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© Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 The ETCSL project, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford |
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| ETCSLtranslation |
| 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 Ninmaḫ: c.1.1.2 At that time, the one of great wisdom, the creator of all the senior gods, Enki lay on his bed, not waking up from his sleep, in the deep engur, in the subterranean water, the place the inside of which no other god knows. The gods said, weeping: "He is the cause of the lamenting!" Namma, the primeval mother who gave birth to the senior gods, took the tears of the gods to the one who lay sleeping, to the one who did not wake up from his bed, to her son: "Are you really lying there asleep, and …… not awake? The gods, your creatures, are smashing their ……. My son, wake up from your bed! Please apply the skill deriving from your wisdom and create a substitute (?) for the gods so that they can be freed from their toil!" |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 He built the sheepfolds, carried out their cleaning, made the cow-pens, bestowed on them the best fat and cream, and brought luxury to the gods' dining places. He made the plain, created for greenery, achieve prosperity. Enki placed in charge of all this the king, the good provider of E-ana, the friend of An, the beloved son-in-law of the youth Suen, the holy spouse of Inana the mistress, the lady of the great powers who allows sexual intercourse in the open squares of Kulaba -- Dumuzid-ušumgal-ana, the friend of An. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 "Inana, you heap up human heads like piles of dust, you sow heads like seed. Inana, you destroy what should not be destroyed; you create what should not be created. You remove the cover from the šem drum of lamentations, Maiden Inana, while shutting up the tigi and adab instruments in their homes. You never grow weary with admirers looking at you. Maiden Inana, you know nothing of tying the ropes on deep wells." |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 (Enlil speaks:) "From now on, a woman shall be the ……; a foreign woman shall be the mistress of the house. May my beautiful wife, who was born by holy Nisaba, be Ezina, the growing grain, the life of Sumer. When you appear in the furrows like a beautiful young girl, may Iškur, the canal inspector, be your provider, supplying you with water from the ground. The height of the year is marked with your new prime flax and your new prime grain; Enlil and Ninlil procreate them (?) as desired. (1 line unclear) The harvest crop raises its head high for the great festival of Enlil. The scribal art, the tablets decorated with writing, the stylus, the tablet board, reckoning and calculating, adding and subtracting, the shining measuring rope, the ……, the head of the surveyor's peg, the measuring rod, the marking of the boundaries, and the …… are fittingly in your hands. The farmer (?) ……. Woman, the proudest among the Great Princes, ……, from now on, Sud …… Ninlil ……." (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Inana and An: c.1.3.5 An, who created gods and humankind, gazed at holy Inana { (1 ms. adds:) and addressed the favourite wife who travels by his side }, unable to describe this arrogance, this arrogance -- An was unable to describe { (1 ms. adds:) to Inana } this arrogance, this arrogance: "My child, …… you did not say …… -- you were able to capture E-ana! Inana, …… you did not say …… -- you were able to capture E-ana! E-ana should be as firm as heaven, { it should not be toppled } { (1 ms. has instead:) its attractions should never be exhausted }. Its name should be 'The Settlement of the Land'. { (1 ms. adds:) It should have no rival. } Mankind, all of the people, should prostrate themselves at her (?) feet." And now, under that sun and on that day, it was indeed so. |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 Father Enki answered Ninšubur: "What has my daughter done? She has me worried. What has Inana done? She has me worried. What has the mistress of all the lands done? She has me worried. What has the mistress of heaven done? She has me worried." { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) Thus Father Enki helped her in this matter. } He removed some dirt from the tip of his fingernail and created the kur-ĝara. He removed some dirt from the tip of his other fingernail and created the gala-tura. To the kur-ĝara he gave the life-giving plant. To the gala-tura he gave the life-giving water. |
| Inana and Bilulu: an ulila to Inana: c.1.4.4 The lady created a song for her young husband, fashioned a song for him, holy Inana created a song for Dumuzid, fashioned a song for him: |
| 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 exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "But you will force it into the shackles of the gods. You, Antelope of Heaven, must trample the mountains beneath your hooves, Ninurta, lord, son of Enlil. Who has so far been able to resist its assault? The besetting Asag is beyond all control, its weight is too heavy. Rumours of its armies constantly arrive, before ever its soldiers are seen. This thing's strength is massive, no weapon has been able to overturn it. Ninurta, neither the axe nor the all-powerful spear can penetrate its flesh, no warrior like it has ever been created against you. Lord, you who reach out towards the august divine powers, splendour, jewel of the gods, you bull with the features of a wild bull, with a prominent backbone, …… this fellow is clever! My Ninurta, whose form Enki contemplates with favour, my Uta-ulu, lord, son of Enlil, what is to be done?" |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "Hero, ah, whatever further awaits you, do not on any account meddle with the hurricane of the mountains. Ninurta, lord, son of Enlil, I tell you again, it is made like a storm. It is a blister whose smell is foul, like mucus which comes from the nose it is unpleasant, lord, its words are devious, it will not obey you. My master, it has been created against you as a god; who can help you? Hero, it falls on the land as a whirlwind, it scrubs it as if with saltwort, Ninurta, it chases the onagers before it in the mountains. Its terrifying splendour sends the dust into clouds, it causes a downpour of potsherds. In the rebel lands it is a lion striking with savage teeth; no man can catch it. After reducing everything to nothing in the north wind, that one will batter you. The sheepfolds have been closed by ghostly demons. It has dried up the waters in the ground. In the whirlwind storm, the people are finished, they have no solution (?). From an implacable enemy, great hero, lord, turn away," he said quietly. |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "Šagara stone, who smash (?) your head against anyone travelling alone in the desert, in the mountains when my arms were occupied you tried to trample on me. Since you glutted yourself in the battle, the reed-worker shall make the reeds jump with you. You shall be thrown onto your couch; the appearance (?) of your mother and father who bore you shall be forgotten (?). No one shall say to you," Get up", no one shall have the feeling that he misses you, the people shall not complain about your loss. In praise of the eternally-created powers in Ninḫursaĝa's resting place, you shall be discarded on the dais there. They shall feed you on malt, as they do for sheep; you shall content yourself with a portion of scattered flour. This shall be the explanation for you." |
| Gilgameš and Aga: c.1.8.1.1 "The great gods created the structure of Unug, the handiwork of the gods, and of E-ana, the house lowered down from heaven. You watch over { the great rampart, the rampart which An founded } { (1 ms. has instead:) its great rampart, a cloudbank resting on the earth }, the majestic residence which An established. You are its king and warrior, an exuberant person, a prince beloved of An. When Aga comes, what terror he will experience! That army is small, and scattered at the rear. Its men will be incapable of confronting us." |
| Gilgameš and Aga: c.1.8.1.1 Then Gilgameš, the lord of Kulaba, rejoiced at the advice of his city's able-bodied men and his spirit brightened. He addressed his servant Enkidu: "On this account let the weaponry and arms of battle be made ready. Let the battle mace return to your side. May they create a great terror and radiance. When he comes, my great fearsomeness will overwhelm him. His reasoning will become confused and his judgment disarrayed." |
| Gilgameš, Enkidu and the nether world: c.1.8.1.4 His heart was smitten, his insides were ravaged. The king began to search for life. Now the lord once decided to set off for the mountain where the man lives. (These three lines create a transition to 1.8.1.5 Gilgameš and Ḫuwawa (Version A).) |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 Zazaru, Iškur-pa-e, Ur-agrunta-ea, Ḫe-Ĝir-nuna, Ḫe-šaga, Zurĝu and Zarĝu, who are Bau's septuplets, the offspring of Lord Ninĝirsu, his beloved lukur maidens, who create plenty for the myriads, stepped forward to Lord Ninĝirsu with friendly entreaties on behalf of Gudea. |
| The lament for Urim: c.2.2.2 "On that day, when such a storm had pounded, when in the presence of the queen her city had been destroyed, on that day, when such a storm had been created, when they had pronounced the utter destruction of my city, when they had pronounced the utter destruction of Urim, when they had directed that its people be killed, on that day I did not abandon my city, I did not forsake my land." |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 after An had frowned upon all the lands, after Enlil had looked favourably on an enemy land, after Nintur had scattered the creatures that she had created, after Enki had altered the course of the Tigris and Euphrates, after Utu had cast his curse on the roads and highways; |
| The lament for Unug: c.2.2.5 When together An and Enlil had created it, that one resembled ……. When Ninlil had given it features, that one was fit for ……. When together Aruru, Suen and Enki had fashioned its limbs, that one turned pitch black, as at night, halfway through the watch, ……. All the great gods paled at its immensity and …… was brought about. Like a great wild bull which bellows mightily, that one filled the world with its roar. |
| The lament for Unug: c.2.2.5 …… cried out "…… has been created" and he smeared dust ……. |
| 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 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 praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma C): c.2.4.1.3 ……, the authoritative, praised himself exultantly: Under Ur-Namma, king of Urim, for whom a favorable destiny was determined, the roads have been made passable. An opens his holy mouth, and because of me rain is produced. He directs it downward into the earth, and abundance is brought for me. Enlil treats me kindly, ……. Enki treats me kindly, bestowing early floods, grain and dappled barley. Nintur formed me; I am peerless. …… brought me up well; I am the king of the Land. I am ……; under my rule the cattle-pens and sheepfolds are extended wide. Utu endowed me with eloquence (?); my judgments create concord in Sumer and Akkad. Ningublaga has given me strength. In the whole extent of heaven and earth, no one can escape from a battle with me. |
| A praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma C): c.2.4.1.3 I am Ur-Namma, king of Urim, the protecting genius of my city. I strike against those guilty of capital offences, and make them tremble. The fear I cause ……. My judgments make Sumer and Akkad follow a single path. I place my foot on the necks of thieves and criminals. I clamp down on evildoers, who will be caught like snakes. I …… fugitives, and their intentions will be set right. I make justice apparent; I defeat wickedness. As if I were fire, even my frowning is enough to create concord. My word ……. …… the lands, the foreign countries …… Urim ……. Their food offerings make Nanna rejoice in E-kiš-nu-ĝal. |
| A praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma C): c.2.4.1.3 In me, Ur-Namma, the lands of Sumer and Akkad have their protecting genius. I am a source of joy for the Land; my life indeed creates! ……, the fields are resplendent (?) under my rule. In the fields growing with ……, …… did not multiply under my rule. In the desert, the roads are made up as for a festival, and are passable because of me. The owner of the fields ……; it rises (?) up to his chest. I have freed the sons of the poor from their duty of going to fetch firewood. |
| An adab to Suen for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen C): c.2.4.5.3 An …… favourable day …… holy ……. He has a righteous crown, long-lasting divine powers and a royal sceptre. Enlil has decreed lordship for his beloved one, as his destiny, and has created with magnificent grandeur the qualities of a warrior. Enki, renewing abundance and days of splendour, …… the Tigris and Euphrates in their wide flooding. Nintur, who causes human seed to propagate and brings living beings into existence, …… cities and crowded places, all the numerous people together. Nanna, the …… light, confirming the divine plans, new moon of eternal fame, light which goes towards the earth, has given authority (?) to my Ibbi-Suen, foremost among princes, over the south and the uplands as far as the outer limits of heaven and earth. Utu has produced justice and propriety for Ibbi-Suen the augustly powerful, strong among warriors, unsurpassed in his youthfulness, overthrowing the enemy lands, finding the right decisions and giving advice to the people. The good lady Ninirigal, mother of Kulaba, …… prayer and supplication ……, …… lady with an august name ……. …… long life. |
| A tigi to Nanaya for Išbi-Erra (Išbi-Erra C): c.2.5.1.3 Great lady, worthy source of inspiration, counselled (?) by the Mistress: luxurious divine powers have been generously given to you by the Mistress. Nanaya, great lady, worthy source of inspiration, counselled (?) by the Mistress! Išbi-Erra, you are the king and shepherd of the people! Nanaya, by the command of An you are the queen of all the countries. In the shrine, in Kulaba, …… he declares it, and the people turn their hearts towards you as you address them. Nanaya, good woman, you are the favourable (?) name of the black-headed! O youth chosen in beauty by the Mistress, son of Enlil, your wise word is brightly made good for the goddess Inana! O Nanaya, the goddess has created your holy powers …… for you. You have …… turned the favourable eye of life onto the bedchamber, and Išbi-Erra is the youth chosen for his beauty. |
| An adab to Nergal for Šu-ilīšu (Šu-ilīšu A): c.2.5.2.1 Lord who, like his own father Nunamnir, has the power to create life, Nergal, enduring house (?), underworld -- you are the junior Enlil! It is in your power to determine destinies, to render judgments and to make decisions, Nergal, your great hands are filled with mighty actions and terrible powers! Great rites which are revealed to no one are organised for you! Nergal, among this people it is you who take charge of the divine plans and the purification rites! |
| A hymn to Enki (?) for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan X): c.2.5.4.24 Lord who has made the seed of mankind come forth, who creates good destiny for them, who teaches them the proper practices! He makes august and dignified rites proliferate truly like grass. He assigns the sceptres, he distributes the loyal crowns, and announces their exalted names. He …… their divinity until far and distant times in (?) heaven and earth. Everlasting prince ……. Lord who gives clever counsel, and who is endowed with prudence, outstanding intelligence and profound understanding! Trustworthy god, whose …… wholly surpasses description. Adviser, lord who deliberates only with himself, ……. Deep-hearted prince, whose words are unalterable (?), who disseminates his wisdom widely. Clever and competent, wise lord, ……, who knows everything. |
| A hymn to Enki (?) for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan X): c.2.5.4.24 For the settled people, you are their lord and father. For the ……, you are their shepherd who seeks out food for them. You speak to them as if you were their father and mother; you satiate the people with food and drink. You give advice, you set your mind to work, …… skilful labour. You have opened up your house of instructions and surpassing wisdom. Everything you have created ……. …… full of great awesomeness, a place clad in fearsome radiance. …… mound ……, where the primeval lords dwell. (1 line unclear) …… Father Enlil ……. …… wisdom ……. (1 line fragmentary) …… your most precious divine plans ……. (1 line fragmentary) …… ingenuity ……. …… destiny ……. (2 lines fragmentary) (approx. 21 lines missing) |
| An adab to An for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar C): c.2.5.5.3 In the overflowing of his heart, An has chosen him as king and blessed the royal descendant: "Lipit-Eštar, on whom I bestowed power, may you lift your head high! May you spread fearsome radiance as if you were the front of a rising tempest! May your storm cover the enemy territories, the disobedient countries! You have established justice in Sumer and Akkad, and made the Land feel content. Lipit-Eštar, son of Enlil, may you shine as brilliantly as the sunlight! May concord be created under you in the established cities, settlements and dwellings! May the black-headed people, numerous as flocks, follow the right path under you! Lipit-Eštar, even in far-away foreign countries, you will be the king! Enlil has faithfully bestowed on you the princely august throne, the eternal ornament of kingship; he has made it firm for you. May you never cease to wear the crown that Suen has placed firmly on your head! Enki has adorned you with princely divine powers. Inana escorts (?) you with the garment of princeship. The friendly guardians and the protecting genii of the E-kur stand by you. May the food offerings, wine, and milk that you bring ……! Son and creature of Enlil, may everything be pleasant for you!" (2 lines missing) |
| 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 tigi to Enki for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta B): c.2.5.6.2 Enlil, the lord who creates everything, has bestowed on you his august, proud and greatly awe-inspiring name: you are the junior Enlil. Throughout heaven and earth he alone is divine, and you are his younger brother. He has placed in your hands the power like him to decide destinies of both the south and the uplands. A good decision that comes forth from your mouth is exceptionally powerful. Sa-bara (a name of Enlil as judge), you concern yourself with the sustenance of the people who are widely settled as far as the borders of the mountains: you are their true father. Lord, all together they praise your greatness like the greatness of their protective deities. |
| A tigi to Enki for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta B): c.2.5.6.2 August lord, you excel in heaven and earth, and you have made your name shine forth. Enki, you have gathered up all the divine powers that there are, and stored them in the abzu. You have made praiseworthy the divine powers, exceeding all other divine powers, of your holy dwelling which you have chosen in your heart -- the abzu, the august shrine …… -- as well as its divine plans. Its shadow covers all lands from east to west, and its terrifying splendour rests upon the holy heavens like dense thunderclouds. It fills with terror E-kur, the holy dwelling of An and Enlil. Therein, equipped with the sceptre, you fashion the numerous seeds (?) …… for the assigned divine powers of the great gods; to create mankind and to preserve them alive is in your power, Father Enki, when you take your seat on the dais where you decide destinies. |
| An adab to Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta D): c.2.5.6.4 You cheer on the king whom the gods love: Ur-Ninurta, the youth whom you chose, in your honour an en priest. Nintur has created attractiveness for him, and has made him step forward to you for your admiration. She has confirmed his lot as favourable, and has made him …… before you. She has elevated as a prince the …… who is fitted for the emblem. Your holy heart has driven you towards him as if to a pleasant sweet scent. May he …… with you on your flowery bed which is full of delight. May the attentive youth, the prince who is all for you, stand at the service of your eternal divine powers. May Ur-Ninurta make the numerous people follow the just path. |
| An adab to Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta D): c.2.5.6.4 Inana, lady of heaven and of the broad earth, powerful ……, who radiates ……, who shines by night, who …… goes forth from ……, who is diffused wide over heaven and earth. …… may you make eminent …… Ur-Ninurta, …… who is the awe …… and the joy of his mother. …… may he lift his head high, and be their great wild bull. Make …… bow low for him ……, so that he may clamp down upon them. Deliver them into the exalted hands of him created from good seed. Under his rule may the people rest in meadows with him as their herdsman. May Ur-Ninurta make the numerous people follow the just path. |
| A praise poem of Enlil-bāni (Enlil-bāni A): c.2.5.8.1 Enlil-bāni, wondrous king among the princes! Created by An, elevated by Enlil, like Utu the light of all lands, born to princedom, girded with all the divine powers, watched over by Enlil and listened to by Ninlil on account of the widespread people living at the boundary of heaven and earth! Fair of ……, lordly of limb! With the staff and shepherd's crook you have settled innumerable people. |
| A praise poem of Enlil-bāni (Enlil-bāni A): c.2.5.8.1 Nisaba, Lady Nanibgal, the matriarch, the mother-in-law of Enlil, the lady …… who creates (?) life ……, the book-keeper ……, the wise one, the holy woman ……, …… the oracle, has placed his (?) name on the tablet of life. |
| An adab to Nanna for Gungunum (Gungunum A): c.2.6.2.1 (unknown no. of lines missing) (1 line fragmentary)Gungunum …… share. May …… restore your city for you. The ……, the prince (?), the king …… has no rival. May he bring back for you the scattered people of Sumer and Akkad. Making manifest …… and perfection, may he lift his head high. May he prolong life and bounty for him (i.e. for the king), may he create life for him. His golden emblem is truly outstanding and its form is praiseworthy. He has …… you to continue the offerings to Father Enlil -- may his days be prolonged for you. |
| A prayer to Nanna for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn E): c.2.6.9.5 May his kingship exist forever in your presence. May he be the first of the Land, called (?) lord and prince. Following your commands he shall be as unshakeable as heaven and earth; may he be …… over the numerous people. May the mother goddesses among the gods attend to his utterances; may they sit in silence before that which he says, and bring restorative life. May he create heart's joy for the population, and be the good provider for their days. May the terrifying splendour that he wears cover like a heavy raincloud the king who is hated by him. May all the best what he has be brought here as their offerings. |
| A prayer to Nanna for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn E): c.2.6.9.5 The good shepherd Rīm-Sîn looks to you as to his personal god. Grant him …… a life that he loves, and bestow joy on him. May you renew it like the daylight. As he prays to you, attend to his ……. When he speaks most fair words to you, sustain his life power for him. May he be respected ……, and have no rivals. As he makes supplication to you, make his days long. In the …… of life, …… the power of kingship. May his correct words be ever ……. May he create heart's joy in his ……. …… make the restorative …… rest upon him, the lion of lordship. When he beseeches you, let his exterior (?) …… shine. Give him …… life ……. May you bring …… for his life with your holy words. Hear him favourably as he lifts his hands in prayer, and decide a good destiny for him. |
| A praise poem of Anam (Anam A): c.2.7.1.1 ……, who batters the wrathful, ……, endowed with good looks, …… who is fearsome; watching ……, richly endowed with charms, you are ……, foremost of the troops. Nanaya, …… the mother of all, …… she who exists for luxury, …… a great destiny ……. ……, the queen, ……, restoring the destroyed E-me-urur and building the …… which were abandoned, has created the …… which had not been built up since ancient days. ……, you fix the rules. |
| A prayer for Samsu-iluna (Samsu-iluna B): c.2.8.3.2 When like a raging storm you batter the foreign lands that are hostile to you, may your head be raised high, O king; may your head be raised high, O Samsu-iluna! In Babylon, the city of the divine powers of Suen, may you let your cleverness shine like the sun! May Marduk, the god who created you, lift your head high in the midst of lords and princes! On the field of battle, of mêlée and conflict, may he never stray from your side! May he be your helper with weapons, may he cause you to excel until distant days! May An, king of the gods, make your life last until distant days! May Enlil, king of the foreign lands, who confirms your words, make your words weighty! May Inana, the great queen of heaven, grasp you firmly with her holy word! May Enki deliver numerous people into your hands! May Asari, the great ruler of the abzu, who provides advice for all the foreign lands, the lordly one of Eridug, the god who in his …… calls all the …… with a good name -- may he be your great princely strength! |
| Letter from Sîn-iddinam to the god Utu: c.3.2.05 Repeat to the bearded one, the son of Ningal, …… a lapis-lazuli beard, { who opens the bolts of heaven and earth } { (1 ms. has instead:) who opens the bolts }, who creates brightness in darkness; foremost lord who alone is resplendent, whose greatness is unequalled; warrior, son given birth by Ningal, who guards and gathers together the divine powers; just god, prince who determines all the fates, my lord, father of the black-headed: this is what Sîn-iddinam, king of Larsam, your servant, says: |
| Letter from the scribe Nanna-manšum to the goddess Ninisina: c.3.3.21 When (?) …… took care (?), she placed on my (?) ……. The barber ……, the throne-bearer of the gods has given me ……. Nine times she (?) has placed on my head …… and battle-axe. …… gathered in Nibru and Isin. They approached me but did not give their …… for my life. They have applied and created a dressing which does not hold. She (?) made a fattened (?) dove come (?), for my ……. |
| A hymn to Bau's beneficent protective goddess (Bau A): c.4.02.1 I shall praise the good woman, the Utu of the Land, my goddess. Mother Bau's august minister, who creates life for the king! Holy messenger who brings the tablet of life down from the interior of heaven, who sets rain on its way (?) from heaven, and brings forth abundance! Expeditious, an honour to Bau and an ornament of the holy shrine, protective goddess of those who pray to Bau, …… -- because you love mankind and rejoice at its gifts, let us forever praise (?) you, the beneficent protective goddess of Bau. |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 …… mercy and pity are yours, Inana. …… are yours, Inana. To cause the …… heart to tremble, …… illnesses are yours, Inana. To have a favourite wife, ……, to love …… are yours, Inana. Rejoicing, being haughty, …… are yours, Inana. Neglect and care, raising and bowing down are yours, Inana. To build a house, to create a woman's chamber, to possess implements, to kiss a child's lips are yours, Inana. To run, to race, to plot and to succeed are yours, Inana. To interchange the brute and the strong and the weak and the powerless is yours, Inana. To interchange the heights and valleys, and raising up and reducing, is yours, Inana. To give the crown, the throne and the royal sceptre is yours, Inana. (12 lines missing) |
| A tigi to Inana (Inana E): c.4.07.5 My lady, Ama-ušumgal-ana trusts in you. He cloaks his body as if in your royal robe of office. Monthly at the crescent moon An recreates him for you like Suen. People praise King Ama-ušumgal-ana, the beloved of your heart, like Utu as he rises. |
| A tigi to Inana (Inana E): c.4.07.5 Inana, my lady, Ama-ušumgal-ana trusts in you. He cloaks his body as if in your royal robe of office. Monthly at the crescent moon An recreates him for you like Suen. With you, people praise King Ama-ušumgal-ana like Utu as he rises. |
| 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 hymn to Inana: c.4.07.a You are she who raises …… in their prayers. You are she who displays shining cornelian from the mountains to be admired. Bringing shining lapis lazuli from the bright mountain on special rafts, you are she who, like fire, melts (?) gold from Ḫarali. You are she who creates apples in their clusters (?). You are she who demands ……. You are she who creates the date spadices in their beauty. |
| A balbale to Inana (Dumuzid-Inana F): c.4.08.06 …… good semen, good seed; when he comes forth from the brickbuilt abzu, I will make him sprout forth like a meš tree. Ama-ušumgal-ana, may An create ……. …… shall supply you with ……. Your sweet beauty, like foliage ……. I shall cherish you ……. I will make Ama-ušumgal-ana sprout forth as just such a meš tree! |
| A kunĝar to Inana (Dumuzid-Inana I): c.4.08.09 "Ploughing with the jewels, ploughing with the jewels, for whom is he ploughing? Ama-ušumgal-ana, ploughing with the jewels, for whom is he ploughing? The beard of the one whom he will create for me, the one whom he will create for me, is of lapis-lazuli, the beard of the …… whom An will create for me is lapis-lazuli, the beard of the …… is of lapis-lazuli, his beard is of lapis-lazuli." |
| A balbale to Suen (Nanna A): c.4.13.01 The mother who bore him speaks kindly from her loving heart to Suen: "You are the beloved of the heart who calms the heart, Suen, shining calf who grew fat on the holy lap; you can wish in your heart for anything! You can desire everything precious to the heart! ……, splendour of the E-kur, make your wish on Enlil's lap. May you create glory in heaven! May the E-kur sing a song of joy about you, may the people call upon your life, Suen, may you be supreme in heaven and earth!" |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna E): c.4.13.05 He puts your ritual plans and majestic lustration rituals in order for you. …… he makes the offering table resplendent for you in the sacred place. …… he puts in order for you …… evening meals, your evening meals and morning meals. He consecrates the lustration rituals and makes them shine for you. After ……, he has made the …… beautiful. He has called ……. Enki sets up for you the lustration rituals created in his abzu; Kusu establishes the lustration rituals created in their specific house -- the oven for oxen, sheep and bread beside the interior of the bathing chamber (?), those sacred lustration rituals beside the shrine! |
| A balbale to Ninazu (Ninazu A): c.4.17.1 Lord Ninazu, may Nanna rejoice over you that the earth was created. Powerful and of great intelligence, you were engendered by Nanna. May Ašimbabbar make the shining branches of your sceptre radiant in your grasp. He has strengthened the foundations of the throne which An gave you. May he make the way straight for you as far as the ends of heaven and earth, may he make it as straight for you as the sunlight. My lord Ninazu, may he make it as straight for you as the sunlight, may he make it as straight for you as the sunlight. Suen has perfected your lordly staff, the lofty sceptre which shines over all the foreign countries, and guides the people. Your protective goddess has …… great power for you in E-kiš-nu-ĝal. |
| A hymn to Ninĝišzida (Ninĝišzida C): c.4.19.3 …… he has poured his good seed. Enlil says "Hail!" to Ninĝišzida. He makes known ……, and creates it for you in the Land. ……, born like ……. He looks at your joyful …… Lord Ninĝišzida, your praise is sweet. They praise you in song. |
| A šir-gida to Ninisina (Ninisina A): c.4.22.1 To create offspring for thousands of young women, to make things in order like a potter, to cut the umbilical cord, to determine destinies, to place a hand on the door of the Niĝin-ĝar (a part of Ninisina's temple at Isin), ……, to let the human child scream loud and long after it is received in the embrace, to turn its belly downwards and to turn it upside down, to …… the office of Mistress, to treat it quickly, to wash …… -- after she has made all these great divine powers appear gloriously, and my lady has spoken praise …… in addition, Ninisina praises herself fittingly: |
| 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." |
| A tigi to Nintur (Nintur A): c.4.26.1 When Mother Nintur sat upon the throne-dais on the holy seat of joy, the seat from which she has made everything numerous, it was then that the highest divine powers, which are golden, the glory of the numerous people -- the en priesthood and the kingship -- were created for Enlil. When Nintur, Mother Nintur, sat upon the throne-dais on the seat of joy, the seat from which she has made everything numerous, it was then that the highest divine powers, which are golden, the glory of the numerous people -- the en priesthood and the kingship -- were created for Enlil. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 The compiler of the tablets was En-ḫedu-ana. My king, something has been created that no one has created before. |
| The advice of a supervisor to a younger scribe (E-dub-ba-a C): c.5.1.3 "Nisaba has placed in your hand the honour of being a teacher. { For her, the fate determined for you will be changed and so you will be generously blessed } { (1 ms. has instead:) You were created by Nisaba! May you …… upwards }. May she bless you with a joyous heart and free you from all despondency. …… at whatever is in the school, the place of learning. The majesty of Nisaba …… silence. For your sweet songs even the cowherds will strive gloriously. For your sweet songs I too shall strive and shall ……. They should recognise that you are a practitioner (?) of wisdom. The little fellows should enjoy like beer the sweetness of decorous words: experts bring light to dark places, they bring it to culs-de-sac and streets." |
| A man and his god: c.5.2.4 "My righteous shepherd has become angry with me, a youth, and looked upon me with hostility. My herdsman has plotted malice against me although I am not his enemy. My companion does not say a true word to me. My friend falsifies my truthfully spoken words. A man of deceit has spoken insulting words to me while you, my god, do not respond to him and you carry off my understanding. An ill-wisher has spoken insulting words to me -- he angered me, was like a storm and created anguish. I am wise -- why am I tied up with ignorant youths? I am discerning -- why am I entangled among ignorant men?" |
| A man and his god: c.5.2.4 "Food is all about, yet my food is hunger. When shares were allotted to all the people, my allotted share was suffering. A brother …… insulted me, created anguish. He …… my ……, raised up …… and carried off ……. A hostile …… without wisdom wrote on clay (?). He sought the …… of the journey. He cut down the …… of the road like a tree. He …… the supervisor and …… my steward." |
| The debate between Hoe and Plough: c.5.3.1 "The fowler gathers eggs. The fisherman catches fish. People empty bird-traps. Thus the abundance I create spreads over all the lands." |
| 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 At that time Enki spoke to Enlil: "Father Enlil, now Sheep and Grain have been created on the Holy Mound, let us send them down from the Holy Mound." Enki and Enlil, having spoken their holy word, sent Sheep and Grain down from the Holy Mound. |
| The debate between Bird and Fish: c.5.3.5 In those ancient days, when the good destinies had been decreed, and after An and Enlil had set up the divine rules of heaven and earth, then the third of them, ……, the lord of broad wisdom, Enki, the master of destinies, gathered together …… and founded dwelling places; he took in his hand waters to encourage and create good seed; he laid out side by side the Tigris and the Euphrates, and caused them to bring water from the mountains; he scoured out the smaller streams, and positioned the other watercourses. …… Enki made spacious sheepfolds and cattle-pens, and provided shepherds and herdsmen; he founded cities and settlements throughout the earth, and made the black-headed multiply. He provided them with a king as shepherd, elevating him to sovereignty over them; the king rose as the daylight over the foreign countries. |
| The debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 (5 lines fragmentary) (Silver (?) speaks:) "Powerful with huge arms, does he have any rival? He walks carrying the precious hammer stone and anvil stone. He can create …… and thus make it larger -- ……, a brother, is your right arm; ……, a mother (?), is your left (?). He has created ……; let him show it off. Constantly digging ……, let him accumulate goods. After exalted …… conceived (?) him, after …… like a breast, after …… towards the abzu, …… to the edge of the horizon, may …… bring …… for you. After …… made ……." (2 lines fragmentary) (31 lines missing) |
| The debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 (Copper speaks:) "…… the heavens were separated from the earth, there was no drinking water ……. In order that the people should eat food ……, my father Enlil created me in a single day, and then the Tigris charged like a great wild bull." |
| The heron and the turtle: c.5.9.2 Then, on the ziggurat ……. King Enki was …… on the ziggurat. The great brickwork of the ziggurat …… the abzu; the brickwork of the abzu ……. He took dirt from his fingernail and created the dimgi vegetable. He made the dimgi …… in the ground. Your flax came out of the earth ……. He watered the little ones with his hand; he watered the big ones with his foot. The flax grew large. After the flax had grown tall, after he had bound (?) it …… (1 line fragmentary) (6 lines missing) The king ……. (1 line fragmentary) (1 line missing) (3 lines fragmentary) They seized …… for him. They …… for him. They confronted (?) …… in the desert. (1 line unclear) ……, they laid out the hunting net. …… did not catch; he caught in (?) the hunting net, …… did not catch; he spread out the hunting net. (5 lines fragmentary) …… of Enki (1 line fragmentary) May you be ……; may you be ……; may you be ……; may you be …… (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Proverbs: collection 1: c.6.1.01 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 1: c.6.1.01 A heart never created hatred; speech created hatred. |
| Proverbs: collection 1: c.6.1.01 A disorderly son -- his mother should not have given birth to him. His god should not have created him. |
| Proverbs: collection 3: c.6.1.03 Offerings create life. |
| Proverbs: collection 5: c.6.1.05 { The elephant spoke to himself: "There is nothing like me among all the creatures of Šakkan!" The wren (?) answered him: "But I, in my own small way, was created just as you were!" } { (1 ms. has instead:) The elephant spoke to himself: "Among all the creatures of Šakkan, the one that can defecate like me has yet to be created!" The wren (?) answered him: "But I, in my own small way, can defecate just as much as you!" } |
| Proverbs: collection 26: c.6.1.26 Fear of god creates good fortune. Lamentation absolves sin. Offerings extend life. |
| Proverbs: from Urim: c.6.2.3 (cf. |
| Proverbs: from Urim: c.6.2.3 Pleasure is created. Sins are absolved. Life is rejuvenated. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 To the wolf vegetable, to the fox-grape (?) vegetable, to the lion plant, to the …… plant, to the dog's-tongue plant, to the property plant, to the shouting plant, the lion roars out: "These have no names." The fool's lot was created by Utu. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 Your exuberance is something that creates a household; the young people (?) get married. |
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