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Enuma Elish: "When on High . . ."
The Mesopotamian/Babylonian Creation Myth
Dennis Bratcher
The Enuma Elish is a Babylonian or Mesopotamian myth of
creation recounting the struggle between cosmic order and chaos. It is
basically a myth of the cycle of seasons. It is named after its opening
words and was recited on the fourth day of the ancient Babylonian New
Year's festival. The basic story exists in various forms in the area. This
version is written in Akkadian, an old Babylonian dialect, and features Marduk, the patron deity of the city of Babylon. A similar earlier version
in ancient Sumerian has Anu, Enil and Ninurta as the heroes, suggesting
that this version was adapted to justify the religious practices in the cult
of Marduk in Babylon.
This version was written sometime in the 12th century BC in cuneiform
on seven clay tablets. They were found in the middle 19th century in the
ruins of the palace of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh. George Smith first
published these texts in 1876 as The Chaldean Genesis. Because of
many parallels with the Genesis account, some historians concluded that
the Genesis account was simply a rewriting of the Babylonian story. As a
reaction, many who wanted to maintain the uniqueness of the Bible argued
either that there were no real parallels between the accounts or that the
Genesis narratives were written first and the Babylonian myth borrowed
from the biblical account.
However, there are simply too many similarities to
deny any relationship between the accounts. There are significant
differences as well that should not be ignored. Yet there is little doubt
that the Sumerian versions of the story predate the biblical account by
several hundred years. Rather than opting for either extreme of complete
dependence or no contact whatever, it is best to see the Genesis
narratives as freely using the metaphors and symbolism drawn from a common
cultural pool to assert their own theology about God (see
Speaking the Language of Canaan).
The version presented here is a combination of several translations but
is substantially based on the translation of E. A. Speiser in Ancient
Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament, 3rd edition, edited
by James Pritchard (Princeton, 1969), with modifications based on various
other translations (for example, the translation of L. W. King, The
Seven Tablets of Creation, London 1902). The translation of these
texts is not exact. In some cases, badly damaged tablets make reading the
text difficult. Some translators leave the gaps, while others attempt to
reconstruct the text based on what remains. In other cases, there are
differing interpretations of the meaning of words or the reading of the
cuneiform itself. Many translations of the tablets try to capture the
sense of the text rather than a literal translation. That is the approach
taken here. In this version, many of the names of the gods are left
untranslated.
Tablet I
The stage is set for the story. The
various gods represent aspects of the physical world. Apsu is the god of
fresh water and thus male fertility. Tiamat, wife of Apsu, is the goddess
of the sea and thus chaos and threat. Tiamat gives birth to Anshar and
Kishar, gods who represented the boundary between the earth and sky (the
horizon). To Anshar and Kishar is born Anu, god of sky, who in turn bears
Ea. These "sons of the gods" make so much commotion and are so ill-behaved
that Apsu decides to destroy them. When Ea learns of the plan, he kills
Apsu and with his wife Damkina establishes their dwelling above his body.
Damkina then gives birth to Marduk, the god of spring symbolized both by
the light of the sun and the lightning in storm and rain. He was also the
patron god of the city of Babylon. Meanwhile Tiamat is enraged at the
murder of her husband Apsu, and vows revenge. She creates eleven monsters
to help her carry out her vengeance. Tiamat takes a new husband, Kingu, in
place of the slain Apsu and puts him in charge of her newly assembled
army.
When on high the heaven had not been named,
Firm ground below had not been called by name,
When primordial Apsu, their begetter,
And Mummu-Tiamat, she who bore them all,
Their waters mingled as a single body,
No reed hut had sprung forth, no marshland had appeared,
None of the gods had been brought into being,
And none bore a name, and no destinies determined--
Then it was that the gods were formed in the midst of heaven.
Lahmu and Lahamu were brought forth, by name they were called. (10)
Before they had grown in age and stature,
Anshar and Kishar were formed, surpassing the others.
Long were the days, then there came forth.....
Anu was their heir, of his fathers the rival;
Yes, Anshar's first-born, Anu, was his equal.
Anu begot in his image Nudimmud.
This Nudimmud was of his fathers the master;
Of broad wisdom, understanding, mighty in strength,
Mightier by far than his grandfather, Anshar.
He had no rival among the gods, his brothers. (20)
Thus were established and were... the great gods.
They disturbed Tiamat as they surged back and forth,
Yes, they troubled the mood of Tiamat
By their hilarity in the Abode of Heaven.
Apsu could not lessen their clamor
And Tiamat was speechless at their ways.
Their doings were loathsome unto . . . .
Thier way was evil; they were overbearing.
Then Apsu, the begetter of the great gods,
Cried out, addressing Mummu, his minister: (30)
"O Mummu, my vizier, who rejoices my spirit,
Come here and let us go to Tiamat!"
They went and sat down before Tiamat,
Exchanging counsel about the gods, their first-born.
Apsu, opening his mouth,
Said to resplendent Tiamat:
"Their ways are truly loathsome to me.
By day I find no relief, nor repose by night.
I will destroy, I will wreck their ways,
That quiet may be restored. Let us have rest!" (40)
As soon as Tiamat heard this,
She was furious and called out to her husband.
She cried out aggrieved, as she raged all alone,
She uttered a curse, and unto Apsu she spoke:
"What? Should we destroy that which we have built?
Their ways indeed are most troublesome, but let us attend kindly!"
Then Mummu answered, giving counsel to Apsu;
Ill-wishing and ungracious was Mummu's advice:
"Do destroy, my father, the mutinous ways.
Then you will have relief by day and rest by night!" (50)
When Apsu heard this, his face grew radiant
Because of the evil he planned against the gods, his sons.
As for Mummu, he embraced him by the neck
As that one sat down on his knees to kiss him.
Now whatever they had plotted between them,
Was repeated unto the gods, their first-born.
When the gods heard this, they were astir,
Then lapsed into silence and remained speechless.
Surpassing in wisdom, accomplished, resourceful,
Ea, the all-wise, saw through their scheme. (60)
A master design against it he devised and set up,
Made artful his spell against it, surpassing and holy.
He recited it and made it subsist in the deep,
As he poured sleep upon him. Sound asleep he lay.
When he had made Apsu prone, drenched with sleep,
Mummu, the adviser, was powerless to stir.
He loosened his band, tore off his tiara,
Removed his halo and put it on himself.
Having fettered Apsu, he slew him.
Mummu he bound and left behind lock. (70)
Having thus established his dwelling upon Apsu,
He laid hold of Mummu, holding him by the nose-rope.
After Ea had vanquished and trodden down his foes,
Had secured his triumph over his enemies,
In his sacred chamber in profound peace had rested,
He named it "Apsu," for shrines he assigned it.
In that same place his cult hut he founded.
Ea and Damkina, his wife, dwelled there in splendor.
[The Birth of Marduk]
In the chamber of fates, the abode of destinies,
A god was engendered, most able and wisest of gods. (80)
In the heart of Apsu was Marduk created,
In the heart of holy Apsu was Marduk created.
He who begot him was Ea, his father;
She who bore him was Damkina, his mother.
The breast of goddesses he did suck.
The nurse that nursed him filled him with awesomeness.
Alluring was his figure, sparkling the lift of his eyes.
Lordly was his gait, commanding from of old.
When Ea saw him, the father who begot him,
He exulted and glowed, his heart filled with gladness. (90)
He rendered him perfect and endowed him with a double godhead.
Greatly exalted was he above them, exceeding throughout.
Perfect were his members beyond comprehension,
Unsuited for understanding, difficult to perceive.
Four were his eyes, four were his ears;
When he moved his lips, fire blazed forth.
Large were all four hearing organs,
And the eyes, in like number, scanned all things.
He was the loftiest of the gods, surpassing was his stature;
His members were enormous, he was exceeding tall. (100)
"My little son, my little son!"
My son, the Sun! Sun of the heavens!"
Clothed with the halo of ten gods, he was strong to the utmost,
As their awesome flashes were heaped upon him.
Anu brought forth and begot the fourfold wind
Consigning to its power the leader of the host.
He fashioned . . . , stationed the whirlwind,
He produced streams to disturb Tiamat.
The gods, given no rest, suffer in the storm.
Their hearts having plotted evil, (110)
To Tiamat, their mother, said:
"When they slew Apsu, your consort,
You did not aid him but remained still.
When he created the dread fourfold wind,
Your vitals were diluted and so we can have no rest.
Let Apsu, your consort, be in your mind
And Mummu, who has been vanquished! You are left alone!
. . . you pace about distraught,
. . . without cease. You do not love us!
. . . our eyes are pinched, (120)
. . . without cease. Let us have rest!
. . . to battle. Avenge them!
. . . and render them as the wind!"
When Tiamat heard these words, she was pleased:
" . . . you have given. Let us make monsters,
. . . and the gods in the midst . . . .
. . . let us do battle and against the gods . . . !"
They banded themselves together and marched at the side of Tiamat.
Enraged, they plot without cease night and day,
They are set for combat, growling, raging, (130)
They form a council to prepare for the fight.
Mother Hubur, she who fashions all things,
Added matchless weapons, bore monster-serpents,
Sharp of tooth, unsparing of fang.
With venom for blood she has filled their bodies.
Roaring dragons she has clothed with terror,
Has crowned them with haloes, making them like gods,
Whoever beheld them, terror overcame him,
And that, with their bodies reared up, none might turn them back.
She set up the Viper, the Dragon, and the monster Lahamu, (140)
The Great-Lion, the Mad-Dog, and the Scorpion-Man,
Mighty lion-demons, the Dragon-Fly, the Centaur--
Bearing weapons that do not spare, fearless in battle.
Her decrees were firm, they were beyond resisting.
All together eleven of this kind she brought forth.
From among the gods, her first-born, who formed her Assembly,
She elevated Kingu, made him chief among them.
The leading of the ranks, command of the Assembly,
The raising of weapons for the encounter, advancing to combat,
To direct the battle, to control the fight, (150)
These she entrusted to his hand as she seated him in the Council:
"I have cast for you the spell, exalting you in the Assembly of the gods.
To counsel all the gods I have given you full power.
Truly, you are supreme, you are my only consort!
Your utterance shall prevail over all the Anunnaki!"
She gave him the Tablet of Destinies, fastened on his breast:
"As for you, your command shall be unchangeable, your word shall endure!"
As soon as Kingu was elevated, possessed of the rank of Anu,
they decreed the fate for the gods, his sons:
"Your word shall make the first subside, (160)
Shall humble the `Power-Weapon,' so potent in its sweep!"
Tablet II
Tiamat represents the forces of disorder
and chaos in the world. In the cycle of seasons, Tiamat is winter and
barrenness. In the second tablet, to avenge the murder of her husband
Tiamat prepares to unleash on the other gods the destructive forces that
she has assembled. Ea learns of her plan and attempts to confront Tiamat.
While the tablet is damaged, it is apparent that Ea fails to stop Tiamat.
Then Anu attempts to challenge her but fails as well. The gods become
afraid that no one will be able to stop Taimat’s vengeful rampage.
When Tiamat had thus lent import to her handiwork,
She prepared for battle against the gods, her offspring.
To avenge Apsu, Tiamat planned evil.
That she was girding for battle was divulged to Ea.
As soon as Ea heard of this matter,
He lapsed into dark silence and sat still.
The days went by, and his anger subsided,
He went to Anshar, his fore father.
When he came before his grandfather, Anshar,
He repeated all that Tiamat had plotted to him: (10)
"My father, Tiamat, she who bore us, detests us.
She has set up the Assembly and is furious with rage.
All the gods have rallied to her;
Even those whom you brought forth march at her side.
They throng and march at the side of Tiamat,
Enraged, they plot without cease night and day.
They are set for combat, growling, raging,
They have formed a council to prepare for the fight.
Mother Hubur, she who fashions all things,
Has added matchless weapons, has born monster-serpents, (20)
Sharp of tooth, unsparing of fang.
With venom for blood she has filled their bodies.
Roaring dragons she has clothed with terror,
Has crowned them with haloes, making them like gods,
So that he who beholds them is overcome by terror,
Their bodies rear up and none can withstand their attack.
She has set up the Viper, the Dragon, and the Sphinx,
The Great-Lion, the Mad-Dog, and the Scorpion-Man,
Mighty lion-demons, the Dragon-Fly, the Centaur--
Bearing weapons that spare not, fearless in battle. (30)
Her decrees are firm, they are beyond resisting.
All together eleven of this kind she has brought forth.
From among the gods, her first-born, who formed her Assembly,
She has elevated Kingu, has made him chief among them.
The leading of the ranks, command of the Assembly,
The raising of weapons for the encounter, advancing to combat,
To direct the battle, to control the fight,
She entrusted these to his hands as she seated him in the Council:
‘I have cast the spell for you, exalting you in the Assembly of the gods.
To counsel all the gods I have given you full power. (40)
Truly, you are supreme, you are my only consort!
Your utterance shall prevail over all the Anunnaki!’
She has given him the Tablet of Destinies, fastened on his breast:
‘As for you, your command shall be unchangeable, your word shall endure!’
As soon as Kingu was elevated, possessed of the rank of Anu,
They decreed the fate for the gods, her sons:
‘Your word shall make the fire subside,
Shall humble the "Power-Weapon," so potent in its sweep!’
When Anshar heard that Tiamat was sorely troubled,
He struck his loins and bit his lips. (50)
[The following lines are corrupted because the tablet is damaged here;
there are various proposals for how to reconstruct them]
His heart was gloomy, his mood restless.
He covered his mouth to stifle his outcry:
. . . battle.
. . .you . . .
Lo, you killed Mummu and Apsu.
Now, kill Kingu, who marches before her.
. . . wisdom."
Nudimmud, the. . . of the gods, . . . .
[A break in the tablet loses about 12 lines here.]
He addressed a word to Anu, his son:
" . . . mighty hero,
Whose strength is outstanding, his onslaught cannot be withstood.
Go and stand before Tiamat,
That her mood be calmed, that her heart may be merciful.
If she will not listen to your word,
Then tell her our word, that she might be calmed."
When he heard the command of his father, Anshar,
He made straight for her way, following the road to her. (80)
But when Anu was near enough to see the plan of Tiamat,
He was not able to face her and he turned back.
[He came abjectly to his father,] Anshar.
. . . he addressed him:
[The following 20 lines are badly damaged; there are various
reconstructions of this section]
"My hand suffices not for me to subdue you."
Anshar was speechless as he stared at the ground,
Hair on edge, shaking his head at Ea.
All the Anunnaki gathered at that place;
Their lips closed tight, they sat in silence.
"No god," they thought "can go to battle and, (90)
Facing Tiamat, escape with his life."
. . .Anshar . . .
. . .he said to . . .
. . .an avenger . . .
. . .the hero!"
. . .in his place of seclusion.
. . .he spoke to him:
. . .your father,
For you are my son who comforts his heart.
When facing Anshar, approach as though in combat; (100)
Stand up as you speak; seeing you, he will grow restful."
The lord rejoiced at the word of his father;
He approached and stood before Anshar.
When Anshar saw him, his heart filled with joy.
He kissed his lips and his fear departed from him
"Anshar, be not muted; open wide thy lips.
I will go and attain thy heart's desire.
Anshar, be not muted; open wide your lips.
I will go and attain your heart's desire!
What male is it who has pressed his fight against you? (110)
. . .Tiamat, a woman, that flies at you with weapons!
. . . be glad and rejoice;
You shall soon tread upon the neck of Tiamat!
. . . be glad and rejoice;
You shall soon tread upon the neck of Tiamat!"
"My son, you who knows all wisdom,
Calm Tiamat with your holy spell.
On the storm-chariot proceed with all speed.
For your blood shall not be spilled; you will return again."
The lord rejoiced at the word of his father. (120)
His heart exulting, he said to his father:
"Creator of the gods, destiny of the great gods,
If I indeed, as your avenger,
Conquer Tiamat and give you life,
Set up the Assembly, proclaim my destiny to be supreme!
When jointly in Ubshukinna you have sat down rejoicing,
Let my word, instead of you, determine the fates.
What I may bring into being shall be unalterable;
The command of my lips shall be neither recalled nor changed."
Tablet III
Anshar’s minister Gaga is dispatched to
the other gods to report the activities of Tiamat and to tell them of
Marduk’s willingness to face her. Much of this tablet is poetic repetition
of previous conversations.
Anshar opened his mouth and
Addressed a word to Gaga, his minister:
"O Gaga, my vizier, who gladdens my spirit,
I will dispatch you to Lahmu and Lahamu.
. . . you are adept;
. . . produce you before me!
. . . let all the gods,
Let them hold converse, sit down to a banquet,
Let them eat bread, let them mix wine,
For Marduk, their avenger, let them fix the decrees. (10)
Be on your way, Gaga, take the stand before them,
And that which I shall tell you repeat to them:
‘Anshar, your son, has sent me here,
Charging me to give voice to the dictates of his heart,
He says that Tiamat, she who bore us, detests us.
She has set up the Assembly and is furious with rage.
All the gods have rallied to her;
Even those whom you brought forth march at her side.
They throng and march at the side of Tiamat.
Enraged, they plot without cease night and day. (20)
They are set for combat, growling, raging,
They have formed a council to prepare for the fight.
Mother Hubur, she who fashions all things,
Has added matchless weapons, has born monster-serpents,
Sharp of tooth, unsparing of fang.
With venom for blood she has filled their bodies.
Roaring dragons she has clothed with terror,
Has crowned them with haloes, making them like gods,
So that he who beholds them is overcome by terror,
Their bodies rear up and none can withstand their attack. (30)
She has set up the Viper, the Dragon, and the monster Lahamu,
The Great-Lion, the Mad-Dog, and the Scorpion-Man,
Mighty lion-demons, the Dragon-Fly, the Centaur--
Bearing weapons that spare not, fearless in battle.
Her decrees are firm, none can. resist them;
After this fashion eleven of this kind she has brought forth.
From among the gods, her first-born, who formed her Assembly,
She has elevated Kingu, has made him chief among them.
The leading of the ranks, command of the Assembly,
The raising of weapons for the encounter, advancing to combat, (40)
To direct the battle, to control the fight,
These to his hands she entrusted as she seated him in the Council:
"I have cast the spell for you, exalting you in the Assembly of the gods.
To counsel all the gods I have given you full power.
truly, you are supreme, you are my only consort!
Your utterance shall prevail over all the Anunnaki!"
She has given him the Tablet of Destinies, fastened on his breast:
"As for you, your command shall be unchangeable, your word shall endure!"
As soon as Kingu was elevated, possessed of the rank of Anu,
For the gods, her sons, they decreed the fate: (50)
"Your word shall make the fire subside,
Shall humble the "Power-Weapon," so potent in its sweep!"
I sent forth Anu; he could not face her.
Nudimmud was afraid and turned back.
But Marduk came forth, the wisest of gods, your son,
His heart having prompted him to set out to face Tiamat.
He opened his mouth, saying unto me:
"If I indeed, as your avenger,
Am to vanquish Tiamat and save your lives,
Set up the Assembly, proclaim supreme my destiny! (60)
When jointly in Ubshukinna you have sat down rejoicing,
Let my word, instead of you, determine the fates.
Unalterable shall be what I may bring into being;
Neither recalled nor changed shall be the command of my lips!"
Now hasten here and promptly fix for him your decrees,
That he may go forth to face your mighty foe!’"
Gaga departed, proceeding on his way.
Before Lahmu and Lahamu, the gods, his fathers,
He made obeisance, kissing the ground at their feet.
He bowed low as he took his place to address them: (70)
"It was Anshar, your son, who has sent me here,
Charging me to give voice to the dictates of his heart,
He sya that Tiamat, she who bore us, detests us.
She has set up the Assembly and is furious with rage.
All the gods have rallied to her,
Even those whom you brought forth march at her side.
They re banded together and march at the side of Tiamat.
Enraged, they plot without cease night and day.
They are set for combat, growling, raging,
They have formed a council to prepare for the fight. (80)
Mother Hubur, she who fashions all things,
Has added matchless weapons, has born monster-serpents,
Sharp of tooth, unsparing of fang.
With venom for blood she has filled their bodies,
Roaring dragons she has clothed with terror,
Has crowned them with haloes, making them like gods,
So that he who beholds them terror overcomes him,
Their bodies rear up and none can withstand their attack.
She has set up vipers, dragons, and the monster Lahamu,
Great-lions, mad-dogs, and scorpion-men, (90)
Mighty lion-demons, dragon-flies, and centaurs--
Bearing weapons that spare not, fearless in battle.
Firm are decrees, past withstanding are they.
After this fashion eleven of this kind she has brought forth.
From among the gods, her first-born, who formed her Assembly,
She has elevated Kingu, has made him chief among them.
The leading of the ranks, command of the Assembly,
The raising of weapons for the encounter, advancing to combat,
To direct the battle, to control the fight,
These to his hands she has entrusted as she seated him in the Council:
(100)
"I have cast the spell for you, exalting you in the Assembly of the
gods.
To counsel all the gods I have given you full power.
Truly, you are supreme, you are my only consort!
Your utterance shall prevail over all the Anunnaki!"
She has given him the Tablet of Destinies, fastened on his breast:
"As for you, your command shall be unchangeable, your word shall endure!"
As soon as Kingu was elevated, possessed of the rank of Anu,
For the gods, her sons, they decreed the fate:
"Your word shall make the fire subside,
Shall humble the "Power-Weapon," so potent in its sweep!"(110)
I sent forth Anu; he could not face her.
Nudimmud was afraid and turned back.
But Marduk came forth, the wisest of gods, your son,
His heart having prompted him to set out to face Tiamat.
He opened his mouth, saying unto me:
"If I indeed, as your avenger,
Am to vanquish Tiamat and save your lives,
Set up the Assembly, proclaim supreme my destiny!
When in Ubshukinna jointly you sit down rejoicing,
Let my word, instead of you, determine the fates. (120)
Unalterable shall be what I may bring into being;
Neither recalled nor changed shall be the command of my lips!"
Now hasten here and promptly fix for him your decrees,
That he may go forth to face your mighty foe!"
When Lahmu and Lahamu heard this, they cried out aloud,
All the Igigi wailed in distress:
‘How strange that they should have made this decision!
We cannot fathom the doings of Tiamat!’
They made ready to leave on their journey,
All the great gods who decree the fates. (130)
They entered before Anshar, filling Ubshukinna.
They kissed one another in the Assembly.
They held converse as they sat down to the banquet.
They ate bread, they mixed wine.
They wetted their drinking-tubes with sweet intoxicant.
As they drank the strong drink, their bodies swelled.
They became very languid as their spirits rose.
For Marduk, their avenger, they fixed the decrees.
Tablet IV
The council of the gods tests Marduk’s
powers by having him make a garment disappear and then reappear. After
passing the test, the council enthrones Marduk as high king and
commissions him to fight Tiamat. With the authority and power of the
council, Marduk assembles his weapons, the four winds as well as the seven
winds of destruction. He rides in his chariot of clouds with the weapons
of the storm to confront Tiamat. After entangling her in a net, Marduk
unleashes the Evil Wind to inflate Tiamat. When she is incapacitated by
the wind, Marduk kills her with an arrow through her heart and takes
captive the other gods and monsters who were her allies. He also captured
her husband Kingu. After smashing Tiamat’s head with a club, Marduk
divided her corpse, using half to create the earth and the other half to
create the sky complete with bars to keep the chaotic waters from
escaping. The tablet ends with Marduk establishing dwelling places for his
allies.
They erected for him a princely throne.
Facing his fathers, he sat down, presiding.
"You are the most honored of the great gods,
Your decree is unrivaled, your command is Anu.
You, Marduk, are the most honored of the great gods,
Your decree is unrivaled, your word is Anu.
From this day your pronouncement shall be unchangeable.
To raise or bring low--these shall be in your hand.
Your utterance shall be true, your command shall be unimpeachable.
No one among the gods shall transgress your bounds! (10)
Adornment being wanted for the seats of the gods,
Let the place of their shrines ever be in your place.
O Marduk, you are indeed our avenger.
We have granted you kingship over the universe entire.
When you sit in Assembly your word shall be supreme.
Your weapons shall not fail; they shall smash your foes!
O lord, spare the life of him who trusts you,
But pour out the life of the god who seized evil."
Having placed in their midst a garment,
They addressed themselves to Marduk, their first-born: (20)
"May thy fate, O lord, be supreme among the gods,
Say but to wreck or create; it shall be.
Open your mouth: the garment will vanish!
Speak again, and the garment shall be whole!"
At the word of his mouth the garment vanished.
He spoke again, and the garment was restored.
When the gods, his fathers, saw the fruit of his word,
Joyfully they did homage: "Marduk is king!"
They conferred on him scepter, throne, and vestment;
They gave him matchless weapons that ward off the foes: (30)
"Go and cut off the life of Tiamat.
May the winds bear her blood to places undisclosed."
Bel's destiny thus fixed, the gods, his fathers,
Caused him to go the way of success and attainment.
He constructed a bow, marked it as his weapon,
Attached thereto the arrow, fixed its bow-cord.
He raised the mace, made his right hand grasp it;
Bow and quiver he hung at his side.
In front of him he set the lightning,
With a blazing flame he filled his body. (40)
He then made a net to enfold Tiamat therein.
The four winds he stationed that nothing of her might escape,
The South Wind, the North Wind, the East Wind, the West Wind.
Close to his side he held the net, the gift of his father, Anu.
He brought forth Imhullu "the Evil Wind," the Whirl-wind, the Hurricane,
The Fourfold Wind, the Sevenfold Wind, the Cyclone, the Matchless Wind;
Then he sent forth the winds he had brought forth, the seven of them.
To stir up the inside of Tiamat they rose up behind him.
Then the lord raised up the flood-storm, his mighty weapon.
He mounted the storm-chariot irresistible and terrifying. (50)
He harnessed and yoked to it a team-of-four,
The Killer, the Relentless, the Trampler, the Swift.
Their lips were parted, their teeth bore poison.
They were tireless and skilled in destruction.
On his right he posted the Smiter, fearsome in battle,
On the left the Combat, which repels all the zealous.
For a cloak he was wrapped in an armor of terror;
With his fearsome halo his head was turbaned.
The lord went forth and followed his course,
Towards the raging Tiamat he set his face. (60)
In his lips he held a spell;
A plant to put out poison was grasped in his hand.
Then they milled about him, the gods milled about him,
The gods, his fathers, milled about him, the gods milled about him.
The lord approached to scan the inside of Tiamat,
And of Kingu, her consort, the scheme to perceive.
As he looks on, he loses his way,
His will is distracted and his doings are confused.
And when the gods, his helpers, who marched at his side,
Saw the valiant hero, their vision became blurred. (70)
Tiamat emitted a cry, without turning her neck,
Framing savage defiance in her lips:
"You are too important for the lord of the gods to rise up against you!
Is it in their place that they have gathered, or in your place?"
Thereupon the lord, having raised the flood-storm, his mighty weapon,
To enraged Tiamat he sent word as follows:
"Why are you risen, haughtily exalted,
You have charged your own heart to stir up conflict, . . . sons reject
their own fathers,
While you, who have born them, have foresworn love! (80)
You have appointed Kingu as your consort,
Conferring upon him the rank of Anu, not rightfully his.
Against Anshar, king of the gods, you seek evil;
Against the gods, my fathers, you have confirmed your wickedness.
Though your forces are drawn up, your weapons girded on,
Stand up, that I and you might meet in single combat!"
When Tiamat heard this,
She was like one possessed; she took leave of her senses.
In fury Tiamat cried out aloud.
To the roots her legs shook both together. (90)
She recites a charm, keeps casting her spell,
While the gods of battle sharpen their weapons.
Then Tiamat and Marduk joined issue, wisest of gods.
They strove in single combat, locked in battle.
The lord spread out his net to enfold her,
The Evil Wind, which followed behind, he let loose in her face.
When Tiamat opened her mouth to consume him,
He drove in the Evil Wind while as yet she had not shut her lips
As the terrible winds filled her belly,
Her body was distended and her mouth was wide open. (100)
He released the arrow, it tore her belly,
It cut through her insides, splitting the heart.
Having thus subdued her, he extinguished her life.
He cast down her carcass to stand upon it.
After he had slain Tiamat, the leader,
Her band was shattered, her troupe broken up;
And the gods, her helpers who marched at her side,
Trembling with terror, turned their backs about,
In order to save and preserve their lives.
Tightly encircled, they could not escape. (110)
He made them captives and he smashed their weapons.
Thrown into the net, they found themselves ensnared;
Placed in cells, they were filled with wailing;
Bearing his wrath, they were held imprisoned.
And the eleven creatures which she had charged with awe,
The whole band of demons that marched on her right,
He cast into fetters, their hands he bound.
For all their resistance, he trampled them underfoot.
And Kingu, who had been made chief among them,
He bound and accounted him to Uggae. (120)
He took from him the Tablet of Destinies, not rightfully his,
Sealed them with a seal and fastened them on his breast.
When he had vanquished and subdued his adversaries,
Had . . . the vainglorious foe,
Had wholly established Anshar's triumph over the foe,
Had achieved Nudimmud's desire, valiant Marduk
Strengthened his hold on the vanquished gods,
And turned back to Tiamat whom he had bound.
The lord trod on the legs of Tiamat,
With his unsparing mace he crushed her skull. (130)
When the arteries of her blood he had severed,
The North Wind bore it to places undisclosed.
On seeing this, his fathers were joyful and jubilant,
They brought gifts of homage to him.
Then the lord paused to view her dead body,
That he might divide the form and do artful works.
He split her like a shellfish into two parts:
Half of her he set up as a covering for heaven,
Pulled down the bar and posted guards.
He bade them to allow not her waters to escape. (140)
He crossed the heavens and surveyed the regions.
He squared Apsu's quarter, the abode of Nudimmud,
As the lord measured the dimensions of Apsu.
The Great Abode, its likeness, he fixed as Esharra,
The Great Abode, Esharra, which he made as the firmament.
Anu, Enlil, and Ea he made occupy their places.
Tablet V
Marduk builds dwelling places for the
other gods. As they take their place, they establish the days and months
and seasons of the year. Since this is a myth about the natural world, the
"stations" that Marduk establishes for the gods correspond to the
celestial luminaries that figured in Babylonian astrology. The phases
(horns) of the Moon determine the cycles of the months. From the spittle
of Tiamat Marduk creates rain for the earth. The city of Babylon is
established as the audience room of King Marduk.
He constructed stations for the great gods,
Fixing their astral likenesses as the stars of the Zodiac.
He determined the year and into sections he divided it;
He set up three constellations for each of the twelve months.
After defining the days of the year by means of heavenly figures,
He founded the station of the pole star [Nebiru] to determine their
bounds,
That none might err or go astray.
Alongside it he set up the stations of Enlil and Ea.
Having opened up the gates on both sides,
He strengthened the locks to the left and the right. (10)
In her belly he established the zenith.
The Moon he caused to shine, entrusting the night to him.
He appointed him a creature of the night to signify the days,
And marked off every month, without cease, by means of his crown.
At the month's very start, rising over the land,
You shall have luminous horns to signify six days,
On the seventh day reaching a half-crown.
So shall the fifteen-day period be like one another-two halves for each
month.
When the sun overtakes you at the base of heaven,
Diminish your crown and retrogress in light. (20)
At the time of disappearance approach the course of the sun,
And on the thirtieth you shall again stand in opposition to the sun.
I have appointed a sign, follow its path,
. . . approach and give judgement."
[Lines 25-44 are badly damaged and
untranslatable. Apparently after Marduk created the moon he then created
the sun (Shamash).]
After he had appointed the days to Shamash, (45)
And had established the precincts of night and day,
Taking the spittle of Tiamat
Marduk created . . .
He formed the clouds and filled them with water.
The raising of winds, the bringing of rain and cold, (50)
Making the mist smoke, piling up . . .
These he planned himself, took into his own hand.
Putting her head into position he formed thereon the mountains,
Opening the deep which was in flood,
He caused to flow from her eyes the Euphrates and Tigris,
Stopping her nostrils he left . . . ,
He formed from her breasts the lofty mountains,
Therein he drilled springs for the wells to carry off the water.
Twisting her tail he bound it to Durmah,
. . . Apsu at his foot, (60)
. . . her crotch, she was fastened to the heavens,
Thus he covered the heavens and established the earth.
. . . in the midst of Tiamat he made flow,
. . . his net he completely let out,
So he created heaven and earth . . . ,
. . . their bounds . . . established.
When he had designed his rules and fashioned his ordinances,
He founded the shrines and handed them over to Ea.
The Tablet of Destinies which he had taken from Kingu he carried,
He brought it as the first gift of greeting, he gave it to Anu. (70)
The gods who had done battle and been scattered,
He led bound into the presence of his fathers.
Now the eleven creatures which Tiamat had made . . . ,
Whose weapons he had shattered, which he had tied to his foot:
Of these he made statues and set them up at the Gate of Apsu saying:
"Let it be a token that this may never be forgotten!"
When the gods saw this they were exceedingly glad,
Lahmu, Lahamu, and all of his fathers
Crossed over to him, and Anshar, the king, made manifest his greeting,
Anu, Enlil, and Ea presented to him gifts. (80)
With a gift Damkina, his mother, made him joyous,
She sent offerings, his face brightened.
To Usmi who brought her gift to a secret place
He entrusted the chancellorship of Apsu and the stewardship of the
shrines.
Being assembled, all the Igigi bowed down,
While everyone of the Anunnaki kissed his feet,
. . . their assembly to do obeisance,
They stood before him, bowed and said: "He is the king!"
After the gods, his fathers, were satiated with his charms. (89)
[Lines 90-106 are too badly damaged for translation. Apparently it
describes Marduk on his throne with his weapons.]
Ea and Damkina . . . , (107)
They opened their mouths to speak to the great gods, the Igigi:
"Formerly Marduk was merely our beloved son,
Now he is your king, proclaim his title!" (110)
A second speech they made, they all spoke:
"His name shall be Lugaldimmerankia, trust in him!"
When they had given the sovereignty to Marduk,
They declared for him a formula of good fortune and success:
"Henceforth you will be the patron of our sanctuaries,
Whatever you command we will do."
Marduk opened his mouth to speak,
To say a word to the gods, his fathers:
"Above the Apsu where you have resided,
The counterpart of Esharra which I have built over you, (120)
Below I have hardened the ground for a building site,
I will build a house, it will be my luxurious abode.
I will found therein its temple,
I will appoint its inner rooms, I will establish my sovereignty.
When you come up from the Apsu for assembly,
You will spend the night in it, it is there to receive all of you.
When you descend from heaven for assembly,
You will spend the night in it, it is there to receive all of you.
I will call its name Babylon which means the houses of the great gods,
I shall build it with the skill of craftsmen." (130)
When the gods, his fathers, heard this speech of his,
They put the following question to Marduk, their firstborn:
"Over all that your hands have created,
Who will have your authority?
Over the ground which your hands have created,
Who will have your power?
Babylon, which you have given a fine name,
Therein establish our abode forever!
. . . , let them bring our daily ration,
. . . our . . . , (140)
Let no one usurp our tasks which we previously performed,
Therein . . . its labor . . .."
Marduk rejoiced when he heard this and
He answered those gods who had questioned him,
He that slew Tiamat showed them light,
He opened his mouth, his speech was noble:
" . . . them . . .,
. . . will be entrusted to you."
The gods bowed down before him, they spoke to him,
They said to Lugaldimmerankia: (150)
"Formerly the lord was merely our beloved son,
Now he is our king, proclaim his title!
He whose pure incantation gave us life,
He is the lord of splendor, mace, and sceptre.
Ea who knows the skill of all crafts,
Let him prepare the plans, we will be the workers."
Tablet VI
Marduk decides to create human beings,
but needs blood and bone from which to fashion them. Ea advises that only
one of the gods should die to provide the materials for creation, the one
who was guilty of plotting evil against the gods. Marduk inquires of the
assembly of the gods about who incited Tiamat’s rebellion, and was told
that it was her husband Kingu. Ea kills Kingu and uses his blood to
fashion mankind so they can perform menial tasks for the gods. To honor
Marduk, the gods construct a house for him in Babylon. After its
completion, Marduk gives a great feast for the gods in his new house who
all praise Marduk for his greatness in subduing Tiamat. The first group of
the fifty throne names of Marduk are recited.
When Marduk heard the words of the gods,
His heart prompted him to fashion artful works.
Opening his mouth, he addressed Ea
To impart the plan he had conceived in his heart:
"I will take blood and fashion bone.
I will establish a savage, ‘man’ shall be his name.
truly, savage-man I will create.
He shall be charged with the service of the gods
That they might be at ease!
The ways of the gods I will artfully alter. (10)
Though alike revered, into two groups they shall be divided."
Ea answered him, speaking a word to him,
Giving him another plan for the relief of the gods:
"Let but one of their brothers be handed over;
He alone shall perish that mankind may be fashioned.
Let the great gods be here in Assembly,
Let the guilty be handed over that they may endure."
Marduk summoned the great gods to Assembly;
Presiding graciously, he issued instructions.
To his utterance the gods pay heed.
The king addressed a word to the Anunnaki: (20)
"If your former statement was true,
Now declare the truth on oath by me!
Who was it that contrived the uprising,
And made Tiamat rebel, and joined battle?
Let him be handed over who contrived the uprising.
His guilt I will make him bear. You shall dwell in peace!"
The Igigi, the great gods, replied to him,
To Lugaldimmerankia, counselor of the gods, their lord:
"It was Kingu who contrived the uprising,
And made Tiamat rebel, and joined battle." (30)
They bound him, holding him before Ea.
They imposed on him his punishment and severed his blood vessels.
Out of his blood they fashioned mankind.
He imposed on him the service and let free the gods.
After Ea, the wise, had created mankind,
Had imposed upon them the service of the gods--
That work was beyond comprehension;
As artfully planned by Marduk, did Nudimmud create it--
Marduk, the king of the gods divided
All the great gods [Anunnaki] above and below. (40)
He assigned them to Anu to guard his instructions.
Three hundred in the heavens he stationed as a guard.
In like manner the ways of the earth he defined.
In heaven and on earth six hundred thus he settled.
After he had ordered all the instructions,
To the Anunnaki of heaven and earth had allotted their portions,
The Anunnaki opened their mouths
And said to Marduk, their lord:
"Now, O lord, you who have caused our deliverance,
What shall be our homage to you? (50)
Let us build a shrine whose name shall be called
‘Lo, a chamber for our nightly rest’; let us repose in it!
Let us build a throne, a recess for his abode!
On the day that we arrive we shall repose in it."
When Marduk heard this,
Brightly glowed his features, like the day:
"Construct Babylon, whose building you have requested,
Let its brickwork be fashioned. You shall name it `The Sanctuary.'"
The Anunnaki applied the implement;
For one whole year they molded bricks. (60)
When the second year arrived,
They raised high the head of Esagila equaling Apsu.
Having built a stage-tower as high as Apsu,
They set up in it an abode for Marduk, Enlil, and Ea
In their presence he was seated in grandeur.
To the base of Esharra its horns look down.
After they had achieved the building of Esagila,
All the Anunnaki erected their shrines.
The three hundred Igigi . . . . . . all of them gathered,
The lord being on the lofty dais which they had built as his abode, (70)
The gods, his fathers, at his banquet he seated:
"This is Babylon, the place that is your home!
Make merry in its precincts, occupy its broad places."
The great gods took their seats,
They set up festive drink, sat down to a banquet.
After they had made merry within it,
In Esagila, the splendid, had performed their rites,
The norms had been fixed and all their portents,
All the gods apportioned the stations of heaven and earth.
The fifty great gods took their seats. (80)
The seven gods of destiny set up the three hundred in heaven.
Enlil raised the bow, his weapon, and laid it before them.
The gods, his fathers, saw the net he had made.
When they beheld the bow, how skillful its shape,
His fathers praised the work he had wrought.
Raising it, Anu spoke up in the Assembly of the gods,
As he kissed the bow: "This is my daughter!"
He named the names of the bow as follows:
"Longwood is the first, the second is Accurate;
Its third name is Bow-Star, in heaven I have made it shine." (90)
He fixed its position with the gods its brothers.
After Anu had decreed the fate of the bow,
And had placed the lofty royal throne before the gods,
Anu placed it in the Assembly of the gods.
When the great gods had assembled,
They extolled the destiny of Marduk, they bowed down,
They pronounced among themselves a curse,
Swearing by water and oil to place life in jeopardy.
When they had granted him the exercise of kingship of the gods,
When they had given him dominion over the gods of heaven and underworld,
(100)
Anshar pronounced supreme his name, Asarluhi, saying:
"Let us do obeisance at the mention of his name,
To his utterance let the gods give heed,
Let his command be supreme above and below!
Most exalted be the Son, our avenger;
Let his sovereignty be surpassing, having no rival.
May he shepherd the black-headed ones, his creatures.
To the end of days, without forgetting, let them acclaim his ways.
May he establish for his fathers the great food-offerings; (110)
Their support they shall furnish, shall tend their sanctuaries.
May he cause incense to be smelled, . . . their spells,
Make a likeness on earth of what he has wrought in heaven.
May he order the black-headed to revere him,
May the subjects ever bear in mind to speak of their god,
And may they at his word pay heed to the goddess.
May food-offerings be borne for their gods and goddesses.
Without fail let them support their gods!
Their lands let them improve, build their shrines,
Let the black-headed wait on their gods. (120)
As for us, by however many names we pronounce, he is our god!
Let us then proclaim his fifty names:
`He whose ways are glorious, whose deeds are likewise,
Marduk, as Anu, his father, called him from his birth;
Who provides grazing and drinking places, enriches their stalls,
Who with the flood-storm, his weapon, vanquished the detractors,
And who the gods, his fathers, rescued from distress.
Truly, the Son of the Sun, most radiant of gods is he.
In his brilliant light may they walk forever!
On the people he brought forth, endowed with life, (130)
The service of the gods he imposed that these may have ease.
Creation, destruction, deliverance, grace--
Shall be by his command. They shall look up to him!
Marukka truly is the god, creator of all,
Who gladdens the heart of the Anunnaki, appeases the Igigi.
Marutukku truly is the refuge of his land, city, and people.
Unto him shall the people give praise forever.
Barashakushu stood up and took hold of its reins;
Wide is his heart, warm his sympathy.
Lugaldimmerankia is his name which we proclaimed in our Assembly. (140)
His commands we have exalted above the gods, his fathers.
Truly, he is lord of all the gods of heaven and underworld,
The king at whose discipline the gods above and below are in mourning."
Nari-Lugaldimmerankia is the name of him
Whom we have called the monitor of the gods;
Who in heaven and on earth founds for us retreats in trouble,
And who allots stations to the Igigi and Anunnaki.
At his name the gods shall tremble and quake in retreat.
Asaruludu is that name of his
Which Anu, his father, proclaimed for him.
He is truly the light of the gods, the mighty leader,
Who, as the protecting deities of god and land, (150)
In fierce single combat saved our retreats in distress.
Asaruludu, secondly, they have named Namtillaku,
The god who maintains life,
Who restored the lost gods, as though his own creation;
The lord who revives the dead gods by his pure incantation,
Who destroys the wayward foes. Let us praise his prowess!
Asaruludu, whose name was thirdly called Namru,
The shining god who illumines our ways.
Three each of his names have Anshar, Lahmu, and Lahamu proclaimed;
Unto the gods, their sons, they did utter them:
"We have proclaimed three each of his names. (160)
Like us, do you utter his names!"
Joyfully the gods heeded their command,
As in Ubshukinna they exchanged counsels:
"Of the heroic son, our avenger,
Of our supporter we will exalt the name!"
They sat down in their Assembly to fashion destinies,
All of them uttering his names in the sanctuary.
Tablet VII
Continuation of praise of Marduk as
chief of Babylon and head of the Babylonian pantheon because of his role
in creation. The rest of Marduk’s fifty throne names declaring his
dominion are recited. Final blessings on Marduk and instructions to the
people to remember and recite Marduk’s deeds.
Asaru [Marduk], bestower of cultivation, who established water levels;
Creator of grain and herbs, who causes vegetation to sprout.
Asarualim, who is honored in the place of counsel, who excels in counsel;
To whom the gods hope, not being possessed of fear.
Asarualimnunna, the gracious, light of the father, his begetter,
Who directs the decrees of Anu, Enlil, Ea and Ninigiku.
He is their provider who assigns their portions,
Whose horned cap is plenty, multiplying . . . .
Tutu is he, who created then anew.
Let him purify their shrines that they may have ease. (10)
Let him devise the spell that the gods may be at rest.
Should they rise in anger, let them turn back.
Truly, he is supreme in the Assembly of the gods;
No one among the gods is his equal.
Tutu is Ziukkinna, life of the host of the gods,
Who established for the gods the holy heavens;
Who keeps a hold on their ways, determines their courses;
He shall not be forgotten by the beclouded. Let them
Remember his deeds!
Tutu they thirdly called Ziku, who brings purification,
god of the favoring breeze, the Lord of hearing and mercy;" (20)
Who produces riches and treasures, establishes abundance;
Who has turned all our wants to plenty;
Whose favoring breeze we felt in sore distress.
Let them speak, let them exalt, let them sing his praises!
Tutu, fourthly, let the people magnify as Agaku,
The lord of the holy charm, who revives the dead;
Who had mercy on the vanquished gods,
Who removed the yoke imposed on the gods, his enemies,
And who, to redeem them, created mankind;
The merciful, in whose power it lies to grant life. (30)
May his deeds endure, not to be forgotten
In the mouth of the black-headed, whom his hands have created.
Tutu, fifthly, is Tuku, whose holy spell their mouths shall murmur;
Who with his holy charm has uprooted all the evil ones.
Shazu, who knows the heart of the gods,
Who examines the inside;
From whom the evildoer cannot escape;
Who sets up the Assembly of the gods, gladdens their hearts;
Who subdues the insubmissive; their wide-spread protection;
Who directs justice, roots out crooked talk,
Who wrong and right in his place keeps apart. (40)
Shazu may they, secondly, exalt as as Zisi,
Who silences the insurgent;
Who banishes consternation from the body of the gods, his fathers.
Shazu is, thirdly, Suhrim, who with the weapon roots out all enemies,
Who frustrates their plans, scatters them to the winds;
Who blots out all the wicked ones who tremble before him.
Let the gods exult in Assembly!
Shazu is, fourthly, Suhgurim, who insures a hearing for the gods, his
fathers,
Creator of the gods, his fathers,
Who roots out the enemies, destroys their progeny;
Who frustrates their doings, leaving nothing of them.
May his name be evoked and spoken in the land! (50)
Shazu, fifthly, they shall praise as Zahrim, the lold of the living,
Who destroys all adversaries, all the disobedient; pursues the evil;
Who all the fugitive gods brought home to their shrines.
May this his name endure!
To Shazu, moreover, they shall, sixthly, render all honor as Zahgurim,
Who all the foes destroyed as though in battle.
Enbilulu, the lord who makes them flourish, is he;
The mighty one who named them, who instituted roast-offerings ;
Who ever regulates for the land the grazing and watering places;
Who opened the wells, apportioning waters of abundance. (60)
Enbilulu, secondly, they shall glorify as Epadun,
The lord who sprinkles the field,
Irrigator of heaven and earth, who establishes seed-rows,
Who forms fine plow land in the steppe,
Dam and ditch regulates, who delimits the furrow;
Enbilulu, thirdly, they shall praise as Enbilulugugal,
The irrigator of the plantations of the gods;
Lord of abundance, opulence, and of ample crops,
Who provides wealth, enriches all dwellings,
Who furnishes millet, causes barley to appear.
Enbilulu is Hegal, who heaps up abundance for the people's consumption;
Who causes rich rains over the wide earth, provides vegetation.
Sirsir, who heaped up a mountain over her, Tiamat, (70)
Who the corpse of Tiamat carried off with his weapon;
Who directs the land--their faithful shepherd;
Whose hair is a grain field, his horned cap furrows;
Who the wide-spreading Sea vaults in his wrath,
Crossing her like a bridge at the place of single combat.
Sirsir, secondly, they named Malah--and so forth--
Tiamat is his vessel and he the rider.
Gil, who stores up grain heaps--massive mounds--
Who brings forth barley and millet, furnishes the seed of the land.
Gilma, who makes lasting the lofty abode of the gods, Creator of security,
(80)
The hoop that holds the barrel together, who presents good things.
Agilma, the exalted one, who tears off the crown from the wrong position,
Who creates the clouds above the waters, makes enduring aloft.
Zulum, who designates the fields for the gods, allots the creation,
Who grants portions and food-offerings, tends the shrines.
Mummu, Creator of heaven and earth, who directs. . . .
The god who sanctifies heaven and earth is, secondly, Zulummar,
Whom no other among the gods can match in strength.
Gishnumunab, Creator of all people, who made the world regions,
Destroyer of the gods of Tiamat; who made men out of their substance. (90)
Lugalabdubur, the king who frustrated the work of Tiamat,rooted out her
weapons;
Whose foundation is firm in front and in the rear.
Pagalguenna, the foremost of all the lords, whose strength is outstanding;
Who is pre-eminent in the royal abode, most exalted of the gods.
Lugaldurmah, the King of the band of the gods, lord of rulers,
Who is pre-eminent in the abode of the gods, most exalted of the gods.
Aranunna, counselor of Ea, creator of the gods, his fathers,
Whose princely ways no god whatever can equal.
Dumuduku, whose pure dwelling is renewed in Duku;
Dumuduku, without whom Lugalkuduga makes no decision. (100)
Lugallanna, the king whose strength is outstanding among the gods,
The lord, strength of Anu, who became supreme at the call of Anshar.
Lugalugga, who carried off all of them amidst the struggle,
Who all wisdom encompasses, broad in perception.
Irkingu, who carried off Kingu in the thick of the battle,
Who conveys guidance for all, establishes rulership.
Kinma, who directs all the gods, the giver of counsel,
At whose name the gods quake in fear, as at the storm.
Esizkur shall sit aloft in the house of prayer;
May the gods bring their presents before him, (110)
That from him they may receive their assignments;
None can without him create artful works.
Four black-headed ones are among his creatures;
Aside from him no god knows the answer as to their days.
Gibil, who maintains the sharp point of the weapon,
Who creates artful works in the battle with Tiamat;
Who has broad wisdom, is accomplished in insight,
Whose mind is so vast that the gods, all of them, cannot fathom it.
Addu be his name, the whole sky may he cover.
May his beneficent roar ever hover over the earth; (120)
May he, as Mummu, diminish the clouds;
Below, may he furnish sustenance for the people
Asharu, who, as is his name, guided the gods of destiny;
All of the people are truly in his charge.
Nebiru shall hold the crossings of heaven and earth,
So that the gods cannot cross above and below, they must wait upon him.
Nebiru is the star which in the skies is brilliant.
May he hold the Beginning and the Future, may they pay homage unto him,
Saying: "He who forced his way through the midst of Tiamat without
resting,
Let Nebiru be his name, who controls its midst. (130)
May they uphold the course of the stars of heaven;
May he shepherd all the gods like sheep.
May he vanquish Tiamat; may her life be strait and short!
Into the future of mankind, when days have grown old,
May she recede without cease and stay away forever.
Because he created the spaces and fashioned the firm ground,
Father Enlil called his name "Lord Of The Lands."’
When all the names which the Igigi proclaimed,
Ea had heard, his spirit rejoiced, Thus:
"He whose names his fathers have glorified,
He is indeed even as I; his name shall be Ea. (140)
All my combined rites he shall administer;
All my instructions he shall carry out!"
With the title "Fifty" the great gods
Proclaimed him whose names are fifty and made his way supreme.
Epilog
Let them be kept in mind and let the leader explain them.
Let the wise and the knowing discuss them together.
Let the father recite them and impart to his son.
Let the ears of shepherd and herdsman be opened.
Let him rejoice in Marduk, the Enlil of the gods,
That his land may be fertile and that he may prosper. (150)
Firm in his order, his command unalterable,
The utterance of his mouth no god shall change.
When he looks he does not turn away his neck;
When he is angry, no god can withstand his wrath.
His heart is unfathomable, his purpose is broad,
Sinner and transgressor may come before him.
He wrote down and thereby preserved it for the future.
The dwelling of Marduk which the gods, the Igigi, had made,
. . . let them speak. (160)
. . . the song of Marduk,
Who vanquished Tiamat and achieved the kingship.
-Dennis Bratcher, Copyright ©
2018, Dennis
Bratcher, All Rights Reserved
No copyright claim is made for the translations since those are compiled
from previously published works.
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Related pages
Old Testament
Baal Worship in the Old Testament
Speaking the Language of Canaan
Cultural Context of Israel
God and Boundaries
Sons of God and Giants |
