 |
© Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 The ETCSL project, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford |
 |
| ETCSLtranslation |
| Enki and Ninḫursaĝa: c.1.1.1 Ninḫursaĝa cursed the name Enki: "Until his dying day, I will never look upon him with life-giving eye." The Anuna sat down in the dust. But a fox was able to speak to Enlil: "If I bring Ninḫursaĝa to you, what will be my reward?" Enlil answered the fox: "If you bring Ninḫursaĝa to me, I shall erect two birch (?) trees for you in my city and you will be renowned." |
| Enki and Ninḫursaĝa: c.1.1.1 Ninḫursaĝa hastened to the temple. The Anuna slipped off her garment, made ……, determined its destiny and ……. Ninḫursaĝa made Enki sit by her vagina. { (1 line not in the ms. from Nibru:) She placed (?) her hands on ……. and ……. on its outside. } |
| Enki and Ninmaḫ: c.1.1.2 In those days, in the days when heaven and earth were created; in those nights, in the nights when heaven and earth were created; in those years, in the years when the fates were determined; when the Anuna gods were born; when the goddesses were taken in marriage; when the goddesses were distributed in heaven and earth; when the goddesses …… became pregnant and gave birth; when the gods were obliged (?) …… their food …… dining halls; the senior gods oversaw the work, while the minor gods were bearing the toil. The gods were digging the canals and piling up the silt in Ḫarali. The gods, crushing the clay, began complaining about this life. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 Grandiloquent lord of heaven and earth, self-reliant, Father Enki, engendered by a bull, begotten by a wild bull, cherished by Enlil, the Great Mountain, beloved by holy An, king, meš tree planted in the Abzu, rising over all lands; great dragon who stands in Eridug, whose shadow covers heaven and earth, a grove of vines extending over the Land, Enki, lord of plenty of the Anuna gods, Nudimmud, mighty one of the E-kur, strong one of heaven and earth! Your great house is founded in the Abzu, the great mooring-post of heaven and earth. Enki, from whom a single glance is enough to unsettle the heart of the mountains; wherever bison are born, where stags are born, where ibex are born, where wild goats are born, in meadows ……, in hollows in the heart of the hills, in green …… unvisited by man, you have fixed your gaze on the heart of the Land as on split reeds. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 Enki, the king of the Abzu, rejoicing in great splendour, justly praises himself: "My father, the king of heaven and earth, made me famous in heaven and earth. My elder brother, the king of all the lands, gathered up all the divine powers and placed them in my hand. I brought the arts and crafts from the E-kur, the house of Enlil, to my Abzu in Eridug. I am the good semen, begotten by a wild bull, I am the first born of An. I am a great storm rising over the great earth, I am the great lord of the Land. I am the principal among all rulers, the father of all the foreign lands. I am the big brother of the gods, I bring prosperity to perfection. I am the seal-keeper of heaven and earth. I am the wisdom and understanding of all the foreign lands. With An the king, on An's dais, I oversee justice. With Enlil, looking out over the lands, I decree good destinies. He has placed in my hands the decreeing of fates in the place where the sun rises. I am cherished by Nintur. I am named with a good name by Ninḫursaĝa. I am the leader of the Anuna gods. I was born as the firstborn son of holy An." |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 After the lord had proclaimed his greatness, after the great prince had eulogised himself, the Anuna gods stood there in prayer and supplication: |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 The Anuna gods address affectionately the great prince who has travelled in his Land: "Lord who rides upon the great powers, the pure powers, who controls the great powers, the numberless powers, foremost in all the breadth of heaven and earth; who received the supreme powers in Eridug, the holy place, the most esteemed place, Enki, lord of heaven and earth -- praise!" |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 "Sumer, great mountain, land of heaven and earth, trailing glory, bestowing powers on the people from sunrise to sunset: your powers are superior powers, untouchable, and your heart is complex and inscrutable. Like heaven itself, your just matrix, in which gods too can be born, is beyond reach. Giving birth to kings who put on the good diadem, giving birth to lords who wear the crown on their heads -- your lord, the honoured lord, sits with An the king on An's dais. Your king, the Great Mountain, Father Enlil, the father of all the lands, has blocked you impenetrably (?) like a cedar tree. The Anuna, the great gods, have taken up dwellings in your midst, and consume their food in your giguna shrines among the unique and exceptional trees. Household Sumer, may your sheepfolds be built and your cattle multiply, may your giguna touch the skies. May your good temples reach up to heaven. May the Anuna determine the destinies in your midst." |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 The lord established a shrine, a holy shrine, whose interior is elaborately constructed. He established a shrine in the sea, a holy shrine, whose interior is elaborately constructed. The shrine, whose interior is a tangled thread, is beyond understanding. The shrine's emplacement is situated by the constellation the Field, the holy upper shrine's emplacement faces towards the Chariot constellation. Its terrifying sea is a rising wave, its splendour is fearsome. The Anuna gods dare not approach it. …… to refresh their hearts, the palace rejoices. The Anuna stand by with prayers and supplications. They set up a great altar for Enki in the E-engura, for the lord ……. The great prince ……. …… the pelican of the sea. (1 line unclear) |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 He filled the E-kur, the house of Enlil, with possessions. Enlil was delighted with Enki and Nibru was glad. He demarcated borders and fixed boundaries. For the Anuna gods, Enki situated dwellings in cities and disposed agricultural land into fields. Enki placed in charge of the whole of heaven and earth the hero, the bull who comes out of the ḫašur forest bellowing truculently, the youth Utu, the bull standing triumphantly, audaciously, majestically, the father of the Great City (an expression for the underworld), the great herald in the east of holy An, the judge who searches out verdicts for the gods, with a lapis-lazuli beard, rising from the horizon into the holy heavens -- Utu, the son born by Ningal. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 "Enlil left it in your hands to confirm the functions of the Anuna, the great gods. Why did you treat me, the woman, in an exceptional manner? I am holy Inana -- where are my functions?" |
| Enki's journey to Nibru: c.1.1.4 In the shrine of Nibru, Enki provided a meal for Enlil, his father. He seated An at the head of the table and seated Enlil next to An. He seated Nintur in the place of honour and seated the Anuna gods at the adjacent places (?). All of them were drinking and enjoying beer and liquor. They filled the bronze aga vessels to the brim and started a competition, drinking from the bronze vessels of Uraš. They made the tilimda vessels shine like holy barges. After beer and liquor had been libated and enjoyed, and after …… from the house, Enlil was made happy in Nibru. |
| Enki's journey to Nibru: c.1.1.4 Enlil addressed the Anuna gods: "Great gods who are standing here! Anuna, who have lined up in the Ubšu-unkena! My son, King Enki has built up the temple! He has made Eridug { rise up (?) } { (1 ms. has instead:) come out } from the ground like a mountain! He has built it in a pleasant place, in Eridug, the pure place, where no one is to enter -- a temple built with silver and decorated with lapis lazuli, a house which tunes the seven tigi drums properly, and provides incantations; where holy songs make all of the house a lovely place -- the shrine of the abzu, the good destiny of Enki, befitting the elaborate divine powers; the temple of Eridug, built with silver: for all this, Father Enki be praised!" |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 The heart of the wise lord pounded. He called for Nuska." What is your wish?" He gave the following instructions to him: "I want you to go back to Ereš, the city of Nisaba, the city whose foundations are august. Do not delay! Repeat to her what I am going to tell you: "I am a young man, I have sent this message to you because of my wish: I want to take your daughter as wife. Give me your consent. I will send you presents in my name, …… my marriage gifts. I am Enlil, the descendant and offspring of Anšar, the noble, the lord of heaven and earth. The name of your daughter shall become Ninlil, and all the foreign countries shall …… it. I will present her with the Ĝa-ĝiš-šua as her storehouse. I will give her the Ki-ur to be her beloved private quarters. She shall { sit } { (1 ms. has instead:) live } with me in the E-kur, { my } { (1 ms. has instead:) the } august dais. She shall determine fates. She shall apportion the divine powers among the Anuna, the great gods. And as for you, I will place in your hands the lives of the black-headed people." When you get there, let the woman I have chosen for her beauty …… her mother. Do not go to her empty-handed, but take her some jewellery in your left hand. Waste no time. Return with her answer quickly." |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 "May he destroy the lands as a snake in a crevice. May he make them slither around like a saĝkal snake coming down from a mountain. May he establish control over the mountain, examine it and know its length. May he go out on the holy campaign of An and know its depth. I want to surpass the other deities, since the Anuna deities have ……." |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 "It has poured fearsome terror on the abodes of the gods. It has spread fear among the holy dwellings of the Anuna deities. Its fearsomeness is terrible and weighs upon the Land. The mountain range's radiance is terrible and weighs upon all the lands. Its arrogance extends grandly to the centre of heaven." |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 After she had crouched down and had her clothes removed, they were carried away. Then she made her sister Ereškigala rise from her throne, and instead she sat on her throne. The Anuna, the seven judges, rendered their decision against her. They looked at her -- it was the look of death. They spoke to her -- it was the speech of anger. They shouted at her -- it was the shout of heavy guilt. The afflicted woman was turned into a corpse. And the corpse was hung on a hook. |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 Ereškigala said to the gala-tura and the kur-ĝara: "Bring your queen ……, your …… has been seized." Inana, because of Enki's instructions, was about to ascend from the underworld. But as Inana was about to ascend from the underworld, the Anuna seized her: "Who has ever ascended from the underworld, has ascended unscathed from the underworld? If Inana is to ascend from the underworld, let her provide a substitute for herself." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 Created like An, O son of Enlil, Ninurta, created like Enlil, born by Nintur, mightiest of the Anuna gods, who came forth from the mountain range, imbued with terrible awesomeness, son of Enlil, confident in his strength, my sovereign, you are magnificent -- let your magnificence therefore be praised. Ninurta, you are magnificent -- let your magnificence therefore be praised. |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 You have made the gods prostrate (?) themselves before you. You have made the Anuna salute (?) you. Ninurta, you are made complete by heroic strength. |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 The lion who …… from the abzu, who …… An's awesomeness and radiance -- the Anuna, the great gods ……. |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 "The Anuna, the great gods ……. Do not frighten your father in his residence. Do not frighten Enlil in his residence. May your father give you gifts because of your heroic strength. May Enlil give you gifts because of your heroic strength." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 He directed his captive wild bulls into the temple. He directed his captive cows, like the wild bulls, into the temple. He laid out the booty of his plundered cities. The Anuna were amazed ……. Enlil, the Great Mountain, made obeisance to him, and Ašimbabbar prayed to him. |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 "Because I am the lord of the terraced mountain ranges, in every direction ……. Because I have subjugated these mountain ranges of alabaster and lapis lazuli, the Anuna hide like mice." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 "Let my beloved city, the sanctuary Nibru, raise its head as high as heaven. Let my city be pre-eminent among the cities of my brothers. Let my temple rise (?) the highest …… among the temples of my brothers. Let the territory of my city be the freshwater well of Sumer. Let the Anuna, my brother gods, bow down there. Let their flying birds establish nests in my city. Let their refugees refresh themselves in my shade." |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 The lord cried "Alas!" so that Heaven trembled, and Earth huddled at his feet and was terrified (?) at his strength. Enlil became confused and went out of the E-kur. The mountains were devastated. That day the earth became dark, the Anuna trembled. The hero beat his thighs with his fists. The gods dispersed; the Anuna disappeared over the horizon like sheep. The lord arose, touching the sky; Ninurta went to battle, with one step (?) he covered a league, he was an alarming storm, and rode on the eight winds towards the rebel lands. His arms grasped the lance. The mace snarled at the mountains, the club began to devour all the enemy. He fitted the evil wind and the sirocco on a pole (?), he placed the quiver on its hook (?). An enormous hurricane, irresistible, went before the hero, stirred up the dust, caused the dust to settle, levelled high and low, filled the holes. It caused a rain of coals and flaming fires; the fire consumed men. It overturned tall trees by their trunks, reducing the forests to heaps, Earth put her hands on her heart and cried harrowingly; the Tigris was muddied, disturbed, cloudy, stirred up. He hurried to battle on the boat Ma-kar-nunta-ea; the people there did not know where to turn, they bumped into (?) the walls. The birds there tried to lift their heads to fly away, but their wings trailed on the ground. The storm flooded out the fish there in the subterranean waters, their mouths snapped at the air. It reduced the animals of the open country to firewood, roasting them like locusts. It was a deluge rising and disastrously ruining the mountains. |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 The Asag leapt up at the head of the battle. For a club it uprooted the sky, took it in its hand; like a snake it slid its head along the ground. It was a mad dog attacking to kill the helpless, dripping with sweat on its flanks. Like a wall collapsing, the Asag fell on Ninurta, the son of Enlil. Like an accursed storm, it howled in a raucous voice; like a gigantic snake, it roared at the Land. It dried up the waters of the mountains, dragged away the tamarisks, tore the flesh of the Earth and covered her with painful wounds. It set fire to the reedbeds, bathed the sky in blood, turned it inside out; it dispersed the people there. At that moment, on that day, the fields became black scum, across the whole extent of the horizon, reddish like purple dye -- truly it was so! An was overwhelmed, crouched, wrung his hands against his stomach; Enlil groaned and hid himself in a corner, the Anuna flattened themselves against walls, the house was full of fearful sighing as of pigeons. The Great Mountain Enlil cried to Ninlil: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "Ĝišnu, whose body shines like the daylight! Purified silver, youth destined for the palace, since you alone held out your hands to me, and you prostrated yourself before me in your mountains, I did not smite you with the club, and I did not turn my strength against you. Hero, you stood firm by me when I yelled out. Your name shall be called benevolence. The treasury of the Land shall be subject to your hand, you shall be its seal-keeper. { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) The Anuna ……. }" |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "God who outstrips the heroes, Lord Ninurta, king of the Anuna gods, holding a cudgel in his right hand, bearded, you fall as a torrent on all enemies; who can rival your great works? Hero, deluge, without equal, the Enki and Ninki deities dare not resist (?) you. Hero who pillages the cities, who subjugates the mountains, son of Enlil, who will rise up against you? Ninurta, lord, son of Enlil, hero, who is like you?" |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 They sang to the lord in the ceremonial (?) boat. The boat, floating of its own accord, was piled up with riches. The boat Ma-kar-nunta-ea proceeded shiningly. To greet the hero from the smiting of weapons, the Anuna …… came to meet him. They pressed their noses to the ground, they placed their hands on their chests. They addressed a prayer and a supplication to the lord: "May your anger be appeased ……. Ninurta, king, Uta-ulu, lift your head to heaven." |
| The death of Gilgameš: c.1.8.1.3 Gilgameš, the son of Ninsumun, set out their audience-gifts for Ereškigala. He set out their gifts for Namtar. He set out their surprises for Dimpikug. He set out their presents for Neti. He set out their presents for Ninĝišzida and Dumuzid. He …… the audience-gifts for Enki, Ninki, Enmul, Ninmul, Endukuga, Nindukuga, Enindašuruma, Nindašuruma, Enmu-utula, En-me-šara, the maternal and paternal ancestors of Enlil; for Šul-pa-e, the lord of the table, for Sumugan and Ninḫursaĝa, for the Anuna gods of the Holy Mound, for the Great Princes of the Holy Mound, for the dead en priests, the dead lagar priests, the dead lumaḫ priests, the dead nindiĝir priestesses, and the dead gudug, the linen-clad and …… priests. (1 line fragmentary)He set out their presents for ……. |
| The death of Gilgameš: c.1.8.1.3 "Go ahead to the place where the Anuna gods, the great gods, sit at the funerary offerings, to the place where the en priests lie, to where the lagar priests lie, to where the lumaḫ priests and the nindiĝir priestesses lie, to where the gudug priests lie, to where the linen-clad priests lie, to where the nindiĝir priestesses lie, to where the …… lie, to the place where your father, your grandfather, your mother, your sisters, your ……, to where your precious friend, your companion, your friend Enkidu, your young comrade, and the governors appointed by the king to the Great City are, to the place where the sergeants of the army lie, to where the captains of the troops lie, (3 lines missing)From the house of ……, the …… will come to meet you. Your jewel will come to meet you, your precious one will come to meet you. The elders of your city will come to meet you. You should not despair, you should not feel depressed." |
| The death of Gilgameš: c.1.8.1.3 "He will now be counted among the Anuna gods. He will be counted a companion of the { (1 ms. adds:) great } gods. …… the governor of the nether world. He will pass judgments and render verdicts, and what he says will be as weighty as the words of Ninĝišzida and Dumuzid." |
| The death of Gilgameš: c.1.8.1.3 "Go ahead to the place where the Anuna gods, the great gods, sit at the funerary offerings, to the place where the en priests lie, to where the lagar priests lie, to where the lumaḫ priests and the nindiĝir priestesses lie, to where the gudug priests lie, to where the linen-clad priests lie, to where the nindiĝir priestesses lie, to where the …… lie, to the place where your father, your grandfather, your mother, your sisters, your ……, to where your precious friend, your companion, your friend Enkidu, your young comrade, and the governors appointed by the king to the Great City are, to the place where the sergeants of the army lie, to where the captains of the troops lie. …… the Great City Arali …… (1 line fragmentary)" |
| The death of Gilgameš: c.1.8.1.3 "He …… the Anuna gods. He will be counted a companion of the great gods. (unknown no. of lines missing)" |
| Lugalbanda in the mountain cave: c.1.8.2.1 (Description of the demons) They make …… Enki, father of the gods; they are ……, they ……; like a string of figs dripping with lusciousness, they hang their arms. They are gazelles of Suen running in flight, they are the fine smooth cloths of Ninlil, they are the helpers of Iškur; they pile up flax, they pile up barley; they are wild animals on the rampage, they descend like a storm on a rebel land hated by Suen, indeed they descend like a storm. They lie up during all the long day, and during the short night they enter …… houses (?); during the long day, during the short night they lie in beds ……, they give ……. At dead of night they ……, in the breeze …… swallows of Utu; they enter into house after house, they peer into street after street, they are talkers, they are repliers to talkers, seeking words with a mother, replying to a great lady; they nestle at the bedside, they smite ……, when the black …… are stolen, they leave …… the doors and tables of humans, they change ……, they tie the door-pivots together. The hero who ……, Utu who ……, the heroic youth Utu of the good word (2 lines unclear) the incantation …… of the youth Utu, which the Anuna, the great gods, do not know, from that time ……, (3 lines unclear) |
| Lugalbanda in the mountain cave: c.1.8.2.1 The wise elders of the city …… (1 line unclear) the incantation …… of the youth Utu, which the Anuna, the great gods, do not know, (5 lines unclear) they are able to enter the presence of Utu, of Enlil, god of the ……, the bearded son of Ningal ……; they give to Suen ……, they confirm with their power the fate of the foreign lands. At dead of night they know the black wild boar, at midday to Utu …… he can …… his incantation, (3 lines unclear) They enter before An, Enlil, ……, Inana, the gods; they know ……, they watch ……, they …… at the window; the door of the shining mountain, the doorbolt of the shining mountain; (4 lines unclear) they stand ……, (1 line unclear) |
| Lugalbanda and the Anzud bird: c.1.8.2.2 Lugalbanda is wise and he achieves mighty exploits. In preparation of the sweet celestial cakes he added carefulness to carefulness. He kneaded the dough with honey, he added more honey to it. He set them before the young nestling, before the Anzud chick, gave the baby fatty meat to eat. He fed it sheep's fat. He popped the cakes into its beak. He settled the Anzud chick in its nest, painted its eyes with kohl, dabbed white cedar scent onto its head, put up a twisted roll of salt meat. He withdrew from the Anzud's nest, awaited him in the mountains where no cypresses grow. At that time the bird was herding together wild bulls of the mountains, Anzud was herding together wild bulls of the mountains. He held a live bull in his talons, he carried a dead bull across his shoulders. He poured forth his bile like 10 gur of water. The bird halted (?) once, Anzud halted (?) once. When the bird called back to the nest, when Anzud called back to the nest, his fledgling did not answer him from the nest. When the bird called a second time to the nest, his fledgling did not answer from the nest. Whenever the bird had called back to the nest before, his fledgling had answered from the nest; but now when the bird called back to the nest, his fledgling did not answer him from the nest. The bird uttered a cry of grief that reached up to heaven, his wife cried out "Woe!" Her cry reached the abzu. The bird with this cry of "Woe!" and his wife with this cry of grief made the Anuna, gods of the mountains, actually crawl into crevices like ants. The bird says to his wife, Anzud says to his wife," Foreboding weighs upon my nest, as over the great cattle-pen of Nanna. Terror lies upon it, as when wild lions start butting each other. Who has taken my child from its nest? Who has taken the Anzud from its nest?" |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 The citizens were purifying an area of 24 iku for him, they were cleansing that area for him. He put juniper, the mountains' pure plant, onto the fire and raised smoke with cedar resin, the scent of gods. For him the day was for praying, and the night passed for him in supplications. In order to build the house of Ninĝirsu, the Anuna gods of the land of Lagaš stood by Gudea in prayer and supplication, and all this made the true shepherd Gudea extremely happy. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 He stretched out lines in the most perfect way; he set up (?) a sanctuary in the holy uzga. In the house, Enki drove in the foundation pegs, while Nanše, the daughter of Eridug, took care of the oracular messages. The mother of Lagaš, holy Ĝatumdug, gave birth to its bricks amid cries (?), and Bau, the lady, first-born daughter of An, sprinkled them with oil and cedar essence. En and lagar priests were detailed to the house to provide maintenance for it. The Anuna gods stood there full of admiration. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 The fearsomeness of the E-ninnu covers all the lands like a garment. The house! It is founded by An on refined silver, it is painted with kohl, and comes out as the moonlight with heavenly splendour. The house! Its front is a great mountain firmly grounded, its inside resounds with incantations and harmonious hymns, its exterior is the sky, a great house rising in abundance, its outer assembly hall is the Anuna gods' place of rendering judgments, from its …… words of prayer can be heard, its food supply is the abundance of the gods, its standards erected around the house are the Anzud bird spreading its wings over the bright mountain. E-ninnu's clay plaster, harmoniously blended clay taken from the Edin canal, has been chosen by its master Lord Ninĝirsu with his holy heart, and was painted by Gudea with the splendours of heaven as if kohl were being poured all over it. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 All the people were placed (?) before it, the whole Land was detailed (?) to it. The Anuna gods stood there in admiration. The ruler, who is wise, who is knowledgeable, kissed the ground before that godly company. He touched the ground in prostration (?), with supplications and prayers; the ruler, the god of his city prayed. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 He went to the Anuna gods and prayed to them: "O all you Anuna gods, admired by the land of Lagaš, protectors of all the countries, whose command, a massive breach in a dam, carries away any who try to stop it. The worthy young man on whom you have looked will enjoy a long life. I, the shepherd, built the house, and now I will let my master enter his house. O Anuna gods, may you pray on my behalf!" |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 The house received fattened oxen and sheep. Bowls were set up in the open air and were filled with wine. The Anuna gods of the land of Lagaš gathered around Lord Ninĝirsu. In the house the purification had been completed, the oracular pronouncements had been taken care of. |
| The lament for Urim: c.2.2.2 "A second time, when the council had settled itself in the pre-eminent place, and the Anuna had seated themselves to ratify decisions, I prostrated (?) myself and stretched out my arms. Truly I shed my tears before An. Truly I myself made supplication to Enlil." Let not my city be destroyed," I implored them." Let not Urim be destroyed," I implored them." Let not its people perish," I implored them. But An did not change that word. Enlil did not soothe my heart with an "It is good -- so be it"." |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 Then my king, the noble son, became distraught. Lord Ašimbabbar, the noble son, grieved. Nanna who loves his city left his city. Suen took an unfamiliar path away from his beloved Urim. In order to go as an exile from her city to foreign territory, Ningal quickly clothed herself and left the city. The Anuna stepped outside of Urim. |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 How did the true city become empty? Its precious designs have been defiled! How were the city's festivals neglected? Its magnificent rites have been thrown into disorder! In the heart of Nibru, where the divine powers were allotted and the black-headed people prolificly multiplied, the city's heart no longer revealed any sign of intelligence -- there where the Anuna used to give advice! In Ubšu-unkena, the place for making great judgments, they no longer impart decisions or justice! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Even now, they command Išme-Dagan that Sumer and Akkad should be restored at your feet, that their scattered people should be returned to their nests! They have brought the news that the magnificent rites of Eridug would not be forgotten, its heart sending forth wisdom, so that good sense should be allotted! The Anuna, the lords who decree fates, order that Adab should be rebuilt, the city whose lady fashions living things, who promotes birthing! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 An and Enlil have looked with their beneficent gaze on Lagaš, the mooring-pole of heaven, and the shrine Ĝirsu, established long ago. They have removed the treacherous Tidnum from that temple in Umma, Šeg-kuršaga, which had been ill treated! It is the great gods who have commanded that the foundations of Kiš should be secured, at the edge of Sumer and Akkad, its dominion superlative! Marda, the city in whose river water flows, in whose fields is fine grain -- the Anuna who took those things away from it returned them to it again! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Isin, the provisioner of the Anuna, rising high since times of old -- An, Enlil, Enki and Ninmaḫ have made its reign long! By their command they have handed it over and expressed their approval! They have entrusted it to Ninurta, the champion, the strong hero! They have told Ninisina, the exalted child of An, the incantation priest of the Land, to rest calmly in her sacred dwelling, Egal-maḫ! They have told Damu, the chief barber of Nunamnir, healer of the living, to make the foreign countries bow at the feet of his father and mother! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Although Sumer and Akkad had been desecrated by the foe, afterwards hearts were appeased, spirits soothed! All the great gods thus had compassion! They looked upon those sunk in exhaustion and brought them up out of it! They restored your city which had been razed to ruins! Enlil, king of all countries, restored its shining property which had been scattered, which had been devastated! There where the populace rested in the cool after building their nests, in Nibru, the mountain of the greatest divine powers, from where they had taken an unfamiliar path -- at Enlil's word the Anuna, those very lords who determine the fates, ordered that the temples which they had forsaken and the jewels, put there long ago, which had been carried off by the wind, should all be restored! |
| The lament for Unug: c.2.2.5 They …… like stampeding goats, they tore apart the corpses of the population. They mutilated Sumer and Akkad, they pulverised it as with a pestle. They destroyed its settlements and habitations, they razed them to ruin mounds. The best of Sumer they scattered like dust, they heaped up ……. They massacred its populace, they finished off young and old alike. They destroyed the city of the Anuna gods, they set it aflame. They put out both Unug's eyes, they uprooted its young shoots. They wandered all through the libation places of the Anuna gods. And even Kulaba, which is the primeval city, they turned into a place of murder. |
| The lament for Unug: c.2.2.5 All the great gods ……. The Anuna gods ……. (1 line fragmentary) Sovereigns ……. (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| The lament for Unug: c.2.2.5 If the Anuna gods emerge tearfully, let them promise to us that as it was when heaven and earth came about, nothing of that time shall be changed. If An looks kindly upon that man and at the well-built city, the place of determining fate, proclaim "Man and city! Life and well-being!" for him. Let praise ring out. Let him be made surpassing above all, to his right or left. Tireless lamma deity, take hold of his head, pronounce his fate in charitable words -- by the command of An and Enlil it will remain unaltered for a long time. |
| The lament for Eridug: c.2.2.6 At the great gate, the lion-faced gate, the place where fates are determined, evildoers ……. They set fire to its door. Ka-ḫeĝala and Igi-ḫeĝala, the doorkeepers of the house, ……. …… Enki, at the …… place, …… its people. …… the destroyed place, the Abzu …… the powers of the Anuna gods. (3 lines fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing)(continuation of 3rd kirugu) |
| A tigi to Bau for Gudea (Gudea A): c.2.3.2 My lady, you have brought the divine powers from the interior of heaven. Your own father, An, the king, has presented you with perfect divine powers, so you inspire respect among the Anuna gods. Bau, you have brought the divine powers from the midst of heaven. Your own father, An the king, has presented you with perfect divine powers, so you inspire respect among the Anuna gods. |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 His (?) pleasing sacrifices were no longer accepted; they were treated as dirty (?). The Anuna gods refused his gifts. An did not stand by an "It is enough", and he could not complete his (?) days. Because of what Enlil ordered, there was no more rising up; his beloved men lost their wise one. Strangers turned into (?) ……. How iniquitously Ur-Namma was abandoned, like a broken jar! His …… with grandeur like (?) thick clouds (?). He does not …… any more, and he does not reach out for ……." …… Ur-Namma, alas, what is it to me?" Ur-Namma, the son of Ninsumun, was brought to Arali, the pre-eminent place of the Land, in his prime. The soldiers accompanying the king shed tears: their boat (i.e. Ur-Namma) was sunk in a land as foreign to them as Dilmun. …… was cut. It was stripped of the oars, punting poles and rudder which it had. ……; its bolt was broken off. …… was put aside; it stood (?) in saltpetre. His donkeys were to be found with the king; they were buried with him. His donkeys were to be found with Ur-Namma; they were buried with him. As he crossed over the …… of the Land, the Land was deprived of its ornament. The journey to the nether world is a desolate route. Because of the king, the chariots were covered over, the roads were thrown into disorder, no one could go up and down on them. Because of Ur-Namma, the chariots were covered over, the roads were thrown into disorder, no one could go up and down on them. |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 The trustworthy shepherd …… a heart-rending lament for himself: "I, who have been treated like this, served the gods well, set up chapels for them. I have created evident abundance for the Anuna gods. I have laid treasures on their beds strewn with fresh herbs. Yet no god stood by me and soothed my heart. Because of them, anything that could have been a favourable portent for me was as far away from me as the heavens, the ……. What is my reward for my eagerness to serve during the days? My days have been finished for serving them sleeplessly during the night! Now, just as the rain pouring down from heaven cannot turn back, alas, nor can I turn back to brick-built Urim." |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 His (?) pleasing sacrifices were no longer accepted; they were treated as dirty (?). The Anuna gods did not reach out for his gifts any more. …… did not stand by an "It is enough", his (?) days were not prolonged. ……, there was no more rising up. Ur-Namma, a broken jar, was abandoned at ……. (3 lines unclear) "……, what is it to me?" (approx. 5 lines missing) |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 After the offerings were presented to the great …… of the underworld, the Anuna, they (?) seated Ur-Namma on a great dais of the nether world and set up a dwelling place for him in the nether world. At the command of Ereškigala, with (?) Gilgameš, his beloved brother, he will pass the judgments of the nether world and render the …… decisions concerning (?) all the men who fell by weapons and all the men who …… guilty. |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 After five days, 10 days had passed, lamenting for Sumer overwhelmed my king, lamenting for Sumer overwhelmed Ur-Namma. As he could not complete the wall of Urim; as he could no longer enjoy the new palace he had built; as he, the shepherd, could no longer protect (?) his household; as he could no longer bring pleasure to his wife with his embrace; as he could not bring up his sons on his knees; as he would never see in their prime the beauty of their little sisters, who are yet to grow up, the trustworthy shepherd uttered a heart-rending lament for himself: "I, who have experienced, who have experienced fear, …… for the great gods, I have set up chapels for them. I have created evident abundance for the Anuna gods. I have …… treasures to their …… shining thrones. …… a favourable portent for me, was …… as the nether world or the heavens ……. (1 line fragmentary) (approx. 7 lines missing)" |
| A šir-namšub to Nanna for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma F): c.2.4.1.6 House, your great divine power is the shackle of the gods put on the Land. Your gate is named by your god, the beautiful god; only when it is is open does Utu illuminate from the horizon. Your platform, the place where the fates are determined by the gods, in order to make just decisions, is where the Anuna, the gods of heaven and earth, take counsel. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 I also know how to serve the gods, and I can cool the hearts of the Anuna gods. I am Šulgi, whose thick neck becomes fat (?) in majesty. Grand achievements that I have accomplished which bring joy to my heart I do not cast negligently aside; therefore I give pride of place to progress. I give no orders concerning the development of waste ground, but devote my energies to extensive building plots. I have planted trees in fields and in agricultural land; I devote my powers to dams, ……, ditches and canals. I try to ensure a surplus of oil and wool. Thanks to my efforts flax and barley are of the highest quality. The thirst and hunger of the gods are a cause of the greatest anxiety to me; I, Šulgi, am the life of Sumer. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi O): c.2.4.2.15 " (12 lines fragmentary) (approx. 5 lines missing) (8 lines fragmentary)The youthful ……, a god among the Anuna gods, …… venerates ……. Fearsome (?) hero ……, king of Sumer, you stand firm in your strength (?)." |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi P): c.2.4.2.16 "At the place where the fates are decided, the Anuna, the great gods, stood by me. They made Šulgi's shepherdship everlasting for me and made Šulgi, the righteous one of his god, rise over the land like Utu for me. They set up a throne of firm reign for him. The shepherd will decree just judgments and will make just decisions upon it (?). They granted (?) Šulgi a royal crown. …… great ……. (1 line fragmentary)" |
| An adab (?) to Utu for Šulgi (Šulgi Q): c.2.4.2.17 Youthful Utu ……, …… from Uraš; brilliant light, great lion, ……, hero emerging from the holy interior of heaven, storm whose splendour covers the Land and is laden with great awesomeness; Utu, king of justice that befits the true offspring, made Šulgi, the trustworthy shepherd, glorious in the battle. The great wild bull, youthful Utu, who like a torch illuminates the Land from the holy heavens; the wise one of all the countries, the fearsome radiance of (?) Uraš, the just god among the Anuna gods, the long (?), holy dragon, the first-born son cherished by Suen, the lord born to command -- Utu bestowed the kingship of the Land on Šulgi. |
| Šulgi and Ninlil's barge: a tigi (?) to Ninlil (Šulgi R): c.2.4.2.18 Then light shines up at the edge of the Land as Utu rises refulgently. As the barge is travelling upstream, it …… radiates (?) and creaks (?). …… in the Ninmutum, the canal of the year of abundance ……. As the carp make their bellies (?) sparkle, Enlil rejoices. As the mušu fish play noisily there, Ninlil rejoices. As the …… fish ……, Enki rejoices. As the suḫurmaš fish dart about, Nanna rejoices. The Anuna gods rejoice at ……. …… lifts its head in the Euphrates; it ……. In the midst of …… ever-flowing water is carried. In joyous Nibru, he moors the holy barge at the quay. |
| A dedication of a statue (Šulgi V): c.2.4.2.22 Enlil, the beaming light, ……, whose utterance is immutable, the most powerful of the Anuna gods, ……, looked (?) favourably (?) at Šulgi, the fearsome dragon ……, the king, the creation of his hands. He granted (?) him great strength. His roar fills (?) the whole extent (?) of heaven and earth. |
| A hymn for Šu-Suen: c.2.4.4.a Head held high, fit for the royal crown, son of Ninsumun, mighty and forceful among the Anuna gods ……. Šu-Suen! Holy Inana made manifest ……. Enlil has given to you as your helper the beloved heart whose beauty is unending, the good woman …… -- you have embraced her. Strong one given majestic strength by the Great Mountain, …… from his power; hero excelling all lords and sovereigns, who is their great lion -- Šu-Suen, gracious figure, shining crown, holy breast wondrous to behold, hero born for godhood, ornament of kingship, …… in heaven and on earth, strong as far as the borders of the Land! |
| A tigi to Suen for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen A): c.2.4.5.1 Urim is the city of youthful Suen's princely divine powers. Let them give praise in a great song to An, to Enlil, to the eldest brother Nudimmud and to Mother Nintur of the Land. The shrine Urim is the city of youthful Suen's princely divine powers. Let them give praise in a great song to An, to Enlil, to the eldest brother Nudimmud and to Mother Nintur of the Land. The Anuna gods ……. Enki …… (3 lines fragmentary)…… assembly where ……. …… festival (?) ……. |
| An adab to Nergal for Šu-ilīšu (Šu-ilīšu A): c.2.5.2.1 Shepherd who organises, giving just verdicts like the noble youth Utu! Nergal, pile up his malefactors in heaps for him, for Šu-ilīšu, the prince who displays lasting divine powers among the Anuna gods! May Šu-ilīšu rely on you, may he be made joyful by you! May he walk as the shepherd whose name is extolled among this people like that of Utu! May all lands and the teeming people bless (?) the life of Šu-ilīšu! |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 I shall greet her who ascends above, her who ascends above, I shall greet the Mistress who ascends above, I shall greet the great lady of heaven, Inana! I shall greet the holy torch who fills the heavens, the light, Inana, her who shines like daylight, the great lady of heaven, Inana! I shall greet the Mistress, the most awesome lady among the Anuna gods; the respected one who fills heaven and earth with her huge brilliance; the eldest daughter of Suen, Inana! For the young lady I shall sing a song about her grandeur, about her greatness, about her exalted dignity; about her radiantly ascending at evening; about her filling the heaven like a holy torch; about her stance in the heavens, as noticeable by all lands, from the south to the highlands, as that of Nanna or of Utu; about the greatness of the mistress of heaven! |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 When standing in the heavens she is the good wild cow of An, on earth she instils respect; she is the lady of all the lands. She received the divine powers in the abzu, in Eridug; her father Enki presented them to her. He placed the lordship and kingship in her hands. She takes her seat on the great dais with An; she determines the fates in her Land with Enlil. Monthly, at the new moon, the gods of the Land gather around her so that the divine powers are perfected. The great Anuna gods, having bowed before them, stand there with prayers and supplications and utter prayers on behalf of all the lands. My lady decrees judgments in due order for the Land. { (2 mss. add the line:) Inana decides verdicts for the Land together with Enlil. } Her black-headed people parade before her. |
| A šir-namerima (?) for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan D): c.2.5.3.4 Enlil whose great divine powers cannot be overturned, viper of the gods, Nunamnir, your …… lets loose fear and terror! The Anuna of all the lands strike …… with their hands. Your decision …… a tempest that …… furiously. In the land where no enemies exist, prayers …… to the city. May those who do not clasp the feet of Iddin-Dagan be drowned as by water! Great Mountain Enlil, let not the enemy carry away your name, O your name, Enlil, O your name! |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 Enlil, by far …… (2 lines missing) He to whom the great gods pay attention; foundation deposit of the Anuna, living …… of the Enki deities; he whose great divine powers know no opponents, whose …… excel all others, whose …… is achieved by no one; whose …… return of their own accord, whose …… is very sweet in heaven and on earth, whose …… founds cities, whose …… establishes the Land; …… wisdom is perfect as time passes; …… wise in command, re-establishing justice ……, adviser who never tires of discussion; ……, giving verdicts, ……, judge of heaven and earth (1 line fragmentary)guiding the living ……, Father Enlil, shepherd of the black-headed, by his …… making the foreign countries bow low. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 Enki and Ninki, Enul and Ninul, the Anuna, the lords who determine destiny there, the spirits of Nibru, and the protective goddesses of the E-kur, those who among the great gods determine destinies there, have uttered an unchangeable "So be it!" On his most favourable day, Enlil, king of the foreign lands, chose me, Išme-Dagan, son of Dagan, by extispicy. He looked upon me joyfully in E-kur, and spoke well of me to Sumer. …… a favourable reign in Nibru. I, Išme-Dagan …… restored Urim ……. …… in splendour. Enlil has commanded the favourable …… of my throne, the promotion of concord in Sumer and Akkad in their power, and restoration (?) of the …… brick buildings; and that I should daily tend the E-kur, that I should unceasingly provide for Nibru, and that I should care after the Ki-ur, the great place. |
| A hymn to Nibru and Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan C): c.2.5.4.03 Nibru, your praise suits the mouth! May it be uttered by every mouth! The Anuna gods always stand by your truthful utterances. Shrine Nibru, primeval city, where the divine powers are allotted, sweet is your praise! At the great festivals prepared with care in Nibru, all the great gods …… the majesty of Enlil and Ninlil. |
| An adab (?) to Enki for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan D): c.2.5.4.04 (2 lines fragmentary) The fates you determine are firm; you are the junior Enlil. You (?) distribute the divine powers for the Anuna, the great gods. You establish for them a habitation, a holy dwelling place; you are their proud lord. Your greatness is unapproachable ……. You (?) …… in a pure place the abzu, the mountain built with princely divine powers; …… Eridug, the shrine, which extends over huge marshes, marshes of snakes. |
| A balbale to Enki for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan E): c.2.5.4.05 (1 line missing) …… in the holy heart ……, ……, whose words are powerful, who …… decisions. …… foremost of the gods, omniscient ……. …… Enki, counsellor of holy An, adviser of the Great Mountain ……. …… foremost of the gods, omniscient ……. …… Enki, counsellor of holy An, adviser of the Great Mountain ……. Adviser, whose statements cannot be countermanded, whose ways …… fearsomeness. Patient-hearted, who rides upon all the divine powers, who …… like Enlil. Nudimmud …… holy dais ……. Lord imbued with fearsomeness, borne by An and Uraš, eldest brother of ……. King whose ways are recognised by Enlil, caretaker of ……. Supreme ……, first-born child of holy An, whose divine powers are untouchable ……. Junior Enlil of trustworthy utterances, …… divine plans. Nudimmud, lord who determines the fates, who strengthens the Land ……. Enki, great bull of Eridug, ……. …… greatly exalted among the Anuna ……. (1 line fragmentary) …… like sheep (?) ……. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| An adab to Enlil for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan H): c.2.5.4.08 …… the prince of gods …… seated upon all the divine powers, Nunamnir, the lord of just decrees, who possesses fully the great divine powers, Father Enlil, made your fearsomeness manifest in heaven and on the earth. He made the gods of heaven stand by in heaven (?), and gave them (?) auspicious names. …… its king ……. (1 line fragmentary)The Anuna, its great gods, line up before you. Enlil, they pay attention to your holy words and august statements. Nunamnir, you alone are elevated in the entirety of heaven and earth. …… of the Anuna gods, august shackle on all the lands, your …… is unfathomable. Everything this lord has is surpassing, and his orders are not to be changed. …… your divine powers surpass all others, your ways are ingenious, …… you are the trustworthy shepherd even of far-away foreign countries. Father Enlil, your beloved …… E-kur, has been built in Ki-ur, in Dur-an-ki, the place chosen by you; your august dais has been set up there. The divine powers of your shrine are precious, its true purification rites are august, and its cultic ordinances are pure and ineffable. The interior of E-kur is artfully fashioned, and no one may come to know it. Let Išme-Dagan care properly for its true divine plans and powers! |
| An adab to Enlil for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan H): c.2.5.4.08 …… the Anuna gods ……. …… the Anuna gods ……. ……, bestow on him …… a good reign, and prosperous years. |
| Išme-Dagan and Enlil's chariot: a tigi to Enlil (Išme-Dagan I): c.2.5.4.09 His great festival having been performed perfectly, Enlil stepped onto the chariot and embraced Mother Ninlil, his spouse. He was followed by Ninurta, his mighty hero, and by the Anuna who are with Enlil. The chariot shimmers like lightening, its rumbling noise is sweet. His donkeys are harnessed to the yoke. Enlil came out on his august votive (?) chariot radiantly. Ninurta, the support of his father, made the way pleasant. Having reached the place which gladdens the soul, where the seed is blessed, Enlil stepped down from his holy …… and established a feast. (5 lines missing) (1 line fragmentary) |
| An adab to Nanna for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan M): c.2.5.4.13 Prince, you place justice in every mouth, and make propriety resplendent. Daily (?) you make hearts content, daily (?) you determine fates appropriately, daily (?) your refulgence ……. You brighten the night sky in the broad firmament, and illuminate the darkness. The Anuna gods stand by with prayers and supplications at your rising. The sweet sight of your resplendent crescent, full of loveliness, brings joy to the great lady of the Ki-ur, Mother Ninlil, in ……, and the true and august lady, the good cow, the leader …… prays …… in the E-ĝa-ĝiš-šua, her delightful residence, the awesome palace. |
| A tigi (?) to Ninurta for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan O): c.2.5.4.15 Great hero, strongest in heaven and earth! Ninurta, who controls perfectly the fifty divine powers in the E-kur! …… governor for his father, rising raging storm, who extends terror …… towards the foreign countries. …… roaring ……, who casts fear upon the people, who has no rival! Ninurta, surpassing in vigour! …… great and majestic strength ……, …… of Enlil, …… of Enlil, ornament of the august shrine! …… whose radiance ……! (1 line fragmentary) …… the neck-stock of the gods. (1 line fragmentary) …… among the Anuna gods. …… exceptionally mighty ……. …… lord, the son of Enlil, who has come forth from the hills, and rides (?) upon the numerous divine powers. …… great hero, surpassing dragon, perfect lord, …… without rival (?)! Great hero confident in his strength! (1 line fragmentary) ……, whose decisions cannot be countermanded, …… what he says is firm. …… august son of Enlil! …… overpowers (?) the mountains, …… the Great Mountain Enlil …… in the E-kur, throughout the entire extent of heaven and earth. …… his great …… covers ……. …… raging ……. (1 line fragmentary) (up to 8 lines missing) |
| A tigi (?) to Ninurta for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan O): c.2.5.4.15 (up to 3 lines missing) (1 line fragmentary) rising raging storm ……, …… lion ……, …… like ……. Ninurta ……. …… strength ……. (3 lines fragmentary)…… the neck-stock of the gods. …… who has no rival, …… the foreign countries. Ninurta, …… Anuna gods! Lord in the E-kur, mighty ……! Uta-ulu …… great strength ……, who has come forth from the hills and …… on the numerous divine powers! Ninurta ……, perfect lord ……! Great hero, who …… the mountains, and destroys their stones (?) totally! |
| A tigi (?) to Ninurta for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan O): c.2.5.4.15 (4 lines fragmentary) Great hero, ……. The Anuna gods ……. His ……, …… are precious. ……, lion raging against ……. ……, who makes …… submit ……. |
| An adab (?) to Nuska for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan Q): c.2.5.4.17 (1 line fragmentary) The Anuna, the great gods, …… the holy palace, the dwelling-place. Lord Nunamnir has appointed you as his chief minister; he has firmly put the holy sceptre in your hand, and made your name glorious. You are perfectly suited to perform the ordinances of the E-kur in all their complexity, to teach the proper execution of the lustrations and the august rites, to purify and clean, and to make grandly manifest the numerous divine powers, the surpassing divine powers; indeed, to give command with grandeur is now consummately and irrevocably yours. Moreover, you are indeed Nuska, the prince and the counsellor of the E-kur! In the entire extent of heaven and earth, in all the countries, you alone are mighty. |
| An adab (?) to Nuska for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan Q): c.2.5.4.17 The Anuna, the gods of the earth, as many as they are, will gather before you in the Ubšu-unkena where the great verdicts are pronounced and the great commands are given. It is you who …… for them the forceful decisions made by Enlil. They always pay attention to your holy words, which, like the heavens, can never be grasped fully. In (?) the lofty ……, imbued with awesomeness, firmly founded, you announce their lot. |
| A hymn to Nibru and Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan W): c.2.5.4.23 Your interior towers up, and your exterior is awesome. You were built as life-giving food for the Anuna gods; you were beautified for their eating and drinking. You are the sheepfold which is there for their life. Nothing escapes your grasp, as if caught in the threads of an outspread net. Shrine Nibru, your activities are quite excellent, quite surpassing all description. The divine powers that you allocate are a good fortune which cannot be overturned. |
| A hymn to Nibru and Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan W): c.2.5.4.23 Your prince, Nunamnir, the steer who has engendered (?) the divine powers, and Mother Ninlil, the great lady of your Ki-ur, the lady who has borne the divine powers -- what god is there living in the Land like these two? They have cultically purified (?) ……. They have settled ……, and taken their seats upon the good, great and praiseworthy divine powers. The Anuna gaze at them as if at their own father and mother, listening attentively when they speak holy and most precious words in the correct manner. Enlil and Ninlil looked at the heavens, while on earth they set bounds (?); and then, once their intention became clear in the great heavens and on the broad earth, the Anuna gods of heaven and earth set to work. The mattock and the earth-basket, tools for founding cities, (2 lines unclear) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A hymn to Nibru and Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan W): c.2.5.4.23 (2 lines unclear) The command for the whole of heaven and earth ……; …… of the king, with wide understanding, who knows all ……. They heed the holy words uttered, as if they were those of their own father and mother. The Anuna in the Ubšu-unkena ……, …… going to Enlil and Ninlil. They direct (?) their gaze to the E-kur, the solemn shrine. The important commands of Enlil and Ninlil ……. They have placed in the hands of the great hero Ninurta the power to make heaven and earth tremble at his solemn utterances. They have covered (?) his mouth with …… like finest oil. They have placed the divine powers of heaven and the divine powers of earth in his hands. Ninurta, the great hero, the strong ……, the youth who subdues the foreign lands, the lord who plunders the cities ……. Father Enlil and the great mother Ninlil …… have …… him into the E-kur. (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A hymn to Enki (?) for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan X): c.2.5.4.24 Lord who among the gods makes the clever decisions, most prominent among them from the south to the uplands; who holding a staff in his hand determines their destinies as the Anuna gods come to him; who possessing all the divine powers is alone surpassing; a great lord who …… the living things; who alone is proclaimed as their god -- you are their ……. You, whose utterances make justice flourish, strengthen the divine powers of heaven and earth. You, who examine the ordinances and carry them out correctly, are proclaimed as their great prince. |
| A hymn to Enki (?) for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan X): c.2.5.4.24 You are the most supreme among the gods! You are the highest ranking among the Anuna gods! Your divine powers …… surpassing theirs, are specially favoured. With your precious and ingenious divine powers, you (?) are the guardian of their true divine powers. Your prominence imposes itself on them like awesome stillness, covers them like a storm, takes their breath away, wraps them like ……. The description (?) of your loftiness …… like a remote and far-away mountain. |
| A hymn to Enki for Išme-Dagan: c.2.5.4.b (unknown no. of lines missing) The task of …… its marshes, of …… the great arable lands and the fields, of …… the fruit orchards that bear pure ……, of …… food and drink for the Anuna gods -- all this was bestowed on him by Father Enlil and the great mother Ninlil. |
| An adab to An for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar C): c.2.5.5.3 -- has looked at him with long-lasting favour, has looked at prince Lipit-Eštar with favour. He has bestowed on him a long life, he has bestowed on prince Lipit-Eštar a long life. The words of what An says are firmly established; no god would oppose them. At the place where the destinies are to be decided, all the Anuna gods gather around him. |
| An adab to Ninurta for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar D): c.2.5.5.4 Hero, mightiest of the Anuna gods, who comes forth from the E-kur! Ninurta, Lord Nunamnir created you like a great storm ……, he commanded you to achieve triumphs for him. |
| A šir-namgala (?) to Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta A): c.2.5.6.1 The Anuna, the great gods, said "Let it be so!" to the destiny determined by great An and by Nunamnir, the lord of all living beings. In order to strengthen the black-headed in their dwelling-places, to keep the foreign lands on the track, to put …… the people in unison, and to make them bow down at his feet, Inana, the great daughter of Suen and Ur-Ninurta's beloved spouse, gathered together …… all the divine powers and placed them in his hand. Together the two of them went forth joyfully from Enlil's presence to take their seats in the palace, the dwelling-place of sweet honey. …… her king …… does not cease, as she speaks truly to him: |
| A tigi to Enki for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta B): c.2.5.6.2 Lord of complex divine powers, who establishes umderstanding, whose intentions are unfathomable, who knows everything! Enki, of broad wisdom, august ruler of the Anuna, wise one who casts spells, who provides words, who attends to decisions, who clarifies verdicts, who dispenses advice from dawn to dusk! Enki, lord of all true words, I will praise you. Your father, An the king, the lord who caused human seed to come forth and who placed all mankind on the earth, has laid upon you the guarding of the divine powers of heaven and earth, and has elevated you to be their prince. An, king of the gods, has instructed you to keep open the holy mouths of the Tigris and Euphrates, to fill them with splendour, to make the dense clouds release plentiful water and make them rain all over the fields, to make Ezina lift her head in the furrows, to make vegetation …… in the desert, and to make orchards and gardens ripe with syrup and vines grow as tall as forests. |
| A tigi to Enki for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta B): c.2.5.6.2 May Ur-Ninurta, the king in whom Enlil trusts, open up your house of wisdom in which you have gathered knowledge in plenty, and then be the great ruler of the black-headed. Make terrifying splendour befitting his godhead issue from him, the lion of kingship, in everything that he does, for as long as he lives. May you present him with weighty tribute from the upper and the lower seas, and let Ur-Ninurta bring it into the glorious E-kur. May Enlil look upon him joyously, and add to his period of rule blissful days and years of joy and life. Father Enki, inspiring terrible awe, surpassing description, may the Anuna, your divine brothers, rejoice over you. Son of An, possessor of august honour, it is sweet to praise you! |
| An adab to Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta D): c.2.5.6.4 Goddess who excels the Anuna gods, who has gathered together all the divine powers! Your gaze is lordly as it surveys all the foreign lands in heaven and earth. Inana, lioness shining in the heavens, your divine powers are most complex, your cultic ordinances are unalterable, and your divine plans are influential. |
| An adab to An for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta E): c.2.5.6.5 As he passes, alone, as far as the border of the foreign lands, he is indeed the guardian of the Anuna. He seizes all the great divine powers, and places his feet upon the numerous divine powers. The very wise god, the prince who decides destiny, has truly spoken to him; An has truly spoken to Ur-Ninurta. He has made him the mightiest in the Land; An has made Ur-Ninurta the mightiest in the Land. He has bestowed upon Ur-Ninurta a royal throne on a foundation established forever; the august shepherd's crook, which gathers up the divine powers of the Land; and a just sceptre which directs the numerous people. When holy An determines a destiny, the gods of heaven stand by and the Anuna pay attention. |
| An adab to Ninurta for Būr-Suen (Būr-Suen A): c.2.5.7.1 ……, lord, whom the Great Mountain engendered, whose magnificence has no equal. Ninurta, magnificent in heaven and earth, surpassing among the Anuna gods. ……, foremost among the gods, support of An. …… imbued with ……, who roars like a storm, who growls in battle. ……, who butts like a huge wild bull, who destroys the fortresses of the rebel lands. …… of Enlil: no foreign land can escape from his grasp. …… by Nunamnir, whose words are firmly established. ……, fit for princeship, the counsellor of E-kur. …… cannot be scattered, the neckstock of the gods. (approx. 7 lines missing)…… may …… be his helper. …… the son of Iškur. ……, may he provide …… with good food. May he regulate ……. May he be the constant attendant of the E-šu-me-ša, his beloved residence. May he never cease to …… daily his great offerings. May …… prolong the years of abundance and a pleasant life …… for Būr-Suen, well suited for kingship, beloved of An. |
| An adab to Enlil for Būr-Suen (Būr-Suen B): c.2.5.7.2 …… who alone surpasses heaven and earth, the exalted one, prominent among the Anuna gods, whose utterances cannot be overturned! Nunamnir, whose decisions cannot be altered, proud one imbued with terrifying awesomeness, { who alone is exalted } { (1 ms. has instead:) who alone is eminent, the foremost one } among the Great Princes, has taken his seat in the shrine of Nibru, in Dur-an-ki, in E-kur, the temple where the fates are determined, in the holy shining temple. When Mother Ninlil, who is equal in rank with the Great Mountain, embraces him ……, …… says to ……: "…… chosen in the heart by ……." (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| An adab to Nanna for Gungunum (Gungunum A): c.2.6.2.1 …… in princeship. Ruler, leader of the Anuna deities, prince of the just decision, Lord Ašimbabbar, An and Enlil have made you perfect for the sky. Beloved of the king, making the good crown sparkle, coming forth on high, you come forth like bright sunlight, whether at noon or in the night. Youthful Suen, lord, …… son of the Great Mountain and born of Ninlil, given a good destiny by his grandparents Enki and Ninki -- they have given …… to him, the just lord of the sky. |
| A praise poem of Sîn-iddinam (Sîn-iddinam A): c.2.6.6.1 He transported this cargo to the Quay of Life, the quay of Urim. Joyously he brought it into the majestic house, the house of Suen. Nanna was delighted with the king, and Ningal …… to him. Nanna was delighted with Sîn-iddinam, and Ningal …… to him. The Anuna, the great gods, blessed him. He had brought to complete perfection the plenitude, the pure first-fruit offerings, the first-fruit offerings of the new year. { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) He had transported this cargo to the Quay of Life, the quay of Urim. } |
| Sîn-iddinam and Iškur (Sîn-iddinam E): c.2.6.6.5 By the throne he …… two great wild bulls, below (?) on the right and the left, butting the king's enemies. (1 line fragmentary) The Anuna gods in abundance …… stand beside him …… the horizon (?). He …… that statue and …… on its lap. He ……. (3 lines missing) |
| A prayer to Inana for Ḫammu-rābi (Ḫammu-rābi F): c.2.8.2.6 Foremost among the gods, manifest, …… his destiny! Inana, without whom An and Enlil cannot make a decision in the Land, proud one among the Anuna gods, …… self-esteem and ……! Inana, good wild cow of the great princes, respected among ladies ……, your greatness shines forth to heaven and earth, your divine powers are …… powers. When you speak it is the command of An, …… named by An ……. Your divinity is pre-eminent in the throne-hall (?), your great ways are ……. With An, you give judgment on earth; with Enlil ……. |
| A hymn to Marduk for Abī-Ešuḫ (Abī-Ešuḫ A): c.2.8.5.1 King who gathers up the divine powers of heaven and earth, foremost son of Enki, Marduk, mighty lord, perfect hero, foremost of the Great Princes (a name for the Igigi gods), strong one of the Anuna, the great gods who have given him justice and judgment! Great prince, descendant of holy An, lord who decides destinies, who has everything in his grasp (?), wise, august knower of hearts, whose divinity is manifest, who shows concern for all that he looks upon! Your ancestor An, king of the gods, has made your lordship effective against the armies of heaven and earth. |
| A hymn to Marduk for Abī-Ešuḫ (Abī-Ešuḫ A): c.2.8.5.1 He has given you the supervision of great august commands of heaven and earth, he has bound to your hand the shepherd's crook that curbs the foreign lands, he has made you excel among the great gods, and in addition has given you, to control them, the royal sceptre and the ritual ordinances of the gods. Enlil has fixed as your destiny kingship over the totality of heaven and earth and has relieved you of any rivals; he has made you eminent among the Anuna, and has bestowed on you the exercise of domination. |
| Letter from Kug-Nanna to the god Ninšubur: c.3.3.39 Say to (1 line missing)to the counsellor who constantly cares for ……, the god who distributes the divine powers, who utters pleasing words, who …… a verdant branch by his head; the linen-clad god of the abzu, the chief administrator, who makes the oracular responses (?) favourable, whose words are pre-eminent; the powerful one (?) at the bow (?) of the boat "Stag of the Abzu", the lord of wide and complete wisdom, the minister who knows An's secrets, with whom no god can compare; the lord of the protective goddesses; him whose great sweet eyes inspire confidence, who provides the Anuna gods, the great gods, with food offerings; the adviser who comes forth from the skies, who is worthy of holy Inana; without whom no lord or king could receive the lofty sceptre -- to Ninšubur, the merciful god who listens to prayers and supplications, repeat: this is what Kug-Nanna the incantation priest, the son of Lugal-ka-gena, your servant, says: |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 Enlil's commands are by far the loftiest, his { words } { (1 ms. has instead:) commands } are holy, his utterances are immutable! The fate he decides is everlasting, his glance makes the mountains anxious, his …… reaches (?) into the interior of the mountains. All the gods of the earth bow down to Father Enlil, who sits comfortably on the holy dais, the lofty { dais } { (some mss. have instead:) engur }, to Nunamnir, whose lordship and princeship are most perfect. The Anuna gods { enter before him } { (1 ms. has instead:) stand before him } and obey his instructions faithfully. |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 He alone is the prince of heaven, the dragon of the earth. The lofty god of the Anuna himself determines the fates. No god can look upon him. His great minister and { commander } { (1 ms. has instead:) chief barber } Nuska learns his commands and his intentions from him, consults with him and then executes his far-reaching instructions on his behalf. He prays to him with holy prayers (?) and divine powers (?). |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 You, Enlil, are lord, god, king. You are a judge who makes decisions about heaven and earth. Your lofty word is as heavy as heaven, and there is no one who can lift it. The Anuna gods …… at your word. Your word is weighty in heaven, a foundation on the earth. In the heavens, it is a great ……, reaching up to the sky. On the earth it is a foundation which cannot be destroyed. When it relates to the heavens, it brings abundance: abundance will pour from the heavens. When it relates to the earth, it brings prosperity: the earth will produce prosperity. Your word means flax, your word means grain. Your word means the early flooding, the life of the lands. It makes the living creatures, the animals (?) which copulate and breathe joyfully in the greenery. You, Enlil, the good shepherd, know their ways (?). …… the sparkling stars. |
| The exaltation of Inana (Inana B): c.4.07.2 My lady, the great Anuna gods fly from you to the ruin mounds like scudding bats. They dare not stand before your terrible gaze. They dare not confront your terrible countenance. Who can cool your raging heart? Your malevolent anger is too great to cool. Lady, can your mood be soothed? Lady, can your heart be gladdened? Eldest daughter of Suen, your rage cannot be cooled! |
| The exaltation of Inana (Inana B): c.4.07.2 Most precious lady, beloved by An, your holy heart is great; may it be assuaged on my behalf! Beloved spouse of Ušumgal-ana, you are the great lady of the horizon and zenith of the heavens. The Anuna have submitted to you. From birth you were the junior queen: how supreme you are now over the Anuna, the great gods! The Anuna kiss the ground with their lips before you. But my own trial is not yet concluded, although a hostile verdict encloses me as if it were my own verdict. I did not reach out my hands to { the } { (1 ms. has instead:) my } flowered bed. I did not reveal the pronouncements of Ningal to anybody. My lady beloved of An, may your heart be calmed towards me, the brilliant en priestess of Nanna! |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 The great-hearted mistress, the impetuous lady, proud among the Anuna gods and pre-eminent in all lands, the great daughter of Suen, exalted among the Great Princes (a name of the Igigi gods), the magnificent lady who gathers up the divine powers of heaven and earth and rivals great An, is mightiest among the great gods -- she makes their verdicts final. The Anuna gods crawl before her august word whose course she does not let An know; he dare not proceed against her command. She changes her own action, and no one knows how it will occur. She makes perfect the great divine powers, she holds a shepherd's crook, and she is their magnificent pre-eminent one. She is a huge shackle clamping down upon the gods of the Land. Her great awesomeness covers the great mountain and levels the roads. |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 At her loud cries, the gods of the Land become scared. Her roaring makes the Anuna gods tremble like a solitary reed. At her rumbling, they hide all together. Without Inana great An makes no decisions, and Enlil determines no destinies. Who opposes the mistress who raises her head and is supreme over the mountains? Wherever she ……, cities become ruin mounds and haunted places, and shrines become waste land. When her wrath makes people tremble, the burning sensation and the distress she causes are like an ulu demon ensnaring a man. |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 The mistress, a leopard among the Anuna gods, full of pride, has been given authority. Not having …… struggle ……, Inana ……. She …… the adolescent girl in her chamber, receiving her, …… heart …… charms. She evilly …… the woman she rejects. In the entire (?) country she ……. She lets her run around in the town square ……. …… of a house the wife sees her child. |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 Ezina …… august dais ……. Iškur who roars from the sky ……. His thick clouds ……. When …… the great divine powers of heaven and earth, Inana, your victory is terrifying ……. The Anuna gods bow down in prostration, they abase themselves. You ride on seven great beasts as you come forth from heaven. Great An feared your precinct and was frightened of your dwelling-place. He let you take a seat in the dwelling-place of great An and then feared you no more, saying: "I will hand over to you the august royal rites and the great divine rites." |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 Your understanding …… all the gods ……. You alone are magnificent. You are the great cow among the gods of heaven and earth, as many as there are. When you raise your eyes they pay heed to you, they wait for your word. The Anuna gods stand praying in the place where you dwell. Great awesomeness, glory ……. May your praise not cease! Where is your name not magnificent? (9 lines missing) |
| A balbale (?) to Inana (Inana F): c.4.07.6 The gods are small birds, but I am the falcon. The Anuna mill about, but I am the good wild cow, I am the good wild cow of Father Enlil, his good wild cow which walks in front. |
| A šir-namšub to Inana (Inana I): c.4.07.9 I am milk of the god. I am pre-eminent in the mountains. I am the milk of the god, of Dumuzid. I am pre-eminent in the mountains. The mountains in my hands, the mountains at my feet, Elam in my hands; I have a pointed dagger in my belt. The gods are small birds, and I am the falcon. The Anuna gods butt each other, but I am the wild cow. I am the grandiloquent daughter of Enlil. I am the formidable one of my father Suen. I am the queen created by Nudimmud. My eye ……. My eye ……. (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A song of Inana and Dumuzid (Dumuzid-Inana Z): c.4.08.26 "…… with Enlil, and my father, Suen, chose you in his heart. I myself chose you in my heart; you are the man of the heart. He has placed on your head for me the good headdress and the holy crown. You shall stand in service before the great gods, the Anuna gods who shine forth radiantly. Let us embrace, my bridegroom! Let us lie on my flowered bed! Let us embrace, my Ama-ušum! Let us lie on my flowered bed!" |
| A šir-gida to Martu (Martu A): c.4.12.1 Hero, august youth, who completely controls the distant mountains as far as their borders! Martu, august youth, who completely controls the distant mountains as far as their borders, who possesses the strength of a savage lion, who occupies a holy dais in the mountains, the pure place! Martu, who possesses the strength of a savage lion, who occupies a holy dais in the mountains, the pure place, who is imbued with great fearsomeness, whom holy An engendered, who appears gloriously with numerous divine powers! His own mother Ninḫursaĝa made his form excel Medim-ša's so that no one should threaten him. The Anuna, the great gods, enhanced his strength with warrior qualities, and spoke favourably to him. They invested (?) him with authority that accompanies him in battle like a coat of armour, …… to him mace, divine weapon, a great bow, arrows and quiver in his august hands, made his divinity magnificently perfect, and let him …… no adversaries. |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna E): c.4.13.05 O Nanna, he has chosen as your inheritance that you should surpass the Anuna gods. He has seated you in a sacred dwelling amid their pure divine powers which gladden the heart. He has grandly called the great gods to the food offerings. He has seated them for the ritual which fills the heart with majestic pleasure. He has presented to (?) the gods their offerings which gladden the heart. He has seated you in a majestic place, a sacred place. O Nanna, he has seated you in a sacred place, a sacred dwelling. |
| An adab to Nanna (Nanna H): c.4.13.08 O shrine Urim! Within, through their intricate craftsmanship, the Enki and Ninki deities have perfected the divine powers with their righteousness, and the Anuna gods stand there in service. |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna O): c.4.13.15 Youthful Suen, as you move the Anuna gods stand in attendance. In the four quarters of the world the black-headed people raise their eyes to you, the first-born son of Enlil. Nanna, youthful Suen, as you move the Anuna gods stand in attendance. In the four quarters of the world the black-headed people raise their eyes to you, the first-born son of Enlil. |
| Nanše and the birds (Nanše C): c.4.14.3 She herself …… upon the water like a large pelican (?). Stepping onto earth from heaven, she …… in the water like a holy cow. A holy pelican (?), a white cow, she drank by the water's side. With the towering flood ……. Nanše, shining …… of the Anuna, the great gods! Mistress, Mother Nanše, good woman, ……! Nanše, sister praised by the Anuna! Mother, beautiful matriarch of Enlil! { Nanše } { (1 ms. has instead:) My lady }, delighting in her pelican (?), erected a lapis lazuli shrine, and set the holy pelican (?) by her feet. |
| Nanše and the birds (Nanše C): c.4.14.3 The voiceless bat ……, a bird that darts by in the heavens. The Anzud bird decides the fates with (?) the Anuna gods. |
| A hymn to Nergal (Nergal B): c.4.15.2 Then Erra welcomed his king: "They have come! You surpass An! Perform the stewardship for An the king! In accordance with destiny you determine fates with him, Nergal!" Ninšubur, the minister of the great place, the underworld, greeted Nergal: "You are the lord who has made the bandits come forth (?) from the mountains. As with Enlil ……, no part of a foreign land escapes your grasp. Hero, for Enlil you piled up Enlil's enemies (?) in a single day. Hating ……, Nergal, …… as fire, you rise up in the lands where the sun rises." The Anuna gods stepped forward: "Like …… cracks ……, ……, you are Nergal!" |
| A tigi to Nergal (Nergal C): c.4.15.3 Lord who inspires awe in heaven and on earth, who is resplendent in the Land, engendered for kingship by your father, your awesomeness weighs upon the black-headed. The Anuna, the great gods, cower together before your awesomeness and radiance. Nergal, lord who inspires awe in heaven and on earth, who is resplendent in the Land, engendered for kingship by your father, your awesomeness weighs upon the black-headed. The Anuna, the great gods, cower together before your awesomeness and radiance. |
| A balbale (?) to Ninĝišzida (Ninĝišzida D): c.4.19.4 Holding …… high, lordly one of holy An, holding …… high on the lofty throne-dais, ……, Lord Ninĝišzida, lord ……! …… the Anuna gods, gods of the earth ……. Ninĝišzida, the Anuna gods, gods of the earth ……. An has given power to you, princely son, ……. An has given power to you, Ninĝišzida, ……. …… the Anuna gods …… (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A šir-gida to Ninisina (Ninisina A): c.4.22.1 "My house is the house of Isin, the cosmic border of heaven and earth, a fragrant cedar forest whose perfume does not diminish; its interior is a mountain established in plenteousness. Before the land of Dilmun ever existed, my house was created from a date palm. Before the land of Dilmun ever existed, Isin was created from a date palm. Its dates are like a great linen garment that hangs on a tree, heaped up into piles. The Anuna, the great gods, eat together with me. My house is a place of healing, full of opulence, the place of the formation of the Land. At night it shines to me like the moonlight; in the noonday heat it shines to me like the sunlight. My husband, Lord Pabilsaĝ, the son of Enlil, lies inside with me ……, enjoying his rest there. My watercourse is the Kir-sig watercourse, which produces plenty for eating, which spreads out over the wheat; in it the flowing water always rises high for me. Its banks make syrup and wine grow there, and make their produce rich for me." |
| An adab to Ninisina (Ninisina E): c.4.22.5 The lord wise in all matters, the Great Mountain, Father Enlil, the foremost among the Anuna gods, looked favourably on her who offered him salutations in all humility. The respected god …… the office of accountant …… lapis lazuli …… who provides the great gods with food, …… Ninisina, …… the rank of lady …… her greatness. |
| An adab to Ninisina (Ninisina E): c.4.22.5 The lord wise in all matters, the Great Mountain, Father Enlil, the foremost among the Anuna gods, looked favourably on Ninisina offering him salutations in humility. The respected god …… the office of accountant …… lapis lazuli …… who provides the great gods with food, …… Ninisina, …… the office of ladyship …… her greatness. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A šir-gida (?) to Ninšubur (Ninšubur A): c.4.25.1 "I will soothe hearts, I will soothe spirits. I will appease the Anuna gods ……. I, who am to serve -- I, the tutelary deity, who am to serve ……, I will make the young lady, Inana, born in the shining mountains, rejoice. I, the lady, ……, will make her rejoice. I will soothe hearts, I will soothe spirits. I will appease the Anuna gods ……." This is how the lady celebrated in Akkil. |
| A hymn to Ninšubur (Ninšubur B): c.4.25.2 My faithful minister of the E-ana, my Ninšubur of the E-ana, (you said:) "I, the august minister of the universe, I, Ninšubur of the universe, the faithful minister of the Anuna gods, Ninšubur of the Anuna gods, the faithful minister, the personal god of the Land, Ninšubur, the personal god of the Land, the faithful minister, the mother of the Land, Ninšubur, the mother of the Land, …… I will ride high in joy." |
| Ninurta's journey to Eridug: a šir-gida to Ninurta (Ninurta B): c.4.27.02 Ninurta, who together with An determines the destiny in the abzu, in Eridug, what you say takes the breath away; the fate you determine is immutable. Just as (?) for your statements, so also for your determining of fates, the heroic gods of the abzu salute you. O king, just as (?) you raise your head in the abzu, so, Ninurta, may you raise your head in Eridug! The Anuna gods speak in praise of your heroism. King, …… the E-kur; Ninurta, …… the E-kur; …… great …… its house. Dragon, lion, its abundance ……. |
| A hymn to Ninurta (Ninurta C): c.4.27.03 He is great in his anger (?)! He (?) alone is a hero! No superior god raises himself against him! King who is great in heaven, great on earth, lordly in the east! Ninurta who is great in heaven, great on earth, lordly in the east! Mighty hero Ninurta! Praise be to Father Enlil! Praise be to the …… of intelligence, the lord who decides destinies, to Father Enki! …… Anuna gods ……, favourable before Ninurta, the great governor of Enlil, and Ninnibru, the beloved child of An. |
| A hymn to Nungal (Nungal A): c.4.28.1 Because the lady has revealed her greatness; because she has provided the prison, the jail, her beloved dwelling, with awesome radiance, praise be to Nungal, the powerful goddess, the neck-stock of the Anuna gods, whose …… no one knows, foremost one whose divine powers are untouchable! |
| A šir-gida to Nuska (Nuska B): c.4.29.2 You are the wise one among the Anuna gods! You are pre-eminent in just speech! You are the good minister of Father Enlil! You do not alter what you have spoken justly. You are the light of the shining ……. You have been given authority ……. You have been looked on favourably by Enlil. You are an adornment of the household of Enlil. (3 lines fragmentary) (approx. 30 lines missing) |
| A šir-gida to Nuska (Nuska B): c.4.29.2 The Anuna, the great gods, all honour you with due praise: "Minister, you are endowed with princely strength …… the lustration rites. You gladden Father Enlil's heart!" Praise be to Nuska, the leader of the assembly! |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O E-ninnu (House of 50), right hand of Lagaš, foremost in Sumer, the Anzud bird which gazes upon the mountain, the šar-ur weapon of …… Ninĝirsu, …… in all lands, the strength of battle, a terrifying storm which envelops men, giving the strength of battle to the Anuna, the great gods, brick building on whose holy mound destiny is determined, beautiful as the hills, your canal ……, your …… blowing in opposition (?) at your gate facing towards Iri-kug, wine is poured into holy An's beautiful bowls set out in the open air. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 Whatever enters you is unequalled, whatever leaves endures. ……, terrifying facade, house of radiance, a place of reaching judgment which Lord Ninĝirsu has filled with great awesomeness and dread! All the Anuna gods attend your great drinking-bouts. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O Isin, city founded by An which he has built on an empty plain! Its front is mighty, its interior is artfully built, its divine powers are divine powers which An has determined. Shrine which Enlil loves, place where An and Enlil determine destinies, place where the great gods dine, filled with great awesomeness and terror: all the Anuna gods attend your great drinking-bouts. Your princess, the mother, the Mistress adorned with jewels of šuba stone, who maintains the holy place's Niĝin-ĝar, who binds the suḫ crown on the nugig priestess, who causes the seven teats to flow for the nubar priestess, has resounded with seven pleasures (?). |
| The Keš temple hymn: c.4.80.2 { (1 ms. adds here the following lines:) House …… inspiring great awe, called with a mighty name by An; house …… whose fate is grandly determined by the Great Mountain Enlil! House of the Anuna gods possessing great power, which gives wisdom to the people; house, reposeful dwelling of the great gods! House, which was planned together with the plans of heaven and earth, …… with the pure divine powers; house which underpins the Land and supports the shrines! House, mountain of abundance which passes the days in glory; house of Ninḫursaĝa which establishes the life of the Land! House, great hillside worthy of the purification rites, altering (?) all things; house without whom no decisions are made! House, good …… carrying in its hands the broad Land; house which gives birth to countless peoples, seed which has sprouts! House which gives birth to kings, which determines the destinies of the Land; house whose royal personages are to be revered! Will anyone else bring forth something as great as Keš? Will any other mother ever give birth to someone as great as its hero Ašgi? Who has ever seen anyone as great as its lady Nintur? } |
| The Keš temple hymn: c.4.80.2 The holy house whose …… is the shrine, the holy house Keš, whose …… is the shrine; the house whose lords are the Anuna gods, whose nueš priests are the sacrificers of E-ana! In the house the king places stone bowls in position; the good en priest …… holds the lead-rope dangling. The a-tu priest holds the staff; the …… brings the gathered (?) waters. The …… takes his seat in the holy place; the enkum priests bow down ……. The pašeš priests beat the drumskins; they recite powerfully, powerfully. |
| The debate between Grain and Sheep: c.5.3.2 When, upon the hill of heaven and earth, An spawned the Anuna gods, since he neither spawned nor created grain with them, and since in the Land he neither fashioned the yarn of Uttu (the goddess of weaving) nor pegged out the loom for Uttu -- with no sheep appearing, there were no numerous lambs, and with no goats, there were no numerous kids, the sheep did not give birth to her twin lambs, and the goat did not give birth to her triplet kids --, the Anuna, the great gods, did not even know the names Ezina-Kusu (Grain) or Sheep. |
| The debate between Grain and Sheep: c.5.3.2 At that time, at the place of the gods' formation, in their own home, on the Holy Mound, they created Sheep and Grain. Having gathered them in the divine banqueting chamber, the Anuna gods of the Holy Mound partook of the bounty of Sheep and Grain but were not sated; the Anuna gods of the Holy Mound partook of the sweet milk of their holy sheepfold but were not sated. For their own well-being in the holy sheepfold, they gave them to mankind as sustenance. |
| The debate between Grain and Sheep: c.5.3.2 Grain called out to Sheep: "Sister, I am your better; I take precedence over you. I am the glory of the lights of the Land. I grant my power to the saĝursaĝ (a member of the cultic personnel of Inana) -- he fills the palace with awe and people spread his fame to the borders of the Land. I am the gift of the Anuna gods. I am central to all princes. After I have conferred my power on the warrior, when he goes to war he knows no fear, he knows no faltering (?) -- I make him leave …… as if to the playing field." |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 "My brother, when you have put the holy plough away in the barn, the storehouse, everything you have gathered, you make a roar like fire. You sit down to plentiful food and drink. You obtain the choicest goods from the Land. For my king named by Nanna, the son of Enlil, Ibbi-Suen, when he is arrayed in the šutur garment and the ḫursaĝ garment, when you have taken care of the bardul garment and the niĝlam garment, when you have made a perfect feast for the gods, when the Anuna have placed garments on their holy bodies, in his E-namtila, the holy abode of kingship founded by An, at that place of content they prepare a choice banquet." |
| The debate between Bird and Fish: c.5.3.5 "To strut about in the E-kur is a glory for Bird, as its singing is sweet. At Enlil's holy table, Bird …… precedence over you ……! It shall utter its cries in the temple of the great gods. The Anuna gods rejoice at its voice. It is suitable for banquets in the great dining hall of the gods. It provides good cheer in { the king's } { (1 ms. has instead:) Šulgi's } palace. …… with head high, at the table of Šulgi, son of Enlil. The king …… long life. (1 line fragmentary)Fish …… in splendour ……." |
| The debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 Strong Copper …… and addressed the Anuna gods: "Ninsumun, the woman of all the destinies, …… generously. The speech ……, …… wisdom, forgetting (?) ……, ……, pulling it out like a root, ……, …… my counsellor ……, …… the house's fire before Enlil, I will …… warm water ……." |
| The song of the hoe: c.5.5.4 Here, { in { 'Where Flesh Came Forth' } { (1 ms. has instead:) 'Where Flesh Grew' } (the name of a cosmic location), he set this very hoe (al) to work; } { (1 other ms. has instead:) in 'Where Flesh Grew' the unassailable (?), } he had it place the first model of mankind in the brick mould. His Land started to break through the soil towards Enlil. He looked with favour at his black-headed people. Now the Anuna gods stepped forward to him, and did (ĝal) obeisance to him. They calmed Enlil with a prayer, for they wanted to demand (al-dug) the black-headed people from him. Ninmena, the lady who had given birth to the ruler, who had given birth to the king, now set (alĝaĝa) human reproduction going. |
| The song of the hoe: c.5.5.4 The king who measured up the hoe (al) and who passes (zal) his time in its tracks, the hero Ninurta, has introduced working with the hoe (altar) into the rebel (bal) lands. He subdues (alĝaĝa) any city that does not obey its lord. Towards heaven he roars (algigi) like a storm, earthwards he strikes (alĝaĝa) like a dragon (ušumgal). Šara { sat down on } { (1 ms. has instead:) got onto } Enlil's knees, and Enlil gave him what he had desired (al-dug): { he had mentioned the mace, the club, arrows and quiver, and the hoe (al) } { (3 mss. have instead:) he desired (al-dug) the mace, the club, arrows and quiver }. Dumuzid is the one who makes the upper land fertile (allumlum). Gibil made his hoe (al) raise its head towards the heavens -- he caused the hoe (al), sacred indeed, to be refined with fire. The Anuna were rejoicing (alḫulḫuledeš). |
|
© Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 The ETCSL project, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford |
|