummu, my messenger, who rejoicest my soul,

come, to Tiamat let us go."

They went and before Tiamat they lay down.

They consulted on a plan concerning the gods, their sons.

35. Apsu opened his mouth, addressing her,

to the shining Tiamat he spoke:

"Their way annoys me."

- - - -

53. Mummu fell upon his neck,

took him on his knees, kissed him.

55. Whatever they planned in their assembly

to the gods, their first-born was repeated.

The gods heard it, they rushed about(?),

they kept silent, they sat in sorrow.

Then the keen, the wise, the exalted,

60. Ea, perceiving all things, saw their plot,

he reproduced it, the outline of the whole he set down.

He cunningly applied his superior, holy (pure) incantation,

he told it off, with water he quieted him( ?).

Sleep overcame him, lying in the cave;

-

65. he caused Apsu to lie down, overcome by sleep.

As to Mummu, his manhood was woefully distressed,

he (Ea) loosed his (Mummu's) "bands," tore off his ... ,

he took away his splendor, he (Mummu) lay there.

He bound him, namely Apsu, and slew him.

70. Mummu he locked up, used violence upon him.

He established his abode upon Apsu.

Mummu he seized, holding him by his rope.

After he had bound the two, and overpowered (them),

Ea established his triumph over his foes,

75. and rested quietly in his chamber.

He dragged him away, namely Apsu, and appointed (him) for shrines:

in his place he founded his park(?).

Ea (Lahmu) and Lahamu, his spouse, sat in splendor,

in the abode of the fates, the dwelling of canons,

80. the mighty one of the mighty, the chief of the gods, Anshar he begat;

in the midst of the Apsu he created Anshar,

in the midst of the bright (holy) Apsu he created Anshar.

There created him Lahmu, his father.

Lahamu, his mother, bore him,

85. the breast of the goddesses suckled him,

a nurse cared for him, she filled him with terrors.

Mighty was his stature, brilliant the glance of his eye,

noble (manly) his going forth, gracious( ?) from of old.

Lahmu, his begetter, his father, saw him,

90. he rejoiced, he beamed, his heart was full of joy.

He caused him to be desired, equality with the gods he gave him in addition.

He was exceedingly tall, in all respects greater than they (his parents).

Beyond comprehension was the beauty of his members,

beyond imagining, hard for the eyes to look upon.

-

95. Four were his eyes, four his ears;

his lips breathed out fire, like those of the fire-god.

There grew for him four ears,

and of eyes he had the same number.

Exalted was he among the gods, . . .

100. His members . . . .

- - - TABLET VI - Translation.

When Marduk heard the word of the gods, his heart was moved and he devised cunning plans;

he opened his mouth, to Ea he spoke, as to that which he had planned in his heart, he gave counsel.

"Blood will I fashion (lit., bind) and bone will I cause to be.

I will set up an amelu, man shall be his name,

5. I will create the amelu, man.

They (mankind) shall perform the service of the gods, these (the gods) shall be pacified.

I will change the 'ways' of the gods, cunningly will I contrive it.

All alike shall they be honored, and to their (several ways) let them be assigned."

Ea answered him, the word he spoke,

10. for the pacification of the gods, he imparted to him a plan.

"Let one of their brothers be offered up, let him be destroyed and let people be formed.

Let the gods gather together, let this one be offered up, let them remain."

Marduk assembled the great gods, he put forth his plan(?), his command he gave.

-

He opened his mouth, gave the gods their orders: as king to the Anunnaki he addressed the word:

15. " The former (word) which I spoke to you, surely it shall abide ;

trustworthy are the words I utter; 'tis a 'word' from me.

Who was it who created warfare,

who let loose Tiamat, who 'joined' battle?

Let him be offered up who created warfare.

20. I will let him bear his penalty (sin), 'oblivion' I will cause him to inhabit."

Then answered him the Igigi, the great gods:

"Son of a king, god of heaven and earth, counselor of the gods, our lord :

Kingu it was who created warfare,

who let loose Tiamat, who 'joined' battle."

25. They bound him, before Ea they brought him, punishment they laid upon him, they pierced him to the blood.

From his blood he made mankind, from the service of the gods he released the gods.

After he had created man, Ea organized the service of the gods, they laid it on him (man).

This work was not done (very) carefully, through the cunning of Marduk Nudimmud (Ea) [made it acceptable].

Marduk, the king, made a division among the gods, the Anunnaki [he assigned to places] above and below.

30. To Anu he assigned the station ... to guard in the midst (of heaven) .... a watch.

He changed the "ways" of earth . . . of heaven and and earth( ?) . . . .

After Marduk had issued his commands,

the Anunnaki of heaven . . . . .

the Anunnaki [of earth] . . . .

35. To Marduk their lord they spoke:

" Nannar, lord, who hast established our freedom,

what grace have we before thee (how can we find grace before thee) ?

-

Come, let us make a shrine, whose name shall be proclaimed (afar),

an abode in which we may have our rest at night.

40. Come, let us make for ourselves a room, a . . . .

On the day that we accomplish this, let us rest therein."

When Marduk heard this,

like the day, his face became exceedingly bright.

"Build Babylon, whose construction you have desired;

45. let a city be built, let there be fashioned a covered( ?) shrine."

The Anunnaki carried the basket, the first year [they made] its bricks.

On the approach of the second year they raised aloft the head of Esagila, over against the Apsu,

they built the zigurrat (temple-tower) of the upper Apsu, for Marduk, Enlil (and) Ea established his heart's desire therein.

In majesty before them he let it rise up: he 2 sat on the ground, they looked up at his two horns,

50. After they had completed the construction of Esagila, the Anunnaki, all of them, built themselves shrines.

To Esagila which is on the border (edge) of the Apsu, all of them gathered : in the great shrine which they had built for his abode,

he caused the gods, his fathers, to sit down at his board (with the words): "This Babylon, let it be the abode of your dwelling."

"We will wait in his place, at his board [we will sit down]."*

The great gods sat down,

the bowl they set down at their ( ?) banquet. After they had put the wine therein,

55. in Esagila [they feasted — and got drunk].

Laws were laid down, canons [fixed].

The station of heaven and earth, . . . . among(?) the gods, all of them.

-

The great gods sat down [on their ways (paths)].

The gods of fate, seven are they, for ._._._. were stationed.

60. Enlil lifted up his weapon, before them he laid it down;

the net which he had made, the gods, his fathers beheld it,

they beheld the bow, how cunning was its workmanship;

the work which he had done, his fathers praised it.

Anu took (it) up, in the assembly of the gods he spoke,

65. the bow he kissed (saying) : it is ._._._. and he called off the names of the bow thus:

"Longwood is its first (name), its second ._._._.

Its third name is Bow-star, in heaven( ?) it ._._._."

He fixed its station . . . .

After the fates of (heaven and earth had been decreed)

70. and he set up a throne . . . .

Mighty in heaven . . . .

They gathered together . . . .

{Lines 73 to 78 are almost totally gone.)

79. He made greater . . . .

80. to their word . . . .

He opened his mouth . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

" Let him be exalted, the son, let him . . . .

His rule, truly it is resplendent . . . .

85. Let him exercise sovereignty over us . . . .

In days to come, let . . . . not be forgotten.

Let him establish the regular offerings for his fathers,

for their maintenance let him provide.

Let him cause (the gods, his fathers,) to smell the incense.

90 An image in heaven . . . . . . he has made . . . .

let him appoint( ?) and . . . .

Let him (them?) not " . . . .

-

He opened his mouth . . . . " . . . . let them kiss.

Let offerings be brought for their god, their goddess.

95. Let them not forget, their god let them uphold (maintain).

Let them adorn their _ _ _ _ , their shrine let them build.

Let them, the gods cleanse( ?) the blackheads (the people).

We, by whatever name we call (him), he is our god.

We will surely mention his fifty names.

100. His _ _ _ _, truly it (they) are splendid, his works, truly they are ever the same.

Marduk, who, on his going forth, was proclaimed by his father, Anu,

he establishes _ _ _ _, he enriches their stalls( ?).

He it was who bound the flood with his weapon, who saved the totality of

the gods, his fathers, in (their) distress.

105. His sonship of the gods, they proclaimed it for him.

In his bright light let them walk, they, continuously.

(On) the people whom he created, creatures of life(?),

the service of the gods he imposed, and these were pacified.

. . . . . . the star . . . . . .

110. May they look upon with favor ( ?), they, upon him.

The god, truly his sonship . . . . .

He it is who gladdens the heart of the Anunnaki, who pacifies thelgigi(?)

Merodach, 1 truly the mainstay of his land and his people (is he).

Him let them praise, let his people have( ?) _ _ _ .

115. (As) the god Bara, the umpire (decider) he stood (?), the scepter(?) . . .

wide was his heart, warm his bowels.

Sharru (king), god of heaven and earth, whose name was proclaimed by our assembly,

the word of his mouth let us cause to be borne to the gods, his fathers.

-

Truly he is the begetter of the gods of heaven and earth, all of them.

120. The king, whose purification . . . they have caused to be made.

(He is) the river-god, king of all of heaven and earth, whose name we have mentioned: a place for all of the gods

who are in heaven and earth, he established as our abode in our need.

To the Igigi and the Anunnaki he assigned (their) stations.

At his name let the gods tremble, let the holy places shake.

125. (He is) Asar-lu-shar, whose name his father Anu gave him;

he, surely he is the light of the gods, powerful torch(?),

who like _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ every _ _ _ _ of god and land,

who, in the mighty conflict, saved our abode in our distress.

Asar-lu-shar, god of life, secondly they named (him), ,

130 who through his creative power, strengthened the perishing gods;

the lord, who with his holy incantation restored to life the dying gods.

Destroyer of _ _ _ _ _ , hater of . . .

. . . shining god, who . . . .

Bright god, brightener of our path,

135. . . . . Anshar, Lahmu, Lahamu,

. . . . . their . . . they called

. . . . . we spoke his names."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

They rejoiced, with gladness they heard their names.

140. In Upshukkinnaku he caused them to throw aside their fetters.

" Of the heroic son, our avenger, we, of our patron, will exalt the name."

They sat down, in their assembly they proclaimed his worth,

in the _ _ _ _ of all of them, they mentioned his name.

145. (Colophon.)