|
|
| Line 3: |
Line 3: |
| | | | |
| | {{Mesopotamian myth (Babylon)}} | | {{Mesopotamian myth (Babylon)}} |
| − | '''''Enûma Eliš''''' is the [[Babylonian mythology|Babylonian]] or [[Mesopotamian]] creation epic. It was first discovered by modern scholars (in fragmentary form) in the ruined library of [[Ashurbanipal]] at [[Nineveh]] ([[Mosul]], [[Iraq]]). | + | '''''Enûma Eliš''''' (also transliterated Enuma Elish) is the [[Babylonian mythology|Babylonian]] or [[Mesopotamia]]n creation epic. It was first discovered by modern scholars in fragmentary form in the ruined library of [[Ashurbanipal]] at [[Nineveh]], near [[Mosul]], [[Iraq]]). |
| | | | |
| − | ''Enûma Elish'' has about a thousand lines and is recorded in [[Akkadian language|Akkadian]] on seven clay tablets. The majority of Tablet V has never been recovered, but aside from this [[lacuna]] the text is almost complete. | + | ''Enûma Elish'' has about a thousand lines and was recorded in [[Akkadian language|Akkadian]] on seven clay tablets. Several additional finds have supplemented gaps in the original tables. However, the majority of Tablet V has never been recovered. |
| | | | |
| − | This epic is one of the most important sources for understanding the [[Babylonia]]n worldview, centered on the supremacy of [[Marduk]] and the existence of mankind for the service of the [[god]]s. Its primary original purpose, however, is not an exposition of [[theology]] or theogony, but the elevation of Marduk, the chief god of [[Babylon]], above other [[Mesopotamia]]n gods. | + | This epic is one of the most important sources for understanding the [[Babylonia]]n worldview, centered on the supremacy of the god [[Marduk]] and the creation of mankind as the servants of the [[god]]s. Its primary original purpose, however, seems to be the elevation of Marduk, the chief god of [[Babylon]], above other older [[Mesopotamia]]n deities. |
| | | | |
| − | ''Enûma Elish'' has existed in various versions and copies from Babylonia as well as from Assyria. This epic dates to the 8<sup>th</sup> century B.C.E. No evidence is found from the 2. millennium B.C.E..
| + | This epic dates to the eighth century B.C.E. However, scholars believe that it contains elements of much older stories. Many see a connection between Enuma Elish and the creation story of [[Genesis]] 1, as well [[Canaan]]ite mythology explaining the supremacy of [[Baal]] over other older gods. |
| | | | |
| | ==Summary== | | ==Summary== |
| − | The title, an [[incipit]], means "When on high." The epic names three primeval gods: [[Apsu]], the fresh water, [[Tiamat]], the salt water, and their son [[Mummu]], apparently the mist. Several other gods are created, and raise such a clamor of noise that Apsu is provoked (with Mummu's connivance) to destroy them. Ea ([[Nudimmud]]), at the time the most powerful of the gods, intercepts the plan, puts Apsu to sleep and kills him, and shuts Mummu out. Ea then begets a son, [[Marduk]], greater still than himself. | + | The title of Enuma Elish means "When on High," derived from the story’s opening line. The epic describes two primeval gods: [[Apsu]] (representing the upper, fresh waters) and [[Tiamat]] (goddess of the lower, salt waters), whose fluids join to generate creation. Several other gods spring from the union of the original pair. However, disharmony prevails, and Apsu is provoked to move against the younger gods. [[Ea]], at the time the most powerful of the deities, learns of the plan, puts Apsu to sleep, and kills him. Ea then begets a son, [[Marduk]], greater still than himself. |
| | | | |
| − | Tiamat is then persuaded to take revenge for the death of her husband. Her power grows, and some of the gods join her. She elevates [[Kingu]] as her new husband and gives him "supreme dominion." A lengthy description of the other gods' inability to deal with the threat follows. Ultimately, Marduk is selected as their champion against Tiamat, and becomes very powerful. He defeats and kills Tiamat, and forms the world from her corpse. The subsequent hundred lines or so constitute the lost section of Tablet V. | + | Tiamat is persuaded to take revenge for the death of her husband. Her power grows, and some of the gods join her. She elevates [[Kingu]] as her new husband and gives him supreme dominion. The other gods are unable to resist Kingu’s power and elect the young Marduk as their champion. In a mighty battle, he defeats and kills Tiamat and forms the world from her corpse. |
| | | | |
| − | The gods who sided with Tiamat are initially forced to labor in the service of the other gods. They are freed from their servitude when Marduk decides to slay Kingu and create mankind from his blood. Babylon is established as the residence of the chief gods. Finally, the gods confer kingship on Marduk, hailing him with fifty names. Most noteworthy is Marduk's symbolic elevation over [[Enlil]], who was seen by earlier Mesopotamian civilizations as the king of the gods. | + | The gods who sided with Tiamat are initially forced to labor in the service of the other gods. Eventually they are freed from their servitude when Marduk decides to slay Kingu and use his blood to create humankind to serve the gods. Babylon is established as the residence of the chief gods. Finally, the gods confer kingship on Marduk, hailing him with fifty titles. |
| − | <!---
| |
| − | ==Comparisons between Genesis (from the Bible) and Enuma Elish==
| |
| − | Many scholars have compared the creation story in the Enûma Elish and the first creation story in the [[Book of Genesis]] (see [[Creation according to Genesis]]).
| |
| | | | |
| − | Scholars who argue for similarities between [[Genesis]] and Enuma Elish make the following points:
| + | Particularly noteworthy is Marduk's symbolic elevation over [[Enlil]], who was seen by earlier Mesopotamian civilizations as the king of the gods. Scholars believe Enuma Elish may have served to explain or justify Marduk’s replacement of Enlil, as well as Babylon’s superiority over other more ancient religious centers. |
| − | *Genesis 1 describes six days of creation, followed by a day of rest; the Enûma Elish describes six generations of gods, whose creations parallel the days in Genesis,{{Fact|date=February 2007}} followed by a divine rest.
| |
| − | *In both stories, creation begins with light and ends with humankind, created for "the service of the gods" from the blood and bone of Kingu according to the Enûma Elish.
| |
| − | *Also, the goddess [[Tiamat]] parallels the primordial ocean in Genesis; the Hebrew word used in Genesis for the primordial ocean is "t<sup>e</sup>hôm" which has the same [[etymology|etymological]] root as "Tiamat." This has led many to conclude that the two accounts are related, perhaps sharing a common origin or that possibly one of the accounts is a modified form of the other.
| |
| | | | |
| − | Scholars who argue against similiarities between Genesis and Enuma Elish make the following points:
| |
| − | *Assuming that both accounts represent written versions of a narrative transmitted orally for many years, analysis according to [[Axel Olrik|Olrik's]] principles lessens the possibility that they are related.
| |
| − | *Genesis 1 to 2:1-3 details seven days of creation, the last being the day that Sabbath was created. However, the text of Enuma Elish linked to below records six generations of gods including Apsu and Marduk.
| |
| − | *Enuma Elish lists one begetter and two creators, the latter being Ummu-Hubur and Marduk, where in Genesis 1 there is one creator and no begetter.
| |
| − | *Enuma Elish describes the revolt of Ummu-Hubur and Tiamat and its defeat by Marduk, an incident completely missing from Genesis 1. See sections 148 to 150 of Olrik.
| |
| − | *Without better correspondence of events, linguistic associations, such as seeing Tiamat as related to Hebrew tehom, are inconclusive; see section 147 of Olrik.
| |
| − | *While the words in Enuma Elish reflect actual Mesopotamian place names, such evidence of what Olrik calls horizon are completely missing from Genesis 1. (Horizon is described in sections 109 to 118 of Olrik.)
| |
| − | *On the other hand, the rivers of Eden and the term Eden ''are'' part of the Mesopotamian horizon (Hamblin, Armstrong) — but chapter 2 of Genesis is completely different in structure from Enuma Elish.
| |
| − | *Though, in the Enûma Elish, Tiamat controlled [[Seawater|saltwater]] seeping into the water table, so some scholars think there is just a mutual root in the concept of saltwater. Furthermore there is a change in the gender of the noun that suggests direct etymological influence is unlikely (tiamat is feminine, tehom is masculine).
| |
| − | *The fact that both Enuma Elish and Genesis describe the creation of earth and man is simply a common theme in mythology and not in itself proof that they are related. (Olrik, section 152) —>
| |
| | | | |
| − | The Tablets=== | + | ==The Tablets== |
| | | | |
| − | THE FIRST TABLET
| + | First tablet |
| | | | |
| − | When in the height heaven was not named,
| + | Apsu and Tiamat mingle their waters together, causing Tiamat to give birth to heaven and earth, as well as the other deities. As the ages roll and various other divinities come into existence. However, confusion reigns, preventing the primordial couple from taking their rest. They call upon their first-born, Mummu, for a solution, but find his plan to stifle their other offspring to be too evil. They “sit in sorrow” and lamanetation until the wise Ea approaches. (MORE HERE) |
| − | And the earth beneath did not yet bear a name,
| |
| − | And the primeval Apsu, who begat them,
| |
| − | And chaos, Tiamut, the mother of them both
| |
| − | Their waters were mingled together,
| |
| − | And no field was formed, no marsh was to be seen;
| |
| − | When of the gods none had been called into being,
| |
| − | And none bore a name, and no destinies were ordained;
| |
| − | Then were created the gods in the midst of heaven,
| |
| − | Lahmu and Lahamu were called into being...
| |
| − | Ages increased,...
| |
| − | Then Ansar and Kisar were created, and over them....
| |
| − | Long were the days, then there came forth.....
| |
| − | Anu, their son,...
| |
| − | Ansar and Anu...
| |
| − | And the god Anu...
| |
| − | Nudimmud, whom his fathers, his begetters.....
| |
| − | Abounding in all wisdom,...'
| |
| − | He was exceeding strong...
| |
| − | He had no rival -
| |
| − | Thus were established and were... the great gods.
| |
| − | But Tiamat and Apsu were still in confusion...
| |
| − | They were troubled and... | |
| − | In disorder...
| |
| − | Apru was not diminished in might...
| |
| − | And Tiamat roared...
| |
| − | She smote, and their deeds...
| |
| − | Their way was evil...
| |
| − | Then Apsu, the begetter of the great gods,
| |
| − | Cried unto Mummu, his minister, and said unto him:
| |
| − | "O Mummu, thou minister that rejoicest my spirit,
| |
| − | Come, unto Tiamut let us go!
| |
| − | So they went and before Tiamat they lay down,
| |
| − | They consulted on a plan with regard to the gods, their sons.
| |
| − | Apsu opened his mouth and spake,
| |
| − | And unto Tiamut, the glistening one, he addressed the word:
| |
| − | ...their way...
| |
| − | By day I can not rest, by night I can not lie down in peace.
| |
| − | But I will destroy their way, I will...
| |
| − | Let there be lamentation, and let us lie down again in peace."
| |
| − | When Tiamat heard these words,
| |
| − | She raged and cried aloud...
| |
| − | She... grievously...,
| |
| − | She uttered a curse, and unto Apsu she spake:
| |
| − | "What then shall we do?
| |
| − | Let their way be made difficult, and let us lie down again in peace."
| |
| − | Mummu answered, and gave counsel unto Apsu,
| |
| − | ...and hostile to the gods was the counsel Mummu gave:
| |
| − | Come, their way is strong, but thou shalt destroy it;
| |
| − | Then by day shalt thou have rest, by night shalt thou lie down in peace."
| |
| − | Apsu harkened unto him and his countenance grew bright,
| |
| − | Since he (Mummu) planned evil against the gods his sons.
| |
| − | ... he was afraid...,
| |
| − | His knees became weak; they gave way beneath him,
| |
| − | Because of the evil which their first-born had planned.
| |
| − | ... their... they altered.
| |
| − | ... they...,
| |
| − | Lamentation they sat in sorrow
| |
| − | ..................
| |
| − | Then Ea, who knoweth all that is, went up and he beheld their muttering.
| |
| | | | |
| − | [about 30 illegible lines]
| + | Here the text breaks off and begins again as Tiamat hearkens to the words of the “bright god.” The plan is that war. |
| | | | |
| − | ... he spake:
| + | The mighty sea-goddess creates powerful weapons and terrible fanged serpents, filling their bodies with venom. She spawns hurricanes, hell-hounds, and scorpion-men, a total of 11 types of horrifying monsters in all. Finally, she raises her son [[Kingu]] as her general, clothing him with royal raiment, and naming him as her spouse. Tiamat grants Kingu dominion over all of the other gods, and laying on his breast the Tablets of Destiny. |
| − | ... thy... he hath conquered and
| |
| − | ... he weepeth and sitteth in tribulation.
| |
| − | ... of fear,
| |
| − | ... we shall not lie down in peace.
| |
| − | ... Apsu is laid waste,
| |
| − | ... and Mummu, who were taken captive, in...
| |
| − | ... thou didst...
| |
| − | ... let us lie down in peace.
| |
| − | ... they will smite....
| |
| − | ... let us lie down in peace.
| |
| − | ... thou shalt take vengeance for them,
| |
| − | ... unto the tempest shalt thou...!"
| |
| − | And Tiamat harkened unto the word of the bright god, and said:
| |
| − | ... shalt thou entrust! let us wage war!"
| |
| − | ... the gods in the midst of...
| |
| − | ... for the gods did she create.
| |
| − | They banded themselves together and at the side of Tiamat they advanced;
| |
| − | They were furious; they devised mischief without resting night and day.
| |
| − | They prepared for battle, fuming and raging;
| |
| − | They joined their forces and made war,
| |
| − | Ummu-Hubur [Tiamat] who formed all things,
| |
| − | Made in addition weapons invincible; she spawned monster-serpents,
| |
| − | Sharp of tooth, and merciless of fang;
| |
| − | With poison, instead of blood, she filled their bodies.
| |
| − | Fierce monster-vipers she clothed with terror,
| |
| − | With splendor she decked them, she made them of lofty stature.
| |
| − | Whoever beheld them, terror overcame him,
| |
| − | Their bodies reared up and none could withstand their attack.
| |
| − | She set up vipers and dragons, and the monster Lahamu, | |
| − | And hurricanes, and raging hounds, and scorpion-men,
| |
| − | And mighty tempests, and fish-men, and rams;
| |
| − | They bore cruel weapons, without fear of the fight.
| |
| − | Her commands were mighty, none could resist them;
| |
| − | After this fashion, huge of stature, she made eleven [kinds of] monsters.
| |
| − | Among the gods who were her sons, inasmuch as he had given her support,
| |
| − | She exalted Kingu; in their midst she raised him to power.
| |
| − | To march before the forces, to lead the host,
| |
| − | To give the battle-signal, to advance to the attack,
| |
| − | To direct the battle, to control the fight,
| |
| − | Unto him she entrusted; in costly raiment she made him sit, saying:
| |
| − | I have uttered thy spell, in the assembly of the gods I have raised thee to power.
| |
| − | The dominion over all the gods have I entrusted unto him.
| |
| − | Be thou exalted, thou my chosen spouse,
| |
| − | May they magnify thy name over all of them the Anunnaki."
| |
| − | She gave him the Tablets of Destiny, on his breast she laid them, saying:
| |
| − | Thy command shall not be without avail, and the word of thy mouth shall be established."
| |
| − | Now Kingu, thus exalted, having received the power of Anu,
| |
| − | Decreed the fate among the gods his sons, saying:
| |
| − | "Let the opening of your mouth quench the Fire-god;
| |
| − | Whoso is exalted in the battle, let him display his might!"
| |
| | | | |
| − | THE SECOND TABLET
| + | ===Second tablet=== |
| | | | |
| − | Tiamat made weighty her handiwork, | + | Tiamat divulges to Ea her plan to avenge Apsu. He consults with his own father, the god Ansar, informing him of Tiamat’s plan to kill many of her own children. Ansar advises his son to attempt to placate Tiamat, which he attempt to do be cannot. Ansar then permits him to oppose Tiamat, and blesses him: |
| − | Evil she wrought against the gods her children.
| |
| − | To avenge Apsu, Tiamat planned evil,
| |
| − | But how she had collected her forces, the god unto Ea divulged.
| |
| − | Ea harkened to this thing, and
| |
| − | He was grievously afflicted and he sat in sorrow. | |
| − | The days went by, and his anger was appeased,
| |
| − | And to the place of Ansar his father he took his way.
| |
| − | He went and, standing before Ansar, the father who begat him,
| |
| − | All that Tiamat had plotted he repeated unto him,
| |
| − | Saying, "Tiamat our mother hath conceived a hatred for us,
| |
| − | With all her force she rageth, full of wrath.
| |
| − | All the gods have turned to her,
| |
| − | With those, whom ye created, thev go at her side.
| |
| − | They are banded together and at the side of Tiamat they advance;
| |
| − | They are furious, they devise mischief without resting night and day.
| |
| − | They prepare for battle, fuming and raging;
| |
| − | They have joined their forces and are making war.
| |
| − | Ummu-Hubur, who formed all things,
| |
| − | Hath made in addition weapons invincible; she hath spawned monster-serpents,
| |
| − | Sharp of tooth, and merciless of fang.
| |
| − | With poison, instead of blood, she hath filled their bodies.
| |
| − | Fierce monster-vipers she hath clothed with terror,
| |
| − | With splendor she hath decked them; she hath made them of lofty stature.
| |
| − | Whoever beholdeth them is overcome by terror,
| |
| − | Their bodies rear up and none can withstand their attack.
| |
| − | She hath set up vipers, and dragons, and the monster Lahamu,
| |
| − | And hurricanes and raging hounds, and scorpion-men,
| |
| − | And mighty tempests, and fish-men and rams;
| |
| − | They bear cruel weapons, without fear of the fight.
| |
| − | Her commands are mighty; none can resist them;
| |
| − | After this fashion, huge of stature, hath she made eleven monsters.
| |
| − | Among the gods who are her sons, inasmuch as he hath given her support,
| |
| − | She hath exalted Kingu; in their midst she hath raised him to power.
| |
| − | To march before the forces, to lead the host,
| |
| − | To give the battle-signal, to advance to the attack.
| |
| − | To direct the battle, to control the fight,
| |
| − | Unto him hath she entrusted; in costly raiment she hath made him sit, saving:.
| |
| − | I have uttered thy spell; in the assembly of the gods I have raised thee to power,
| |
| − | The dominion over all the gods have I entrusted unto thee.
| |
| − | Be thou exalted, thou my chosen spouse,
| |
| − | May they magnify thy name over all of them
| |
| − | She hath given him the Tablets of Destiny, on his breast she laid them, saying:
| |
| − | 'Thy command shall not be without avail, and the word of thy mouth shall be established.'
| |
| − | Now Kingu, thus exalted, having received the power of Anu,
| |
| − | Decreed the fate for the gods, her sons, saying:
| |
| − | 'Let the opening of your mouth quench the Fire-god;
| |
| − | Whoso is exalted in the battle, let him display his might!'"
| |
| − | When Ansar heard how Tiamat was mightily in revolt,
| |
| − | he bit his lips, his mind was not at peace,
| |
| − | ..., he made a bitter lamentation:
| |
| − | ... battle,
| |
| − | ... thou...
| |
| − | Mummu and Apsu thou hast smitten
| |
| − | But Tiamat hath exalted Kingu, and where is one who can oppose her?
| |
| − | ... deliberation
| |
| − | ... the ... of the gods, -Nudimmud.
| |
| | | | |
| − | [A gap of about a dozen lines occurs here.]
| |
| − |
| |
| − | Ansar unto his son addressed the word:
| |
| − | "... my mighty hero,
| |
| − | Whose strength is great and whose onslaught can not be withstood,
| |
| − | Go and stand before Tiamat,
| |
| − | That her spirit may be appeased, that her heart may be merciful.
| |
| − | But if she will not harken unto thy word,
| |
| − | Our word shalt thou speak unto her, that she may be pacified."
| |
| − | He heard the word of his father Ansar
| |
| − | And he directed his path to her, toward her he took the way.
| |
| − | Ann drew nigh, he beheld the muttering of Tiamat,
| |
| − | But he could not withstand her, and he turned back.
| |
| − | ... Ansar
| |
| − | ... he spake unto him:
| |
| − |
| |
| − | [A gap of over twenty lines occurs here.]
| |
| − |
| |
| − | an avenger...
| |
| − | ... valiant
| |
| − | ... in the place of his decision
| |
| − | ... he spake unto him:
| |
| − | ... thy father
| |
| − | " Thou art my son, who maketh merciful his heart.
| |
| − | ... to the battle shalt thou draw nigh,
| |
| − | he that shall behold thee shall have peace."
| |
| − | And the lord rejoiced at the word of his father,
| |
| − | And he drew nigh and stood before Ansar.
| |
| − | Ansar beheld him and his heart was filled with joy,
| |
| − | He kissed him on the lips and his fear departed from him.
| |
| − | "O my father, let not the word of thy lips be overcome,
| |
| − | Let me go, that I may accomplish all that is in thy heart.
| |
| − | O Ansar, let not the word of thy lips be overcome,
| |
| − | Let me go, that I may accomplish all that is in thy heart."
| |
| − | What man is it, who hath brought thee forth to battle?
| |
| − | ... Tiamat, who is a woman, is armed and attacketh thee.
| |
| − | ... rejoice and be glad;
| |
| | The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot. | | The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot. |
| | ... rejoice and be glad; | | ... rejoice and be glad; |
| | The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot. | | The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot. |
| − | 0 my son, who knoweth all wisdom,
| + | O my son, who knoweth all wisdom, |
| | Pacify Tiamat with thy pure incantation. | | Pacify Tiamat with thy pure incantation. |
| | Speedily set out upon thy way, | | Speedily set out upon thy way, |
| | For thy blood shall not be poured out; thou shalt return again." | | For thy blood shall not be poured out; thou shalt return again." |
| − | The lord rejoiced at the word of his father,
| |
| − | His heart exulted, and unto his father he spake:
| |
| − | "O Lord of the gods, Destiny of the great gods,
| |
| − | If I, your avenger,
| |
| − | Conquer Tiamat and give you life,
| |
| − | Appoint an assembly, make my fate preeminent and proclaim it.
| |
| − | In Upsukkinaku seat yourself joyfully together,
| |
| − | With my word in place of you will I decree fate.
| |
| − | May whatsoever I do remain unaltered,
| |
| − | May the word of my lips never be chanced nor made of no avail."
| |
| | | | |
| | + | ===Third tablet=== |
| | + | The gods prepare a banquet for Ea’s son Marduk their champion to oppose Tiamat and Kingu. |
| | | | |
| − | THE THIRD TABLET
| |
| | | | |
| − | Ansar opened his mouth, and
| |
| − | Unto Gaga, his minister, spake the word.
| |
| − | "O Gaga, thou minister that rejoicest my spirit,
| |
| − | Unto Lahmu and Lahamu will I send thee.
| |
| − | ... thou canst attain,
| |
| − | ... thou shalt cause to be brought before thee.
| |
| − | ... let the gods, all of them,
| |
| − | Make ready for a feast, at a banquet let them sit,
| |
| − | Let them eat bread, let them mix wine,
| |
| − | That for Marduk, their avenger they may decree the fate.
| |
| − | Go, Gaga, stand before them,
| |
| − | And all that I tell thee, repeat unto them, and say:
| |
| − | 'Ansar, vour son, hath sent me,
| |
| − | The purpose of his heart he hath made known unto me.
| |
| − | The purpose of his heart he hath made known unto me.
| |
| | He saith that Tiamat our mother hath conceived a hatred for us, | | He saith that Tiamat our mother hath conceived a hatred for us, |
| | With all her force she rageth, full of wrath. | | With all her force she rageth, full of wrath. |
| | All the gods have turned to her, | | All the gods have turned to her, |
| − | With those, whom ye created, they go at her side.
| + | |
| − | They are banded together, and at the side of Tiamat they advance;
| + | |
| − | They are furious, they devise mischief without resting night and day.
| + | He declares: "If I, your avenger, |
| − | They prepare for battle, fuming and raging;
| |
| − | They have joined their forces and are making war.
| |
| − | Ummu-Hubur, who formed all things,
| |
| − | Hath made in addition weapons invincible; she hath spawned monster-serpents,
| |
| − | Sharp of tooth and merciless of fang.
| |
| − | With poison, instead of blood, she hath filled their bodies.
| |
| − | Fierce monster-vipers she hath clothed with terror,
| |
| − | With splendor she hath decked them; she hath made them of lofty stature.
| |
| − | Whoever beboldeth them, terror overcometh him,
| |
| − | Their bodies rear up and none can withstand their attack.
| |
| − | She hath set up vipers, and dragons, and the monster Lahamu,
| |
| − | And hurricanes, and raging bounds, and scorpion-men,
| |
| − | And mighty tempests, and fish-men, and rams;
| |
| − | They bear merciless weapons, without fear of the fight.
| |
| − | Her commands are miahty; none can. resist them;
| |
| − | After this fashion, huge of stature, hath she made eleven monsters.
| |
| − | Among the gods who are her sons, inasmuch as he hath given her support,
| |
| − | She hath exalted Kingu; in their midst she hath raised him to power.
| |
| − | To march before the forces, to lead the host,
| |
| − | To give the battle-signal, to advance to the attack,
| |
| − | To direct the battle, to control the fight,
| |
| − | Unto him hath she entrusted; in costly raiment she hath made him sit, saying:
| |
| − | I have uttered thy spell; in the assembly of the gods
| |
| − | I have raised thee to power,
| |
| − | The dominion over all the gods have I entrusted unto thee.
| |
| − | Be thou exalted, thou my chosen spouse,
| |
| − | May they magnify thy name over all of them ... the Anunnaki."
| |
| − | She hath given him the Tablets of Destiny, on his breast she laid them, saying:
| |
| − | Thy command shall not be without avail, and the word of thy mouth shall be established."
| |
| − | Now Kingu, thus exalted, having received the power of Anu,
| |
| − | Decreed the fate for the gods, her sons, saving:
| |
| − | Let the opening of your mouth quench the Fire-god;
| |
| − | Whoso is exalted in the battle, let him display his might!"
| |
| − | I sent Anu, but he could not withstand her;
| |
| − | Nudimmud was afraid and turned back.
| |
| − | But Marduk hath set out, the director of the gods, your son;
| |
| − | To set out against Tiamat his heart hath prompted him.
| |
| − | He opened his mouth and spake unto me, saying: "If I, your avenger, | |
| | Conquer Tiamat and give you life, | | Conquer Tiamat and give you life, |
| | Appoint an assembly, make my fate preeminent and proclaim it. | | Appoint an assembly, make my fate preeminent and proclaim it. |
| Line 345: |
Line 65: |
| | He made obeisance, and he kissed the ground at their feet. | | He made obeisance, and he kissed the ground at their feet. |
| | He humbled himself; then he stood up and spake unto them saying: | | He humbled himself; then he stood up and spake unto them saying: |
| − | "Ansar, your son, hath sent me,
| |
| − | The purpose of his heart he hath made known unto me.
| |
| − | He saith that Tiamat our mother hath conceived a hatred for us,
| |
| − | With all her force she rageth, full of wrath.
| |
| − | All the gods have turned to her,
| |
| − | With those, whom ye created, they go at her side.
| |
| − | They are banded together and at the side of Tiamat they advance;
| |
| − | They are furious, they devise mischief without resting night and day.
| |
| − | They prepare for battle, fuming and raging;
| |
| − | They have joined their forces and are making war.
| |
| − | Ummu-Hubur, who formed all things,
| |
| − | Hath made in addition weapons invincible; she hath spawned monster-serpents,
| |
| − | Sharp of tooth and merciless of fang.
| |
| − | With poison, instead of blood, she hath filled their bodies.
| |
| − | Fierce monster-vipers she hath clothed with terror,
| |
| | With splendor she hath decked them, she hath made them of lofty stature. | | With splendor she hath decked them, she hath made them of lofty stature. |
| | Whoever beboldeth them, terror overcometh him, | | Whoever beboldeth them, terror overcometh him, |
| Line 396: |
Line 101: |
| | May, whatsoever I do remain unaltered, | | May, whatsoever I do remain unaltered, |
| | May the word of my lips never be changed nor made of no avail.' | | May the word of my lips never be changed nor made of no avail.' |
| − | Hasten, therefore, and swiftly decree for him the fate which you bestow,
| + | |
| − | That he may go and fight your strong enemy!
| |
| − | Lahmu and Lahamu heard and cried aloud
| |
| − | All of the Igigi [The elder gods] wailed bitterly, saying:
| |
| − | What has been altered so that they should
| |
| − | We do not understand the deed of Tiamat!
| |
| | Then did they collect and go, | | Then did they collect and go, |
| | The great gods, all of them, who decree fate. | | The great gods, all of them, who decree fate. |
| Line 413: |
Line 113: |
| | Then for Marduk, their avenger, did they decree the fate. | | Then for Marduk, their avenger, did they decree the fate. |
| | | | |
| − | THE FOURTH TABLET
| + | Fourth tablet |
| | + | |
| | + | The gods declare Marduk their general and king. |
| | + | |
| | | | |
| − | They prepared for him a lordly chamber,
| |
| − | Before his fathers as prince he took his place.
| |
| − | "Thou art chiefest among the great gods,
| |
| − | Thy fate is unequaled, thy word is Anu!
| |
| − | 0 Marduk, thou art chiefest among the great gods,
| |
| − | Thy fate is unequaled, thy word is Anu!
| |
| − | Henceforth not without avail shall be thy command,
| |
| − | In thy power shall it be to exalt and to abase.
| |
| − | Established shall be the word of thy mouth, irresistible shall be thy command,
| |
| − | None among the gods shall transgress thy boundary.
| |
| − | Abundance, the desire of the shrines of the gods,
| |
| − | Shall be established in thy sanctuary, even though they lack offerings.
| |
| − | O Marduk, thou art our avenger!
| |
| − | We give thee sovereignty over the whole world.
| |
| − | Sit thou down in might; be exalted in thy command.
| |
| − | Thy weapon shall never lose its power; it shall crush thy foe.
| |
| − | O Lord, spare the life of him that putteth his trust in thee,
| |
| − | But as for the god who began the rebellion, pour out his life."
| |
| − | Then set they in their midst a garment,
| |
| − | And unto Marduk,- their first-born they spake:
| |
| − | "May thy fate, O lord, be supreme among the gods,
| |
| − | To destroy and to create; speak thou the word, and thy command shall be fulfilled.
| |
| − | Command now and let the garment vanish;
| |
| − | And speak the word again and let the garment reappear!
| |
| − | Then he spake with his mouth, and the garment vanished;
| |
| − | Again he commanded it, and. the garment reappeared.
| |
| − | When the gods, his fathers, beheld the fulfillment of his word,
| |
| − | They rejoiced, and they did homage unto him, saying, " Marduk is king!"
| |
| | They bestowed upon him the scepter, and the throne, and the ring, | | They bestowed upon him the scepter, and the throne, and the ring, |
| | They give him an invincible weapony which overwhelmeth the foe. | | They give him an invincible weapony which overwhelmeth the foe. |
| − | Go, and cut off the life of Tiamat,
| + | “Go, and cut off the life of Tiamat, |
| | And let the wind carry her blood into secret places." | | And let the wind carry her blood into secret places." |
| − | After the gods his fathers had decreed for the lord his fate,
| + | |
| − | They caused him to set out on a path of prosperity and success.
| + | Marduk arms for combat with mighty weapons, flame, and lightning. |
| − | He made ready the bow, he chose his weapon,
| + | |
| − | He slung a spear upon him and fastened it...
| + | |
| − | He raised the club, in his right hand he grasped it,
| + | He makes a net if seven winds to entrap “the inward parts” of Tiamat, |
| − | The bow and the quiver he hung at his side.
| + | He then confronts the fearsome goddess of the sea and her champion. |
| − | He set the lightning in front of him,
| + | Seeing Marduk’s awesome character, Kingu loses his nerve, and his companions suffer a similar loss of morale. Tiamat, however, rages against him will all her power. |
| − | With burning flame he filled his body.
| + | |
| − | He made a net to enclose the inward parts of Tiamat, | + | “Let then thy host be equipped, let thy weapons be girded on!” cries Marduk. |
| − | The four winds he stationed so that nothing of her might escape;
| + | “Stand! I and thou, let us join battle!” |
| − | The South wind and the North wind and the East wind and the West wind
| + | |
| − | He brought near to the net, the gift of his father Anu.
| |
| − | He created the evil wind, and the tempest, and the hurricane, | |
| − | And the fourfold wind, and the sevenfold wind, and the whirlwind, and the wind which had no equal;
| |
| − | He sent forth the winds which he had created, the seven of them;
| |
| − | To disturb the inward parts of Tiamat, they followed after him.
| |
| − | Then the lord raised the thunderbolt, his mighty weapon,
| |
| − | He mounted the chariot, the storm unequaled for terror,
| |
| − | He harnessed and yoked unto it four horses,
| |
| − | Destructive, ferocious, overwhelming, and swift of pace;
| |
| − | ... were their teeth, they were flecked with foam;
| |
| − | They were skilled in... , they had been trained to trample underfoot.
| |
| − | ... . mighty in battle,
| |
| − | Left and right....
| |
| − | His garment was... , he was clothed with terror,
| |
| − | With overpowering brightness his head was crowned.
| |
| − | Then he set out, he took his way,
| |
| − | And toward the raging Tiamat he set his face.
| |
| − | On his lips he held ...,
| |
| − | ... he grasped in his hand.
| |
| − | Then they beheld him, the gods beheld him,
| |
| − | The gods his fathers beheld him, the gods beheld him.
| |
| − | And the lord drew nigh, he gazed upon the inward parts of Tiamat,
| |
| − | He perceived the muttering of Kingu, her spouse.
| |
| − | As Marduk gazed, Kingu was troubled in his gait,
| |
| − | His will was destroyed and his motions ceased.
| |
| − | And the gods, his helpers, who marched by his side,
| |
| − | Beheld their leader's..., and their sight was troubled.
| |
| − | But Tiamat... , she turned not her neck,
| |
| − | With lips that failed not she uttered rebellious words:
| |
| − | "... thy coming as lord of the gods,
| |
| − | From their places have they gathered, in thy place are they! "
| |
| − | Then the lord raised the thunderbolt, his mighty weapon,
| |
| − | And against Tiamat, who was raging, thus he sent the word:
| |
| − | Thou art become great, thou hast exalted thyself on high,
| |
| − | And thy heart hath prompted thee to call to battle.
| |
| − | ... their fathers...,
| |
| − | ... their... thou hatest...
| |
| − | Thou hast exalted Kingu to be thy spouse,
| |
| − | Thou hast... him, that, even as Anu, he should issue deerees.
| |
| − | thou hast followed after evil,
| |
| − | And against the gods my fathers thou hast contrived thy wicked plan.
| |
| − | Let then thy host be equipped, let thy weapons be girded on!
| |
| − | Stand! I and thou, let us join battle!
| |
| | When Tiamat heard these words, | | When Tiamat heard these words, |
| | She was like one posessed, .she lost her reason. | | She was like one posessed, .she lost her reason. |
| Line 509: |
Line 141: |
| | Then advanced Tiamat and Marduk, the counselor of the gods; | | Then advanced Tiamat and Marduk, the counselor of the gods; |
| | To the fight they came on, to the battle they drew nigh. | | To the fight they came on, to the battle they drew nigh. |
| − | The lord spread out his net and caught her,
| + | Tiamat, the archetype of the devouring mother, opens her horrible maw to its full extent to devour Maduk, but he releases a mighty wind which fills and bursts her belly. He then pierces her internal organs and her very heart. Casting her body down, Marduk stands in triumphant about the slain mother of the gods. |
| − | And the evil wind that was behind him he let loose in her face.
| |
| − | As Tiamat opened her mouth to its full extent,
| |
| − | He drove in the evil wind, while as yet she had not shut her lips.
| |
| − | The terrible winds filled her belly,
| |
| − | And her courage was taken from her, and her mouth she opened wide.
| |
| − | He seized the spear and burst her belly, | |
| − | He severed her inward parts, he pierced her heart.
| |
| − | He overcame her and cut off her life;
| |
| − | He cast down her body and stood upon it.
| |
| − | When he had slain Tiamat, the leader,
| |
| − | Her might was broken, her host was scattered.
| |
| − | And the gods her helpers, who marched by her side,
| |
| − | Trembled, and were afraid, and turned back.
| |
| − | They took to flight to save their lives;
| |
| − | But they were surrounded, so that they could not escape.
| |
| − | He took them captive, he broke their weapons;
| |
| − | In the net they were caught and in the snare they sat down.
| |
| − | The ... of the world they filled with cries of grief.
| |
| − | They received punishment from him, they were held in bondage.
| |
| − | And on the eleven creatures which she had filled with the power of striking terror,
| |
| − | Upon the troop of devils, who marched at her...,
| |
| − | He brought affliction, their strength he...;
| |
| − | Them and their opposition he trampled under his feet.
| |
| − | Moreover, Kingu, who had been exalted over them,
| |
| − | He conquered, and with the god Dug-ga he counted him.
| |
| − | He took from him the Tablets of Destiny that were not rightly his,
| |
| − | He sealed them with a seal and in his own breast he laid them.
| |
| − | Now after the hero Marduk had conquered and cast down his enemies,
| |
| − | And had made the arrogant foe even like
| |
| − | And had fully established Ansar's triumph over the enemy
| |
| − | And had attained the purpose of Nudimmud,
| |
| − | Over the captive gods he strengthened his durance,
| |
| − | And unto Tiamat, whom be had conquered, be returned.
| |
| − | And the lord stood upon Tiamat's hinder parts,
| |
| − | And with his merciless club he smashed her skull.
| |
| − | He cut through the channels of her blood,
| |
| − | And he made the North wind bear it away into secret places.
| |
| − | His fathers beheld, and they rejoiced and were glad;
| |
| − | Presents and gifts they brought unto him.
| |
| − | Then the lord rested, gazing upon her dead body,
| |
| − | While he divided the flesh of the ... , and devised a cunning plan.
| |
| − | He split her up like a flat fish into two halves;
| |
| − | One half of her he stablished as a covering for heaven.
| |
| − | He fixed a bolt, he stationed a watchman,
| |
| − | And bade them not to let her waters come forth.
| |
| − | He passed through the heavens, he surveyed the regions thereof,
| |
| − | And over against the Deep he set the dwelling of Nudimmud.
| |
| − | And the lord measured the structure of the Deep,
| |
| − | And he founded E-sara, a mansion like unto it.
| |
| − | The mansion E-sara which he created as heaven,
| |
| − | He caused Anu, Bel, and Ea in their districts to inhabit.
| |
| | | | |
| − | THE FIFTH TABLET
| + | Marduk proceeds to capture the gods who sided with Tiamat and to break their weaponsr. They fill the world with their cries of grief. He defeats Kingu and takes from him the coveted Tablets of Destiny. |
| | | | |
| − | He (Marduk) made the stations for the great gods;
| + | The then smashes Tiamat’s skull with his club and splits he into like a huge fish or clam. One half of he titanic body becomes the sky, while the other becomes the … |
| − | The stars, their images, as the stars of the Zodiac, he fixed. | |
| − | He ordained the year and into sections he divided it;
| |
| − | For the twelve months he fixed three stars.
| |
| − | After he had ... the days of the year ... images,
| |
| − | He founded the station of Nibir [the planet Jupiter] to determine their bounds;
| |
| − | That none might err or go astray,
| |
| − | He set the station of Bel and Ea along with him.
| |
| − | He opened great gates on both sides,
| |
| − | He made strong the bolt on the left and on the right.
| |
| − | In the midst thereof he fixed the zenith;
| |
| − | The Moon-god he caused to shine forth, the night he entrusted to him.
| |
| − | He appointed him, a being of the night, to determine the days;
| |
| − | Every month without ceasing with the crown he covered him, saying:
| |
| − | "At the beginning of the month, when thou shinest upon the land,
| |
| − | Thou commandest the horns to determine six days,
| |
| − | And on the seventh day to divide the crown.
| |
| − | On the fourteenth day thou shalt stand opposite, the half....
| |
| − | When the Sun-god on the foundation of heaven...thee,
| |
| − | The ... thou shalt cause to ..., and thou shalt make his...
| |
| − | ... unto the path of the Sun-god shalt thou cause to draw nigh,
| |
| − | And on the ... day thou shalt stand opposite, and the Sun-god shall...
| |
| − | ... to traverse her way.
| |
| − | ... thou shalt cause to draw nigh, and thou shalt judge the right.
| |
| − | ... to destroy..."
| |
| | | | |
| − | [Nearly fifty lines are here lost.]
| + | THE FIFTH TABLET |
| | | | |
| − | The gods, his fathers, beheld the net which he had made,
| + | Next Marduk creates the Zodiac, heavenly bodies, and the god of the Sun much of this tablet are lost. |
| − | They beheld the bow and how its work was accomplished.
| |
| − | They praised the work which he had done...
| |
| − | Then Anu raised the ... in the assembly of the gods. He kissed the bow, saving, " It is...!"
| |
| − | And thus he named the names of the bow, saving,
| |
| − | "'Long-wood' shall be one name, and the second name shall be ...,
| |
| − | And its third name shall be the Bow-star, in heaven shall it...!"
| |
| − | Then he fixed a station for it...
| |
| − | Now after the fate of...
| |
| − | He set a throne...
| |
| − | ...in heaven...
| |
| − | [The remainder of this tablet is missing.]
| |
| | | | |
| | THE SIXTH TABLET | | THE SIXTH TABLET |
| | | | |
| − | When Marduk heard the word of the gods,
| + | Marduk decides to make humankind as the servants of the gods. |
| − | His heart prompted him and he devised a cunning plan.
| |
| − | He opened his mouth and unto Ea he spake
| |
| − | That which he had conceived in his heart he imparted unto him:
| |
| | "My blood will I take and bone will I fashion | | "My blood will I take and bone will I fashion |
| | I will make man, that man may | | I will make man, that man may |
| | I will create man who shall inhabit the earth, | | I will create man who shall inhabit the earth, |
| − | That the service of the gods may be established, and that their shrines may be built.
| |
| − | But I will alter the ways of the gods, and I will change their paths;
| |
| − | Together shall they be oppressed and unto evil shall they....
| |
| − | And Ea answered him and spake the word:
| |
| − | "... the ... of the gods I have changed
| |
| − | ... and one...
| |
| − | ... shall be destroyed and men will I...
| |
| − | ... and the gods .
| |
| − | ... and they..."
| |
| − |
| |
| − | [The rest of the text is wanting with the exception of
| |
| − | the last few lines of the tablet, which read as follows.]
| |
| | | | |
| − | They rejoiced...
| |
| − | In Upsukkinnaku they set their dwelling.
| |
| − | Of the heroic son, their avenger, they cried:
| |
| − | " We, whom he succored.... !"
| |
| | | | |
| | They seated themselves and in the assembly they named him..., | | They seated themselves and in the assembly they named him..., |
| Line 637: |
Line 164: |
| | THE SEVENTH TABLET | | THE SEVENTH TABLET |
| | | | |
| − | O Asari, [Marduk] "Bestower of planting," "Founder of sowing"
| + | The gods sing a hymn of priase to Marduk, |
| − | "Creator of grain and plants," "who caused the green herb to spring up!"
| |
| − | O Asaru-alim, [Mardk] "who is revered in the house of counsel," "who aboundeth in counsel,"
| |
| − | The gods paid homage, fear took hold upon them!
| |
| | | | |
| | O Asaru-alim-nuna, [Marduk] "the mighty one," "the Light of the father who begat him," | | O Asaru-alim-nuna, [Marduk] "the mighty one," "the Light of the father who begat him," |
| Line 652: |
Line 176: |
| | Let him therefore be exalted, and in the assembly of the gods let him... ; | | Let him therefore be exalted, and in the assembly of the gods let him... ; |
| | None among the gods can rival him! | | None among the gods can rival him! |
| − | 15 Tutu [Marduk] is Zi-ukkina, "the Life of the host of the gods,"
| + | ... |
| − | Who established for the gods the bright heavens.
| |
| − | He set them on their way, and ordained their path;
| |
| − | Never shall his ... deeds be forgotten among men.
| |
| − | Tutu as Zi-azag thirdly they named, "the Bringer of Purification,"
| |
| − | "The God of the Favoring Breeze," "the Lord of Hearing and Mercy,"
| |
| − | "The Creator of Fulness and Abundance," " the Founder of Plenteousness,"
| |
| − | "Who increaseth all that is small."
| |
| − | In sore distress we felt his favoring breeze,"
| |
| − | Let them say, let them pay reverence, let them bow in humility before him!
| |
| − | Tutu as Aga-azag may mankind fourthly magnify!
| |
| − | "The Lord of the Pure Incantation," " the Quickener of the Dead,"
| |
| − | "Who had mercy upon the captive gods,"
| |
| − | "Who removed the yoke from upon the gods his enemies,"
| |
| − | "For their forgiveness did he create mankind,"
| |
| − | "The Merciful One, with whom it is to bestow life!"
| |
| − | May his deeds endure, may they never be forgotten ,
| |
| − | In the mouth of mankind whom his hands have made!
| |
| − | Tutu as Mu-azag, fifthly, his "Pure incantation" may their mouth proclaim,
| |
| − | Who through his Pure Incantation hath destroyed all the evil ones!"
| |
| − | Sag-zu, [Marduk] "who knoweth the heart of the gods," " who seeth through the innermost part!"
| |
| − | "The evil-doer he hath not caused to go forth with him!"
| |
| − | "Founder of the assembly of the gods," who ... their heart!"
| |
| − | "Subduer of the disobedient," "...!"
| |
| − | "Director of Righteousness," "...,"
| |
| − | " Who rebellion and...!"
| |
| − | Tutu as Zi-si, "the ...,"
| |
| − | "Who put an end to anger," "who...!"
| |
| − | Tutu as Suh-kur, thirdly, "the Destroyer of the foe,"
| |
| − | "Who put their plans to confusion,"
| |
| − | "Who destroyed all the wicked," "...,"
| |
| − | ... let them... !
| |
| − | | |
| − | [There is a gap here of sixty lines. But somewhere among the lost lines belong the following fragments.]
| |
| − | | |
| − | who...
| |
| − | He named the four quarters of the world, mankind hecreated,
| |
| − | And upon him understanding...
| |
| − | "The mighty one...!"
| |
| − | Agil...
| |
| − | "The Creator of the earth...!"
| |
| − | Zulummu... .
| |
| − | "The Giver of counsel and of whatsoever...!"
| |
| − | Mummu, " the Creator of...!"
| |
| − | Mulil, the heavens...,
| |
| − | "Who for...!"
| |
| − | Giskul, let...,
| |
| − | "Who brought the gods to naught....!"
| |
| − | ...............
| |
| − | ... " the Chief of all lords,"
| |
| − | ... supreme is his might!
| |
| − | Lugal-durmah, "the King of the band of the gods," " the Lord of rulers."
| |
| − | "Who is exalted in a royal habitation,"
| |
| − | "Who among the gods is gloriously supreme!
| |
| − | Adu-nuna, " the Counselor of Ea," who created the gods his fathers,
| |
| − | Unto the path of whose majesty
| |
| − | No god can ever attain!
| |
| − | ... in Dul-azag be made it known,
| |
| − | ... pure is his dwelling!
| |
| − | ... the... of those without understanding is Lugaldul-azaga!
| |
| − | ... supreme is his might!
| |
| − | ... their... in the midst of Tiamat,
| |
| − | ... of the battle!
| |
| − | | |
| − | [Here follows the better-preserved ending.]
| |
| − | | |
| − | ... the star, which shineth in the heavens.
| |
| − | 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 his name be Nibiru, 'the Seizer of the Midst'!
| |
| − | For the stars of heaven he upheld the paths,
| |
| − | He shepherded all the gods like sheep!
| |
| − | He conquered Tiamat, he troubled and ended her life,"
| |
| − | In the future of mankind, when the days grow old,
| |
| − | May this be heard without ceasing; may it hold sway forever!
| |
| − | Since he created the realm of heaven and fashioned the firm earth,
| |
| − | The Lord of the World," the father Bel hath called his name.
| |
| − | This title, which all the Spirits of Heaven proclaimed,
| |
| − | Did Ea hear, and his spirit was rejoiced, and he said:
| |
| − | "He whose name his fathers have made glorious,
| |
| − | Shall be even as I, his name shall be Ea!
| |
| − | The binding of all my decrees shall he control,
| |
| − | All my commands shall he make known! "
| |
| − | By the name of "Fifty " did the great gods
| |
| − | Proclaim his fifty names, they, made his path preeminent.
| |
| − | | |
| − | EPILOGUE
| |
| − | | |
| − | Let them [i.e. the names of Marduk] be held in remembrances and let the first man proclaim them;
| |
| − | Let the wise and the understanding consider them together!
| |
| − | Let the father repeat them and teach them to his son;
| |
| − | Let them be in the ears of the pastor and the shepherd!
| |
| − | Let a man rejoice in Marduk, the Lord of the gods,
| |
| − | That be may cause his land to be fruitful, and that he himself may have prosperity!
| |
| − | His word standeth fast, his command is unaltered;
| |
| − | The utterance of his mouth hath no god ever annulled.
| |
| − | He gazed in his anger, he turned not his neck;
| |
| − | When he is wroth, no god can withstand his indignation.
| |
| − | Wide is his heart, broad is his compassion;
| |
| − | The sinner and evil-doer in his presence...
| |
| − | They received instruction, they spake before him,
| |
| − | ... unto...
| |
| − | ... of Marduk may the gods...;
| |
| − | ... May they ... his name... !
| |
| − | ... they took and...
| |
| − | ...................................!
| |
| − | | |
| − | END OF THE CREATION EPIC
| |
| − | THE FIGHT WITH TIAMAT
| |
| − | | |
| − | (ANOTHER VERSION)
| |
| − | [Note: Strictly speaking, the text is not a creation-legend, though it gives a variant form of the principal incident in the history of the creation according to the Enuma Elish. Here the fight with the dragon did not precede the creation of the world, but took place after men had been created and cities had been built.]
| |
| − | | |
| − | The cities sighed, men ...
| |
| − | Men uttered lamentation, they ...
| |
| − | For their lamentation there was none to help,
| |
| − | For their grief there was none to take them by the hand.
| |
| − | · Who was the dragon... ?
| |
| − | Tiamat was the dragon.....
| |
| − | Bel in heaven hath formed.....
| |
| − | Fifty kaspu [A kaspu is the space that can be covered in two hours travel, i.e. six or seven miles] in his length, one kaspu in his height,
| |
| − | Six cubits is his mouth, twelve cubits his...,
| |
| − | Twelve cubits is the circuit of his ears...;
| |
| − | For the space of sixty cubits he ... a bird;
| |
| − | In water nine cubits deep he draggeth...."
| |
| − | He raiseth his tail on high...;
| |
| − | All the gods of heaven...
| |
| − | In heaven the gods bowed themselves down before the Moon-god...;
| |
| − | The border of the Moon-god's robe they hastily grasped:
| |
| − | "Who will go and slay the dragon,"
| |
| − | And deliver the broad land from...
| |
| − | And become king over... ?
| |
| − | " Go, Tishu, slav the dragon,
| |
| − | And deliver the broad land from...,
| |
| − | And become king over...!"
| |
| − | Thou hast sent me, O Lord, to... the raging creatures of the river,
| |
| − | But I know not the... of the Dragon!
| |
| − | | |
| − | [The rest of the Obverse and the upper part of the Reverse of the tablet are wanting.]
| |
| − | | |
| − | REVERSE
| |
| − | ................
| |
| − | And opened his mouth and spake unto the god...
| |
| − | " Stir up cloud, and storm and tempest!
| |
| − | The seal of thy life shalt thou set before thy face,
| |
| − | Thou shalt grasp it, and thou shalt slay the dragon."
| |
| − | He stirred up cloud, and storm and tempest,
| |
| − | He set the seal of his life before his face,
| |
| − | He grasped it, and he slew the dragon.
| |
| − | For three years and three months, one day and one night
| |
| − | The blood of the dragon flowed. ...
| |
| | | | |
| | ==Enuma Elish and Genesis== | | ==Enuma Elish and Genesis== |
| | Genesis and Enuma Elish creation myth comparisons | | Genesis and Enuma Elish creation myth comparisons |
| − | One of the two Bible creation myths was probably derived from the much older Mesopotamian creation myth "Enuma Elish". | + | One of the two Bible creation myths was probably derived from the much older Mesopotamian creation myth "Enuma Elish." |
| | | | |
| | The six days of creation in the Genesis myth parallel the six generations of gods in the Enuma Elish myth in type of god in Enuma Elish that is created (i.e. god of the earth) to what is created or happens on the corresponding day in Genesis (i.e. the waters are gathered together to expose dry land). | | The six days of creation in the Genesis myth parallel the six generations of gods in the Enuma Elish myth in type of god in Enuma Elish that is created (i.e. god of the earth) to what is created or happens on the corresponding day in Genesis (i.e. the waters are gathered together to expose dry land). |
| Line 874: |
Line 248: |
| | Anu was their heir... (Anu was the god of the sky) ... | | Anu was their heir... (Anu was the god of the sky) ... |
| | | | |
| − | (Gen 1:16 NRSV) God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night— and the stars. ... (and set them in the sky dome) | + | (Gen 1:16 NRSV) God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night— and the stars. ... (and set them in the sky dome) |
| | | | |
| | (Gen 1:19 NRSV) ...evening and there was morning, the fourth day. | | (Gen 1:19 NRSV) ...evening and there was morning, the fourth day. |
Template:Mesopotamian myth (Babylon)
Enûma Eliš (also transliterated Enuma Elish) is the Babylonian or Mesopotamian creation epic. It was first discovered by modern scholars in fragmentary form in the ruined library of Ashurbanipal at Nineveh, near Mosul, Iraq).
Enûma Elish has about a thousand lines and was recorded in Akkadian on seven clay tablets. Several additional finds have supplemented gaps in the original tables. However, the majority of Tablet V has never been recovered.
This epic is one of the most important sources for understanding the Babylonian worldview, centered on the supremacy of the god Marduk and the creation of mankind as the servants of the gods. Its primary original purpose, however, seems to be the elevation of Marduk, the chief god of Babylon, above other older Mesopotamian deities.
This epic dates to the eighth century B.C.E. However, scholars believe that it contains elements of much older stories. Many see a connection between Enuma Elish and the creation story of Genesis 1, as well Canaanite mythology explaining the supremacy of Baal over other older gods.
Summary
The title of Enuma Elish means "When on High," derived from the story’s opening line. The epic describes two primeval gods: Apsu (representing the upper, fresh waters) and Tiamat (goddess of the lower, salt waters), whose fluids join to generate creation. Several other gods spring from the union of the original pair. However, disharmony prevails, and Apsu is provoked to move against the younger gods. Ea, at the time the most powerful of the deities, learns of the plan, puts Apsu to sleep, and kills him. Ea then begets a son, Marduk, greater still than himself.
Tiamat is persuaded to take revenge for the death of her husband. Her power grows, and some of the gods join her. She elevates Kingu as her new husband and gives him supreme dominion. The other gods are unable to resist Kingu’s power and elect the young Marduk as their champion. In a mighty battle, he defeats and kills Tiamat and forms the world from her corpse.
The gods who sided with Tiamat are initially forced to labor in the service of the other gods. Eventually they are freed from their servitude when Marduk decides to slay Kingu and use his blood to create humankind to serve the gods. Babylon is established as the residence of the chief gods. Finally, the gods confer kingship on Marduk, hailing him with fifty titles.
Particularly noteworthy is Marduk's symbolic elevation over Enlil, who was seen by earlier Mesopotamian civilizations as the king of the gods. Scholars believe Enuma Elish may have served to explain or justify Marduk’s replacement of Enlil, as well as Babylon’s superiority over other more ancient religious centers.
The Tablets
First tablet
Apsu and Tiamat mingle their waters together, causing Tiamat to give birth to heaven and earth, as well as the other deities. As the ages roll and various other divinities come into existence. However, confusion reigns, preventing the primordial couple from taking their rest. They call upon their first-born, Mummu, for a solution, but find his plan to stifle their other offspring to be too evil. They “sit in sorrow” and lamanetation until the wise Ea approaches. (MORE HERE)
Here the text breaks off and begins again as Tiamat hearkens to the words of the “bright god.” The plan is that war.
The mighty sea-goddess creates powerful weapons and terrible fanged serpents, filling their bodies with venom. She spawns hurricanes, hell-hounds, and scorpion-men, a total of 11 types of horrifying monsters in all. Finally, she raises her son Kingu as her general, clothing him with royal raiment, and naming him as her spouse. Tiamat grants Kingu dominion over all of the other gods, and laying on his breast the Tablets of Destiny.
Second tablet
Tiamat divulges to Ea her plan to avenge Apsu. He consults with his own father, the god Ansar, informing him of Tiamat’s plan to kill many of her own children. Ansar advises his son to attempt to placate Tiamat, which he attempt to do be cannot. Ansar then permits him to oppose Tiamat, and blesses him:
The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot.
... rejoice and be glad;
The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot.
O my son, who knoweth all wisdom,
Pacify Tiamat with thy pure incantation.
Speedily set out upon thy way,
For thy blood shall not be poured out; thou shalt return again."
Third tablet
The gods prepare a banquet for Ea’s son Marduk their champion to oppose Tiamat and Kingu.
He saith that Tiamat our mother hath conceived a hatred for us,
With all her force she rageth, full of wrath.
All the gods have turned to her,
He declares: "If I, your avenger,
Conquer Tiamat and give you life,
Appoint an assembly, make my fate preeminent and proclaim it.
In Upsukkinaku seat yourself joyfully together;
With my word in place of you will I decree fate.
May whatsoever I do remain unaltered,
May the word of my lips never be changed nor made of no avail."'
Hasten, therefore, and swiftly decree for him the fate which you bestow,
That he may go and fight your strong enemy.
Gaga went, he took his way and
Humbly before Lahmu and Lahamu, the gods, his fathers,
He made obeisance, and he kissed the ground at their feet.
He humbled himself; then he stood up and spake unto them saying:
With splendor she hath decked them, she hath made them of lofty stature.
Whoever beboldeth them, terror overcometh him,
Their bodies rear up and none can withstand their attack.
She hath set up vipers, and dragons, and the monster Lahamu,
And hurricanes, and raging hounds, and scorpion-men,
And mighty tempests, and fish-men, and rams;
They bear merciless weapons, without fear of the fight.
Her commands are mighty; none can resist them;
After this fashion, huge of stature, hath she made eleven monsters.
Among the gods who are her sons, inasmuch as he hath given her support,
She hath exalted Kingu; in their midst she hath raised him to power.
To march before the forces, to lead the host,
To give the battle-signal, to advance to the attack, To direct the battle, to control the fight,
Unto him hath she entrusted; in costlv raiment she hath made him sit, saving:
I have uttered thy spell; in the assembly of the gods I have raised thee to power,
The dominion over all the gods have I entrusted unto thee.
Be thou exalted, thou my chosen spouse,
May they magnify thy name over all of them...the Anunnaki.
She hath given him the Tablets of Destiny on his breast she laid them, saving:
Thy command shall not be without avail, and the word of thy mouth shall be established.'
Now Kingu, thus exalted, having received the power of Anu,
Decreed the fate for the gods, her sons, saying:
'Let the opening of your mouth quench the Fire-god;
Whoso is exalted in the battle, let him display his might!'
I sent Anu, but he could not withstand her;
Nudimmud was afraid and turned back.
But Marduk hath set out, the director of the gods, your son;
To set out against Tiamat his heart hath prompted him.
He opened his mouth and spake unto me, saying:
'If I, your avenger,
Conquer Tiamat and give you life,
Appoint an assembly, make my fate preeminent and proclaim it.
In Upsukkinaku seat yourselves joyfully together;
With my word in place of you will I decree fate.
May, whatsoever I do remain unaltered,
May the word of my lips never be changed nor made of no avail.'
Then did they collect and go,
The great gods, all of them, who decree fate.
They entered in before Ansar, they filled...
They kissed one another, in the assembly...;
They made ready for the feast, at the banquet they sat;
They ate bread, they mixed sesame-wine.
The sweet drink, the mead, confused their...
They were drunk with drinking, their bodies were filled.
They were wholly at ease, their spirit was exalted;
Then for Marduk, their avenger, did they decree the fate.
Fourth tablet
The gods declare Marduk their general and king.
They bestowed upon him the scepter, and the throne, and the ring,
They give him an invincible weapony which overwhelmeth the foe.
“Go, and cut off the life of Tiamat,
And let the wind carry her blood into secret places."
Marduk arms for combat with mighty weapons, flame, and lightning.
He makes a net if seven winds to entrap “the inward parts” of Tiamat,
He then confronts the fearsome goddess of the sea and her champion.
Seeing Marduk’s awesome character, Kingu loses his nerve, and his companions suffer a similar loss of morale. Tiamat, however, rages against him will all her power.
“Let then thy host be equipped, let thy weapons be girded on!” cries Marduk.
“Stand! I and thou, let us join battle!”
When Tiamat heard these words,
She was like one posessed, .she lost her reason.
Tiamat uttered wild, piercing cries,
She trembled and shook to her very foundations.
She recited an incantation, she pronounced her spell,
And the gods of the battle cried out for their weapons.
Then advanced Tiamat and Marduk, the counselor of the gods;
To the fight they came on, to the battle they drew nigh.
Tiamat, the archetype of the devouring mother, opens her horrible maw to its full extent to devour Maduk, but he releases a mighty wind which fills and bursts her belly. He then pierces her internal organs and her very heart. Casting her body down, Marduk stands in triumphant about the slain mother of the gods.
Marduk proceeds to capture the gods who sided with Tiamat and to break their weaponsr. They fill the world with their cries of grief. He defeats Kingu and takes from him the coveted Tablets of Destiny.
The then smashes Tiamat’s skull with his club and splits he into like a huge fish or clam. One half of he titanic body becomes the sky, while the other becomes the …
THE FIFTH TABLET
Next Marduk creates the Zodiac, heavenly bodies, and the god of the Sun much of this tablet are lost.
THE SIXTH TABLET
Marduk decides to make humankind as the servants of the gods.
"My blood will I take and bone will I fashion
I will make man, that man may
I will create man who shall inhabit the earth,
They seated themselves and in the assembly they named him...,
They all cried aloud, they exalted him...
THE SEVENTH TABLET
The gods sing a hymn of priase to Marduk,
O Asaru-alim-nuna, [Marduk] "the mighty one," "the Light of the father who begat him,"
"Who directeth the decrees of Anu Bel, and Ea!"
He was their patron, be ordained their...;
He, whose provision is abundance, goeth forth...
Tutu [Marduk] is "He who created them anew";
Should their wants be pure, then are they satisfied;
Should he make an incantation, then are the gods appeased;
Should they attack him in anger, he withstandeth their onslaught!
Let him therefore be exalted, and in the assembly of the gods let him... ;
None among the gods can rival him!
...
Enuma Elish and Genesis
Genesis and Enuma Elish creation myth comparisons
One of the two Bible creation myths was probably derived from the much older Mesopotamian creation myth "Enuma Elish."
The six days of creation in the Genesis myth parallel the six generations of gods in the Enuma Elish myth in type of god in Enuma Elish that is created (i.e. god of the earth) to what is created or happens on the corresponding day in Genesis (i.e. the waters are gathered together to expose dry land).
Marduk the sixth generation god makes man as a slave so the other gods can rest.
God (Elohim) makes man on the sixth day and he himself rests.
The Enuma Elish six generations of gods:
Tiamat and Apsu (1rst generation) who created
Lahamu (2nd generation) who created
Kishar (3rd generation) who created
Anu (4rth generation) who created
Ea (5th generation) who created
Marduk (6th generation).
To read the entire Enuma Elish Creation myth click here: Entire Enuma Elish Creation Myth
Simularities Between Enuma Elish and Genesis
1rst generation of gods and 1rst day of Genesis creation:
(From start of Enuma Elish)
When on high the heaven had not been named, Firm ground below had not been called by name, Naught but primordial Apsu, their begetter, And Mummu-Tiamat, she who bore them all, Their waters commingling as a single body;
Apsu is the god of water.
Tiamat is the god of primeval chaos and bearer of the sky and the earth.
(Gen 1:1-2 NRSV) In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep (or watery chaos), (Tehowm) while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. ...
(Gen 1:5 NRSV) ...And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
2nd and 3rd generation of gods and 2nd and 3rd day of Genesis creation:
... Lahmu and Lahamu were brought forth, by name they were called. ... Anshar and Kishar were formed, surpassing the others. ...
(Lahamu was the god of muddy silt and Kishar was the god of the Earth)
(Gen 1:6-7 NRSV) And God said, "Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters."
(Here God (Elohim) slices the waters into two with a sky dome to make the sky and the oceans, in Enuma Elish this also parallels Marduk slicing Tiamat (Tehowm in the bible) into two to make the land and sky.)
(Gen 1:8 NRSV) ...evening and there was morning, the second day.
(Gen 1:9-10 NRSV) And God said, "Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. ...
(Gen 1:13 NRSV) ...evening and there was morning, the third day.
4rth generation of gods and 4rth day of Genesis creation:
Anu was their heir... (Anu was the god of the sky) ...
(Gen 1:16 NRSV) God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night— and the stars. ... (and set them in the sky dome)
(Gen 1:19 NRSV) ...evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
5th generation of gods and 5th day of Genesis creation:
He who begot him (Marduk) was Ea, (Ea was the god of all things of the Earth and also of cantations, when he speaks things are made (God (Elohim) makes things by speaking))
(Gen 1:21 NRSV) So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. ...
(Gen 1:23 NRSV) evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
6th generation of gods and 6th day of Genesis creation:
In the heart of holy Apsu was Marduk created. He who begot him was Ea, his father;
(Marduk became king of the Gods and creator of man) "Blood I will mass and cause bones to be.
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! (Parallel this with God (Elohim) resting after creating man)
(Gen 1:26 NRSV) Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image,
(Gen 1:31 NRSV) ...evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
(Gen 2:2 NRSV) And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done.
So Marduk made man a slave so the gods could rest. After God (Elohim) makes man he rests on the seventh day:
References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Olrik, Axel (Kirsten Wolf and Jody Jensen trs.) Principles for Oral Narrative Research, Indiana University Press 1992
- Hamblin, D.J., “Has the Garden of Eden Been Located At Last?,” Smithsonian Magazine, 18:2, May 1987.
- Armstrong, James A. “West of Edin: Tell al-Deylam and the Babylonian City of Dilbat,” Biblical Archaeologist, Volume 55, 1992 (2001 electronic ed.)
External links
Credits
New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article
in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:
The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:
Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.
