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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 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 (The fox said to Ninḫursaĝa:) "I have been to Nibru, but Enlil ……. I have been to Urim, but Nanna ……. I have been to Larsam, but Utu ……. I have been to Unug, but Inana ……. I am seeking refuge with one who is ……." (7 lines fragmentary) |
| Enki and Ninmaḫ: c.1.1.2 Enki …… brought joy to their heart. He set a feast for his mother Namma and for Ninmaḫ. All the princely birth-goddesses (?) …… ate delicate reed (?) and bread. An, Enlil, and Lord Nudimmud roasted holy kids. All the senior gods praised him: "O lord of wide understanding, who is as wise as you? Enki, the great lord, who can equal your actions? Like a corporeal father, you are the one who has the me of deciding destinies, in fact you are the me." |
| 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 Enlil, the Great Mountain, has commissioned you to gladden the hearts of lords and rulers and wish them well. Enki, lord of prosperity, lord of wisdom, lord, the beloved of An, the ornament of Eridug, who establish commands and decisions, who well understands the decreeing of fates: you close up the days ……, and make the months enter their houses. You bring down ……, you have reached their number. You make the people dwell in their dwelling places ……, you make them follow their herdsman ……. (2 lines unclear) |
| 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 "I will admire its green cedars. Let the lands of Meluḫa, Magan and Dilmun look upon me, upon Enki. Let the Dilmun boats be loaded (?) with timber. Let the Magan boats be loaded sky-high. Let the magilum boats of Meluḫa transport gold and silver and bring them to Nibru for Enlil, king of all the lands." |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 The lord, the great ruler of the Abzu, issues instructions on board the 'Stag of the Abzu' -- the great emblem erected in the Abzu, providing protection, its shade extending over the whole land and refreshing the people, the pillar and pole planted in the …… marsh, rising high over all the foreign lands. The noble captain of the lands, the son of Enlil, holds in his hand the sacred punt-pole, a meš tree ornamented in the Abzu which received the supreme powers in Eridug, the holy place, the most esteemed place. The hero proudly lifts his head towards the Abzu. (6 lines missing or unclear) |
| 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 "City which possesses all that is fitting, bathed by water! Sturdy bull, altar of abundance that strides across the mountains, rising like the hills, forest of ḫašur cypresses with broad shade, self-confident! May your perfect powers be well-directed. The Great Mountain Enlil has pronounced your name great in heaven and on earth. City whose fate Enki has decreed, sanctuary of Urim, you shall rise high to heaven!" |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 He cleansed and purified the land of Dilmun. He placed Ninsikila in charge of it. He gave …… for the fish spawn, ate its …… fish, bestowed palms on the cultivated land, ate its dates. …… Elam and Marḫaši ……. …… to devour ……. The king endowed with strength by Enlil destroyed their houses, demolished (?) their walls. He brought their silver and lapis-lazuli, their treasure, to Enlil, king of all the lands, in Nibru. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 After he had turned his gaze from there, after Father Enki had lifted his eyes across the Euphrates, he stood up full of lust like a rampant bull, lifted his penis, ejaculated and filled the Tigris with flowing water. He was like a wild cow mooing for its young in the wild grass, its scorpion-infested cow-pen. The Tigris …… at his side like a rampant bull. By lifting his penis, he brought a bridal gift. The Tigris rejoiced in its heart like a great wild bull, when it was born ……. It brought water, flowing water indeed: its wine will be sweet. It brought barley, mottled barley indeed: the people will eat it. It filled the E-kur, the house of Enlil, with all sorts of things. Enlil was delighted with Enki, and Nibru was glad. The lord put on the diadem as a sign of lordship, he put on the good crown as a sign of kingship, touching the ground on his left side. Plenty came forth out of the earth for him. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 He filled the E-kur, the house of Enlil, with goods of all sorts. Enlil was delighted with Enki, and Nibru was glad. Enki placed in charge of all this, over the wide extent of the sea, her who sets sail …… in the holy shrine, who induces sexual intercourse ……, who …… over the enormous high flood of the subterranean waters, the terrifying waves, the inundation of the sea ……, who comes forth from the ……, the mistress of Sirara, …… -- Nanše. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 He organised ploughs, yokes and teams. The great prince Enki bestowed the horned oxen that follow the …… tools, he opened up the holy furrows, and made the barley grow on the cultivated fields. Enki placed in charge of them the lord who wears the diadem, the ornament of the high plain, him of the implements, the farmer of Enlil -- Enkimdu, responsible for ditches and dykes. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 The lord called the cultivated fields, and bestowed on them mottled barley. Enki made chickpeas, lentils and …… grow. He heaped up into piles the early, mottled and innuḫa varieties of barley. Enki multiplied the stockpiles and stacks, and with Enlil's help he enhanced the people's prosperity. Enki placed in charge of all this her whose head and body are dappled, whose face is covered in syrup, the mistress who causes sexual intercourse, the power of the Land, the life of the black-headed -- Ezina, the good bread of the whole world. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 He tied down the strings and coordinated them with the foundations, and with the power of the assembly he planned a house and performed the purification rituals. The great prince put down the foundations, and laid the bricks. Enki placed in charge of all this him whose foundations once laid do not sag, whose good houses once built do not collapse (?), whose vaults reach up into the heart of the heavens like a rainbow -- Mušdama, Enlil's master builder. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 He raised a holy crown over the upland plain. He fastened a lapis-lazuli beard to the high plain, and made it wear a lapis-lazuli headdress. He made this good place perfect with greenery in abundance. He multiplied the animals of the high plain to an appropriate degree, he multiplied the ibex and wild goats of the pastures, and made them copulate. Enki placed in charge of them the hero who is the crown of the high plain, who is the king of the countryside, the great lion of the high plain, the muscular, the hefty, the burly strength of Enlil -- Šakkan, the king of the hills. |
| 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 and the world order: c.1.1.3 "Aruru, Enlil's sister, Nintur, the lady of giving birth, is to get the holy birth-bricks as her prerogative. She is to carry off the lancet for umbilical cords, the special sand and leeks. She is to get the sila-ĝara bowl of translucent lapis lazuli (in which to place the afterbirth). She is to carry off the holy consecrated ala vessel. She is to be the midwife of the land! The birthing of kings and lords is to be in her hands." |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 "Nanše, the august lady, who rests her feet on the holy pelican, is to be the fisheries inspector of the sea. She is to be responsible for accepting delectable fish and delicious birds from there to go to Nibru for her father Enlil." |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 "But now, the heart has overflowed, the Land is restored; Enlil's heart has overflowed, the Land is restored. In his overflowing heart of mankind," (4 lines unclear) "…… lapis-lazuli headdress …… is your prerogative, …… is your prerogative, …… is your prerogative, …… is your prerogative." (10 lines unclear) |
| 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 Ninlil: c.1.2.1 There was a city, there was a city -- the one we live in. Nibru was the city, the one we live in. Dur-ĝišnimbar was the city, the one we live in. Id-sala is its holy river, Kar-ĝeština is its quay. Kar-asar is its quay where boats make fast. Pu-lal is its freshwater well. Id-nunbir-tum is its branching canal, and if one measures from there, its cultivated land is 50 sar each way. Enlil was one of its young men, and Ninlil was one its young women. Nun-bar-še-gunu was one of its wise old women. |
| Enlil and Ninlil: c.1.2.1 At that time the maiden was advised by her own mother, Ninlil was advised by Nun-bar-še-gunu: "The river is holy, woman! The river is holy -- don't bathe in it! Ninlil, don't walk along the bank of the Id-nunbir-tum! His eye is bright, the lord's eye is bright, he will look at you! The Great Mountain, Father Enlil -- his eye is bright, he will look at you! The shepherd who decides all destinies -- his eye is bright, he will look at you! Straight away he will want to have intercourse, he will want to kiss! He will be happy to pour lusty semen into the womb, and then he will leave you to it!" |
| Enlil and Ninlil: c.1.2.1 She advised her from the heart, she gave wisdom to her. The river is holy; the woman bathed in the holy river. As Ninlil walked along the bank of the Id-nunbir-tum, his eye was bright, the lord's eye was bright, he looked at her. The Great Mountain, Father Enlil -- his eye was bright, he looked at her. The shepherd who decides all destinies -- his eye was bright, he looked at her. The king said to her," I want to have sex with you!", but he could not make her let him. Enlil said to her," I want to kiss you!", but he could not make her let him." My vagina is small, it does not know pregnancy. My lips are young, they do not know kissing. If my mother learns of it, she will slap my hand! If my father learns of it, he will lay hands on me! But right now, no one will stop me from telling this to my girl friend!" |
| Enlil and Ninlil: c.1.2.1 Enlil spoke to his minister Nuska: "Nuska, my minister!" "At your service! What do you wish?" "Master builder of the E-kur!" "At your service, my lord!" "Has anyone had intercourse with, has anyone kissed a maiden so beautiful, so radiant -- Ninlil, so beautiful, so radiant?" The minister brought his master across by boat, bringing him over with the rope of a small boat, bringing him over in a big boat. The lord, floating downstream to …… -- he was actually to have intercourse with her, he was actually to kiss her! -- Father Enlil, floating downstream to …… -- he was actually to have intercourse with her, he was actually to kiss her! -- he grasped hold of her whom he was seeking -- he was actually to have intercourse with her, he was actually to kiss her! -- so as to lie with her on a small bank ……. He actually had intercourse with her, he actually kissed her. At this one intercourse, at this one kissing he poured the seed of Suen-Ašimbabbar into her womb. |
| Enlil and Ninlil: c.1.2.1 Enlil was walking in the Ki-ur. As Enlil was going about in the Ki-ur, the fifty great gods and the seven gods who decide destinies had Enlil arrested in the Ki-ur. { Enlil, the ritually impure, left the city. Nunamnir, the ritually impure, left the city. } { (2 mss. have instead:) "Enlil, ritually impure, leave the city! Nunamnir, ritually impure, leave the city!" } Enlil, in accordance with what had been decided, Nunamnir, in accordance with what had been decided, Enlil went. Ninlil followed. Nunamnir went, the maiden chased him. |
| Enlil and Ninlil: c.1.2.1 Enlil spoke to the man at the city gate: "City gatekeeper! Keeper of the barrier! Porter! Keeper of the holy barrier! When your lady Ninlil comes, if she asks after me, don't tell her where I am!" Ninlil addressed the city gatekeeper: "City gatekeeper! Keeper of the barrier! Porter! Keeper of the holy barrier! When did your lord Enlil go by?" She spoke to him; Enlil answered as the city gatekeeper: "My lord has not talked with me at all, O loveliest one. Enlil has not talked with me at all, O loveliest one." "I will make clear my aim and explain my intent. You can fill my womb once it is empty -- Enlil, lord of all the lands, has had sex with me! Just as Enlil is your lord, so am I your lady!" "If you are my lady, let my hand touch your ……!" "The seed of your lord, the bright seed, is in my womb. The seed of Suen, the bright seed, is in my womb." "My master's seed can go up to the heavens! Let my seed go downwards! Let my seed go downwards, instead of my master's seed!" Enlil, as the city gatekeeper, got her to lie down in the chamber. He had intercourse with her there, he kissed her there. At this one intercourse, at this one kissing he poured the seed of Nergal-Mešlamta-ea into her womb. |
| Enlil and Ninlil: c.1.2.1 Enlil went. Ninlil followed. Nunamnir went, the maiden chased him. Enlil approached the man of the Id-kura (river of the underworld), the man-eating river." My man of the Id-kura, the man-eating river! When your lady Ninlil comes, if she asks after me, don't you tell her where I am!" Ninlil approached the man of the Id-kura, the man-eating river." My man of the Id-kura, the man-eating river! When did your lord Enlil go by?", she said to him. Enlil answered as the man of the Id-kura: "My lord has not talked with me at all, O loveliest one. Enlil has not talked with me at all, O loveliest one." "I will make clear my aim and explain my intent. You can fill my womb once it is empty -- Enlil, lord of all the lands, has had sex with me! Just as Enlil is your lord, so am I your lady!" "If you are my lady, let my hand touch your ……!" "The seed of your lord, the bright seed, is in my womb. The seed of Suen, the bright seed, is in my womb." "My master's seed can go up to the heavens! Let my seed go downwards! Let my seed go downwards, instead of my master's seed!" Enlil, as the man of the Id-kura, got her to lie down in the chamber. He had intercourse with her there, he kissed her there. At this one intercourse, at this one kissing he poured into her womb the seed of Ninazu, the king who stretches measuring lines over the fields. |
| Enlil and Ninlil: c.1.2.1 Enlil went. Ninlil followed. Nunamnir went, the maiden chased him. Enlil approached SI.LU.IGI, the man of the ferryboat." SI.LU.IGI, my man of the ferryboat! When your lady Ninlil comes, if she asks after me, don't you tell her where I am!" Ninlil approached the man of the ferryboat." Man of the ferryboat! When did your lord Enlil go by?", she said to him. Enlil answered as the man SI.LU.IGI: "My lord has not talked with me at all, O loveliest one. Enlil has not talked with me at all, O loveliest one." "I will make clear my aim and explain my intent. You can fill my womb once it is empty -- Enlil, king of all the lands, has had sex with me! Just as Enlil is your lord, so am I your lady!" "If you are my lady, let my hand touch your ……!" "The seed of your lord, the bright seed, is in my womb. The seed of Suen, the bright seed, is in my womb." "My master's seed can go up to the heavens! Let my seed go downwards! Let my seed go downwards, instead of my master's seed!" Enlil, as SI.LU.IGI, got her to lie down in the chamber. He had intercourse with her there, he kissed her there. At this one intercourse, at this one kissing he poured into her womb the seed of Enbilulu, the inspector of canals. |
| Enlil and Ninlil: c.1.2.1 You are lord! You are king! Enlil, you are lord! You are king! Nunamnir, you are lord! You are king! You are supreme lord, you are powerful lord! Lord who makes flax grow, lord who makes barley grow, you are lord of heaven, lord plenty, lord of the earth! You are lord of the earth, lord plenty, lord of heaven! Enlil in heaven, Enlil is king! Lord { whose utterances } { (2 mss. have instead:) whose pronouncements } cannot be altered at all! His primordial utterances will not be changed! For the praise spoken for Ninlil the mother, praise be to { (1 ms. adds:) the Great Mountain, } Father Enlil! |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 …… she was faithfully sitting (?) on ……, admirable and full of charms. ……, the noble son -- who like him can compare with An and Enlil? Ḫaia, the ……, put the holy semen into her womb. Nun-bar-še-gunu (a name of Nisaba) faithfully gave birth to ……, she brought her up in her …… and suckled her at her breasts full of good milk. The …… of the young girl burgeoned, and she became full of flourishing beauty. In the …… of Nisaba, at the gate of the E-zagin, …… she stood, the object of admiration, like a tall, beautifully shaped cow. |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 At that time Enlil had not yet been given a wife in the E-kur; Ninlil's name was not yet famous in the Ki-ur. After travelling through Sumer and to the ends of the universe, he ……; in his search throughout the Land, Enlil, the Great Mountain, stopped at Ereš. As he looked around there, he found the woman of his choice. He approached her and, overflowing with joy, engaged her in conversation: "I will make you perfect in a queen's dress; after standing in the street, you will be ……. How impressed I am by your beauty, even if you are a shameless person!" In her youthful inexperience Sud answered Enlil: "If I want to stand proudly at our gate, who dares to give me a bad reputation? What are your intentions? Why have you come here? …… from my sight!" Others (?) had already tried to deceive ……, and made her (?) angry. Enlil …… answered Sud, …… standing closer to her: "Come, I want to speak to you! I will have a talk with you about your becoming my wife. Kiss me, my lady of most beautiful eyes -- the matter rests in your hands." But the words had barely left his mouth when, right in front of him, she went into the house. |
| 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." |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 When Nuska, the head of the assembly, had received Enlil's instructions, he wasted no time ……; he directed his steps to Ereš. He entered E-zagin, the residence of Nanibgal (a name of Nisaba) and prostrated himself before Nanibgal on her dais. …… of Enlil ……, and she (?) asked him ……: "…… what ……?" (7 lines missing) (1 line fragmentary)(Nuska speaks:) "…… Sud ……. What you have told me ……." Then Nanibgal went on speaking flatteringly to the minister: "Adviser, fit for his (?) king, ever observant (?)! Who like you could give counsel daily to the Great Mountain? How could I contest the king's message which his slave has received? If there is truth in what you have told me -- and may there be no falsehood -- who could reject one who bestows such exceedingly great favours? …… makes our mood and hearts happy. Let us consider that amends have been made. By bringing the marriage gifts and the presents in his name the insult is wiped away. Tell him: "You shall become my son-in-law; do as you wish!" Tell Enlil, the Great Mountain: "Do as you wish!" Let his sister come from her side, and she shall accompany Sud from here. Aruru shall become Sud's sister-in-law: let her be shown the household. Inform your lord thus in his august Ki-ur. Repeat this to Enlil in the privacy of his holy bedchamber." |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 After …… had instructed ……, …… and Nuska took his seat on it. (1 line missing)Nanibgal called …… and gave her advice: "My little one, asleep indoors (?) …… your pure ……, the pleasant private quarters ……. …… leave the House of Nisaba's Wisdom. ……, Nuska is knowing and wise. …… to his presence and pour him beer." According to the instructions of her mother, she washed his hands and placed a tankard in his hands. The minister opened his left hand and gave her the jewellery, …… everything …… and set it before her. She received the gifts ……. He …… directed his steps to Nibru. …… kissed the ground before Enlil. …… the great Lady had said ……, as she had instructed him, he repeated (?) ……: "(She said:) "Adviser, fit for his (?) king, ever observant (?)! Who like you could give counsel daily to the Great Mountain? How could I contest the king's message which his slave has received? If there is truth in what you have told me -- and may there be no falsehood -- who could reject one who bestows such exceedingly great favours? …… makes our mood and hearts happy. Let us consider that amends have been made. By bringing the marriage gifts and the presents in his name the insult is wiped away. Tell him: "You shall become my son-in-law; do as you wish!" Tell Enlil, the Great Mountain: "Do as you wish!" Let his sister come from her side, and she shall accompany Sud from here. Aruru shall become Sud's sister-in-law: let her be shown the household. Inform your lord thus in his august Ki-ur. Repeat this to Enlil in the privacy of his holy bedchamber."" |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 …… made …… feel good, brought great rejoicing in Enlil's heart. He raised his head ……, and animals came running. …… herds of four-legged animals that graze together in the desert. He caught …… living in the mountains, he made wild bulls, red deer, elephants, fallow deer, gazelles, bears, wild sheep and rams, lynxes, foxes, wild cats, tigers, mountain sheep, water buffaloes, monkeys, and thick-horned fat cattle jostle together noisily. Cows and their calves, wild cattle with wide-spread horns, …… rope, { ewes and lambs, goats and kids, romping …… } { (1 later ms. from Susa has instead:) …… and fighting }, large kids with long beards, scratching with their hooves, lambs, ……, and majestic sheep were despatched by Enlil toward Ereš. |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 Large cheeses, mustard-flavoured cheeses, small cheeses, ……, milk ……, the sweetest dry honey and white honey, ……, and thick and large …… were despatched by Enlil toward Ereš. |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 ……, dates, figs, large pomegranates, ……, ĝipar fruits, plums (?), ḫalub nuts, almonds, acorns, Dilmun dates packed in baskets, dark-coloured date spadices, large pomegranates gathered from orchards, big clusters of grapes on high, …… trees in fruit, trees from orchards, …… grown in winter, and fruits from orchards were despatched by Enlil toward Ereš. |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 Ores (?) from Ḫarali, the faraway land, …… storehouses, ……, rock-crystal, gold, silver, ……, the yield of the uplands ……, heavy loads of them, were despatched by Enlil toward Ereš. After the personal presents, the transported goods ……, Ninmaḫ and the minister ……. The dust from their march reached high into the sky like rain clouds. Enormous marriage gifts were being brought for Nanibgal to Ereš; the city was getting full inside and out, …… it was to be replete. The rest …… on the outlying roads ……. …… blue sky ……. (1 line missing) (2 lines fragmentary) |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 { Nanibgal, the mother-in-law of Enlil, the woman who had been slandered, was treated kindly by Nuska (?) } { (1 ms. has instead:) …… the mother-in-law of Enlil, the woman …… Ezina …… } -- but the lady disregarded the flatterer, and spoke to her daughter: "May you be { Enlil's favourite wife } { (1 ms. has instead:) the wife of Enlil's heart }, and may he speak to you sweetly. May he embrace you, the most beautiful of all, and tell you: "Beloved, open wide!" { May the two of you never lose the pleasure (?) of excitement; make it last (?) a long time. } { (1 ms. has instead:) May it be that the pleasure (?) of excitement will never be lost. } You two …… on the hill, and have children afterwards! When you enter the house to live there, may abundance precede you, and may joy follow you. May the people line up for you wherever you go, and may all the people …… for you. The fate I have determined for you { should be fulfilled } { (1 ms. has instead:) cannot be altered }! Go with head held high into the E-maḫ." |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 Then Aruru grasped her by the hand and led her away into the Eš-maḫ. She brought her into the E-kur, the house of Enlil, and ……. In the sleeping quarters, in the flowered bed …… like a fragrant cedar forest, Enlil made (?) love to his wife and took great pleasure in it. (1 line fragmentary)The lord whose statements are …… the lady; …… Nintur, the "Lady who gives birth" ……. …… En-batibira's (perhaps a name of Aruru) countenance, ……. He presented her with ……, everything ……, and ……. |
| 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) |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 A holy song of praise ……. Enlil and Ninlil ……! |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 Aruru grasped her …… and …… her away into the Eš-maḫ. She brought her into the shining E-kur, and poured the best perfume over her face. In the sleeping quarters, in the flowered bed fragrant like a cedar forest, Enlil made (?) love to his wife and took great pleasure in it. He sat her (?) on his dais appropriate to the status of Enlil, and made the people pray to her. The lord whose statements are powerful also determined a fate for the Lady (Aruru), the woman of his favour; he gave her the name Nintur, the 'Lady who gives birth', the 'Lady who spreads her knees'. He made beautiful En-batibira's (perhaps a name of Aruru) countenance, ……. He presented her with the …… of a mistress, everything pertaining to women that no man must see, and ……. |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 (Enlil speaks:) "From now on, a woman shall be the ……; a woman shall be the mistress of the house. May my favourite wife, who was born by holy Nisaba, be Ezina, the grain, the life of the Land. When she appears in the furrows like a beautiful young girl, may …… be her provider, watering her with water from the ground, as she grows prime grain and prime flax …… (1 line unclear) …… the harvest crop …… the great festival of Enlil ……. ……, the measuring rod, the marking of the boundaries, and the preparation of canals and levees are fittingly in your hands. The farmer entrusted cultivation into your hands. Proud woman, surpassing the mountains! You who always fulfil your desires -- from now on, Sud, Enlil is the king and Ninlil is the queen. The goddess without name has a famous name now, …… (1 line unclear)May it be you who determine that destiny …… attends to it ……." |
| Enlil and Sud: c.1.2.2 As the presents are given in the shrine Nibru, a holy song of praise is sung. Enlil, the lord of the countries, ……. |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 "Like a city which An has cursed, may it never be restored. Like a city at which Enlil has frowned, may it never again lift its neck up. May the mountain observe (?) my conduct. May Ebiḫ give me honour and praise me." |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 "Like a city which An has cursed, may it never be restored. Like a city at which Enlil has frowned, may it never again lift its neck up. May the mountain observe (?) my conduct. May Ebiḫ give me honour and praise me." |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 For a second time, rejoicing in fearsome terror, she spoke out righteously: "My father Enlil has poured my great terror over the centre of the mountains. On my right side he has placed a weapon. On my left side a …… is placed. My anger, a harrow with great teeth, has torn the mountain apart." |
| Inana and An: c.1.3.5 Adagbir, …… of Enlil, …… through the reed thickets and the tall reeds. She gazed in admiration at E-ana which comes forth from heaven. |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 "Lacerate your eyes for me, lacerate your nose for me. { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) Lacerate your ears for me, in public. } In private, lacerate your buttocks for me. Like a pauper, clothe yourself in a single garment and all alone set your foot in the E-kur, the house of Enlil." |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 "When you have entered the E-kur, the house of Enlil, lament before Enlil: "Father Enlil, don't let anyone kill your daughter in the underworld. Don't let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the underworld. Don't let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason's stone. Don't let your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter's wood. Don't let young lady Inana be killed in the underworld."" |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 "If Enlil does not help you in this matter, go to Urim. In the E-mud-kura at Urim, when you have entered the E-kiš-nu-ĝal, the house of Nanna, lament before Nanna: "Father Nanna, don't let anyone kill your daughter in the underworld. Don't let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the underworld. Don't let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason's stone. Don't let your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter's wood. Don't let young lady Inana be killed in the underworld."" |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 She made a lament for her in her ruined (houses). She beat the drum for her in the sanctuaries. She made the rounds of the houses of the gods for her. She lacerated her eyes for her, she lacerated her nose. In private she lacerated her buttocks for her. Like a pauper, she clothed herself in a single garment, and all alone she set her foot in the E-kur, the house of Enlil. |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 When she had entered the E-kur, the house of Enlil, she lamented before Enlil: "Father Enlil, don't let anyone kill your daughter in the underworld. Don't let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the underworld. Don't let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason's stone. Don't let your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter's wood. Don't let young lady Inana be killed in the underworld." |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 In his rage Father Enlil answered Ninšubur: "My daughter craved the great heaven and she craved the great below as well. Inana craved the great heaven and she craved the great below as well. The divine powers of the underworld are divine powers which should not be craved, for whoever gets them must remain in the underworld. Who, having got to that place, could then expect to come up again?" |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 Thus Father Enlil did not help in this matter, so she went to Urim. In the E-mud-kura at Urim, when she had entered the E-kiš-nu-ĝal, the house of Nanna, she lamented before Nanna: "Father Nanna, don't let your daughter be killed in the underworld. Don't let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the underworld. Don't let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason's stone. Don't let your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter's wood. Don't let young lady Inana be killed in the underworld." |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 "All alone she directed her steps to the E-kur, to the house of Enlil, and to Urim, to the house of Nanna, and to Eridug, to the house of Enki. { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) She wept before Enki. } She brought me back to life. How could I turn her over to you? Let us go on. Let us go on to the Šeg-kuršaga in Umma." |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 The heroic Nanna-Suen fixed his mind on the city of his mother. Suen Ašimbabbar fixed his mind on the city of his mother. Nanna-Suen fixed his mind on the city of his mother and his father. Ašimbabbar fixed his mind on the city of Enlil and Ninlil: |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 "I, the hero, will set off for my city. I will set off for my city, I will set off to my father. I, Suen, will set off for my city. I will set off for my city, I will set off to my father. I will set off to my father Enlil. I will set off for my city, I will set off to my mother. I will set off to my mother Ninlil. I will set off to my father." |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 (He declared:) "I am Nanna-Suen, I ……, I will …… to the house of Enlil. I am Ašimbabbar, and I will …… to the house of Enlil." (6 lines missing) |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 Nanna-Suen will gather bulls for the cow-pen for the house of Enlil. Ašimbabbar will collect (?) fattened sheep for the house of Enlil. Nanna-Suen will purify the cow-pen for the house of Enlil. Ašimbabbar will feed meal to the goats for the house of Enlil. Nanna-Suen will …… porcupines for the house of Enlil. |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 Ašimbabbar will …… long-tailed bush-rats for the house of Enlil. Nanna-Suen will gather (?) turtles (?) and small birds for the house of Enlil. Ašimbabbar will bring small ubi birds from the pond for the house of Enlil. Nanna-Suen will bring small azagun birds from the …… for the house of Enlil. |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 Ašimbabbar will …… suḫur carp for the house of Enlil. Nanna-Suen will …… eštub carp for the house of Enlil. Ašimbabbar will pour the oil of rushes onto the water for the house of Enlil. Nanna-Suen will fill baskets with eggs for the house of Enlil. Ašimbabbar will cause old reed and fresh reed to thrive for the house of Enlil. |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 Nanna-Suen will cause six hundred ewes to give birth to lambs for the house of Enlil, for he will cause their rams to be let loose among them, and he will distribute them along the banks of the Surungal canal. Ašimbabbar will cause six hundred she-goats to give birth to kids for the house of Enlil, for he will cause their bucks to be let loose among them, and he will distribute them along the banks of the Surungal canal. Nanna-Suen will cause six hundred cows to give birth to calves for the house of Enlil, for he will cause their bulls to be let loose among them, and he will distribute them along the banks of the Surungal canal. |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 Nibru lay ahead of the offerings, Tummal lay behind them. At the Shining Quay, the quay of Enlil, Nanna-Suen finally docked the boat. At the White Quay, the quay of Enlil, Ašimbabbar finally docked the boat. |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 "I, Nanna-Suen, have gathered bulls for the cow-pen for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house. I, Ašimbabbar, have collected (?) fattened sheep for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house. I, Nanna-Suen, shall purify the cow-pen for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house. I, Ašimbabbar, shall feed meal to the goats for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house. I, Nanna-Suen, have …… porcupines for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house." |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 "I, Ašimbabbar -- I, Ašimbabbar -- have …… long-tailed bush-rats for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house. I, Nanna-Suen, have gathered (?) turtles (?) and little birds for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house. I, Ašimbabbar, have brought small ubi birds from the pond for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house. I, Nanna-Suen, have brought small azagun birds from the pond for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house." |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 "I, Ašimbabbar, …… suḫur carp for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house. I, Nanna-Suen, …… eštub carp for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house. I, Ašimbabbar, shall pour the oil of rushes onto the water for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house. I, Nanna-Suen, have filled baskets with eggs for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house. I, Ašimbabbar, have caused old reed and fresh reed to thrive for the house of Enlil; porter, open the house." |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 "I, Nanna-Suen, have caused six hundred ewes to give birth to lambs for the house of Enlil, for I have caused their rams to be let loose among them, and I have distributed them along the banks of the Surungal canal; porter, open the house. I, Ašimbabbar, have caused six hundred she-goats to give birth to kids for the house of Enlil, for I have caused their bucks to be let loose among them, and I have distributed them along the banks of the Surungal canal; porter, open the house. I, Nanna-Suen, have caused six hundred cows to give birth to calves for the house of Enlil, for I have caused their bulls to be let loose among them, and I have distributed them along the banks of the Surungal canal; porter, open the house." |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 Rejoicing, the porter rejoicing, the porter rejoicing opened the house. Kalkal, the doorkeeper, rejoicing, the porter rejoicing opened the house. Kalkal, in charge of the bolt-handle, rejoicing, the porter rejoicing opened the house. At the house of Enlil, ……, Nanna-Suen made the offerings. Enlil, rejoicing over the offerings, offered bread to Suen, his son. |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 Enlil rejoiced over Suen and spoke kindly: "Give sweet cakes to my little fellow who eats sweet cakes. Give sweet cakes to my Nanna who loves eating sweet cakes. Bring out from the E-kur the bread allotment and first quality bread for him. Pour out for him the finest beer, my pure ……. May the …… of the towering tilimda vessels, standing on the ground, ……. Order pure sweet cake, syrup, crescent (?) cake and clear water for him." |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 Suen replied to his father who begot him: "Father who begot me, I am indeed satisfied with what you have given me to eat. O Great Mountain, father who begot me, I am indeed satisfied with what you have given me to drink. Wherever you lift your eyes, there is kingship. O Enlil, your abundance is ……." |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 "Give to me, Enlil, give to me -- I want to set off for Urim! In the river give me the carp-flood -- I want to set off for Urim! In the fields give me speckled barley -- I want to set off for Urim! In the marshes give me kuda carp and suḫur carp -- I want to set off for Urim! In the reedbeds give me old reed and fresh reed -- I want to set off for Urim! In the forests give me the ibex and wild ram -- I want to set off for Urim! In the high plain give me the mašgurum tree -- I want to set off for Urim! In the orchards give me syrup and wine -- I want to set off for Urim! In the palace give me long life -- I want to set off for Urim!" |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 He gave to him, Enlil gave to him -- and he set off for Urim. In the river he gave him the carp-flood -- and he set off for Urim. In the field he gave him speckled barley -- and he set off for Urim. In the pond he gave him kuda carp and suḫur carp -- and he set off for Urim. In the reedbeds he gave him old reed and fresh reed -- and he set off for Urim. In the forests he gave him the ibex and wild ram -- and he set off for Urim. In the high plain he gave him the mašgurum tree -- and he set off for Urim. In the orchards he gave him syrup and wine -- and he set off for Urim. In the palace he gave him long life -- and he set off for Urim. |
| Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru: c.1.5.1 My king, on your throne, for Enlil, may Nanna-Suen make you be born for seven days. On your holy throne, for the great mother Ninlil, may Lord Ašimbabbar make you be born for seven days. |
| 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 Sovereign of all the lands, in your massive might, warrior of Enlil, in your great might, fierce warrior, you have taken up the divine powers which are like heaven, son of Enlil, you have taken up the divine powers which are like the earth, you have taken up the divine powers of the mountains, which are heavy as heaven, you have taken up the divine powers of Eridug, which are huge as the earth. |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 The sovereign, with his heroic arms, Ninurta, the son of Enlil, in his great might, brought forth the Six-headed wild ram from the shining, lofty house. He brought forth the Warrior dragon from the great fortress of the mountains. He brought forth the Magilum boat from …… his abzu. He brought forth the Bison from his battle dust. He brought forth the Mermaid from the limits of heaven and earth. He brought forth the Gypsum from the soil of the mountain range. He brought forth the Strong copper from the shattered mountain range. He brought forth the Anzud bird from the ḫalub-ḫaran tree. He brought forth the Seven-headed serpent from the …… of the mountains. |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 When, at Enlil's command, he was making his way towards E-kur, the warrior of the gods was levelling the Land; and before he had yet approached Nibru from afar, Nuska, the chancellor of Enlil, came forth from the E-kur to meet him. |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 "Your radiance has covered Enlil's temple like a cloak. When you step into your chariot, whose creaking is a pleasant sound, heaven and earth tremble. When you raise your arm ……." |
| 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 "O sovereign, shackle of An, first among the gods, seal-bearer of Enlil, life-source of E-kur, O warrior, because you have toppled the mountains your father need send out no other god beside you. Ninurta, because you have toppled the mountains Enlil need send out no other god beside you." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 While these words were yet in Nuska's mouth, Ninurta put the whip and goad away in the rope-box. He leaned his mace, the strength in battle, against the box and entered into the temple of Enlil. |
| 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 The great mother Ninlil, from within her Ki-ur, spoke admiringly to Lord Ninurta: "O wild bull, with fierce horns raised, son of Enlil, you have struck blows in the mountains. Warrior, Lord Ninurta, you have ……. You have …… the rebellious land." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 "Let my father therefore bring in my battle trophies and weapons for me. Let Enlil bathe my heroic arms. Let him pour holy water on the fierce arms which bore my weapons. Let him set up a holy dais in the throne room for me. Let him set my heavenly chariot upon a pedestal. Let him tether my captured warriors there like butting bulls. Let him have my captured kings make obeisance to me there, as to the light of heaven." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 "I am the strong one, unopposed in the mountains, I am Ninurta -- let them prostrate themselves at my name. I am the exceedingly mighty lion-headed one of Enlil, whom he engendered in his strength. The storm of heaven, shackle of the gods, I am the one whom An in his great might has chosen." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 As Ninurta went out from Enlil's temple, the most bright-faced of warriors, Ninkarnuna, having heard the favourable pronouncement of Ninurta, stepped before Lord Ninurta and prayed to him: |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 The warrior, whose heroism is manifest, Ninurta, the son of Enlil, has firmly grounded his greatness in Enlil's sanctuary. |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 Lord who has destroyed the mountains, who has no rival, who butts angrily in that magnificent battle, great warrior who goes forth in his …… might, strong one, deluge of Enlil, Ninurta, magnificent child of E-kur, pride of the father who engendered him, it is sweet to praise you. |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 { (1 ms. adds before line 1:) An, king of the gods, majestic one: } O king, storm of majestic splendour, peerless Ninurta, possessing superior strength; who pillages the mountains all alone; deluge, indefatigable serpent hurling yourself at the rebel land, hero striding formidably into battle; lord whose powerful arm is fit to bear the mace, reaping like barley the necks of the insubordinate; Ninurta, king, son in whose strength his father rejoices; hero whose awesomeness covers the mountains like a south storm; Ninurta, who makes the good tiara, the rainbow (?), flash like lightning; grandly begotten by him who wears the princely beard; dragon who turns on himself, strength of a lion snarling at a snake, roaring hurricane; Ninurta, king, whom Enlil has exalted above himself; hero, great battle-net flung over the foe; Ninurta, with the awesomeness of your shadow extending over the Land; releasing fury on the rebel lands, overwhelming their assemblies! Ninurta, king, son who has forced homage to his father far and wide! |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 Inspiring great numinous power, he had taken his place on the throne, the august dais, and was sitting gladly at his ease at the festival celebrated in his honour, rivalling An and Enlil in drinking his fill, while Bau was pleading petitions in a prayer for the king, and he, Ninurta, Enlil's son, was handing down decisions. At that moment the lord's battle-mace looked towards the mountains, the Šar-ur cried out aloud to its master: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "Hero! They have appealed to you, because of your father; son of Enlil, lord, because of your superior strength they are looking to you here; since you are strong, my master, they are calling for your help, saying, Ninurta, that not a single warrior counts except for you! They wanted to advise you about ……. Hero, there have been consultations with a view to taking away your kingship. Ninurta, it is confident that it can lay hands on the powers received by you in the abzu. Its face is deformed, its location is continually changing; day by day, the Asag adds territories to its domain." |
| 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 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 hero, the son, pride of his father, the very wise, rising from profound deliberation, Ninurta, the lord, the son of Enlil, gifted with broad wisdom, the …… god, the lord stretched his leg to mount the onager, and joined the battalions ……. He spread over the mountains his great long ……, he caused …… to go out among its people like the ……. He reached ……. He went into the rebel lands in the vanguard of the battle. He gave orders to his lance, and attached it …… by its cord; the lord commanded his mace, and it went to its belt. The hero hastened to the battle, he …… heaven and earth. He prepared the throw-stick and the shield, the mountains were smitten and cringed beside the battle legions of Ninurta. When the hero was girding on his mace, the sun did not wait, the moon went in; they were forgotten, as he marched towards the mountains; the day became like pitch. |
| 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 The weapon which loved the lord, obedient to its master, the Šar-ur …… for Lord Ninurta to his father in Nibru ……. The awesome splendour enveloped Ninurta like a garment, ……. …… bound him: therefore the lord ……. The weapon …… spoke to Enlil. |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "…… Ninurta, having confidence in himself; …… he will be standing; the waters will be dried up as if by the sun's heat; …… he will breathe again, he will be standing full of joy. I shall cause horrid storms to rise against …… of the hero Ninurta ……. …… as for him who resisted (?) the mountains, he has been amazed by his strength. Now I shall give my orders, you are to follow these instructions: "(1 line unclear)"…… in the fields, let him not diminish the population. …… let him not cause a lack of posterity. Let him not cause to perish the name of all the kinds of species whose destinies I, Enlil, have decreed." |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "My master, …… for you, Enlil has said: "As the Deluge (i.e. Ninurta), before whom the venom has piled up, attacks the enemy, let him take the Asag by the shoulder, let him pierce its liver, let my son enter with it into the E-kur. Then, Ninurta, to the limits of the earth my people will deservedly praise your power." You, lord who trusts in the word of his father, do not tarry, great strength of Enlil. Storm of the rebel lands, who grinds the mountains like flour, Ninurta, Enlil's seal-bearer, go to it! Do not tarry. My master: the Asag has constructed a wall of stakes on an earthen rampart; the fortress is too high and cannot be reached, …… its fierceness does not diminish." (3 lines unclear)"My master, ……." |
| 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 But the lord howled at the mountains, could not withhold a roar. The hero did not address the rebel lands, he ……. He reversed the evil that it had done ……. He smashed the heads of all the enemies, he made the mountains weep. The lord ranged about in all directions, like a soldier saying "I will go on the rampage." Like a bird of prey the Asag looked up angrily from the mountains. He commanded the rebel lands to be silent and ……. Ninurta approached the enemy and flattened him like a wave (?). The Asag's terrifying splendour was contained, it began to fade, it began to fade. It looked wonderingly upwards. Like water he agitated it, he scattered it into the mountains, like esparto grass he pulled it up, like esparto grass he ripped it up. Ninurta's splendour covered the Land, he pounded the Asag like roasted barley, he …… its genitals (?), he piled it up like a heap of broken bricks, he heaped it up like flour, as a potter does with coals; he piled it up like stamped earth whose mud has been dredged. The hero had achieved his heart's desire. Ninurta, the lord, the son of Enlil, …… began to calm down. |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 In the mountains, the day came to an end. The sun bade it farewell. The lord …… his belt and mace in water, he washed the blood from his clothes, the hero wiped his brow, he made a victory-chant over the dead body. When he had brought the Asag which he had slain to the condition of a ship wrecked by a tidal wave, the gods of the Land came to him. Like exhausted wild asses they prostrated themselves before him, and for this lord, because of his proud conduct, for Ninurta, the son of Enlil, they clapped their hands in greeting. The Šar-ur addressed these flattering words { aloud to its master } { (1 ms. has instead:) to Lord Ninurta }: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 The lord applied his great wisdom to it. { Ninurta } { (1 ms. has instead:) Ninĝirsu }, the son of Enlil, set about it in a grand way. He made a pile of stones in the mountains. Like a floating cloud he stretched out his arms over it. With a great wall he barred the front of the Land. He installed a sluice (?) on the horizon. The hero acted cleverly, he dammed in the cities together. He blocked (?) the powerful waters by means of stones. Now the waters will never again go down from the mountains into the earth. That which was dispersed he gathered together. Where in the mountains scattered lakes had formed, he joined them all together and led them down to the Tigris. He poured carp-floods of water over the fields. |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "The mountains could not bear the lord's great strength. The great hero -- the force of whose rage no one can approach, like heaven itself; the savage storm which walks on earth, spilling poison in the earth's breast; the lord, the life-breath of Enlil, whose head is worthy of the tiara, …… who knows nothing of ……: in triumph he hurried by me, he with whom my husband made me pregnant (?). I bore him for my husband. He was close ……; but the son of Enlil passed by and did not lift his glance to me. For the good youth" -- thus the good lady said as she went to him in E-šu-me-ša, his chosen place -- "I will cut the knot. Now I, yes I, shall go to the presumptuous lord, to gaze upon the precious lord. I will go directly to him, to my son, Enlil's judge, the great hero, favoured by his father." |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 While the lord was fixing the destiny of the mountains, as he walked about in the sanctuary of Nibru, the good lady whose powers excel all powers, Lady-creatrix-of-the-womb, Aruru, Enlil's elder sister, stood before him: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 The lord then addressed the u stone. He defined (?) its typical behaviour. The lord spoke to it in anger in the Land. Ninurta son of Enlil cursed it: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 The hero addressed the šu and gasura stones. The lord enumerated their characteristics. Ninurta son of Enlil fixed their destiny: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king stood before the saĝkal stone, he addressed the gulgul and saĝĝar stones. Ninurta son of Enlil fixed their destiny: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king stood before the esi stone. …… he spoke in hymnic language. Ninurta son of Enlil fixed its destiny: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "Esi (diorite), your army in battle changed sides separately (?). You spread before me like thick smoke. You did not raise your hand. You did not attack me. Since you said," It is false. The lord is alone the hero. Who can vie with Ninurta, the son of Enlil?" -- they shall extract you from the highland countries. They shall bring (?) you from the land of Magan. You shall shape (?) Strong Copper like leather and then you shall be perfectly adapted for my heroic arm, for me, the lord. When a king who is establishing his renown for perpetuity has had its statues sculpted for all time, you shall be placed in the place of libations -- and it shall suit you well -- in my temple E-ninnu, the house full of grace." |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king turned to the na stone. He …… the body from the na stone. Ninurta son of Enlil cursed it: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king turned to the elel stone. Ninurta son of Enlil fixed its destiny: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 The hero turned to the kagena (haematite) stone, he addressed it for its hardness. Ninurta son of Enlil fixed its destiny: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 The hero stood before the ĝišnugal (alabaster) stone. Ninurta son of Enlil fixed its destiny: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king turned to the algameš stone and frowned. The lord spoke to it angrily in the Land. Ninurta son of Enlil cursed it: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king turned to the dušia stone. He addressed the nir, the gug (cornelian) and the zagin (lapis lazuli); the amaš-pa-e, the šaba, the ḫurizum, the gug-gazi and the marḫali; the egi-zaga, the girin-ḫiliba { , the anzugulme and the nir-mušĝir stones } { (1 ms.:), the …… and the gazi-musud stones }. Lord Ninurta, son of Enlil, fixed their destinies for …… the waterskin: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king turned to the ĝir-zu-ĝal (flint), and frowned. The lord spoke to it angrily in the Land. Ninurta son of Enlil cursed it: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king turned to the iman stones, he addressed the alliga stones. Ninurta son of Enlil fixed their destiny: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king turned to the mašda stone. He addressed the dubban and urutum stones. Ninurta son of Enlil defined (?) their characteristic behaviour: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king turned to the šagara stone. Ninurta son of Enlil fixed its destiny: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king turned to the marḫuša stone. Ninurta son of Enlil pronounced its destiny. |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 The hero turned to the ḫaštum stone and frowned. In the Land the lord addressed it angrily. Ninurta son of Enlil pronounced its destiny: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king turned to the durul stone. Ninurta son of Enlil fixed its destiny: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 My king turned to the šegšeg stone, he addressed the engen and ezinum stones. For the ug-gun, the ḫem, the madanum, the saĝgirmud, the …… and the mursuḫ stones. Ninurta son of Enlil fixed their destiny: (2 lines unclear) "with ribs drawn in, balancing on the haunches, heart elated, legs bent like a bear, ……: I shall come to you; now, being an ally, you come forward from all of them; who shall extend the hand to them? You were the club, you stood as the doorway." (3 lines unclear)"In the Land, the champion shall always look (?) with favour on you." |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 The hero turned to the kurgaranum stone. He addressed the bal stone. Lord Ninurta, son of Enlil, fixed the destiny for the yellow-coloured šembi (kohl): |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 The hero had conquered the mountains. As he moved across the desert, he ……. Through the crowd, he came forth among their acclamations (?), majestically he ……. Ninurta joyfully went to his beloved barge, the lord set foot in the boat Ma-kar-nunta-ea. The boatmen sang a pleasant song, for the lord they sang his praise. They addressed an eternal greeting to Ninurta son of Enlil: |
| 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 "May An's heart be appeased for the lord, may the maiden, Mother Bau, shine like the daylight for Ninurta, Enlil's strength." |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 His father Enlil blessed him: |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "……, pre-eminent with your great name, you have established your habitation ……. Chest, fittingly ……, king of battle, I presented the storm of heaven to you for use against the rebel lands. O hero of heaven and earth I presented to you the club, the deluge which sets the mountains on fire. King, ahead of your storm the way was narrow. But, Ninurta, I had confidence in your march to the mountains. Like a wolf (?) set free to seize his prey, in your storm you adventured into the rebel lands from above. The mountain that you have handed over shall not be restored. You have caused its cities to be counted as ruin-mounds. Its mighty rulers have lost their breath before you. A celestial mace, a prosperous and unchanging rule, eternal life, the good favour of Enlil, O king, and the strength of An: these shall be your reward." |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 Since the hero had killed the Asag, since the lord had made that pile of stones, since he had given the order "Let it be called Stone", since he had …… the roaring dragon, since the hero had traced the way of the waters …… down from above, since he had brought them to the fertile fields, since he had made famous the plough of abundance, since the lord had established it in regular furrows, since Ninurta son of Enlil had heaped up grain-piles and granaries -- Ninurta son of Enlil entrusted their keeping to the care of the lady who possesses the divine powers which exist of themselves, who is eminently worthy of praise, to Nisaba, good lady, greatly wise, pre-eminent in the lands, her who possesses the principal tablet with the obligations of en and lugal, endowed by Enki on the Holy Mound with a great intelligence. |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 To the lady, the celestial star, made magnificently beautiful by the prince in the abzu, to the lady of knowledge who gladdens hearts, who alone has the gift of governing, endowed with prudence, ……, who rules the black-headed, who possesses the tablet with all the names (?), from whose suspended nets the birds which are caught do not escape, whose every work accomplished meets with complete success, to her …… which is not unravelled, to her for whom the days are counted according to the phases of the moon, to her who is unassailable as if a fortress of copper ……, who is ……, …… who cares for the black-headed, who rules the people justly, ……, the replica of Enlil, to the bright good lady who takes counsel with An -- to Nisaba be praise. |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 Enlil's mighty lord, Ninurta, great son of the E-kur, heroic one of the father who bore him: it is good to praise you. |
| Ninurta and the turtle: c.1.6.3 Lord Nudimmud honoured him duly: "Hero, no god among your brother gods could have acted so. As for the bird which your mighty weapon captured, from now to eternity you will keep your foot placed on its neck. May the great gods give your heroic strength its due. May your father Enlil do whatever you command. May Ninmena not fashion your equal (?). May no one be as revered as you and no god extend an upraised hand before you. Monthly may your house (?) regularly receive tributes in the shrine, in the abzu. May An (?) proclaim your name in the seat of honour." |
| The Flood story: c.1.7.4 After An, Enlil, Enki and Ninḫursaĝa had fashioned the black-headed people, they also made animals multiply everywhere, and made herds of four-legged animals exist on the plains, as is befitting. (approx. 32 lines missing) |
| The Flood story: c.1.7.4 ……seat in heaven. …… flood. …… mankind. So he made ……. Then Nintur ……. Holy Inana made a lament for its people. Enki took counsel with himself. An, Enlil, Enki and Ninḫursaĝa made all the gods of heaven and earth take an oath by invoking An and Enlil. In those days Zi-ud-sura the king, the gudug priest, ……. He fashioned ……. The humble, committed, reverent ……. Day by day, standing constantly at ……. Something that was not a dream appeared, conversation ……, …… taking an oath by invoking heaven and earth. In the Ki-ur, the gods …… a wall. Zi-ud-sura, standing at its side, heard: "Side-wall standing at my left side, ……. Side-wall, I will speak words to you; take heed of my words, pay attention to my instructions. A flood will sweep over the …… in all the ……. A decision that the seed of mankind is to be destroyed has been made. The verdict, the word of the divine assembly, cannot be revoked. The order announced by An and Enlil cannot be overturned. Their kingship, their term has been cut off; their heart should be rested about this. Now ……. What ……." (approx. 38 lines missing) |
| The Flood story: c.1.7.4 "They have made you swear by heaven and earth, ……. An and Enlil have made you swear by heaven and earth, ……." |
| The Flood story: c.1.7.4 More and more animals disembarked onto the earth. Zi-ud-sura the king prostrated himself before An and Enlil. An and Enlil treated Zi-ud-sura kindly ……, they granted him life like a god, they brought down to him eternal life. At that time, because of preserving the animals and the seed of mankind, they settled Zi-ud-sura the king in an overseas country, in the land Dilmun, where the sun rises. |
| How grain came to Sumer: c.1.7.6 Men used to eat grass with their mouths like sheep. In those times, they did not know grain, barley or flax. An brought these down from the interior of heaven. Enlil lifted his gaze around as a stag lifts its horns when climbing the terraced …… hills. He looked southwards and saw the wide sea; he looked northwards and saw the mountain of aromatic cedars. Enlil piled up the barley, gave it to the mountain. He piled up the bounty of the Land, gave the innuḫa barley to the mountain. He closed off access to the wide-open hill. He …… its lock, which heaven and earth shut fast (?), its bolt, which ……. |
| How grain came to Sumer: c.1.7.6 Ninmada, the worshipper of An, replied to him: "Since our father has not given the command, since Enlil has not given the command, how can we go there to the mountain? How can we bring down the barley from its mountain? How can we introduce the innuḫa grain into Sumer? How can we make barley known in Sumer, which knows no barley?" |
| Pabilsaĝ's journey to Nibru: c.1.7.8 And as the warrior Pabilsaĝ set off in Enlil's direction, as he he set off, now he turned (?) in front of that house in Isin. And then my lady in Isin came out ……. At the spacious house, the house of Isin, she …… her hair, then she …… the hair in curls (?) ……. Her headdress was loosened. She addressed Pabilsaĝ joyfully: "Good-looking …… the house of Isin! Warrior Pabilsaĝ …… borne to Nintur! You who are travelling from (?) Larag to …… that house in Isin, say to your father," May she be my spouse!" Say further to Enlil," …… with me!" Fix your sights on it, fix your sights on it, and may you be its lord! The house of Isin ……. May you, Pabilsaĝ, be its lord, and may I be its lady!" (small no. of lines missing) |
| Pabilsaĝ's journey to Nibru: c.1.7.8 (Enlil speaks:) "…… and may its flax be flax! …… and may its grain be grain! …… may its …… be good for eating." |
| Pabilsaĝ's journey to Nibru: c.1.7.8 Enlil stood beside the river and spoke to it. He stood beside the Kir-sig watercourse and ……: "River, may …… your outlet be …… for him. May you establish …… the house here. …… the most righteous ……, …… great wild bull ……." (approx. 1 line missing) |
| The death of Gilgameš: c.1.8.1.3 "Oh Gilgameš! Enlil, the Great Mountain, the father of gods, has made kingship your destiny, but not eternal life -- Lord Gilgameš, this is how to interpret (?) …… the dream. The …… and …… of life should not make you feel sad, should not make you despair, should not make you feel depressed. You must have been told that this is what the bane of being human involves. You must have been told that this is what the cutting of your umbilical cord involved. The darkest day of humans awaits you now. The solitary place of humans awaits you now. The unstoppable flood-wave awaits you now. The unavoidable battle awaits you now. The unequal struggle awaits you now. The skirmish from which there is no escape awaits you now. But you should not go to the underworld with heart knotted in anger. May …… before Utu. …… palm-fibre ……." |
| 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 Then the young lord, Lord Gilgameš, who never ceases to …… for the …… of Enlil -- Gilgameš, the son of Ninsumun, …… offshoot ……; no king who could match him has ever been born, (1 line unclear)Gilgameš, lord of Kulaba, it is sweet to praise you! |
| The death of Gilgameš: c.1.8.1.3 (2 lines fragmentary) Enlil's advice was given to Enki. Enki answered An and Enlil: "In those days, in those distant days, in those nights, in those distant nights, in those years, in those distant years, after the assembly had made the Flood sweep over to destroy the seed of mankind, among us I was the only one who was for life (?), and so he remained alive (?) -- Zi-ud-sura, although (?) a human being, remained alive (?). Then you made me swear by heaven and by earth, and …… that no human will be allowed to live forever (?) any more. Now, as we look at Gilgameš, could not he escape because of his mother?" |
| The death of Gilgameš: c.1.8.1.3 (1 line fragmentary) …… Gilgameš ……. Enlil's advice was given to Enki. Enki answered An and Enlil: "In those days, in those distant days, in those nights, in those distant nights, in those years, in those distant years, after the assembly had made the Flood sweep over to destroy the seed of mankind ……, among us I was the only one who was for life (?). He remained alive (?); Zi-ud-sura alone, although (?) a human being, remained alive (?). Then you made me swear by heaven and by earth, and I swore that no human will be allowed to live forever (?) any more. Now, as we look at Gilgameš, could not he escape because of his mother?" |
| The death of Gilgameš: c.1.8.1.3 …… Lord Gilgameš despaired and felt depressed. For all the people, whoever they may be, funerary statues are made for future days, and set aside in the temples of the gods. Their names, once uttered, do not sink into oblivion. Aruru, the older sister of Enlil, provides them with offspring for that purpose (?). Their statues are made for future days and they are mentioned in the Land. Ereškigala, mother of Ninazu, it is sweet to praise you! |
| Gilgameš, Enkidu and the nether world: c.1.8.1.4 In those days, in those distant days, in those nights, in those remote nights, in those years, in those distant years; in days of yore, when the necessary things had been brought into manifest existence, in days of yore, when the necessary things had been for the first time properly cared for, when bread had been tasted for the first time in the shrines of the Land, when the ovens of the Land had been made to work, when the heavens had been separated from the earth, when the earth had been delimited from the heavens, when the fame of mankind had been established, when An had taken the heavens for himself, when Enlil had taken the earth for himself, when the nether world had been given to Ereškigala as a gift; when he set sail, when he set sail, when the father set sail for the nether world, when Enki set sail for the nether world -- against the king a storm of small hailstones arose, against Enki a storm of large hailstones arose. The small ones were light hammers, the large ones were like stones from catapults (?). The keel of Enki's little boat was trembling as if it were being butted by turtles, the waves at the bow of the boat rose to devour the king like wolves and the waves at the stern of the boat were attacking Enki like a lion. |
| Gilgameš, Enkidu and the nether world: c.1.8.1.4 At that time, there was a single tree, a single ḫalub tree, a single tree, growing on the bank of the pure Euphrates, being watered by the Euphrates. The force of the south wind uprooted it and stripped its branches, and the Euphrates picked it up and carried it away. A woman, respectful of An's words, was walking along; a woman, respectful of Enlil's words, was walking along, and took the tree and brought it into Unug, into Inana's luxuriant garden. |
| Gilgameš, Enkidu and the nether world: c.1.8.1.4 When dawn was breaking, when the horizon became bright, when the little birds, at the break of dawn, began to clamour, when Utu had left his bedchamber, his sister holy Inana said to the young warrior Utu: "My brother, in those days when destiny was determined, when abundance overflowed in the Land, when An had taken the heavens for himself, when Enlil had taken the earth for himself, when the nether world had been given to Ereškigala as a gift; when he set sail, when he set sail, when the father set sail for the nether world, when Enki set sail for the nether world -- against the lord a storm of small hailstones arose, against Enki a storm of large hailstones arose. The small ones were light hammers, the large ones were like stones from catapults (?). The keel of Enki's little boat was trembling as if it were being butted by turtles, the waves at the bow of the boat rose to devour the lord like wolves and the waves at the stern of the boat were attacking Enki like a lion." |
| Gilgameš, Enkidu and the nether world: c.1.8.1.4 "At that time, there was a single tree, a single ḫalub tree, a single tree (?), growing on the bank of the pure Euphrates, being watered by the Euphrates. The force of the south wind uprooted it and stripped its branches, and the Euphrates picked it up and carried it away. I, a woman, respectful of An's words, was walking along; I, a woman, respectful of Enlil's words, was walking along, and took the tree and brought it into Unug, into holy Inana's luxuriant garden." |
| Gilgameš, Enkidu and the nether world: c.1.8.1.4 When dawn was breaking, when the horizon became bright, when the little birds, at the break of dawn, began to clamour, when Utu had left his bedchamber, his sister holy Inana said to the warrior Gilgameš: "My brother, in those days when destiny was determined, when abundance overflowed in the Land, when An had taken the heavens for himself, when Enlil had taken the earth for himself, when the nether world had been given to Ereškigala as a gift; when he set sail, when he set sail, when the father set sail for the nether world, when Enki set sail for the nether world -- against the lord a storm of small hailstones arose, against Enki a storm of large hailstones arose. The small ones were light hammers, the large ones were like stones from catapults (?). The keel of Enki's little boat was trembling as if it were being butted by turtles, the waves at the bow of the boat rose to devour the lord like wolves and the waves at the stern of the boat were attacking Enki like a lion." |
| Gilgameš, Enkidu and the nether world: c.1.8.1.4 "At that time, there was a single tree, a single ḫalub tree, a single tree (?), growing on the bank of the pure Euphrates, being watered by the Euphrates. The force of the south wind uprooted it and stripped its branches, and the Euphrates picked it up and carried it away. I, a woman, respectful of An's words, was walking along; I, a woman, respectful of Enlil's words, was walking along, and took the tree and brought it into Unug, into Inana's luxuriant garden." |
| Gilgameš, Enkidu and the nether world: c.1.8.1.4 The warrior Gilgameš, son of Ninsumun, directed his steps on his own to E-kur, the temple of Enlil. He cried before Enlil: "Father Enlil, my ball (?) fell down into the nether world, my mallet (?) fell down into Ganzer. Enkidu went down to retrieve them but the nether world has seized him. Namtar did not seize him, the Asag did not seize him; but the nether world has seized him. The udug demon of Nergal, who spares nobody, did not seize him, but the nether world has seized him. He did not fall in battle on the field of manhood, but the nether world has seized him." Father Enlil did not stand by him in the matter, so he went to Eridug. |
| Gilgameš, Enkidu and the nether world: c.1.8.1.4 He directed his steps on his own to E-kur, the temple of Enlil. Before Enlil, he ……: "My ball (?) fell down into the nether world, my mallet (?) fell down into Ganzer. But Enkidu, going down to retrieve them, my beloved servant, my faithful companion, my counsellor, was seized in the nether world. Namtar did not seize him, the Asag did not seize him, but he was seized in the nether world. …… did not seize him, but he was seized in the nether world." (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Gilgameš and Ḫuwawa (Version A): c.1.8.1.5 { They entered before Enlil. After they had kissed the ground before Enlil, they threw the leather bag down, tipped out his head, and placed it before Enlil. When Enlil saw the head of Ḫuwawa, he spoke angrily to Gilgameš: } { (instead of lines 181-186, 1 ms. has:) They brought it before Enlil and Ninlil. When Enlil approached (?), …… went out the window (?), and Ninlil went out ……. When Enlil with Ninlil had returned (?), } |
| Gilgameš and Ḫuwawa (Version A): c.1.8.1.5 "Why did you act in this way? { …… did you act ……? } { (1 ms. has instead:) Was it commanded that his name should be wiped from the earth? } { He should have sat before you! } { (1 ms. has instead:) He should have sat ……, ……. } He should have eaten the bread that you eat, and should have drunk the water that you drink! { He should have been honoured …… you! } { (1 ms. has instead:) Ḫuwawa -- he …… honoured! }" { (1 other ms. has instead:) From his seat, Enlil assigned Ḫuwawa's heavenly auras to ……. } |
| Lugalbanda in the mountain cave: c.1.8.2.1 Their king went at their head, to go at the …… of the army. Enmerkar went at their head, to go at the …… of the army. (2 lines unclear)…… gu-nida emmer-grain to grow abundantly. When the righteous one who takes counsel with Enlil (i.e. Enmerkar) took away the whole of Kulaba, like sheep they bent over at the slope of the mountains, …… at the edge of the hills they ran forward like wild bulls. He sought …… at the side -- they recognised the way. He sought ……. |
| Lugalbanda in the mountain cave: c.1.8.2.1 The bull that eats up the black soup, the astral holy bull-calf (i.e. the moon), came to watch over him. He shines (?) in the heavens like the morning star, he spreads bright light in the night -- Suen is greeted as the new moon; Father Nanna gives the direction for the rising Utu. The glorious lord whom the crown befits, Suen, the beloved son of Enlil, { the god } { (1 ms. has instead:) the lord } reached the zenith splendidly. His brilliance like { holy Šara } { (1 ms. has instead:) holy Utu } { (1 ms. has instead:) lapis lazuli }, his starry radiance illuminated for him the mountain cave. When Lugalbanda raised his eyes to heaven to Suen, he wept to him as if to his own father. In the mountain cave he raised to him his fair hands: |
| Lugalbanda in the mountain cave: c.1.8.2.1 Holy Lugalbanda came out from the mountain cave. Then the righteous one who takes counsel with Enlil (i.e. Utu ?) caused life-saving plants to be born. The rolling rivers, mothers of the hills, brought life-saving water. He bit on the life-saving plants, he sipped from the life-saving water. After biting on the life-saving plants, after sipping from the life-saving water, here he on his own set a trap (?) in the ground, and from that spot he sped away like a horse of the mountains. Like a lone wild ass of Šakkan he darted over the mountains. Like a large powerful donkey he raced; a slim donkey, eager to run, he bounded along. |
| Lugalbanda in the mountain cave: c.1.8.2.1 As the sun was rising ……, Lugalbanda, invoking the name of Enlil, made An, Enlil, Enki and Ninḫursaĝa sit down to a banquet at the pit, at the place in the mountains which he had prepared. The banquet was set, the libations were poured -- dark beer, alcoholic drink, light emmer beer, wine for drinking which is pleasant to the taste. Over the plain he poured cool water as a libation. He put the knife to the flesh of the brown goats, and he roasted the dark livers there. He let their smoke rise there, like incense put on the fire. As if Dumuzid had brought in the good savours of the cattle pen, so An, Enlil, Enki and Ninḫursaĝa consumed the best part of the food prepared by Lugalbanda. Like the shining place of pure strength, the holy altar of Suen, ……. On top of the altar of Utu and the altar of Suen ……, he decorated the two altars with the lapis lazuli …… of Inana. Suen ……. He bathed the a-an-kar. When he had bathed the ……, he set out all the cakes properly. |
| 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 But it seemed to the bird, when he approached the nest, it seemed to Anzud, when he approached the nest, that it had been made like a god's dwelling-place. It was brilliantly festooned. His chick was settled in its nest, its eyes were painted with kohl, sprigs of white cedar were fixed on its head. A twisted piece of salt meat was hung up high. The bird is exultant, Anzud is exultant: "I am the prince who decides the destiny of rolling rivers. I keep on the straight and narrow path the righteous who follow Enlil's counsel. My father Enlil brought me here. He let me bar the entrance to the mountains as if with a great door. If I fix a fate, who shall alter it? If I but say the word, who shall change it? Whoever has done this to my nest, if you are a god, I will speak with you, indeed I will befriend you. If you are a man, I will fix your fate. I shall not let you have any opponents in the mountains. You shall be 'Hero-fortified-by-Anzud'." |
| Lugalbanda and the Anzud bird: c.1.8.2.2 "May Ninurta, Enlil's son, set the helmet Lion of Battle on your head, may the breastplate (?) that in the great mountains does not permit retreat be laid on your breast! May you …… the battle-net against the enemy! When you go to the city, ……!" -- Lugalbanda who loves the seed will not accept this. |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 "You shall bring it up into the Zubi mountains, you shall descend with it from the Zubi mountains. Let Susa and the land of Anšan humbly salute Inana like tiny mice. In the great mountain ranges, let the teeming multitudes grovel in the dust for her. Messenger, speak to the lord of Aratta and say to him: "Lest I make the people fly off from that city like a wild dove from its tree, lest I make them fly around like a bird over its well-founded nest, lest I requite (?) them as if at a current market rate, lest I make it gather dust like an utterly destroyed city, lest like a settlement cursed by Enki and utterly destroyed, I too utterly destroy Aratta; lest like the devastation which swept destructively, and in whose wake Inana arose, shrieked and yelled aloud, I too wreak a sweeping devastation there -- let Aratta pack nuggets of gold in leather sacks, placing alongside it the kugmea ore; package up precious metals, and load the packs on the donkeys of the mountains; and then may the Junior Enlil of Sumer have them build for me, the lord whom Nudimmud has chosen in his sacred heart, a mountain of a shining me; have them make it luxuriant for me like a boxwood tree, have them make its shining horns colourful for me as when Utu comes forth from his chamber, have them make its doorposts gleam brightly for me."" |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 "Chant to him the holy song, the incantation sung in its chambers -- the incantation of Nudimmud: "On that day when there is no snake, when there is no scorpion, when there is no hyena, when there is no lion, when there is neither dog nor wolf, when there is thus neither fear nor trembling, man has no rival! At such a time, may the lands of Šubur and Ḫamazi, the many-tongued, and Sumer, the great mountain of the me of magnificence, and Akkad, the land possessing all that is befitting, and the Martu land, resting in security -- the whole universe, the well-guarded people -- may they all address Enlil together in a single language! For at that time, for the ambitious lords, for the ambitious princes, for the ambitious kings, Enki, for the ambitious lords, for the ambitious princes, for the ambitious kings, for the ambitious lords, for the ambitious princes, for the ambitious kings -- Enki, the lord of abundance and of steadfast decisions, the wise and knowing lord of the Land, the expert of the gods, chosen for wisdom, the lord of Eridug, shall change the speech in their mouths, as many as he had placed there, and so the speech of mankind is truly one."" |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 "This is what my master has spoken, this is what he has said. My king who from his birth has been fitted { for lordship } { (1 ms. has instead:) for the crown }, the lord of Unug, the saĝkal snake living in Sumer, who pulverises { mountains } { (2 mss. have instead:) heads } like flour, the stag of the tall mountains, endowed with princely antlers, wild cow, kid pawing the holy soapwort with its hoof, whom the good cow had given birth to in the heart of the mountains, Enmerkar, the son of Utu, has sent me to you." { (2 mss. add here:) (the lord of Aratta speaks): "What is it to me what your master has spoken? what is it to me what he has said?" } "This is what my master said: "Lest I make the people fly off from that city like a wild dove from its tree, lest I make them fly around like a bird over its well-founded nest, lest I requite (?) them as if at a current market rate, lest I make it gather dust like an utterly destroyed city, lest like a settlement cursed by Enki and utterly destroyed, I too utterly destroy Aratta; lest like the devastation which swept destructively, and in whose wake Inana arose, shrieked and yelled aloud, I too wreak a sweeping devastation there -- let Aratta pack nuggets of gold in leather sacks, placing alongside it the kugmea ore; package up precious metals, and load the packs on the donkeys of the mountains; and then may the Junior Enlil of Sumer have them build for me, the lord whom Nudimmud has chosen in his sacred heart, a mountain of a shining me; have them make it luxuriant for me like a boxwood tree, have them make its shining horns colourful for me as when Utu comes forth from his chamber, have them make its doorposts gleam brightly for me. Chant to him for me the holy song, the incantation sung in its chambers -- the Incantation of Nudimmud."" |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 "Messenger! Speak to the lord of Aratta and say to him: "A garment that is not black-coloured, a garment that is not white-coloured, a garment that is not brown-coloured, a garment that is not red-coloured, a garment that is not yellow-coloured, a garment that is not multicoloured -- I shall give him such a garment. My champion is embraced by Enlil. I shall send him such a champion. My champion will compete against his champion, and let the more able one prevail!" Say this to him. Second, speak to him and say: "Let him immediately pass from subterfuge ……. In his city, let them go before him like sheep. Let him, like their shepherd, follow behind them. As he goes, let the mountain of bright lapis lazuli humble itself before him like a crushed reed. And let them heap up its shining gold and silver in the courtyard of Aratta for Inana the lady of E-ana." Third, speak to him and say: "Lest I make the people fly off from that city like a wild dove from its tree, lest I smash them like ……, lest I requite (?) them as if at a current market rate, lest I make …… them walk in ……, when he goes, let them take the mountain stones, and rebuild for me the great shrine Eridug, the abzu, the E-nun; let them adorn its architrave for me ……. Let them make its protection spread over the Land for me." His speaking ……. Recite his omen to him. At that time, the lord ……, …… on the throne daises and on the chairs, the noble seed, ……." |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 "This is what my master has spoken, this is what he has said. My king is like a huge meš tree, …… son of Enlil; this tree has grown high, uniting heaven and earth; its crown reaches heaven, its trunk is set upon the earth. He who is made to shine forth in lordship and kingship, Enmerkar, the son of Utu, has given me a clay tablet. O lord of Aratta, after you have examined the clay tablet, after you have learned the content of the message, say whatever you will say to me, and I shall announce that message in the shrine E-ana as glad tidings to the scion of him with the glistening beard, whom his stalwart cow gave birth to in the mountains of the shining me, who was reared on the soil of Aratta, who was given suck at the udder of the good cow, who is suited for office in Kulaba, the mountain of great me, to Enmerkar, the son of Utu; I shall repeat it in his ĝipar, fruitful as a flourishing meš tree, to my king, the lord of Kulaba." |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 After he had spoken thus to him, the lord of Aratta received his kiln-fired tablet from the messenger. The lord of Aratta looked at the tablet. The transmitted message was just nails, and his brow expressed anger. The lord of Aratta looked at his kiln-fired tablet. At that moment, the lord worthy of the crown of lordship, the son of Enlil, the god Iškur, thundering in heaven and earth, caused a raging storm, a great lion, in ……. He was making the mountains quake ……, he was convulsing the mountain range ……; the awesome radiance …… of his breast; he caused the mountain range to raise its voice in joy. On Aratta's parched flanks, in the midst of the mountains, wheat grew of its own accord, and chickpeas also grew of their own accord; they brought the wheat which grew of its own accord into the granary of …… for the lord of Aratta, and heaped it up before him in the courtyard of Aratta. The lord of Aratta looked at the wheat. The messenger's eyes looked askance ……. The lord of Aratta called to the messenger: |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 (An unidentified person speaks:) "…… befitting ……, …… the ilu song of the heart, …… your abundance in his ……. Enlil has granted you ……, and may …… be made known. …… his father was not luxuriantly fertile, and poured forth no semen. Enlil, king of all the lands ……. In accordance with the tasks which he has now established, the people of Aratta …… their task of plying gold, silver and lapis lazuli; the men who …… golden fruit, fruit trees, with their figs and grapes, shall heap the fruit up in great mounds ……; and shall dig out the flawless lapis lazuli from the roots of the trees, and shall remove the succulent part of the reeds from the crowns of the trees, and then shall heap them up in a pile in the courtyard of E-ana for Inana, the lady of E-ana." |
| Enmerkar and En-suḫgir-ana: c.1.8.2.4 He patted it like a lump of clay, he examined it like a clay-tablet: "He may dwell with Inana in the E-zagin of Aratta, but I dwell with her …… as her earthly companion (?). He may lie with her in sweet slumber on the adorned bed, but I lie on Inana's splendid bed strewn with pure plants. Its back is an ug lion, its front is a piriĝ lion. The ug lion chases the piriĝ lion, the piriĝ lion chases the ug lion. As the ug lion chases the piriĝ lion and the piriĝ lion chases the ug lion, the day does not dawn, the night does not pass. I accompany Inana for a journey of 15 leagues and yet Utu the sun god cannot see my holy crown, when she enters my holy ĝipar. Enlil has given (?) me the true crown and sceptre. Ninurta, the son of Enlil, held me on his lap as the frame holds the waterskin. Aruru, the sister of Enlil, extended her right breast to me, extended her left breast to me. When I go up to the great shrine, the Mistress screeches like an Anzud chick, and other times when I go there, even though she is not a duckling, she shrieks like one. She …… from the city of her birth. No city was made to be so well-built as the city of Unug (?). It is Unug where Inana dwells and as regards Aratta, what does it have to do with this? It is brick-built Kulaba where she lives, and as regards the mount of the lustrous me, what can it do about this? For five or 10 years she will definitely not go to Aratta. Since the great holy lady of the E-ana took counsel with me (?) about whether to go also to Aratta, since she { let me know } { (1 ms. has instead:) told me } about this matter, I know that she will not go to Aratta. He who has nothing shall not feed the geese with barley, but I will feed the geese with barley. I will …… the geese's eggs in a basket and …… their goslings. The small ones into my pot, the old ones into my kettle, and the rulers { of the Land } { (some mss. has instead:) of Sumer } who submitted will consume, together with me, what remains from the geese." |
| Enmerkar and En-suḫgir-ana: c.1.8.2.4 The sorcerer, farmer of the best seeds, directed his steps towards Ereš, the city of Nisaba, and reached the animal pen, the house where the cows live. The cow trembled with fear at him in the animal pen. He made the cow speak so that it conversed with him as if it were a human being: "Cow, who will eat your butter? Who will drink your milk?" "My butter will be eaten by Nisaba, my milk will be drunk by Nisaba. My cheese, skilfully produced bright crown, was made fitting for the great dining hall, the dining hall of Nisaba. Until my butter is delivered from the holy animal pen, until my milk is delivered from the holy byre, the steadfast wild cow Nisaba, the first-born of Enlil, will not impose any levy on the people." "Cow, your butter to your shining horn; your milk to your back." So the cow's butter was …… to its shining horn; its milk was …… to its back ……. |
| Enmerkar and En-suḫgir-ana: c.1.8.2.4 He reached the holy byre, the byre of Nisaba. The goat trembled with fear at him in the byre. He made the goat speak so that it conversed with him as if it were a human being." Goat, who will eat your butter? Who will drink your milk?" "My butter will be eaten by Nisaba, my milk will be drunk by Nisaba. My cheese, skilfully produced bright crown, was made fitting for the great dining hall, the dining hall of Nisaba. Until my butter is delivered from the holy animal pen, until my milk is delivered from the holy byre, the steadfast wild cow Nisaba, the first-born of Enlil, will not impose any levy on the people." "Goat, your butter to your shining horn, your milk to your back." So the goat's butter was …… to its shining horn; its milk was made to depart to its back. |
| Enmerkar and En-suḫgir-ana: c.1.8.2.4 …… approached. …… caused damage (?) ……. …… turned toward Ereš. …… the Euphrates …… the river of the gods. She made her way to the city whose destiny was decreed by An and Enlil ……. Wise Woman Saĝburu …… hand …… for him. |
| Enmerkar and En-suḫgir-ana: c.1.8.2.4 Wise Woman Saĝburu said to him: "Sorcerer, you do have magical powers, but where is your sense? How on earth could you think of going to do sorcery at Ereš, which is the city of Nisaba, a city whose destiny was decreed by An and Enlil, the primeval city, the beloved city of Ninlil?" |
| The Sumerian king list: c.2.1.1 In Isin, Išbi-Erra became king; he ruled for { 33 } { (ms. P5 has instead:) 32 } years. Šu-ilīšu, the son of Išbi-Erra, ruled for { 20 } { (ms. P5 has instead:) 10 } { (ms. Su1 has instead:) 15 } years. Iddin-Dagan, the son of Šu-ilīšu, ruled for { 21 } { (ms. Su1 has instead:) 25 } years. Išme-Dagan, the son of Iddin-Dagan, ruled for { (mss. P2, P5 have:) 20 } { (ms. Mi has instead:) 18 } years. Lipit-Eštar, the son of { Išme-Dagan } { (ms. P2 has instead:) Iddin-Dagan }, ruled for (mss. L1+N1, P2, P5 have:) { 11 } years. Ur-Ninurta { (mss. L1+N1, P2 add:), the son of Iškur -- may he have years of abundance, a good reign, and a sweet life -- } ruled for (ms. P5 has:) { 28 } years. Būr-Suen, the son of Ur-Ninurta, ruled for 21 years. Lipit-Enlil, the son of Būr-Suen, ruled for 5 years. Erra-imitti ruled for { 8 } { (mss. P5, TL have instead:) 7 } years. { (ms. P5 adds:) …… ruled for …… 6 months. } Enlil-bāni ruled for 24 years. Zambiya ruled for 3 years. Iter-piša ruled for 4 years. Ur-du-kuga ruled for 4 years. Suen-magir ruled for 11 years. { (ms. P5 adds:) Damiq-ilišu, the son of Suen-magir, ruled for 23 years. } 14 kings; they ruled for { 203 years } { (ms. P5 has instead:) 225 years and 6 months }. |
| The rulers of Lagaš: c.2.1.2 After the flood had swept over and brought about the destruction of the countries; when mankind was made to endure, and the seed of mankind was preserved and the black-headed people all rose; when An and Enlil called the name of mankind and established rulership, but kingship and the crown of the city had not yet come out from heaven, and Ninĝirsu had not yet established for the multitude of well-guarded (?) people the pickaxe, the spade, the earth basket and the plough, which mean life for the Land -- in those days, the carefree youth of man lasted for 100 years and, following his upbringing, he lasted for another 100 years. |
| The rulers of Lagaš: c.2.1.2 En-akigalaguba: his personal god was ……, he dug the canal Niĝin-ĝiš-tukuam, he acted for 1200 years. In those days there was no writing, ……, canals were not dug, earth baskets were not carried. In those days, ……, the people …… offerings of refined gold (2 lines uncertain)a good shepherd rose over the Land; he gave them (?) …… as a gift. En-Ninĝirsu-ki-aĝ, the son of En-akigalaguba: he acted for 1320 years. En-Enlile-ki-aĝ, the son of En-Ninĝirsu-ki-aĝ: he acted for 1800 years. Ur-Bau the son of En-Enlile-ki-aĝ: he acted for 900 years. |
| The rulers of Lagaš: c.2.1.2 (2 lines missing) he dug the Maḫ canal, the …… canal, the Piriĝgin-ĝen canal, the …… canal, the Piriĝ canal at the mouth of the Lugal canal, the Gana-hili-ana canal, the …… canal, and the Nanše-pada canal. To care, single-handedly, for the great arable lands, he dug irrigation ditches and ……, he acted for 2220 years. Ur-Nanše, the son of ……, who built the E-Sirara, her temple of happiness and Niĝin, her beloved city, acted for 1080 years. Ane-tum, the son of Ur-Nanše, in whose …… place the gods stood, who …… the land register of great Enlil: his personal god was Šul-utul, he acted for 690 years. ……, the son of Ane-tum: he acted for X + 360 years. |
| The rulers of Lagaš: c.2.1.2 En-Enlile-su: he acted for 600 years. ……, the son of En-Enlile-su: his personal god was Ninazu; he acted for 660 years. |
| The history of the Tummal: c.2.1.3 En-me-barage-si, the king, built the Iri-nanam in Enlil's temple. Aga, son of En-me-barage-si, made the Tummal flourish and brought Ninlil into the Tummal. Then the Tummal fell into ruins for the first time. |
| The history of the Tummal: c.2.1.3 Meš-Ane-pada built the Bur-šušua in Enlil's temple. Meš-ki-aĝ-nuna, son of Meš-Ane-pada, made the Tummal flourish and brought Ninlil into the Tummal. Then the Tummal fell into ruins for a second time. |
| The history of the Tummal: c.2.1.3 Gilgameš built the Numunbura in Enlil's shrine. Ur-lugal, son of Gilgameš, made the Tummal flourish and brought Ninlil into the Tummal. Then the Tummal fell into ruins for a third time. |
| The history of the Tummal: c.2.1.3 Nanni built the Lofty Garden in Enlil's temple. Meš-ki-aĝ-Nanna, son of Nanni, made the Tummal flourish and brought Ninlil into the Tummal. Then the Tummal fell into ruins for a fourth time. |
| The history of the Tummal: c.2.1.3 Written according to the words of Lu-Inana the chief leatherworker of Enlil. |
| The history of the Tummal: c.2.1.3 Išbi-Erra, who looks after the E-kur, built the storehouse of Enlil. |
| Sargon and Ur-Zababa: c.2.1.4 To …… the sanctuary like a cargo ship; to …… its great furnaces; to see that its canals …… waters of joy, to see that the hoes till the arable tracts and that …… the fields; to turn the house of Kiš, which was like a haunted town, into a living settlement again -- its king, shepherd Ur-Zababa, rose like Utu over the house of Kiš. An and Enlil, however, authoritatively (?) decided (?) by their holy command to alter his term of reigning and to remove the prosperity of the palace. |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 After Enlil's frown had slain Kiš as if it were the Bull of Heaven, had slaughtered the house of the land of Unug in the dust as if it were a mighty bull, and then Enlil had given the rulership and kingship from the south as far as the highlands to Sargon, king of Agade -- at that time, holy Inana established the sanctuary of Agade as her celebrated woman's domain; she set up her throne in Ulmaš. |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 But the statement coming from the E-kur was disquieting. Because of Enlil (?) all Agade was reduced (?) to trembling, and terror befell Inana in Ulmaš. She left the city, returning to her home. Holy Inana abandoned the sanctuary of Agade like someone abandoning the young women of her woman's domain. Like a warrior hurrying to arms, she { removed } { (some mss. have instead:) tore away } the gift of battle and fight from the city and handed them over to the enemy. |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 Naram-Suen saw in a nocturnal vision that Enlil would not let the kingdom of Agade occupy a pleasant, lasting residence, that he would make its future altogether unfavourable, that he would make its temples shake and would { scatter its treasures } { (1 ms. has instead:) destroy its treasuries }. He realised what the dream was about, but did not put into words, and did not discuss it with anyone. { (1 ms. adds 2 lines:) …… temples shake ……, …… perform (?) extispicy regarding (?) his temple ……. } Because of the E-kur, he put on mourning clothes, { covered his chariot with a reed mat } { (1 ms. has instead:) pulled out the outside pin of his chariot }, tore the reed canopy off { his ceremonial barge } { (1 ms. has instead:) the prow of his ceremonial barge } { (1 ms. has instead:) the cabin of his ceremonial barge }, and gave away his royal paraphernalia. Naram-Suen persisted for seven years! Who has ever seen a king burying his head in his hands for seven years? { (some mss. add the line:) He realised what the dream was about, but did not put into words, and did not discuss it with anyone. } |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 Then he went to perform extispicy on a kid regarding the temple, but the omen had nothing to say about the building of the temple. For a second time he went to perform extispicy on a kid regarding the temple, but the omen again had nothing to say about the building of the temple. In order to change what had been inflicted (?) upon him, he tried to to alter Enlil's pronouncement. |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 He ripped out its drain pipes, and all the rain went back to the heavens. He tore off its upper lintel and { the Land was deprived of its ornament } { (1 ms. has instead:) the ornament of the Land disappeared }. From its Gate from which Grain is never Diverted, he diverted grain, and the Land was deprived of grain. He struck the Gate of Well-Being with the pickaxe, and well-being was subverted in all the foreign lands. As if they were for great tracts of land with wide carp-filled waters, he cast large { spades } { (1 ms. has instead:) axes } to be used against the E-kur. The people could see the bedchamber, its room which knows no daylight. The Akkadians could look into the holy treasure chest of the gods. Though they had committed no sacrilege, its laḫama deities of the great pilasters standing at the temple were thrown into the fire by Naram-Suen. The cedar, cypress, juniper and boxwood, the woods of its giguna, were …… by him. He put its gold in containers and put its silver in leather bags. He filled the docks with its copper, as if it were a huge transport of grain. The silversmiths were re-shaping its silver, jewellers were re-shaping its precious stones, smiths were beating its copper. Large ships were moored at the temple, large ships were moored at Enlil's temple and its possessions were taken away from the city, though they were not the goods of a plundered city. With the possessions being taken away from the city, good sense left Agade. As the ships { moved away from } { (some mss. have instead:) juddered } the docks, Agade's { intelligence } { (1 ms. has instead:) sanctuary } was removed. |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 Enlil, the roaring storm that subjugates the entire land, the rising deluge that cannot be confronted, was considering what should be destroyed in return for the wrecking of his beloved E-kur. He lifted his gaze towards the Gubin mountains, and made all the inhabitants of the broad mountain ranges descend (?). Enlil brought out of the mountains those who do not resemble other people, who are not reckoned as part of the Land, the Gutians, an unbridled people, with human intelligence but canine { instincts } { (some mss. have instead:) feelings } and monkeys' features. Like small birds they swooped on the ground in great flocks. Because of Enlil, they stretched their arms out across the plain like a net for animals. Nothing escaped their clutches, no one left their grasp. Messengers no longer travelled the highways, the courier's boat no longer passed along the rivers. The Gutians drove the trusty (?) goats of Enlil out of their folds and compelled their herdsmen to follow them, they drove the cows out of their pens and compelled their cowherds to follow them. Prisoners manned the watch. Brigands { occupied } { (1 ms. has instead:) attacked } the highways. The doors of the city gates of the Land { lay dislodged in } { (1 ms. has instead:) were covered with } mud, and all the foreign lands uttered bitter cries from the walls of their cities. They { established gardens for themselves } { (1 ms. has instead:) made gardens grow } within the cities, and not as usual on the wide plain outside. As if it had been before the time when cities were built and founded, the large { (some mss. add:) fields and } arable tracts yielded no grain, the inundated { (some mss. add:) fields and } tracts yielded no fish, the irrigated orchards yielded no syrup or wine, the thick clouds (?) did not rain, the mašgurum plant did not grow. |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 In those days, oil for one shekel was only half a litre, grain for one shekel was only half a litre, wool for one shekel was only one mina, fish for one shekel filled only one ban measure -- these sold at such prices in the markets of the cities! Those who lay down on the roof, died on the roof; those who lay down in the house were not buried. People were flailing at themselves from hunger. By the Ki-ur, Enlil's great place, dogs were packed together in the silent streets; if two men walked there they would be devoured by them, and if three men walked there they would be devoured by them. Noses were punched (?), heads were smashed (?), noses (?) were piled up, heads were sown like seeds. Honest people were confounded with traitors, heroes lay dead on top of heroes, the blood of traitors ran upon the blood of honest men. |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 At that time, Enlil rebuilt his great sanctuaries into small reed (?) sanctuaries and from east to west he reduced their storehouses. The old women who survived those days, the old men who survived those days and the chief lamentation singer who survived those years set up seven balaĝ drums, as if they stood at the horizon, and together with ub { , meze, and lilis } { (some mss. have instead:), šem, and lilis } { (1 ms. has instead:) and bronze šem } drums made them resound to Enlil like Iškur for seven days and seven nights. The old women did not restrain the cry "Alas for my city!". The old men did not restrain the cry "Alas for its people!". The lamentation singer did not restrain the cry "Alas for the E-kur!". Its young women did not restrain from tearing their hair. Its young men did not restrain from sharpening their knives. Their laments were as if Enlil's ancestors were performing a lament in the awe-inspiring Holy Mound by the holy knees of Enlil. Because of this, Enlil entered his holy bedchamber and lay down fasting. |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 At that time, Suen, Enki, Inana, Ninurta, Iškur, Utu, Nuska, and Nisaba, { the great gods } { (1 ms. has instead:) all the gods whosoever }, { cooled } { (1 ms. has instead:) sprinkled } Enlil's heart with cool water and prayed to him: "Enlil, may the city that destroyed your city be treated as your city has been treated! May the one that defiled your giguna be treated as Nibru! In this city, may heads fill the wells! May no one find his acquaintances there, may brother not recognise brother! May its young woman be cruelly killed in her woman's domain, may its old man cry in distress for his slain wife! May its pigeons moan on their window ledges, may its small birds be smitten in their nooks, may it live in constant anxiety like a timid pigeon!" |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 Again, Suen, Enki, Inana, Ninurta, Iškur, Utu, Nuska and Nisaba, all the gods whosoever, turned their attention to the city, and cursed Agade severely: "City, you pounced on E-kur: it is as if you had pounced on Enlil! Agade, you pounced on E-kur: it is as if you had pounced on Enlil! May your holy walls, to their highest point, resound with mourning! May your giguna be reduced to a pile of dust! May your pilasters with the standing lahama deities fall to the ground like tall young men drunk on wine! May your clay be returned to its abzu, may it be clay cursed by Enki! May your grain be returned to its furrow, may it be grain cursed by Ezina! May your timber be returned to its forest, may it be timber cursed by Ninilduma! May { the } { (1 ms. has instead:) your } cattle slaughterer slaughter his wife, may { your } { (some mss. have instead:) the } sheep butcher butcher his child! May water wash away your pauper as he is looking for ……! May your prostitute hang herself at the entrance to her brothel! May your pregnant (?) priestesses and cult prostitutes abort (?) their children! May your gold be bought for the price of silver, may your silver be bought for the price of pyrite (?), and may your copper be bought for the price of lead!" |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 Enlil rebuilt his great sanctuaries into small reed (?) sanctuaries and from the south to the uplands ……. |
| The victory of Utu-ḫeĝal: c.2.1.6 Enlil, the king of all the lands, entrusted Utu-ḫeĝal, the mighty man, the king of Unug, the king of the four quarters, the king whose orders cannot be countermanded, with wiping out the name of Gutium, the fanged (?) snake of the mountains, who acted with violence against the gods, who carried off the kingship of Sumer to foreign lands, who filled Sumer with wickedness, who took away spouses from the married and took away children from parents, who made wickedness and violence normal in the Land. |
| The victory of Utu-ḫeĝal: c.2.1.6 He went to his lady, Inana, and prayed to her: "My lady, lioness in the battle, who butts the foreign lands, Enlil has entrusted me with bringing back the kingship to Sumer. May you be my help!" |
| The victory of Utu-ḫeĝal: c.2.1.6 But the king, endowed with power by Enlil, chosen by Inana with her { (1 ms. adds:) holy } heart -- Utu-ḫeĝal, the mighty man, came out from Unug to face him and set up camp (?) at the temple of Iškur. He addressed a speech to the citizens of his city: "Enlil has given Gutium to me and my lady Inana will be my help! Dumuzid-ama-ušumgal-ana has declared "It is a matter for me!" and assigned Gilgameš, the son of Ninsumun, to me as a constable!" The citizens of Unug and Kulaba rejoiced and followed him with one accord. He lined up his élite troops. |
| The victory of Utu-ḫeĝal: c.2.1.6 After departing from the temple of Iškur, on the fourth day he set up camp (?) in Naĝsu on the Surungal canal, and on the fifth day he set up camp (?) at the shrine at Ili-tappê. He captured Ur-Ninazu and Nabi-Enlil, generals of Tirigan sent as envoys to Sumer, and put them in handcuffs. |
| The victory of Utu-ḫeĝal: c.2.1.6 After departing from the shrine at Ili-tappê, on the sixth day he set up camp (?) at Karkara. He went to Iškur and prayed to him: "O Iškur, Enlil has provided me with weapons, may you be my help!" In the middle of that night, …… he departed (?) and above Adab he went to the rising (?) Utu and prayed to him: "O Utu, Enlil has given Gutium to me, may you be my help!" He laid a trap (?) there behind the Gutian. Utu-ḫeĝal, the mighty man, defeated their generals. |
| The victory of Utu-ḫeĝal: c.2.1.6 Then Tirigan the king of Gutium ran away alone on foot. He thought himself safe in Dabrum, where he fled to save his life; but since the people of Dabrum knew that Utu-ḫeĝal was a king endowed with power by Enlil, they did not let Tirigan go, and an envoy of Utu-ḫeĝal arrested Tirigan together with his wife and children in Dabrum. He put handcuffs and a blindfold on him. Before Utu, Utu-ḫeĝal made him lie at his feet and placed his foot on his neck. He made Gutium, the fanged (?) snake of the mountains drink again from the crevices (?), he ……, he …… and he …… boat. He brought back the kingship of Sumer. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 On the day when in heaven and earth the fates had been decided, Lagaš raised its head high in full grandeur, and Enlil looked at Lord Ninĝirsu with approval. In our city there was perfection. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 The heart overflowed with joy, Enlil's heart, a river in flood, overflowed with joy. The heart overflowed with joy, and just as the Tigris brings sweet water, so Enlil, whose will is an enormous flood, sparkling and awe-inspiring, came to a sweet decision: |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 He stepped aboard his boat, directed it towards her city Niĝin, mooring it at the quay of Niĝin. The ruler raised his head high in the courtyard of the goddess from Sirara. He offered bread, poured cold water and went to Nanše to pray to her: "Nanše, mighty lady, lady of most precious (?) powers, lady who like Enlil determine fates, my Nanše, what you say is trustworthy and takes precedence. You are the interpreter of dreams among the gods, you are the lady of all the lands. Mother, my matter today is a dream:" |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 "Let me advise you and may my advice be taken. Direct your steps to Ĝirsu, the foremost house of the land of Lagaš, open your storehouse up and take out wood from it; build (?) a chariot for your master and harness a donkey stallion to it; decorate this chariot with refined silver and lapis lazuli and equip it with arrows that will fly out from the quiver like sunbeams, and with the an-kar weapon, the strength of heroism; fashion for him his beloved standard and write your name on it, and then enter before the warrior who loves gifts, before your master Lord Ninĝirsu in E-ninnu-the-white-Anzud-bird, together with his beloved balaĝ drum Ušumgal-kalama, his famous instrument to which he keeps listening. Your requests will then be taken as if they were commands; and the drum will make the inclination of the lord -- which is as inconceivable as the heavens -- will make the inclination of Ninĝirsu, the son of Enlil, favourable for you so that he will reveal the design of his house to you in every detail. With his powers, which are the greatest, the warrior will make the house thrive (?) for you." |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 He rose to his master in public and prayed to him; he went to him in the Ubšu-unkena and saluted him: "My master Ninĝirsu, lord who has turned back the fierce waters, true lord, semen ejaculated by the Great Mountain, noble young hero who has no opponent! Ninĝirsu, I am going to build up your house for you, but I lack an ominous sign. Warrior, you asked for perfection, but, son of Enlil, Lord Ninĝirsu, you did not let me know your will as to how to achieve it." |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 "Your will, ever-rising as the sea, crashing down as a destructive flood, roaring like gushing waters, destroying cities (?) like a flood-wave, battering against the rebel lands like a storm; my master, your will, gushing water that no one can stem; warrior, your will inconceivable as the heavens -- can I learn anything about it from you, son of Enlil, Lord Ninĝirsu?" |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 "I am Ninĝirsu who has turned back the fierce waters, the great warrior of Enlil's realm, a lord without opponent. My house the E-ninnu, a crown, is bigger than the mountains; my weapon the Šar-ur subdues all the lands. No country can bear my fierce stare, nobody escapes my outstretched arms." |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 "Because of his great love, my father who begot me called me "King, Enlil's flood, whose fierce stare is never lifted from the mountains, Ninĝirsu, warrior of Enlil", and endowed me with fifty powers." |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 For the one looked on with favour by Nanše, for the favourite of Enlil, for the ruler …… by Ninĝirsu, for Gudea, born in the august sanctuary by Ĝatumdug, Nisaba opened the house of understanding and Enki put right the design of the house. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 The stela which he set up at the Kan-sura gate he named as "The king, Enlil's flood storm, who has no opponent, Lord Ninĝirsu, has looked with favour at Gudea". |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 The stela which he set up facing the rising sun he named as "The king, the roaring storm of Enlil, the lord without rival, Lord Ninĝirsu, has chosen Gudea with his holy heart". |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 The seven stones surrounding the house are there to take counsel with its owner. Its chapel for funerary offerings is as pure as the clean abzu. The stone basins set up in the house are like the holy room of the lustration priest where water never ceases to flow. Its high battlements where pigeons live is …… Eridug ……. E-ninnu offers rest to pigeons, it is a protective cover with large branches and a pleasant shade, with swallows and other birds chirping loudly there. It is Enlil's E-kur when a festival takes place in it. The house's great awesomeness settles upon the whole Land, its praise reaches to the highlands, the awesomeness of the E-ninnu covers all lands like a garment. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 House, mooring post of the Land, grown so high as to fill the space between heaven and earth, E-ninnu, the true brickwork, for which Enlil determined a good fate, green hill standing to be marvelled at, standing out above all the lands! |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 "My master Ninĝirsu, lord who has turned back the fierce waters, lord whose commands take precedence, male child of Enlil, warrior, I have carried out faithfully what you have ordered me to do. Ninĝirsu, I have built up your house for you; now I shall let you enter it in joy! My goddess Bau, I have set up your E-mi quarters for you: take up pleasant residence in them." His call was heard, his hero Lord Ninĝirsu accepted from Gudea his prayer and supplication. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 Wine was poured from big jars while …… was heaped up in the E-ninnu. Nindub caused the sanctuary to be filled with clatter and noise (?) and with fresh bread and hind's milk available day and night; he woke from sleep the noble one, the beloved son of Enlil, the warrior Ninĝirsu. Ninĝirsu raised his head with all the great powers, and …… rituals, …… for (?) the sanctuary E-ninnu. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 With his divine duties, namely to keep the house clean; to let hands always be washed; to serve water to the lord with holy hands; to pour beer into bowls; to pour wine into jars; to make emmer beer in the brewery, the house of pure strength, fizz like the water of the Papsir canal; to make certain that faultless cattle and goats, grain-fed sheep, fresh bread and hind's milk are available day and night; to wake from sleep the noble one, Enlil's beloved son, the warrior Ninĝirsu, by offering (?) food and drink, Gudea introduced Šul-šaga, the lord of the pure hand-washings (šu-luḫ), the first-born son of E-ninnu, to Ninĝirsu. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 With his divine duties, namely to carry the seven-headed mace; to open the door of the an-kar house, the Gate of Battle; to hit exactly with the dagger blades, with the mitum mace, with the "floodstorm" weapon and with the marratum club, its battle tools; to inundate Enlil's enemy land, Gudea introduced Lugal-kur-dub, the warrior Šar-ur, who in battle subdues all the foreign lands, the mighty general of the E-ninnu, a falcon against the rebel lands, his general, to Lord Ninĝirsu. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 With his divine duties, Gudea introduced the lord's second general, Kur-šuna-buruam, to the son of Enlil. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 With his divine duties, namely to soothe the heart, to soothe the spirits; to dry weeping eyes; to banish mourning from the mourning heart; to …… the heart of the lord that rises like the sea, that washes away like the Euphrates, that hits like a flood storm, that has overflowed with joy after inundating a land which is Enlil's enemy, Gudea introduced his balaĝ drum, Lugal-igi-ḫuš, to Lord Ninĝirsu. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 With his divine duties, namely to see that the great fields grow rich; to see that the levees and ditches of Lagaš will be full to the brim; to see that Ezina-Kusu, the pure stalk, will raise its head high in the furrows in Gu-edina, the plain befitting its owner; to see that after the good fields have provided wheat, emmer and all kinds of pulses, numerous grain heaps -- the yield of the land of Lagaš -- will be heaped up, Gudea introduced Ĝišbar-e, Enlil's surveyor, the farmer of Gu-edina, to Lord Ninĝirsu. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 Holy An made the location appropriate. Enlil wound (?) a turban (?) round its top. Ninḫursaĝa looked at it approvingly. Enki, the king of Eridug, drove in its foundation pegs. The true lord with a pure heart, Suen, made its powers the largest in heaven and on earth. Ninĝirsu chose it among shrines of sprouting seeds with his heart. Mother Nanše cared for it especially among the buildings of the land of Lagaš. But it was the god of most reliable progeny who built the house and made its name famous. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 Along with copper, tin, slabs of lapis lazuli, refined silver and pure Meluḫa cornelian, he set up (?) huge copper cauldrons, huge …… of copper, shining copper goblets and shining copper jars worthy of An, for laying (?) a holy table in the open air …… at the place of regular offerings (?). Ninĝirsu gave his city, Lagaš ……. He set up his bed within the bedchamber, the house's resting place; and everyone (?) rested like birds in the streets with the son of Enlil. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 For the warrior who entered his new house, for Lord Ninĝirsu, he arranged a rich banquet. He seated An at the place of honour for him, he seated Enlil next to An and Ninmaḫ next to Enlil. (12 lines missing) (1 line fragmentary) |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 The house reaches up to heaven like a huge mountain and its fearsomeness and radiance have settled upon the Land. An and Enlil have determined the fate of Lagaš; Ninĝirsu's authority has become known to all the countries; E-ninnu has grown so high as to fill the space between heaven and earth. Ninĝirsu be praised! |
| The lament for Urim: c.2.2.2 He has abandoned his cow-pen and has let the breezes haunt his sheepfold. The wild bull has abandoned his cow-pen and has let the breezes haunt his sheepfold. The lord of all the lands has abandoned it and has let the breezes haunt his sheepfold. Enlil has abandoned the shrine Nibru and has let the breezes haunt his sheepfold. His wife Ninlil has abandoned it and has let the breezes haunt her sheepfold. Ninlil has abandoned that house, the Ki-ur, and has let the breezes haunt her sheepfold. The queen of Keš has abandoned it and has let the breezes haunt her sheepfold. Ninmaḫ has abandoned that house Keš and has let the breezes haunt her sheepfold. |
| The lament for Urim: c.2.2.2 "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 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 Urim: c.2.2.2 "They gave instructions that my city should be utterly destroyed. They gave instructions that Urim should be utterly destroyed. They decreed its destiny that its people should be killed. In return for the speech (?) which I had given them, they both bound me together with my city and also bound my Urim together with me. An is not one to change his command, and Enlil does not alter what he has uttered." |
| The lament for Urim: c.2.2.2 Enlil called the storm -- the people groan. He brought the storm of abundance away from the Land -- the people groan. He brought the good storm away from Sumer -- the people groan. He issued directions to the evil storm -- the people groan. He entrusted it to Kin-gal-uda, the keeper of the storm. He called upon the storm that annihilates the Land -- the people groan. He called upon the evil gales -- the people groan. |
| The lament for Urim: c.2.2.2 Enlil brought Gibil as his aid. He called the great storm of heaven -- the people groan. The great storm howls above -- the people groan. The storm that annihilates the Land roars below -- the people groan. The evil wind, like a rushing torrent, cannot be restrained. The weapons in the city smash heads and consume indiscriminately. The storm whirled gloom around the base of the horizon -- the people groan. In front of the storm, heat blazes -- the people groan. A fiery glow burns with the raging storm. |
| The lament for Urim: c.2.2.2 The reaping storm dragged across the Land. Like a flood storm it completely destroyed the city. The storm that annihilates the Land silenced the city. The storm that will make anything vanish came doing evil. The storm blazing like fire performed its task upon the people. The storm ordered by Enlil in hate, the storm which wears away the Land, covered Urim like a garment, was spread out over it like linen. |
| The lament for Urim: c.2.2.2 Mother Ningal, like an enemy, stands outside her city. The woman laments bitterly over her devastated house. Over her devastated shrine Urim, the princess bitterly declares: "An has indeed cursed my city, my city has been destroyed before me. Enlil has indeed transformed my house, it has been smitten by pickaxes. On my ones coming from the south he hurled fire. Alas, my city has indeed been destroyed before me. On my ones coming from the highlands Enlil hurled flames. Outside the city, the outer city was destroyed before me -- I shall cry "Alas, my city". Inside the city, the inner city was destroyed before me -- I shall cry "Alas, my city". My houses of the outer city were destroyed -- I shall cry "Alas, my houses". My houses of the inner city were destroyed -- I shall cry "Alas, my houses"." |
| The lament for Urim: c.2.2.2 Mother Ningal, return like a bull to your cattle-pen, like a sheep to your fold, like a bull to your cattle-pen of former days, like a sheep to your fold. My queen, like a young child to your room, return to your house. May An, king of the gods, declare "Enough!" to you. May Enlil, king of all the lands, decree your fate. May he restore your city for you -- exercise its queenship! May he restore Nibru for you -- exercise its queenship! May he restore Urim for you -- exercise its queenship! May he restore Isin for you -- exercise its queenship! |
| The lament for Urim: c.2.2.2 The storm which knows no mother, the storm which knows no father, the storm which knows no wife, the storm which knows no child, the storm which knows no sister, the storm which knows no brother, the storm which knows no neighbour, the storm which knows no female companion, the storm which caused the wife to be abandoned, which caused the child to be abandoned, the storm which caused the light in the Land to disappear, the storm which swept through, ordered in hate by Enlil -- Father Nanna, may that storm swoop down no more on your city. May your black-headed people see it no more. |
| The lament for Urim: c.2.2.2 May that storm, like rain pouring down from heaven, never recur. May that storm, which struck down all the black-headed living beings of heaven and earth, be entirely destroyed. May the door be closed on it, like the great city-gate at night-time. May that storm not be given a place in the reckoning, may its record be hung from a nail outside the house of Enlil. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 An, Enlil, Enki and { Ninḫursaĝa } { (2 mss. have instead:) Ninmaḫ } have decided its fate -- to overturn the divine powers of Sumer, to lock up the favourable reign in its home, to destroy the city, to destroy the house, to destroy the cattle-pen, to level the sheepfold; that the cattle should not stand in the pen, that the sheep should not multiply in the fold, that watercourses should carry brackish water, that weeds should grow in the fertile fields, that mourning plants should grow in the open country, |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 that the mother should not seek out her child, that the father should not say "O my dear wife!", that the junior wife should take no joy in his embrace, that the young child should not grow vigorous on his knee, that the wet-nurse should not sing lullabies; to change the location of kingship, to defile the seeking of oracles, to take kingship away from the Land, to cast the eye of the storm on all the land, to obliterate the divine plans by the order of An and Enlil; |
| 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 Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 Its fate cannot be changed. Who can overturn it? It is the command of An and Enlil. Who can oppose it? |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 An frightened the very dwellings of Sumer, the people were afraid. Enlil blew an evil storm, silence lay upon the city. Nintur bolted the door of the storehouses of the Land. Enki blocked the water in the Tigris and the Euphrates. Utu took away the pronouncement of equity and justice. Inana handed over victory in strife and battle to a rebellious land. Ninĝirsu poured Sumer away like milk to the dogs. Turmoil descended upon the Land, something that no one had ever known, something unseen, which had no name, something that could not be fathomed. The lands were confused in their fear. The god of the city turned away, its shepherd vanished. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 The people, in their fear, breathed only with difficulty. The storm immobilised them, the storm did not let them return. There was no return for them, the storm did not retreat. This is what Enlil, the shepherd of the black-headed people, did: Enlil, to destroy the loyal households, to decimate the loyal men, to put the evil eye on the sons of the loyal men, on the first-born, Enlil then sent down Gutium from the mountains. Their advance was as the flood of Enlil that cannot be withstood. The great wind of the countryside filled the countryside, it advanced before them. The extensive countryside was destroyed, no one moved about there. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 Lugal-Marda stepped outside his city. Ninzuana took an unfamiliar path away from her beloved dwelling." Alas, the destroyed city, my destroyed house," she cried bitterly. Isin, the shrine that was not a quay, was split by onrushing waters. Ninisina, the mother of the Land, wept bitter tears." Alas, the destroyed city, my destroyed house," she cried bitterly. Enlil smote Dur-an-ki with a mace. Enlil made lamentation in his city, the shrine Nibru. Mother Ninlil, the lady of the Ki-ur shrine, wept bitter tears." Alas, the destroyed city, my destroyed house," she cried bitterly. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 On that day the word of Enlil was an attacking storm. Who could fathom it? The word of Enlil was destruction on the right, was …… on the left. This is what Enlil, the one who determines destinies, did: Enlil brought down the Elamites, the enemy, from the highlands. Nanše, the noble daughter, was settled outside the city. Fire approached Ninmarki in the shrine Gu-aba. Large boats were carrying off its silver and lapis lazuli. The lady, sacred Ninmarki, was despondent because of her perished goods. On that day he decreed a storm blazing like the mouth of a fire. The province of Lagaš was handed over to Elam. And then the queen also reached the end of her time. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 Bau, as if she were human, also reached the end of her time: "Woe is me! Enlil has handed over the city to the storm. He has handed it over to the storm that destroys cities. He has handed it over to the storm that destroys houses." Dumuzid-abzu was full of fear in the house of Kinirša. Kinirša, the city to which she belongs, was ordered to be plundered. The city of Nanše, Niĝin, was delivered to the foreigners. Sirara, her beloved dwelling, was handed over to the evil ones." Alas, the destroyed city, my destroyed house," she cried bitterly. Its sacred Ĝipar of en priesthood was defiled. Its en priest was snatched from the Ĝipar and carried off to enemy territory. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 This is what Enlil, who decides the fates, did: Again he sent down the Elamites, the enemy, from the mountains. The foremost house, firmly founded, ……. In order to destroy Kisiga, 10 men, even five men ……. Three days and three nights did not pass, …… the city was raked by a hoe. Dumuzid left Kisiga like a prisoner of war, his hands were fettered. (5 lines fragmentary) |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 Enlil threw open the door of the grand gate to the wind. In Urim no one went to fetch food, no one went to fetch water. Its people rushed around like water being poured from a well. Their strength ebbed away, they could not even go on their way. Enlil afflicted the city with an evil famine. He afflicted the city with that which destroys cities, that which destroys houses. He afflicted the city with that which cannot be withstood with weapons. He afflicted the city with dissatisfaction and treachery. In Urim, which was like a solitary reed, there was not even fear. Its people, like fish being grabbed in a pond, sought to escape. Its young and old lay spread about, no one could rise. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 The Shining Quay of Nanna was silted up. The sound of water against the boat's prow ceased, there was no rejoicing. Dust piled up in the unuribanda of Nanna. The rushes grew, the rushes grew, the mourning reeds grew. Boats and barges ceased docking at the Shining Quay. Nothing moved on your watercourse which was fit for barges. The plans of the festivals at the place of the divine rituals were altered. The boat with first-fruit offerings of the father who begot Nanna no longer brought first-fruit offerings. Its food offerings could not be taken to Enlil in Nibru. Its watercourse was empty, barges could not travel. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 Suen wept to his father Enlil: "O father who begot me, why have you turned away from my city which was built (?) for you? O Enlil, why have you turned away from my Urim which was built (?) for you? The boat with first-fruit offerings no longer brings first-fruit offerings to the father who begot him. Your food offerings can no longer be brought to Enlil in Nibru. The en priests of the countryside and city have been carried off by phantoms. Urim, like a city raked by a hoe, is to be counted as a ruin-mound. The Du-ur, Enlil's resting-place, has become a haunted shrine. O Enlil, gaze upon your city, an empty wasteland. Gaze upon your city Nibru, an empty wasteland." |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 "The dogs of Urim no longer sniff at the base of the city wall. The man who used to drill large wells scratches the ground in the market place. My father who begot me, enclose in your embrace my city which is all alone. Enlil, return to your embrace my Urim which is all alone. Enclose in your embrace my E-kiš-nu-ĝal which is all alone. May you bring forth offspring in Urim, may you multiply its people. May you restore the divine powers of Sumer that have been forgotten." |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 Enlil then answered his son Suen: "There is lamentation in the haunted city, reeds of mourning grow there. { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) In its midst there is lamentation, reeds of mourning grow there. } In its midst the people pass their days in sighing. { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) My son, the noble son ……, why do you concern yourself with crying? } Oh Nanna, the noble son ……, why do you concern yourself with crying? The judgment uttered by the assembly cannot be reversed. The word of An and Enlil knows no overturning. Urim was indeed given kingship but it was not given an eternal reign. From time immemorial, since the Land was founded, until people multiplied, who has ever seen a reign of kingship that would take precedence for ever? The reign of its kingship had been long indeed but had to exhaust itself. O my Nanna, do not exert yourself in vain, abandon your city." |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 In his grief Suen approached his father. He went down on his knee in front of Enlil, the father who begot him: "O father who begot me, how long will the enemy eye be cast upon my account, how long ……? The lordship and the kingship that you bestowed ……, Father Enlil, the one who advises with just words, the wise words of the Land ……, your inimical judgment ……, look into your darkened heart, terrifying like waves. O Father Enlil, the fate that you have decreed cannot be explained, as for my hairstyle (?) of lordship and the diadem with which I was crowned." …… he put on a garment of mourning. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 Enlil then provided a favourable response to his son Suen: "My son, the city built for you in joy and prosperity was given to you as your reign. Destroying the city, overthrowing its great wall and battlements: all this too is part of that reign. …… the black, black days of the reign that has been your lot. As for dwelling in your home, the E-temen-ni-guru, that was properly built -- indeed Urim shall be rebuilt in splendour, the people shall bow down to you. There is to be bounty at its base, there is to be grain. There is to be splendour at its top, the sun shall rejoice there. Let an abundance of grain embrace its table. May Urim, the city whose fate was pronounced by An, be restored for you." Having pronounced his blessing, Enlil raised his head toward the heavens: "May the land, south and highland, be organised for Nanna. May the roads of the mountains be set in order for Suen. Like a cloud hugging the earth, they shall submit to him. By order of An and Enlil it shall be conferred." |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 May An not change the divine powers of heaven, the divine plans for treating the people with justice. May An not change the decisions and judgments to lead the people properly. To travel on the roads of the Land: may An not change it. May An and Enlil not change it, may An not change it. May Enki and Ninmaḫ not change it, may An not change it. That the Tigris and Euphrates should again carry water: may An not change it. That there should be rain in the skies and on the ground speckled barley: may An not change it. That there should be watercourses with water and fields with grain: may An not change it. That the marshes should support fish and fowl: may An not change it. That old reeds and fresh reeds should grow in the reedbeds: may An not change it. May An and Enlil not change it. May Enki and Ninmaḫ not change it. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 That the orchards should bear syrup and grapes, that the high plain should bear the mašgurum tree, that there should be long life in the palace, that the sea should bring forth every abundance: may An not change it. The land densely populated from south to uplands: may An not change it. May An and Enlil not change it, may An not change it. May Enki and Ninmaḫ not change it, may An not change it. That cities should be rebuilt, that people should be numerous, that in the whole universe the people should be cared for; O Nanna, your kingship is sweet, return to your place. May a good abundant reign be long-lasting in Urim. Let its people lie down in safe pastures, let them reproduce. O mankind ……, princess overcome by lamentation and crying! O Nanna! O your city! O your house! O your people! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Where its gods had established their dwellings, where their daily rations were offered, their daises erected, where the sacred royal offering (?) and the evening meal in their great banquet hall were destined for the pouring out of choice beer and syrup -- Nibru, the city where the black-headed people used to cool themselves in its spreading shade -- in their dwellings Enlil fell upon them as if they were criminals. It was he who sent them scattering, like a scattered herd of cattle. How long until its lady, the goddess Ninlil, would ask after the inner city, whose bitter tears were overwhelming? |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 As though it were empty wasteland, no one enters that great temple whose bustle of activity was famous. As for all the great rulers who increased the wealth of the city of Nibru -- why did they disappear? For how long would Enlil neglect the Land, where the black-headed { people } { (1 ms. has instead:) Land } { (another ms. has instead:) city }ate rich grass like sheep? Tears, lamentation, depression and despair! How long would his spirit burn and his heart not be placated? Why were those who once played the šem and ala drums spending their time in bitter lamenting? Why were the lamenters sitting in its brick buildings? They were bewailing the hardship which beset them. |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Its lord, who has despoiled it like an evil wind, has destroyed that city and its temples! He has ripped out their foundations, struck them with the adze, killed wives and their children within it, he has turned that city into a deserted city -- when would he restore its ancient property? Its possessions have been carried off by the wind! Enlil turned the city which used to be there into a city no longer! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 How did Enlil make all his greatest divine powers fly away! No one ever touches his arm! No one ever intercedes! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 The well-built houses, ladies' dwellings, were falsely founded, and they have been eroded by the winds! They are making a lament for me of how the foe has finished off my Land! They are addressing the cries of my heart, overwhelmed with bitterness, in order to soothe it! They are beginning their laments about my lord Enlil! He will have mercy and compassion on me -- Enlil, father of the black-headed people, he who will give the order to restore me! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 In the foremost brick buildings they sing that your fate is bitter! Even now, to Enlil who will accept your tears for you, weeping bitter tears of your own accord, speak supplications to your lord himself concerning what he did to you, concerning that fate! Say to him "My lord, how long? Look upon me with favour, my lord!" Say "Why ……?" Say "May your heart be soothed for me -- overturn this sacrilege for your own good! The day is ……!" Say "Re-enter for me your dwelling in my darkened shrines!" Say "Like a bright, cleansed, sacred day, give …… for your own good!" Say "……!" Say "Your misfortunes …… will rebuild it!" |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Even now your lord has smitten the enemy fury for you! He has had mercy on you and decreed your fate! He has said "Enough", so that he has removed lamentation from your brick buildings! In good mood and with a joyful heart he has entered in there again for you! Ninurta, the mighty commissioner, has looked after things! He stood there before the hero, his provider Išme-Dagan, and issued the command to him to completely rebuild the E-kur, the most precious shrine! He has restored its ancient property! Enlil has ordered Išme-Dagan to restore its ziggurat temple, to make it shine like the day, to make fitting the dais upon its platform! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 How long will the brickwork strain its eyes upwards in tears and lamentations? Even now your lord, the Great Mountain Enlil, supreme in the universe, has removed lamentation from your brick buildings and made favourable your humour! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Now, city, your lord who has had compassion and mercy for you, Father Enlil, lord of all countries, who has commanded that you be restored, and the great mother Ninlil, who entreated him in prayer there, and the brickwork itself which said to him "Steady the trembling of Nibru!" and said to him "Rebuild my women's quarters for me! Re-establish my temples for me!" -- he who mulled things over so that he came to a decision about them, Enlil, who found agreeable his command of true words, who beneficently entered the true temple which had suffered destruction -- he himself is removing what he turned upon you in distress. |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Just as he silenced you, when he made joy enter again he decreed as your fate the sound of choice beer and syrup being poured out to overflowing." Enough! It is time to stifle the lament" he said to you himself. Because you have been living in a state of neglect, Enlil who has decreed your fate has said "My city, you have placated my sacred heart towards you." He has returned to you!" Nibru, you have placated my sacred heart towards you." He has returned to you! True city, he has decreed your great fate and made your reign long! Nibru, he has decreed your great fate and made your reign long! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Enlil himself has commanded Išme-Dagan that the E-kur should shine like the day! Steady sunlight shines into the Ki-ur; he has brought daylight in there again for you! Ninlil has decreed your fate in the Ĝaĝiššua! Enlil and Ninlil together founded daises in the E-kur! They dined there and enjoyed choice beer! They deliberated how to make the black-headed people secure in their dwellings! They have brought back to you the people who had been completely devastated! They have gathered back together the children whom they turned away from their mothers! The populace goes with you in their strongholds! Shrine Nibru, the Great Mountain Enlil has returned to you! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 An and Enlil have advised that Urim should be restored, founded in a pasture, its divine powers distinct from the rest! They command the prince of the city Larsam, the herald of the universe, the judge of the numerous people, to secure its foundations, to follow the proper path! They have taken a decision concerning Unug-Kulaba, the sacred city, the handiwork of the gods, and restored it. They have brought news of the removal of all foes and enemies from the region of Zabalam, the city where the mistress of heaven concentrated her forces. |
| 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 An, Enlil, Enki and Ninmaḫ have given their orders! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Now see! Enlil has fixed a good day in the land! He has even now ordered the day for Nibru to raise its neck to heaven! He himself has provided a good day for the E-kur to shine! He himself has raised up the day for the Ki-ur's magnificent manifestation! He himself has restored the day for Sumer and Akkad to expand! He himself has set aside the day for houses to be built and storerooms to be enclosed! He himself has brought out the day for seeds to sprout and living things to be born! He has brought out the day for building cattle pens and founding sheepfolds! |
| 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 Nibru: c.2.2.4 He has established there dining in joy within! Enlil has given the command to Išme-Dagan, his joyous, reverent sacral officiant, who daily serves, to sanctify its food, to purify its water! He has commanded him to purify its defiled divine powers! He has put in order its disordered and scattered rites, he has put back in their place the most sacred things, neglected and defiled. He decrees as a fate the offering of daily rations and the grinding up of fine meal and flour. He has decided to make bread plentiful on the table, to make loaves numerous! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Father Enlil, the lord whose command cannot be altered, prince of all countries, has fixed among the black-headed people, and commanded for their benefit, a time when no one is to speak hostile words to another, when a son is to respect his father, a time to establish humility in the Land, for the inferior to be as important as the mighty, a time when the younger brother, fearing his big brother, is to show humility, a time when the elder child is to treat the younger child reasonably and to pay heed to his words, a time to take neither weak nor strong away into captivity, but to serve with great acts of good, a time to travel the disordered roadways, to extirpate evil growths, { a time when anyone is to go where they will, to hurl no insults at one's fellow, } { (1 ms. has instead the line:) a time when anyone is to go where they will, to carry oneself humbly in the plain, to perform no sacrilege, } { a time no one is to speak hostile words to another, to perform no sacrilege, } { (1 ms. has instead the line:) a time to go from one's own city to a foreign city, to have no fear on the plain, to perform no sacrilege, } a time to remove bitterness from the Land, to establish light therein, a time when darkness is to be lifted in the Land, so that living things should rejoice. |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Now, see! After that time, Enlil, the prince who is full of pity, has been beneficent to his hero who had laid the …… brick! He put in order again for him the divine powers which had been desecrated by the enemy! He sanctified again the defiled rites for him! He purified its ziggurat temple and made it resplendent for him! Within he made abundance plentiful, he filled it with choice beer and syrup! He established there at that time the pleasing of hearts, the appeasing of spirits, the ameliorating of moods! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 Išme-Dagan himself stood in prayer to Enlil and offered salutations! When he had begun the lament and spoken the supplication, the prince of all countries treated his body with oil of abundance as if it were the sweetest syrup! And his prayer was heard -- Enlil looked upon him with favour, Išme-Dagan whose words bring Enlil pleasure! Enlil's constant attendant, with whose thoughts he agrees! Because the humble one prostrated himself in his devotions and served there, because he will entreat him in supplication and will do obeisance, because he will complete and honour the royal offering and will return, because he will keep watch over everything and will not be negligent, Enlil has promised to Išme-Dagan his dominion of extended years! |
| The lament for Nibru: c.2.2.4 He promised him that he will be a man of pre-eminent kingship! He promised him that he will be a king whose reign is good! He promised him that he shall have the people inhabit safe dwellings! Enlil found agreement in what he had said to the numerous people! On the day for decreeing fates, every part of Sumer and Akkad, among the black-headed people flocking like sheep, among their well-tended people, will praise forever the majesty of the Great Mountain Nunamnir, enkar weapon of the universe! It is his awe-inspiring way! |
| 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 (1 line fragmentary) …… and Utu, who in human form renders judgment at the law court of heaven, set and did not rise again. …… bore a heavy burden of sin. …… the altered verdicts of Lord Nunamnir. …… who can smite ……? …… and they approach (?). …… he brings …… forth. …… of Enlil ……. He …… and puts an end to ……. (small no. of lines missing) |
| The lament for Unug: c.2.2.5 He ……, stretched forth his hand and induced terror in the land. Enlil struck out with great ferocity. He announced: "A deluge dashing the hoe on the ground shall be invoked. At its front war shall be a …… axe, at its rear it shall be a ……. Its overgrown hair shall be a harrow, its back shall be flames. Its countenance shall be a malevolent storm that enshrouds heaven and earth. The glint of its eyes shall be lightning that flashes far like the Anzud bird. Its mouth shall rage -- a blazing fire that extends as far as the nether world. Its tongue shall be an inferno, raining embers, that sunders the Land. Its arms shall be the majestic Anzud bird that nothing can escape when it spreads wide its talons." |
| The lament for Unug: c.2.2.5 "But the sensible shall beat their breasts and droop (?) their heads. At midnight they shall be afraid and tearful, and suffer insomnia. In bed, under the covers, they shall be unable to sleep soundly, they shall wander about the city. They shall be immobilised, their courage shall run out: "May our allies serving in times of war raise their forces for peace. May the word of Enlil be sent back, may it turn tail. May the venom of Nunamnir's anger become exhausted. May those vicious men who have seized the E-kur be punished. May those who have set their sight upon Nibru be swept away."" |
| The lament for Unug: c.2.2.5 Oh, Sumer! Alas -- your spirit! Alas -- your structure! Alas -- your people! The word of An, having been assigned its place, has destroyed the sacred precinct (?). The pronouncement of Enlil, having been set in motion, ……. The deluge dashing the hoe to the ground ……. The great and fierce ……, Lord Nergal ……. …… like Gibil, Nergal ……. (1 line fragmentary) |
| The lament for Unug: c.2.2.5 Lady Inana whose greatness is vaster than the mountains, hovering like An, vested with grandeur like Enlil, like her father, perfect by night and in the heat of the day, like Utu, surpassing in vigour, singularly exalted in all the four regions -- let Išme-Dagan take pleasure in relaxing in your temple, let him murmer to you in your temple, let him raise his head to you in your E-ana. |
| The lament for Unug: c.2.2.5 Let Išme-Dagan serve you as your steward. Let him prepare great bulls for you. Let him dedicate great offerings to you. Let him make the beer, fat and oil plentiful for you. Let him make syrup and wine flow for you as from stone jars. Let Išme-Dagan, son of Enlil on the king's pedestal, bow in homage to you. May he make the ub and ala drums resound grandly for you. May the tigi sound sweetly for you, and may the zamzam play for you. May they play …… on the tigi for you, expressing your prayers and supplications before you. |
| 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 The evil-bearing storm went out from the city. It swept across the Land -- a storm which possessses neither kindness nor malice, does not distinguish between good and evil. Subir came down like rain. It struck hard. In the city where bright daylight used to shine forth, the day darkened. In Eridug where bright daylight used to shine forth, the day darkened. As if the sun had set below the horizon, it turned into twilight. As if An had cursed the city, alone he destroyed it. As if Enlil had frowned upon it, Eridug, the shrine Abzu, bowed low. |
| The lament for Eridug: c.2.2.6 (1 line fragmentary) …… far away …… the great gods. Lord Enlil, king of the lands, looked maliciously at Sumer. He demolished it. He destroyed the Ki-ur, the great place. He razed with the pickaxe all of the shining E-kur. He destroyed it but did not abandon it -- at the lunches, in his great dining hall, they call his name. |
| The lament for Eridug: c.2.2.6 Aruru, the sister of Enlil, destroyed her city Iri-saĝ-rig. In Keš, the creation place of the Land, the people saw inside its holy sanctuary where daylight had been unknown. She destroyed it but did not abandon it -- at the lunches, in her great dining hall, they call her name. Lord Nanna, Lord Ašimbabbar, destroyed his city Urim. He decimated the Land with famine. He committed a sacrilege against the E-kiš-nu-ĝal. He struck at its heart. He destroyed it but did not abandon it -- at the lunches, in his great dining hall, they call his name. |
| An adab to Bau for Luma (Luma A): c.2.3.1 Child of An, he has chosen you in his holy heart in the great sky and on the great earth and made you worthy of the ladyship of the Land. Bau, child of An, he has chosen you in his holy heart in the great sky and on the great earth and made you worthy of the ladyship of the Land. Enlil has looked at you with favour, young woman, Mother Bau, from the shining E-kur, and made you eminently fit for Lord Ninĝirsu. The Great Mountain Enlil has looked at you with favour, young woman, Mother Bau, from the shining E-kur and made you eminently fit for Lord Ninĝirsu. |
| A tigi to Bau for Gudea (Gudea A): c.2.3.2 My lady, gracious woman, child of holy An, adorned with attractiveness, Enlil's beloved one, who is imbued with great fearsomeness and issues from the interior of heaven, the cherished lady of the gods. Bau, gracious woman, child of holy An, adorned with attractiveness, Enlil's beloved one, who is imbued with great fearsomeness and issues from the midst of heaven, the cherished lady of the gods. |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 Because An had altered his holy words completely, …… became empty, and because, deceitfully, Enlil had completely changed the fate he decreed, Ninmaḫ began a lament in her ……. Enki shut (?) the great door of Eridug. Nudimmud withdrew into his bedchamber and lay down fasting. At his zenith, Nanna frowned at the …… words of An. Utu did not come forth in the sky, and the day was full of sorrow. |
| 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 To Nergal, the Enlil of the nether world, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a mace, a large bow with quiver and arrows, an artfully made barbed dagger, and a multicoloured leather bag for wearing at the hip. |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 "My tigi, adab, flute and zamzam songs have been turned into laments because of me. The instruments of the house of music have been propped against the wall. Because I have been made to …… in a soil-filled pit instead of my throne whose beauty was endless; because I have been made to lie down in the open, desolate steppe instead of my bed, the sleeping place whose …… was endless, alas, my wife and my children are in tears and wailing. My people whom I used to command (?) sing like lamentation and dirge singers because of her (?). While I was so treated, foremost Inana, the warlike lady, was not present at my verdict. Enlil had sent her as a messenger to all the foreign lands concerning very important matters." |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 When she had turned her gaze away from there, Inana humbly entered the shining E-kur, she …… at Enlil's fierce brow. (Then Enlil said:) "Great lady of the E-ana, once someone has bowed down, he cannot …… (?) any more; the trustworthy shepherd left E-ana, you cannot see him any more." My lady …… among the people { …… } { (1 ms. has instead:) like …… }. Then Inana, the fierce storm, the eldest child of Suen, ……, made the heavens tremble, made the earth shake. Inana destroyed cattle-pens, devastated sheepfolds, saying: "I want to hurl insults at An, the king of the gods: Who can change the matter, if Enlil elevates someone? Who can change the import of the august words uttered by An, the king? If there are divine ordinances imposed on the Land, but they are not observed, there will be no abundance at the gods's place of sunrise. My holy ĝipar, the shrine E-ana, has been barred up { like (?) a mountain } { (some mss. have instead:) like the heavens }. If only my shepherd could enter before me in it in his prime -- { I will not enter it otherwise! } { (some mss. have instead:) Why should I enter it otherwise? } If only my strong one could grow for me like greenery in the desert. If only he could hold steady for me like a river boat at its calm mooring." This is how Inana { gave vent (?) to a lament over him } { (1 ms. has instead:) …… Ur-Namma …… } |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 To Nergal, the Enlil of the nether world, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a mace, a large bow with quiver and arrows, a large barbed dagger, and a multicoloured leather bag for wearing at the hip. |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 "…… guard ……. …… silence ……. …… adab, flute and zamzam songs …… laments. …… have been propped against the wall. Because I have been made to sit on …… whose beauty was endless; because I have been made to fall in …… was endless, (1 line fragmentary)Maiden Inana, the warlike lady, ……. Enlil had sent her as a messenger to all the great mountains." |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 When she had turned her gaze away from there, the trustworthy shepherd had left the E-ana, and she (?) could not see him any more. She …… at Enlil's fierce brow. Antagonistically (?) she insulted An, the king of the gods: "When An, the king speaks, his words cannot be changed! …… Ur-Namma ……. There will be no …… at the gods' place of sunrise. …… holy ĝipar, shrine E-ana ……. …… not enter ……." |
| A tigi to Enlil for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma B): c.2.4.1.2 Exalted Enlil, …… fame ……, lord who …… his great princedom, Nunamnir, king of heaven and earth ……, looked around among the people. The Great Mountain Enlil chose Ur-Namma the good shepherd from the multitude of people: "Let him be the shepherd of Nunamnir!" He made him emanate (?) fierce awesomeness. |
| A tigi to Enlil for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma B): c.2.4.1.2 The divine plans of brick-built E-kur were drawn up. The Great Mountain Enlil made up his mind, filled with pure and useful thoughts, to make them shine like the sun in the E-kur, his august shrine. He instructed the shepherd Ur-Namma to make the E-kur rise high; the king made him the mightiest in the Land, he made him the first among the people. The good shepherd Ur-Namma, …… whose trust in Nunamnir is enduring, the knowledgeable judge, the lord of great wisdom, prepared the brick mould. Enlil brought order in his rebellious and hostile lands for the shepherd Ur-Namma, and made Sumer flourish in joy, in days filled with prosperity. The foundations were laid down firmly and the holy foundation pegs were driven in. The enkum and ninkum priests praised it duly and Enki made the temple rejoice with his artful incantations. |
| A tigi to Enlil for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma B): c.2.4.1.2 In the Gagiššua of the great palace, where she renders verdicts with grandeur, he made the great mother Ninlil glad. Enlil and Ninlil relished it there. In its great dining hall, the trustworthy hero chosen by Nunamnir made them enjoy a magnificent meal: the E-kur was rejoicing. They looked with approval at the shepherd Ur-Namma, and the Great Mountain decreed a great destiny for Ur-Namma for all time, making him the mightiest among his black-headed people. |
| A tigi to Enlil for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma B): c.2.4.1.2 "I am the Great Mountain, Father Enlil, whose firm commands and decisions are immutable! You have made my lofty E-kur shine gloriously, you have raised it high with a brilliant crenellation. Trustworthy hero, you have made it shine gloriously in the Land. Ur-Namma, mighty lord, may your (?) kingship be unparalleled, may your fame spread to heaven's borders, as far as the foot of the mountains!" |
| A tigi to Enlil for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma B): c.2.4.1.2 He has made the royal dais stand firmly, he has made Urim resplendent. The shepherd Ur-Namma has made it exude awesomeness, and he, as king of the Land, has lifted his head high there. All this was granted to him in the place of his king, Enlil: a fate was decreed and then it was duly fulfilled. There is now joy and abundance in Urim because (?) of Ur-Namma. |
| A tigi to Enlil for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma B): c.2.4.1.2 A tigi of Enlil. |
| A praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma C): c.2.4.1.3 City of the finest divine powers, lofty royal throne-dais! Shrine Urim, pre-eminent in Sumer, built in a pure place! City, your well-founded great wall has grown out of the abzu! City, beautiful as the sky, endowed with beauty, colourfully decorated in a great place! Shrine Urim, well-founded ĝipar, dwelling of An and Enlil! Your lofty palace is the E-kiš-nu-ĝal, in which the fates are determined! Your pilasters heavy with radiance tower over all the countries! Its terrace like a white cloud is a spectacle in the midst of heaven. Its …… like flashing lightning shines (?) inside a shrine. Like a single bull under the yoke, ……. Suen's beloved pure table; E-kiš-nu-ĝal, Suen's beloved pure table. The king, ornament of the royal offering place, occupies the august courtyard; Ur-Namma the exalted, whom no one dare oppose, ……. Urim, the wide city ……. (1 line unclear) |
| 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 After my seed had been poured into the holy womb, Suen, loving its appearance (?), made it partake of Nanna's attractiveness. Coming forth over the Land like Utu, Enlil called me by an auspicious name, and Nintur assisted at my birth. As I came forth from the womb of my mother Ninsumun, a favorable allotted destiny was determined for me. |
| A praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma C): c.2.4.1.3 After the storm ……, and the month had been completed (?) for me, Enlil chose me by extispicy on a day very auspicious for him. He spoke fairly to Sumer, and caused me to arise (?) from my family (?). Because of my broad understanding and wisdom, An the king entrusted …… into my hands. I am the cosmic bond of Sumer. I am …… good ……. I am ……. I am …… of the Land. (3 lines fragmentary)I, the lord, ……. |
| A praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma C): c.2.4.1.3 I, Ur-Namma, born on high, …… shining. The people line up in front of me. Enlil has given me the task of keeping the Land secure, with unscathed (?) troops. I am clad in linen in the ĝipar. I lie down on the splendid bed in its delightful bedchamber. I cause the people to eat splendid food; I am their Enkimdu (i.e. the god of irrigation and cultivation). I am the good shepherd whose sheep multiply greatly. I open the …… of the cattle-pens and sheepfolds. I am peerless. …… the pastures and watering-places of shepherds (?). |
| A praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma C): c.2.4.1.3 I returned …… to Urim. I made …… return (?) to his country …… like ……. I loaded its grain on barges, I delivered it to its storehouses. I returned its …… citizens to their (?) homes. I …… their earth-baskets. I …… the savage hands of the Gutians, the ……. After I had made the evil-doers return (?) to their ……, I restored (?) the walls that had been torn down; my outstanding mind ……. …… the shrine of Urim ……. I am the foremost workman (?) of Enlil; I am the one who …… food offerings. (7 lines fragmentary or missing) |
| A praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma C): c.2.4.1.3 …… at a banquet with me in the city. …… joyful dance ……. I have brought abundance to Enlil's temple on the king's canal: I have directed ships both to Kar-ĝeština of Enlil and to the lapis-lazuli quay of Nanna. Alcohol and syrup have been poured out before Enlil. To me, the shepherd Ur-Namma, let life be given as a reward! For Nanna, my master, I have built his temple; as if it were a verdant hillside, I have set up the E-kiš-nu-ĝal in a great place. I have surrounded (?) its terrace with a gold and lapis-lazuli fence. |
| Ur-Namma the canal-digger (Ur-Namma D): c.2.4.1.4 ……, …… Ašimbabbar you are on your …… because of Enlil. The watercourse of …… is full of fish, and the air above is full of birds. The fresh water of …… is full of fish, the air above is full of birds. …… honey-plants are planted, and the carp grow fat. …… honey-plants are planted, and the carp grow fat. The gizi reed of …… is so sweet that the fish eat them. The gizi reed of …… is so sweet that the fish eat them. Since my …… was founded, it is teeming with fish and birds. Since …… was founded, it is teeming with fish and birds. |
| Ur-Namma the canal-digger (Ur-Namma D): c.2.4.1.4 My king, Lord Ašimbabbar, you are on your throne because of Enlil. Youthful Suen, Lord Ašimbabbar, you are on your throne because of Enlil. I, the king, whose fate was already decreed in the true womb, who raises his head in authority, Ur-Namma, the youth who caught the eyes of the Great Mountain Enlil, was chosen by Nunamnir in Sumer and Akkad. He decreed my fate in Nibru, in the mountain of life. He beamed at me approvingly and bestowed the kingship on me. In Urim, in the E-mud-kura, he made the foundation of my throne firm. He …… the holy sceptre to guide the numerous people in my hand. He …… the staff and the shepherd's crook to …… the expanding and teeming people. Lord Ašimbabbar …… a long-lasting life. Enlil …… of the four quarters of the world. He …… a lasting name, a name worthy to be praised. Enki presented me with my broad wisdom. |
| Ur-Namma the canal-digger (Ur-Namma D): c.2.4.1.4 King of the four quarters, you who make Enlil content, Ur-Namma, provider of Nibru, supporter of Urim, with you (?) the people pass the time joyously at (?) moonlight over the Land of Urim. |
| Ur-Namma the canal-digger (Ur-Namma D): c.2.4.1.4 I, the king, whose fate was already decreed in the true womb, who raises his head in authority, Ur-Namma, the youth who caught the eyes of the Great Mountain Enlil, was chosen by Nunamnir in Sumer and Akkad. He decreed my fate in Nibru, in the mountain of life. In Urim, in the E-mud-kura, he made the foundation of my throne firm. He placed the awesome crown, the adornment of kingship, on my head. He put (?) the holy staff to guide the numerous people in my hand. He …… the staff, the shepherd's crook into my hand, and the nose-rope to lead the living. He …… the amazing house ……. (2 lines fragmentary) (1 line missing) …… strengthened the roots of E-kiš-nu-ĝal, ……, E-temen-ni-guru, a delightful residence. (1 line unclear)…… standing in silver ……. |
| Ur-Namma the canal-digger (Ur-Namma D): c.2.4.1.4 King of the four quarters, favourite of Enlil, shepherd Ur-Namma, the provider of Sumer and Akkad, beloved of Enlil, it is you (?) who makes …… of Urim pass the time joyously ……. |
| A šir-namšub (?) to Nanna for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma E): c.2.4.1.5 In your interior, the evildoer dare not lay hold of the holy statutes. E-kiš-nu-ĝal, the evil-doer cannot even come to know your interior, which is a dragon. House, your terrace …… Enlil …… your offerings. At your Dubla-maḫ, the place where the fates are determined, the great gods determine the fates. Worthy of the E-temen-ni-guru, born ……, your name be praised indeed! |
| A balbale to Enlil for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma G): c.2.4.1.7 (6 lines missing) Enlil …… to Ur-Namma. He bestowed on him (?) early floods, grain and speckled barley. |
| A balbale to Enlil for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma G): c.2.4.1.7 My king, when you have finished with all the work on the fields of Enlil; Ur-Namma, when you have finished with all the work on the fields of Enlil, may the rains of heaven make the furrows that you laid out sprout abundantly. King, faithful farmer, you have …… the levees and ditches in the wide fields; Ur-Namma, faithful farmer, you have …… the levees and ditches on the wide fields. Like the rising Utu, the levees and ditches ……. My king, ……; Ur-Namma, ……. (2 lines missing) (2 lines fragmentary) |
| A balbale to Enlil for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma G): c.2.4.1.7 A balbale of Enlil. |
| A praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma I): c.2.4.1.a Ur-Namma, son of Ninsumun, king given strength by Enlil, tenderly cared for by Ninlil, enthroned by the will of Ninḫursaĝa, provided with superior intelligence by Enki, (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi A): c.2.4.2.01 I am a child born of Ninsumun. I am the choice of holy An's heart. I am the man whose fate was decided by Enlil. I am Šulgi, the beloved of Ninlil. I am he who is cherished by Nintur. I am he who was endowed with wisdom by Enki. I am the powerful king of Nanna. I am the growling lion of Utu. I am Šulgi, who has been chosen by Inana for his attractiveness. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi A): c.2.4.2.01 I, the king, however, did not fear, nor was I terrified. I rushed forth like a fierce lion. I galloped like an ass in the desert. With my heart full of joy, I ran (?) onward. Trotting like a solitary wild ass, I traversed a distance of fifteen double-hours by the time Utu was to set his face toward his house; { my saĝ-ursaĝ priests looked at me with admiration. } { (1 ms. has instead:) …… numerous (?) ……; I prayed in the …… of Enlil and Ninlil. } I celebrated the ešeš festival in both Nibru and Urim on the same day! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 When I sprang up, muscular as a cheetah, galloping like a thoroughbred ass at full gallop, the favour of An brought me joy; to my delight Enlil spoke favourably about me, and they gave me the sceptre because of my righteousness. I place my foot on the neck of the foreign lands; the fame of my weapons is established as far as the south, and my victory is established in the highlands. When I set off for battle and strife to a place that Enlil has commanded me, I go ahead of the main body of my troops and I clear the terrain for my scouts. I have a positive passion for weapons. Not only do I carry lance and spear, I also know how to handle slingstones with a sling. The clay bullets, the treacherous pellets that I shoot, fly around like a violent rainstorm. In my rage I do not let them miss. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 When I pronounce a completed verdict, it is heartily welcomed, since I am wise and exalted in kingship. So that my consultative assemblies, sitting together to care for the people, inspire respect in their hearts when the chief herald sounds the horn, they should deliberate and debate; and so that the council should decide policy properly, I have taught my governors to deliberate and to debate. While the words at their dining tables flow like a river, I tackle crime, so that the foundations are securely established for my wide dominions. I vanquish a city with words as weapons, and my wisdom keeps it subjected just as violence with burning torches would. I have taught them the meaning of the words "I have no mother". My words can be words smooth as the finest quality oil; I know how to cool hearts which are hot as fire, and I know how to extinguish a mouth set on fire like a reedbed. I weigh my words against those of the braggart. I am a man of the very highest standards of value. The importance of the humble is of particular value to me, and they cannot be counter-productive to any of my activities. By command of An and by command of Enlil, prayers are said for the life of the Land and for the life of the foreign lands, and I neither neglect them nor allow them to be interrupted. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 I have no equal among even the most distant rulers, and I can also state that my deeds are great deeds. Everything is achievable by me, the king. Since the time when Enlil gave me the direction of his numerous people in view of my wisdom, my extraordinary power and my justice, in view of my resolute and unforgettable words, and in view of my expertise, comparable to that of Ištaran, in verdicts, my heart has never committed violence against even one other king, be he an Akkadian or a son of Sumer, or even a brute from Gutium. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 Whatever is acquired is destined to be lost. What mortal has ever reached the heavens? At some time in the distant future, a man of Enlil may arise, and if he is a just king, like myself, then let my odes, prayers and learned songs about my heroic courage and expeditions follow that king in his good palace. He should take to heart the benefit that has been conferred on him; he should exalt the power of my odes, absorb the exuberance of my songs, and value highly my great wisdom. Just as a strong person can consider on an equal basis even those things which he has not brought about by his own efforts, let him applaud and welcome my achievements. Let him call upon my good name. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 In the south, in Urim, I caused a House of the Wisdom of Nisaba to spring up in sacrosanct ground for the writing of my hymns; up country in Nibru I established another. May the scribe be on duty there and transcribe with his hand the prayers which I instituted in the E-kur; and may the singer perform, reciting from the text. The academies are never to be altered; the places of learning shall never cease to exist. This and this only is now my accumulated knowledge! The collected words of all the hymns that are in my honour supersede all other formulations. By An, Enlil, Utu and Inana, it is no lie -- it is true! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 For that house, I am the right man to step over the threshold. I am the man whose name has been chosen by Nanna. I am the steward of Enlil's temple, the domestic slave of An. I am Šulgi, and my house E-ḫursaĝ is the palace of palaces. My royal residence is above all praise; I made it tower up like a lapis-lazuli mountain. Inana, the queen of the gods, the protective deity of my power, has perfected the songs of my might -- the foremost among kings -- in respect of everything in the whole world. It is good to praise me. Praise be to Nisaba. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 (4 lines fragmentary) in the …… of Enlil, Ninlil and Nintur, …… Nanna and Ninurta, in the …… of holy Inana (2 lines fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi D): c.2.4.2.04 O my king, great bull with splendid limbs, dragon with a lion's eyes! Shepherd Šulgi, great bull with splendid limbs, dragon with a lion's eyes! Bull-calf born in the cattle-pen of abundance, thriving there! Mighty one fit for heroism, the ornament of his Land! Righteous man, invested with justice by Utu! Fierce leopard who feeds on rich milk, rampant bull who was born to be a great beast! A lapis-lazuli beard, a holy breast -- marvellous to behold! O king, joy of the royal tiara! Šulgi, ornament of the legitimate crown, wearing the diadem of godhead, named by An with a good name! Good shepherd, endowed with strength by Enlil, Šulgi, the beloved of Ninlil's heart! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi D): c.2.4.2.04 You destroy the offspring of ……. You are mighty, ……. You are brave, ……. When in the E-kur ……, in the hostile foreign lands you plunder cities; like a panting lion, you ……; like a cheetah, you ……; a dragon, you ……; (2 lines missing)You hurl angry words against the people of the foreign lands that are hostile to Nanna. You are adorned with splendid horns, like a virile wild bull born to be a great wild bull. You are a chariot, a waggon set on the road. Like a noble ass, by your vigorous running you bring joy to Enlil. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi D): c.2.4.2.04 Shepherd Šulgi, when your seed was placed in the holy womb, your mother Ninsumun gave birth to you; your personal god, holy Lugalbanda, fashioned you; Mother Nintur nurtured you; An named you with a good name; Enlil lifted your head; Ninlil loved you. The princely son of the E-kur ……. The king, the holy barge which traverses the sky, Nanna, the lord ……, Suen ……. (2 lines fragmentary) |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi D): c.2.4.2.04 Nudimmud …… like small trees. He cherished you like an ildag tree ……, like a meš tree or a palm-tree. At that time, …… An …… wrote a tablet for you and decreed a fate for you. Ninlil's heart was soothed with prayers and supplications. The gods of heaven, with their ready approval, came to heaven, where the fates are decreed. Enlil, the king of all the lands, gave you shepherdship over the Land, in the south and in the highlands. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi D): c.2.4.2.04 You hero, after stepping on the ……, you roared at the foreign land hostile to Nanna. Hurl your battle-cry at the …… of Enlil! My king, …… (approx. 10 lines missing)……, great bull ……. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi D): c.2.4.2.04 "After I, the king, have destroyed the cities and ruined the city walls, have terrified the …… foreign lands like a flood, have scattered the seed of Gutium like seed-grain, have established Enlil's triumph, have crushed the populations as if with a pestle, have …… my heart ……, then I shall load the pure lapis lazuli of the foreign lands into leather pouches and leather bags." (approx. 5 lines missing) |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi D): c.2.4.2.04 The king ……. On that day, in the foreign land ……. His roar …… the hills ……. The city which Enlil has ……, which An has ……, which Nintur has ……, which Enki has …… good wisdom. Nanna has …… the heights of heaven, Utu has …… on the horizon; Inana the lady of battle has frowned (?) on it. The people of the rebel lands, like old reeds ……. The great and terrible battle of Šulgi ……. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi D): c.2.4.2.04 After the king had destroyed the cities and ruined the city walls, had terrified the …… foreign lands like a flood, had scattered the seed of Gutium like seed-grain, had …… his heart ……, then he loaded the pure lapis lazuli of the foreign lands into leather pouches and leather bags. He heaped up all their treasures and amassed (?) all the wealth of the foreign lands. He invoked the name of Enlil and invoked the name of Ninlil on their fattened cattle and fattened sheep. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi D): c.2.4.2.04 "My king, ……, you have destroyed the foreign lands and plundered their cities ……; like a wild bull …… the hills ……", sang the singers for him in a song. His boatmen, in tireless effort, (1 line unclear)These, citizens of Enegir and citizens of Urim, thrust forth their …… oars at the command of the lord. He moored the boat at the temple area of Nibru, the temple area Dur-an-ki, at Enlil's Kar-ĝeština. He entered before Enlil with the silver and lapis lazuli of the foreign lands loaded into leather pouches and leather bags, all their heaped-up treasures, and with the amassed (?) wealth of the foreign lands. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi D): c.2.4.2.04 ……, the king ……. Enlil decrees a destiny for Šulgi: "O king, I will decree a destiny for you, I will decree a good destiny for you! O Šulgi, I will decree a destiny for you, I will decree a good destiny for you! I will decree heroism as your destiny! I will decree long-lasting office as ruler and king as your destiny! May you raise your head in terrifying splendour! May no man stand his ground before your fierce gaze! May your royal crown shine radiantly! May your sceptre be a princely sceptre, and may its shining branches provide shade! May there be joy in your heart, and may you never grow weary! May you be the life-giving king of your assembly! May your life flourish like herbs, may it flourish like grain! May it flourish like a fertile meš tree in a broad plot!" (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi E): c.2.4.2.05 Enlil, foundation platform of heaven and earth, who holds the crook that makes the Land firm, whose beard flows over the mountains, who reveres his own divine powers -- Enlil, the everlasting shepherd of the Land, has addressed me, Šulgi, king of Urim, favourably, looking at me with wide-open eyes. In the overflowing of his heart, the lord bestowed the sceptre on me. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi E): c.2.4.2.05 Everywhere the word of Enlil has brought benefits to me, who was specially crowned in brick-built Eridug; to me, who was invested with the lapis-lazuli diadem in Unug; to me, the beloved shepherd of Nanna, fit for the throne. When I bring firewood (?), he looks at me and speaks gladly to me. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi E): c.2.4.2.05 In the name of An, the pre-eminent king; and of Enlil, who never changes his utterances; and in the name of Suen, the brickwork of cities cursed by whom shall rise no more, and the people cursed by whom will get leprosy; and in the name of Utu, the constable of the gods: I swear no one has ever put anything mendacious about me in my hymns; no one has embellished my prayers with achievements that I have not matched; I, Šulgi, have never allowed exaggerated praise of power to be put in a song. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi E): c.2.4.2.05 In the cult-places, let no one neglect the songs about me, whether they are adab, whether they are tigi or malgatum, šir-gida or praise of kingship, whether they are šumunša, kunĝar or balbale, whether they are gi-gid or zamzam -- so that they shall never pass out of memory and never lapse from people's mouths. Let them never cease to be sung in the shining E-kur! Let them be played for Enlil in his Shrine of the New Moon! When at the ešeš festival they serve the clear beer endlessly like water, may they be offered repeatedly before Enlil as he sits with Ninlil. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi E): c.2.4.2.05 In future days, a man like myself whom Enlil shall call to the shepherdship of the Land …… my songs; let him see ……. Let him call upon my name in the beloved ……. …… that man, whenever my hymns (1 line missing)…… my singer (?) ……. May he establish my name in the beloved …… temple. Whether he is a man …… Enki and Enlil ……, may …… come forth from the house which …… justice and a favourable destiny. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi E): c.2.4.2.05 But if …… removes my name from my hymns, and …… his name, and does not call upon my name in brick-built E-kur, and if that man commits enmity and violence against the temple, then whether that man is a king or a governor, Enlil shall curse him ……. May enmity and violence come forth against him from the house of Enlil. Let him be given enmity as his companion. May an asag demon, as causer of the plague, deprive his city of contentment. Because of famine in years of hunger, may he find no favour in the eyes of the Land. May Ezina produce no grain in sheaves. May fair Nanibgal, Nisaba, make no clay covering for his grain piles. …… the troops ……. His chief merchant …… silver ……. May the hunger and the thirst of the gods …… the city during his reign …… grain. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi E): c.2.4.2.05 The man who …… my hymns (2 lines unclear) May he …… outside the city. May he no longer …… within the walls of the city. May the criminal offspring of his kingship not ……. May he not stand where the king stands, the shining place. May he …… from the Ubšu-unkena. …… his heart's desire and ambitions. (2 lines unclear) When he brings offerings to the E-kur, may Enlil ……. His special presents and benefits …… (28 lines missing or unclear) |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi E): c.2.4.2.05 On the day when the destiny of the lands was determined, the king who in his arrogance ……, in luxuriance Enlil and Ninlil ……, …… for the life of Sumer and Akkad, …… justice for the Land, canals which he did not maintain ……, a city which he did not enlarge ……. The Great Mountain …… at their side …… great places. He did not …… the god of the palace. He …… to Enlil, and did not offer great gifts in the E-kur, and did not …… the door-sockets of the gods. …… songs. What he achieves with his praise, what he creatively decoratives with his words, the singer …… in his songs. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi E): c.2.4.2.05 I, Šulgi the king ……, who cares for holy An, …… food offerings, who constantly attends upon Enlil ……, Nanna, …… the office of en; Ninurta, the ensi appointed by Enlil, has given me a club and a battle-mace from the E-šu-me-ša. Not since the seed of mankind was germinated, has Enlil ever before been able to give the sceptre of kingship to a king who could control the troops single-handed. As a lone donkey stallion, one who resists the weapons -- no king of the Land has ever turned against the weapons. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi E): c.2.4.2.05 I did not lie in ambush, like a fierce cheetah, against the rebel and hostile lands, the aggressive foreign lands, in order to establish my renown as far as the horizon with the power of my master Enlil, and to transmit my lasting fame of victories to the distant future. I did not come out of a hole like a scorpion. Instead I left my main forces at my side, and went ahead of my scouts. As I repelled the tribal Gutians, the bandits of the hills, like a …… snake I made my fearsomeness reach afar. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi E): c.2.4.2.05 May my hymns be in everyone's mouth; let the songs about me not pass from memory. So that the fame of my praise, the words which Enki composed about me, and which Ĝeštin-ana joyously speaks from the heart and broadcasts far and wide, shall never be forgotten, I have had them written down line by line in the House of the Wisdom of Nisaba in holy heavenly writing, as great works of scholarship. No one shall ever let any of it pass from memory ……. It shall not be forgotten, since indestructible heavenly writing has a lasting renown. The scribe should bring it to the singer, and can let him look at it, and with the wisdom and intelligence of Nisaba, let him read it to him as if from a lapis-lazuli tablet. Let my songs sparkle like silver in the lode! Let them be performed in all the cult-places, and let no one neglect them in the Shrine of the New Moon. In the music-rooms of Enlil and Ninlil and at the morning and evening meals of Nanna, let the sweet praise of me, Šulgi, be never-ending. |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 Enlil, the eminent one, the sovereign lord, whose utterance is trustworthy; Nunamnir, the eternal shepherd of the Land, who hails from the great mountain; the great counsellor, the first and foremost in heaven and on earth, who is in control of all the divine powers; lord, who is imbued with great fearsomeness in accordance with his nobility, a perfected heavenly star, who takes good care of the primeval and choice divine powers, who alone is the lofty god; lord, life-giving light, who leads the people all over the world along one track; huge net spread over heaven and earth, rope stretched over all the lands! Who ever instructed Enlil, who ever rivalled him? |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 To that end, Ašimbabbar appeared shining in the E-kur, pleaded to his father Enlil and made him bring a childbearing mother (?); in the E-duga, Nanna, the princely son, asked for the thing to happen. The en priestess gave birth to the trustworthy man from his semen placed in the womb. Enlil, the powerful shepherd, caused a young man to emerge: a royal child, one who is perfectly fitted for the throne-dais, Šulgi the king. |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 Enlil gave him a good name: 'A lion's seed, who provides the E-kur generously, the beloved one of Ninlil; the one granted authority in the E-kur; the king of Urim, the one with shining heart, the shepherd, the protective genius of the Land'. Enlil chose Šulgi in his pure heart and entrusted the Land to him. As the shepherd of all the countries, Enlil leant the crook and the staff against his arm, and placed the immutable sceptre of Nanna in his hand; he made him raise his head high, sitting on an unshakeable royal seat. |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 The day was for prayers, the night was for supplications; the Land rested in peace. The shepherd of prosperity, Šulgi, he with a lasting name, the king of jubilation, the mighty one, the semen engendered by the faithful man, praised Enlil. |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 May Enlil the trustworthy, whose words are lofty -- good fate determined by him takes precedence -- who makes sturdy flax and barley grow -- may he prolong the life of Šulgi, the provider of the E-kur -- hence its flax is indeed fine flax, its barley is indeed fine barley -- the property of Nanna, the houseborn-slave of the E-kur, him whom Ninlil named at his birth Šulgi, the shepherd of the Land, the man whom Enlil knows, the steward of the temple. |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 So that its voluminous offering meals would bring joy to the E-kur, Enlil called upon Urim, the good city founded by the princely one, the inside of which is a holy treasure chest which, like the abzu, no eye can see -- the city of good purification rites and pure hand-washing rites; and what he says is trustworthy. |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 For his setting up the abundant sacrificial tin cups, for his having served evening meals in the dining-hall of the E-kur, Enlil determined a princely fate for the shepherd, him who is worthy of the kingship and the lofty throne-dais, Šulgi, who is adorned with the ba garment of the en priests. |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 The one beautiful like heaven, ……, Nanna, the king, the ……, gave him good …… in the Ki-ur, the great place. At the command (?) of Enlil, he ……, he roars for him (?) against the foreign land that no one dare oppose. He stabilizes the countryside, and the people lie at his feet. |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 Šulgi, the shepherd is the honey man beloved by Nibru; may the true shepherd, Šulgi, refresh himself in the pleasant shade of Enlil's brickwork! |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 O Šulgi, Enlil has brought forth happy days for you in your reign! |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 Heaven's king, earth's great mountain, Father Enlil, heaven's king, earth's great mountain, thought up something great: he chose Šulgi in his heart for a good reign! |
| An adab to Enlil for Šulgi (Šulgi G): c.2.4.2.07 An adab of Enlil. (lines 69 and 70 are written as one line in source) |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi O): c.2.4.2.15 City worthy of the divine powers, according to its name: shrine Urim, raging storm of Sumer, battleground -- and well established! Origin of human seed, consolidating the foundations of the Land, abundance -- and well established! Lofty dais of An, pure place, holy place, provider of first-fruit offerings for An to refresh himself, dripping with syrup and wine -- and well established! Du-ur, celebrated place of Enlil, in whose interior are the assigned divine powers, place whose destiny was decreed by Father Enlil, great dais -- and well established! Eridug, shrine expert in decreeing the fates, with princely divine powers, pure divine powers -- and well established! E-kiš-nu-ĝal, cattle-pen of Suen, where fecund cows, breed-bulls and holy calves gambol together, producing fine cream -- and well established! Abzu, holy residence of youthful Suen, tall crook lifting its head towards heaven, a marvel -- and well established! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi O): c.2.4.2.15 Its prince, the hero of Enlil, a lion rising up in its strength, a furious lion (?) baring its teeth at the foreign lands, …… inspects great wild bulls, eating ……, extending ……. Shepherd Šulgi, son of Ninsumun, ornament of ……, …… in their evil words, brought the hero Gilgameš, the lord of Kulaba into ……. He produced an utterance for him …… from the foreign lands, …… of his palace. …… of the foreign lands. …… he looked at him as if on split reeds. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi O): c.2.4.2.15 Thus he eulogised him who was born …… in Kulaba. (1 line unclear) Gilgameš, lord of Kulaba, seed of lordship, righteous hero …… (5 lines fragmentary or unclear) (approx. 4 lines missing)(Gilgameš continues speaking:) "Like ……, falsely (?) ……, you trampled underfoot ……, …… as if in a mighty clamp. You gathered its …… like swallows rising into the air. You entered with them into the presence of Enlil in the shrine of Nibru. Even those …… who escaped from the ……, wail bitterly ……. …… a copper (?) statue fashioned (?) in Urim, …… the seven gods, stationed beside, wielding battle-axes. Fearsome (?) hero ……, king of Sumer, you stand firm in your strength (?)." |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi O): c.2.4.2.15 " (1 line fragmentary) In the judgments that you pronounce ……. Who else like you has gone directly on the road to the mountains and has travelled the way to ……? Valiant one, …… the mountain cedars, …… the tall forests, …… the boats. …… Huwawa. …… his seven terrors. …… the small ……. …… from his well-established dwelling. …… to Enlil, in the shrine of Nibru ……. …… your captured hero. You allowed the mother of the sick man to fetch her son to her embrace. Your battle-mace, its mouth gaping wide, attacks the foreign lands for you. Gilgameš, noble one of Unug, violent storm, at whose oppression ……. The inimical rebel land, like ……. You have revealed your immense majesty! May you extend your protective arms over me!" |
| An adab (?) to Utu for Šulgi (Šulgi Q): c.2.4.2.17 Youthful Utu chose the shepherd in his heart. Years of plenty are assigned to Šulgi, the trustworthy shepherd, the king, as his fate. From the shrine in Nibru, Enlil bestowed this on the trustworthy shepherd, whose fate is determined by Utu. |
| Šulgi and Ninlil's barge: a tigi (?) to Ninlil (Šulgi R): c.2.4.2.18 Oh barge, Enki assigned the quay of abundance to you as your fate. Father Enlil looked at you with approval. Your lady, Ninlil, commanded your construction. She entrusted it to the faithful provider, King Šulgi; and the shepherd, who is of broad intelligence, will not rest day and night in thinking deeply about you. He, the wise one, who is proficient in planning, he, the omniscient one, will fell large cedars in the huge forests for you. He will make you perfect and you will be breathtaking to look upon. |
| Šulgi and Ninlil's barge: a tigi (?) to Ninlil (Šulgi R): c.2.4.2.18 Your glittering golden sun-disc, fastened with leather straps, is the brilliant moonlight, shining brightly upon all the lands. Your banner, adorned with the divine powers of kingship, is a woodland of cypress trees irrigated with clean water, giving a pleasant shade. Your small reed mats are the evening sky, illuminated with stars, imbued with terrible awesomeness. In the midst of your carefully tended small gizi reeds with numerous twigs (?), flocks of little birds twitter as in a holy swamp. Their chirping, as pleasing to the heart as the sound of the churn's shaking, makes Enlil and Ninlil extremely happy (?). |
| Šulgi and Ninlil's barge: a tigi (?) to Ninlil (Šulgi R): c.2.4.2.18 The faithful shepherd Šulgi established the holy festival and the great rituals. The great gods bathe in holy water in Nibru. He assigns the fates to their places in the city and allocates the right divine powers. The mother of the Land, Ninlil the fair, comes out (?) from the house, and Enlil embraces her like a pure wild cow. They take their seats on the barge's holy dais, and provisions are lavishly prepared. |
| Šulgi and Ninlil's barge: a tigi (?) to Ninlil (Šulgi R): c.2.4.2.18 The lofty barge ……, the ornament of the Tigris, enters the rolling river; …… on the shining water. The ritually washed five-headed mace, mitum mace, lance and standard …… at the bow. Enlil's warrior, Ninurta, goes at their front, directing the …… of your wide ferry-boat (?) straight. He …… the holy punting pole of the barge, the holy raft. The ferrymen (?) …… holy songs; they (?) …… the great exaltedness of the lady. The good woman, Ninlil, …… joyfully with (?) Šulgi. Sumer and Urim …… joy and happiness. The barge bobs at the quay Mete-aĝi (Ornament of the waves); it sails off into the reedbeds of Enlil's Tummal. Like a goring (?) ox, it raises, then lowers its head. It strikes its breast against the rising waves; it stirs up (?) the encircling waters. When it thrusts within the waters, the fish of the subterranean waters become frightened; as it glides (?) upon them, it makes the waters sparkle (?) luxuriantly. |
| Šulgi and Ninlil's barge: a tigi (?) to Ninlil (Šulgi R): c.2.4.2.18 …… the holy raft; …… the lady of Tummal …… prayer. Enlil's ancestors and An the king, the god who determines the fates, greets her. With Ninlil, they take their seats at the banquet, and Šulgi the shepherd brings along his great food-offerings for them. They pass the day in abundance, they give praise throughout night. They decree a fate, an allotted fate to be pre-eminent forever, for the king who fitted out the holy barge. |
| 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. |
| Šulgi and Ninlil's barge: a tigi (?) to Ninlil (Šulgi R): c.2.4.2.18 With joyful eyes and shining forehead, Ninlil, ……, looks upon King Šulgi: "Shepherd ……, Šulgi, who has a lasting name, king of jubilation! I will prolong the nights of the crown that was placed upon your head by holy An, and I will extend the days of the holy sceptre that was given to you by Enlil. May the foundation of your throne that was bestowed on you by Enki be firm! Shepherd who brings about perfection, may Nanna, the robust calf, the seed of Enlil, to whom I gave birth, cover your life with …… which is full of exuberance as if it were my holy ba garment!" |
| An adab (?) to Nergal for Šulgi (?) (Šulgi U): c.2.4.2.21 Your father loves you greatly. He has made your heroism known among the people. Your father Enlil loves you greatly. He has made your heroism known among the people. |
| 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 dedication of a statue (Šulgi V): c.2.4.2.22 In the E-kur, the great snake of the deep, ……, in Dur-an-ki, which lavishly …… the eternal divine powers, ……, Enlil determined a great fate from the womb for the long-enduring sapling of the brickwork founded by the princely one, Šulgi, who was born for a prosperous reign: "Make the people obedient, you enduring king of the multitudes!" |
| A dedication of a statue (Šulgi V): c.2.4.2.22 In order that the heroes for ever praise Šulgi's great exaltedness, he made his …… enduring statue of everlasting fame brilliant like the heavenly stars, and set it up in majesty before the good eyes, filled with generosity (?), of the immutably eminent Father Enlil. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi X): c.2.4.2.24 "In battle I will be the one who goes before you. In combat I will carry your weapon like a personal attendant. In the assembly I will be your advocate. On campaign I will be your encouragement. You are the shepherd chosen by holy ……. You are the king and generous provider of E-ana. You are the pure (?) one of An's Iri-gal. You are worthy of ……. You are one who is entitled to hold high his head on the lofty dais. You are one who is worthy of sitting on the shining throne. Your head is worthy of the brilliant crown. Your body is worthy of the long fleecy garment. You are worthy of being dressed in the royal garb. You are suited to hold the mitum weapon in your arm. You are suited to run fast with the battle-mace. You are suited to hit accurately with the barbed arrows and the bow. You are suited to fasten the throw-stick and the sling to your side. Your hand is worthy of the holy sceptre. Your feet are worthy of the holy shoes. You are a fast runner suited to race on the road. You are worthy to delight yourself on my holy breast like a pure calf. May your love be lasting! An has determined this for you, and may he never alter it! May Enlil, the decreer of fates, never change it!" Thus Inana treated him tenderly. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi X): c.2.4.2.24 (Ninazu speaks:) "…… like syrup …… ghee ……. You, the hero, coming from the rebel land ……. O king, the lord of prayers and supplications has chosen you in his heart; shepherd Šulgi, the lord of prayers and supplications has chosen you in his heart. Who can rival (?) a king to whom Enlil has given strength? Who can enter your ……? Who could escape your ……? ……. No one who knows you should desire your strength. If (?) they wished …… battle with you ……, what could escape your outstretched arms? When you shriek like the Anzud-bird, who could stand before you? When you howl like the storm, the foreign lands and the hills tremble like a reed, a split (?) reed ……. The people in the houses of the foreign lands gaze at your deeds (?), the people of Tidnum joyfully admire them." |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi X): c.2.4.2.24 "As if you were Utu, your terror radiates in battle. As if you were Nergal, your battle-mace drools with gore and your spear reaches into the blood of the Land. You are the great door of the city, you are the great wall of the Land. You are a net piled up (?) over heaven and earth, you are a cosmic bond laid for Sumer. May …… proclaim your glory in abundance! May the words of Enlil, which are so enormous, provide a shelter over your head! May the loving heart, Inana, never abandon you!" |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi X): c.2.4.2.24 Because the king exulted in his triumph and let his might radiate, because he implemented (?) his heroism perfectly, made the rebellious land bow and made our city, Urim, rise in prosperity; because the king is adorned with a lapis-lazuli crown (?); because the son of Enlil lifts his head high, wearing a wide crown; because he takes counsel with An in his lofty place and is enthroned with Uraš on a great dais; because he makes the Land of Sumer and all the foreign lands dance with joy day and night, may Lord Ašimbabbar be praised. |
| A song of Šulgi: c.2.4.2.a My king went to Nibru. Great Mountain, Father Enlil, rejoice! Šulgi went to Nibru. Great Mountain, Father Enlil, rejoice! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi: c.2.4.2.b I am Šulgi, the good shepherd of Sumer, and I have always established justice. Like a flood, like onrushing water, I have torn out wickedness as being unclean (?). As much great praise as I have had sung about me -- by the name of Enlil, none is false, and all is true. |
| Amar-Suena and Enki's temple (Amar-Suena A): c.2.4.3.1 At that time mankind was not ……. Far-reaching wisdom, wise words were not ……. (1 line unclear) To grieve and to do evil was good (?). Amar-Suena …… to build the temple of Enlil. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A balbale to Bau for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen A): c.2.4.4.1 My ……, the barmaid's beer is sweet. Like her beer her genitals are sweet, her beer is sweet. Like her mouth her genitals are sweet, her beer is sweet. Her diluted beer, her beer is sweet -- my Šu-Suen, who pleased me, who pleased me, who delighted me, my Šu-Suen who pleased me, my Šu-Suen, beloved of Enlil, my king, the god of his Land! |
| A balbale to Inana for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen B): c.2.4.4.2 My lord and god, my lord and guardian angel, my Šu-Suen who cheers Enlil's heart, if only you would handle your sweet place, if only you would grasp your place that is sweet as honey. |
| A tigi (?) to Ninurta for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen D): c.2.4.4.4 (2 lines fragmentary) Ninurta, firstborn son of Enlil, …… fearsomeness. (2 lines fragmentary) |
| A tigi (?) to Ninurta for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen D): c.2.4.4.4 (2 lines fragmentary) …… raging …… horizon ……. Ninurta, the strong one, the august provider, born of Ninlil! …… deathly hush …… Šu-Suen who is always at Enlil's service. Ninurta, may you be his great wall, may you look on him favourably; may you be Šu-Suen's great wall, may you look on him favourably. |
| A tigi (?) to Ninurta for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen D): c.2.4.4.4 …… who moves fast into the heart of the mountains! Ninurta, massive stormwind over the rebel lands, devastating the people! Counsellor, who controls perfectly the divine powers of the E-kur, support of his father! Ninurta, …… who moves fast into the heart of the mountains! Ninurta, massive stormwind over the rebel lands, devastating the people! Counsellor, who controls perfectly the divine powers of the E-kur, support of his father! My king, the great strength of Enlil, from whose grasp no foreign country can escape! For Šu-Suen ……, given great strength by Father Enlil -- you, Ninurta, will destroy myriads in the battle and the fray. Ninurta, the great strength of Enlil, from whose grasp no foreign country can escape! For Šu-Suen ……, given great strength by Father Enlil -- you, Ninurta, will destroy myriads in the battle and the fray. |
| A tigi (?) to Ninurta for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen D): c.2.4.4.4 My king, you alone perform the ancient rites, a truly immense task. Ninurta, yellow evening light that casts fear over the Land, like holy Uraš, a fearsome dragon brandishing a terrible torch! Ninurta, you alone perform the ancient rites, a truly immense task. Ninurta, yellow evening light that casts fear over the Land, like holy Uraš, a fearsome dragon raising a terrible torch! My king, grandiloquent great warrior, confident in his strength! And may you, Šu-Suen, put your trust in him, in Lord Ninurta. May Šu-Suen, the king whom Enlil has appointed for you, be your constable. Ninurta, grandiloquent great warrior, confident in his strength! And may you, Šu-Suen, put your trust in him, in Lord Ninurta. May Šu-Suen, the king whom Enlil has appointed for you, be your constable. …… of nir stone, …… holy and fearsome ……, a truly immense task. Like …… your august strength, he has written your name on it. …… will be the guardian of his life forever. Šu-Suen! Holy and fearsome, a truly immense task. Like …… your august strength, he has written your name on it. …… will be the guardian of his life forever. (1 line missing) |
| An adab (?) to Suen for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen F): c.2.4.4.6 …… imbued with awesomeness, a dragon for the heavens, …… imbued with awesomeness, …… in the heavens, ……, the prince who trusts in you, my Šu-Suen, …… has embraced ……. …… all the lands in their vastness, …… the sceptre of distant days. The people of the rebel lands, …… all of them ……, have entrusted …… to Šu-Suen for the beneficent princely son of Enlil. My king ……, Šu-Suen …… in celebration! |
| A hymn for Šu-Suen: c.2.4.4.a God of prosperity born to An and gazed upon by Uraš -- Šu-Suen, like Nanna expert in judgment, …… before Enlil, from your birth you were a man of might whose name was proclaimed by Nanna! Šu-Suen, heroic son of An, beloved of Enlil, head held high in the lapis-lazuli E-kur, given birth by Uraš, chosen by the heart of Uraš, you have been elevated over all the lands. Ornament and august servant of Enlil -- whose sceptre has reached far, who alone has Enlil's ear! Endowed with majestic strength, creation of lustrous An, favourite of Ninlil -- Šu-Suen, provider who radiates beauty, ……! |
| A hymn for Šu-Suen: c.2.4.4.a …… of Enlil ……, …… Šu-Suen ……, head held high ……, wearing a long lustrous beard, …… like Utu over all the lands, authoritative Šu-Suen, …… the shrine that brings forth the divine powers, fearsome storm, …… radiance of the Land …… for greatness; who bears light, …… rays of heaven; majestic strength of Enlil, who alone is the lord of abundance -- Šu-Suen, great lion among sovereigns! |
| A hymn for Šu-Suen: c.2.4.4.a You are the mighty one of Father Enlil, the lord who determines destinies! Like Utu, you are an ornament to Ninlil of the majestic shrine, and to fair Lord Enki who determines destinies, the father of broad understanding! Wise Enlil has justly …… to the one he has scrutinised. My king, the gods who determine destinies …… in the place that soothes the spirit. Šu-Suen, …… to pronounce judgments and render verdicts. My king, …… outstretched arms. |
| 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 Lord whose divine powers cannot be dispersed, who emits an awe-inspiring radiance, great crown! Youthful Suen, light elevated by Enlil to shine forth in the firmament, wide-spreading majestic light, floating over the deep (?), born of Ninlil, god whose appearance is ……, …… in the assembly of the lands! The moonlight ……, my Ibbi-Suen, ……. His princely divine powers embrace the heavens; his …… is splendid, reaching the earth. Ašimbabbar ……, my Ibbi-Suen, to be canal inspector in the Land among the widespread people. Nanna has made the righteous crown shine forth radiantly. Ašimbabbar has …… you the sceptre ……. My Ibbi-Suen, among the widespread people ……. |
| 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 (?) ……. |
| A šir-namgala to Mešlamta-ea and Lugal-era for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen B): c.2.4.5.2 They are the lords for whom An and Enlil have determined their destiny. When everything had been brought into existence in heaven and earth, their destiny greatly ……. Enlil granted ……. …… of the princes, my Ibbi-Suen! …… is great, a great wall which …… the foreign lands. Perfecting the great divine powers, he, the son of Enlil, …… the wicked like Lugal-era. In his august power Mešlamta-ea greatly, in his august power he greatly ……. When he opens his mouth ……, eradicating the foreign lands, …… he heaps up the enemies in piles. In his august power Lord Lugal-era greatly, in his august power he greatly ……, …… a favourable sign. They are kings ……. They are …… sparing …… (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A šir-namgala to Mešlamta-ea and Lugal-era for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen B): c.2.4.5.2 They are great warriors: their greatness is like the empty desert wastes. They are both the lords of the River, the River of the Ordeal which clears the just man. They weigh upon the evil man like a neck-stock. In Kisiga, their very anciently founded city, the trustworthy does not get caught, but the evil cannot pass through. They are a source of comfort to the hearts of An and Enlil, they are a source of relaxation ……. They are …… the great place ……. The place for which An and Enlil have determined its destiny ……, its divine powers are holy …… (2 lines fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| 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. |
| An ululumama to Suen for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen D): c.2.4.5.4 The divine powers of the city which was responsible for the emergence of human seed cannot be altered, my Ibbi-Suen! He has made its kingship shine forth; he prolongs life! He has strengthened for you the foundations of its great dais, and has made you take your seat proudly upon it. He has made the divine powers of its kingship come forth; great power emerges from there. Those august commands cannot ever be changed, my Ibbi-Suen! You, Ašimbabbar, have caused respect for the king to shine forth throughout the whole of heaven and earth. For Nanna …… the just man chosen in the holy heart, my Ibbi-Suen, …… august …… shine forth like a god. Suen …… his command …… the E-kur; An and Enlil, who determine the destiny of the land, the Great Mountain Enlil …… (1 line unclear) (approx. 7 lines missing) |
| An ululumama to Suen for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen D): c.2.4.5.4 The destiny which has been determined ……. Ašimbabbar ……. He has made the divine powers of kingship …… shine forth …… with head high ……, Nanna-Suen ……, the noble manifest lord …… in heaven and earth, source of trust, son of Ninlil, ornament of ……, Nanna, lord with a holy mouth (?) and with an august name, encouragement of the Land! Prince endowed with charm, chosen in my holy heart, my Ibbi-Suen! Among the numerous people his name reaches far abroad, …… the decision of the Land. You know well how to benefit the reign and to increase abundance; direct your attention to the great storehouses! Father Nanna, …… is given to the one you have chosen in your heart, you noble lord who …… the good seed, impressive with your divine powers, making …… decisions together with Enlil, unique bull, manifest lord! Praise be to Suen! |
| A hymn to Suen for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen E): c.2.4.5.5 Mighty (?) one of the dais, …… good seed ……, my Ibbi-Suen, …… from holy An, lord who sanctifies the divine powers, who purifies the divine powers, who makes brilliant the purification rites, ……, with shining horns, the light of heaven, youthful Suen ……, great ……, ……. Wide-armed Nibru, …… in his holy heart by Nanna, beneficent prince over the full extent of heaven and earth, …… moonlight ……, manifest bull, as august as Enlil, …… (2 lines broken) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Išbi-Erra and Kindattu (Išbi-Erra B): c.2.5.1.2 (1 line fragmentary) …… to introduce ……. At left and right was a crouching lion, ……. …… at the command of Enlil. …… to reduce the city to ruin-mounds. He determined ……; …… Enlil is its ally! |
| Išbi-Erra and Kindattu (Išbi-Erra B): c.2.5.1.2 Enlil …… went forth ……. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Išbi-Erra and Kindattu (Išbi-Erra B): c.2.5.1.2 Enlil ……. The people ……. Like small birds, …… the barley. …… the orchards. (1 line fragmentary) (approx. 6 lines missing) |
| Išbi-Erra and Kindattu (Išbi-Erra B): c.2.5.1.2 Enlil has endowed my Išbi-Erra, the cultivator, with great strength ……. |
| Išbi-Erra and Kindattu (Išbi-Erra B): c.2.5.1.2 …… Enlil …… Ninlil ……. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| 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. |
| A hymn to Ninisina for Išbi-Erra (Išbi-Erra D): c.2.5.1.4 The great gods elevated ……, and made …… perfect. (2 lines unclear)Your garment is an exalted garment; Enlil has ……. You were brought up sitting on the knees of An the king, and the great gods elevated ……. Woman whose name is exalted, Gula, ……. You go against all the foreign lands, lady who, for all her pleasantness, fearsomely and mightily ……, who lifts her head in great and elevated divinity. |
| 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! |
| An adab to Nergal for Šu-ilīšu (Šu-ilīšu A): c.2.5.2.1 Lord of the underworld, who acts swiftly in everything, whose terrifying anger smites the wicked, Nergal, single-handed crusher, who tortures the disobedient -- the powerful ones, fearsome terror of the Land, respected lord and hero, established offspring of Nunamnir ……! Nergal, who sprinkles cool water on the angry heart of Enlil, great lord ……! Nergal, standing ready for battle, superior with head lifted high, lord who overpowers all the wicked like a lion, ……, unwilling to turn back at the door-pivot! Nergal, great battle-net for malefactors, covering all enemies! Warrior, you are a great and furious storm upon the land which disobeys your father! Nergal, you terrify the walled cities and the settlements as you stand in your path like a wild bull, smiting them with your great horns! Nergal, you have consumed their brickwork as if it were chaff in the air. When you lift your furious face, no one dare look at it. When you have …… { in the Land } { (1 ms. has instead:) among that people }, Nergal, you pour their blood down the wadis like rain. You afflict all the wicked peoples with woe, and deprive all of them of their lives. |
| An adab to Nergal for Šu-ilīšu (Šu-ilīšu A): c.2.5.2.1 Youthful Nergal, those who are saved with your help magnify you with praise! Lord, you have avenged Enlil! He has calmed the heart of his father! Nergal the strong, son who subdues the foreign lands for Nunamnir: may you assist in battle, furious fight and combat the shepherd whom An has chosen among the numerous people, the good and exalted youth of the Great Mountain (= Enlil) -- Šu-ilīšu, who publicly performs the purification rites, born of Ninlil! Nergal, catch his malefactors for him like swallows! You cover the land which is disobedient to him with a raging storm; may you be the weapon of slaughter! Heap up in piles for Šu-ilīšu the inhabitants of the city that does not support him. |
| 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 praise poem of Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan B): c.2.5.3.2 Enlil has looked at you truly, Iddin-Dagan, he has spoken truly to you. Enlil has commanded you to keep firm the cosmic bond in Sumer, to keep the people on the track, to let Sumer and Akkad relax under your broad protection, to let the people eat noble food and drink fresh water. Iddin-Dagan, you are the shepherd in his heart, the one whom Enlil has spoken to truly. |
| A praise poem of Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan B): c.2.5.3.2 Son born to Dagan, elevated lord who increases the people, Iddin-Dagan, may you look approvingly on your city. Balm of the heart who neglects nothing, Enlil rejoices in you. When like Utu you bring forth a just light, people's eyes are indeed directed towards it. All the foreign lands stay calm under your broad protection. |
| A praise poem of Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan B): c.2.5.3.2 At Enlil's command, your gaze brings men life, your conversation brings men health. Enlil rejoices in your speech. Ninlil declares "so be it" to your desires. Shepherd Enlil is your support. Iddin-Dagan, who is built like you? People's eyes are directed towards you. |
| A praise poem of Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan B): c.2.5.3.2 You are indeed the man for the E-kur. May your offerings in the house of Enlil never cease. May the brickwork of the E-kur speak well of you to Enlil and Ninlil. At the favourable word of An and Enlil, Iddin-Dagan, may princely strength be yours. |
| A praise poem of Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan B): c.2.5.3.2 Iddin-Dagan, may Enlil, the lord who determines fate, make your days long. May he who knows everything look approvingly on you with approbation. |
| A praise poem of Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan B): c.2.5.3.2 Iddin-Dagan, your father Šu-ilīšu, the king of the Land, made the foundation of Sumer and Akkad firm for you. By the commands of An and Enlil you excel and overwhelm the enemy territories. Iddin-Dagan, mighty king, king of Isin, king of Sumer and Akkad, everything to the end of wisdom has come forward for you. You are the mighty heir, you have authority, Iddin-Dagan, you have raised the neck to heaven in princeship. |
| 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 šir-namerima (?) for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan D): c.2.5.3.4 Ninlil, garbed in white, foremost and watchful lady who brings forth ……, lady who consummately perfects all radiance, who dwells with Enlil! The king who dares to utter your name falsely, who does not fear the slaughterhouse where blood flows at the place of transgression, the Land's river of ordeal -- make him bear the heavy guilt that ……! Great mother Ninlil, let not the enemy carry away your name, O your name, Ninlil, O your name! |
| A šir-namerima (?) for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan D): c.2.5.3.4 Aruru, whose divine powers cannot be overturned, …… an awesome tempest. Enlil who purifies all ……, (1 line fragmentary) …… hostility and violence, …… Iddin-Dagan, (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| 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 He whose …… strengthens the boundaries of heaven and earth, whose utterances unite them; lord whose ominous silence pervades the foreign lands, whose actions are spine-chilling, whose complex judgments cannot be revealed by anyone, whose knowledge is honoured by the foreign lands, whose strength is a great battle-net …… the foreign lands, a fine-mesh battle-net …… covering the disobedient; indefatigable …… in heaven, in possession of every one of the divine powers in their totality, linking together the ancient plans; south wind which covers the four quarters; Enlil, whose …… cannot be grasped, whose fame is enough to make people quake; Enlil, great in heaven, surpassing on earth, exceptional and wide-reaching in Sumer, Nunamnir, lord of princes, king of kings! He determined a good destiny in the holy city for me, Išme-Dagan, son of Dagan. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 He named me with a favourable name even when my seed was inserted into the womb. Nintur stood by at my birth, and she established the office of en for me ……, even when my umbilical cord was cut. Enlil, my principal deity, bestowed on me the shepherdship of Sumer, and assigned to me a tireless protective goddess, adding also therewith a correct stature. (3 lines fragmentary) |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 His splendour …… the mountains, and his roar reaches beyond heaven and earth. He selected me from my people, and announced me to the Land. Enlil, king of the gods, gave me lordship over the south and over the uplands. At Nunamnir's instigation, An spoke encouragingly to me, and placed crook and staff in my hands. Uraš nursed me on her holy knees. In the Ki-ur, the great place, Ninlil in her radiant heart determined as my destiny that I should sit on an exalted dais until distant days, to enjoy in favour the reign which is my lot; that I should delight Enlil, and that I should daily attend to the E-kur. Enki, the great lord of Eridug, confirmed for me the good and great crown, …… everything, and richly conferred on me seven wisdoms. Suen, the firstborn son of Enlil, …… for me a royal throne that gathers together the divine powers, established an excellent lordly dais, and made my crown shine brilliantly until distant days. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 Nuska, Enlil's minister, placed the royal sceptre in my hand, revealed the powers of E-kur to me, established there for me an awe-inspiring podium, and ensured that Enlil's heart was in a joyful mood. Ninurta, Enlil's mighty warrior, approached Nunamnir in speech on my behalf and secured (?) the favourable words of Enlil and Ninlil for me. He has made my reign of kingship excellent, has made me great in lordship, and is indeed my helper. In E-kur he prays continually on my behalf, and is indeed the constable of my kingship. He, who with mighty weapons makes all the foreign countries bow low, has put great power …… into my right hand. |
| 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 praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 I, Išme-Dagan, have bent my neck to the commands of Father Enlil; I have paid attention to the utterances of my master. I have established justice in Sumer; I have secured (?) Nibru like heaven itself. I have gathered together the divine powers of the E-kur, I have paid attention to its old ordinances, and I have restored its neglected rites. I, Išme-Dagan, have ……. Enlil's very precious divine powers. …… Ninlil's ……. …… the interior of E-kur …… good, …… its exterior. ……, when I venerate ……. …… Enlil and ……, its favourable spirits in the courtyard, and I introduced its favourable protective goddesses into the E-kur. I have presented marvellous food offerings to Enlil. In the …… of Enlil, established with bread, …… great regular offerings, I made numerous the fat bulls and fat sheep, ……, fish and birds, in the house of my master. I made them smell tasty in the great ovens. I contested ……. With …… I doubled (?) the regular offerings. Like water I poured out …… and liquor in unadulterated strength, from the offerings storeroom, like the rainwater that is released from heaven. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 An brought Ninkasi along with him …… to its ……, and I libated delicious …… beer, mixed with aromatic cedar essence, over the brickwork of E-kur. Daily I made the E-kur like a harvest-place, and each month on its seventh and fifteenth days I made the temple festive. Both inside and outside the house, like ……, I spread the scent of ……. (1 line unclear)laying …… oil, …… cream, ……, first-fruits of the gardens, dates, ……, on the table of Enlil, my master, ……. The main part of my food, …… drink, his favourite things ……. Enlil ……. I am the …… son of Enlil, I am the …… of Ninlil, I am the strong young man of the E-kur. I am the foremost, with respectful strength, making excellent food offerings. I am untiring, indefatigable. Daily I shall issue instructions for what my master will have to eat, and what I will give to drink, fulfilling the great commands of E-kur: thereby I carry out correctly the instructions of my master Enlil. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 I bring great gladness to the city whose interior and exterior are as blue-green as the sky, Nibru, the mooring pole of heaven and earth. I have exempted its labourers from carrying earth in baskets, and I have freed its troops from fighting. I have released its gold, silver, cattle and sheep, the tribute of the citizens of Nibru. As for the temple of Enlil my master, for Ninlil, and for Ninurta, the mighty hero of Enlil, I have exempted their labourers from service. Filtered beer (?), barley, oil and sheep's wool have been made a tithe. I …… Sumer and Akkad. I …… wickedness and violence, and established justice in Sumer and Akkad. I am the shepherd who loves justice. I am born of Sumer, a son of Nibru. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 I am a judge who gives no explanations; I am a decision-maker who goes straight to the point. The strong does not behave extravagantly towards others, the mighty does not abuse the weak any more. People are not made subject to the lordly. If he does not wish to enter my presence (?) in holy ……, the feeble person may speak contrary words ……. …… slave of my city. …… of Enlil. Sumer and Akkad …… (1 line unclear) Until the distant future (?) ……. I have …… the destructive men. I have destroyed (?) …… the dispossessed (?) who speak with enmity. I have exerted myself ……. I have …… rebellion and destructive criminals ……. I have supported the appeals of the bondsmen, waifs and widows who cry "Alas, Utu!" or "Alas, Nanna!". I have destroyed ……. I have brought about the extermination of the cut-throats who roam (?) the desert. I have kept the just on the proper track, following the wife and the little child.I have sent (?) people nobly into the fields, and established holy shrines (?) in the desert. I have built the city itself for a long future in the whole world. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 The foreign lands gaze at me, Išme-Dagan, as if at their father who engendered them. When like Utu I decide a just verdict, the people bring their prayers to the holy shrines (?). As I establish and realise my powerful statements, advise the people and strengthen the palace, who is to challenge my powerful statements? …… the foreign lands, their people ……. I snatch men from the jaws of destruction. (1 line unclear)death and abomination ……. For all these reasons Enlil my master has prolonged my days. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 In accordance with the great destiny decided by Father Enlil, my battle-cry overspreads the remotest parts of the mountains. In the rebel cities no one approaches me or fixes their weapons against me. They bring (?) their tribute spontaneously at Enlil's command. …… to the mountains. …… nir-igi stone, cornelian, …… stone, { …… their stones } { (some mss. have instead the line:) …… time-consuming labour, ……, labour for the king }. For me the black-headed bring great timbers …… to the Land, while Dilmun bestows lavishly on me its linen, dates and date spadices. The Martu, who know no houses, who know no cities -- primitives who live in the hills -- bring me row upon row of woolly alum sheep. From the upland mountains, from the …… places, cedar, zabalum, cypress and boxwood were together brought to me. Enlil, my master, who batters the foreign lands into submission, kept the people on a single track, and made them unanimous for me, who am all for Enlil, who am the beloved of E-kur. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 Since the time when Sumer and Akkad had been dispersed, no king had introduced a statue into the shining E-kur of Enlil or into the E-ĝa-ĝiš-šua beside Ninlil. Enlil opened the E-namtila to me from his loving heart. In the E-kur I arranged the great treasures, and allocated durable treasuries. For Enlil my master, I erected a throne whose form was beyond form itself. I stood the throne of Ninlil in the E-ĝa-ĝiš-šua in the Ki-ur, the great place. The throne of Enlil is not to be removed from there. I, Išme-Dagan, son of Dagan, stood the throne for Enlil my master on a dais …… of seven storms, decorated in a masterly and highly skilled manner with nir-igi and šuba stones and translucent lapis lazuli, and I seated Enlil there with my lady Ninlil. I put them into a favourable mood, with happy hearts; I delighted Enlil greatly with those thrones. I measured (?) my gift (?) for him, and my heartfelt act (?) delighted Enlil. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 I …… a sturdy copper statue, shaped in moulds, prayerful as myself, respectful in the E-kur, as a gift offering (?). Enlil, king of heaven and earth, …… the copper statue ……; muscles, sinews and body of a lion (2 lines fragmentary or unclear)I dedicated …… to my master, and brought in mighty timbers, objects of wonder. Then I brought in my great copper statues for Ninlil, lady of the gods, into her ……, her most holy place, the E-šenšena, full of life, and embellished them (?) before her. I dedicated …… to her for my life. It is I who am favourable to ……; I, Išme-Dagan, embellished my inscription (?). |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 I also brought into the temple of Enlil and my lady Ninlil a copper statue of my own father. …… copper statue of my grandfather. I brought out …… statue, and brought it into the temple of Enlil. I …… it in the E-kur, the …… shrine. (6 lines fragmentary or unclear) I am the king …… Enlil, the patient lord. (1 line fragmentary) |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 I made sure that my praise was spoken, by creating numerous songs to Ĝeštin-ana, the honey-mouthed lady. I installed …… my scholars and chief singers. The skilful singers composed for me adab, tigi, šumunša, malgatum, šir-gida, royal praise poems perfect in content, araḫi, balbale, zamzam and kunĝar compositions. They magnify my name in the places where odes are performed. That I am omniscient and broad in wisdom, that I am knowedgeable (?) about the …… of the troops, that I direct the people as a wise shepherd who is brilliant (?) in the face of weapons, that I am skilful in everything, that An has looked favourably on me, that by the word of Enlil ……, that Ninlil is my protection, that Enki has given me wisdom, that Ninurta is all for me (?), that Nanna loves me greatly, that I am the son-in-law of Ningal, that Inana has made me attractive, (2 lines broken or unclear) |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 The powerful king ……, if he stands by Enlil with upraised hands, should swear in the name of the gods ……. Everything that is in my odes, or which is written on my stela, is definitely not false, but genuine! Reverence for me should be in every mouth. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 I have …… the regular offerings of Enlil. …… Nibru, the pleasant place; I have put in order the plans of Sumer and Akkad. Therefore Enlil my master has made my days ……, and as he has made my reign follow another reign, so may he make my descendants even greater. |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 As he (one of the king's descendants) performs the duties of shepherdship in Enlil's temple, may he perform my songs to Enlil, my master; and may the E-kur, my beloved place, resound with my name. My great praise songs shall be performed to Ninlil daily ……; to Nanna, the beneficent lord, the son of Enlil, and …… to him whom the singer loves. …… he shall perform my songs at the evening and morning meals. He shall perform my odes in the temples of the great gods. As I, Išme-Dagan, should stand ready and show respect, …… may my protective deity let me have no rivals, even as far as the borders of the mountains. He has made me great in Sumer and Akkad, and given me a seat on the royal dais; …… my songs are brilliantly ……. (2 lines fragmentary) King Išme-Dagan is excellent ……, (approx. 34 lines fragmentary or missing) |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 The temple ……; the heart of Enlil ……. The protective gods of the E-kur ……, the protective goddesses of the E-kur. (2 lines fragmentary) For my …… of great valuables, for my …… of important treasures; that I have erected …… a throne for Enlil; that I have …… a great waggon, that I have had a sedan chair made for Ninlil; that for Enlil I have had a massive pillar (?) …… brought in, for my master Enlil; that I have had the fifty-headed battle-mace, an exceptional weapon, cast for Ninurta ……, that I have had a great copper throne place in an elevated location for him; that I have had brought into the temple of Enlil a copper statue moulded to the shape of my limbs and a diorite statue worked to my form; that I have placed ……; (approx. 13 lines fragmentary or missing) |
| A praise poem of Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan A + V): c.2.5.4.01 (1 line fragmentary) …… of Enlil ……. (1 line unclear) …… diorite in the shrine of Nibru …… (1 line unclear) …… did not move …… from its place, did not write ……, did no wickedness or violence, then may he lift …… in the shining E-kur of Enlil and raise its head to heaven. …… that he bestowed on the Land, may he prolong ……. But that he swore (?) ……, or wrote his name ……, or who violently (?) cursed the enemy, then Enlil, king of the gods, (1 line fragmentary) |
| An adab to Bau for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan B): c.2.5.4.02 Enlil, the king of all the foreign countries, Nunamnir, the lord who determines the fates, decreed something of great importance in the shrine Nibru, in Dur-an-ki: he made you exalted in the shining E-kur, ……. You are the strong spread-net of Nunamnir. Anguba priestess, who provides the E-kur with food, you are in charge of the wine. You are Enlil's exalted daughter-in-law, you are the one who stands next to him with the libation water (?). Because you prostrated yourself humbly with supplications, Nunamnir, the prince of all the foreign countries, entrusted to you the exalted office of accountant of heaven and earth, and exalted you, giving you the rank of lady of the shrine which brought the seeds of mankind forth. |
| An adab to Bau for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan B): c.2.5.4.02 Your own father, An, the highest god, clothed you in the ba garment. He gave you the warrior of Enlil, Ninĝirsu, as your husband. He bestowed on you the E-ninnu and Iri-kug, the shrine which brought forth the seeds of mankind. He has set up your lofty throne-dais in Lagaš, in Ĝirsu, the mooring post of the Land, in E-ĝalga-sud, your beloved residence, in Tar-sirsir, the temple of ladyship; and now all the gods of the land of Lagaš bow down before your august residence. |
| An adab to Bau for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan B): c.2.5.4.02 Supreme lady, whose divine powers are untouchable, daughter of An, omniscient great lady, young woman, Mother Bau, you have looked favourably on the young man of handsome form, prince Išme-Dagan, the son of Enlil; you have determined for him a good fate once and for all. |
| An adab to Bau for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan B): c.2.5.4.02 It is Mother Bau who is to give prince Išme-Dagan, the son of Enlil, a life of numerous days. |
| An adab to Bau for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan B): c.2.5.4.02 You introduced prince Išme-Dagan, clasping to his breast a white lamb and a sheep of auspicious omens, into the E-namtila, Enlil's temple, and made him stand at the royal offering place of life. Then you saluted the Great Mountain Enlil and told him: "Father Enlil, great lord of all the foreign countries, determine the fate of Išme-Dagan, call him by name!" Enlil, the king of all the foreign countries, looked encouragingly upon him, beaming radiantly; and determined a fate for Išme-Dagan: |
| An adab to Bau for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan B): c.2.5.4.02 "Prince Išme-Dagan, as your fate, you shall be given a throne which concentrates all divine powers, an enduring legitimate crown and a sceptre which maintains the people and keeps them united. The Tigris and the Euphrates shall bring abundance, carp-filled waters for you, { their yield shall be long-lasting for you } { (1 ms. has instead:) …… }. Their banks shall grow vegetation for you, they shall bring (?) you rejoicing. The irrigated orchards shall yield (?) syrup and wine for you. The fertile arable tracts shall grow dappled grain for you; grain piles shall be heaped up for you. Cattle-pens shall be built, sheepfolds shall be enlarged for you. Your name shall be exalted as king; you shall be elevated as prince. All the foreign countries from below as far as the uplands shall bring tribute for you. You shall shine radiantly in the grand main courtyard like sunlight. Your food offerings shall never cease in the shining E-kur." This is how Enlil determined his fate. From the E-kur he gave huge strength to the king. He has been made lordly; Enlil's words made him a man without rival. He directed his steps proudly there and entered the august palace, the royal residence. As he took his seat on the shining holy throne-dais, the palace ……. |
| An adab to Bau for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan B): c.2.5.4.02 Good woman, daughter of An, Enlil has called for you! …… the holy shining throne-dais …… told you; young woman, Mother Bau, the daughter of An, Enlil has called for you! …… the holy shining throne-dais …… told you: "Bestow on Išme-Dagan, the son of Enlil, a life of numerous days!" |
| A hymn to Nibru and Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan C): c.2.5.4.03 Shrine of Nibru, shrine surpassing the abzu, shining E-kur; your prince is the Great Mountain Enlil who surpasses the Prince (i.e. Enki). Your great lady is the good woman, Mother Ninlil, excelling in refinement. Your caretaker is one whose vigour is surpassing, the hero Ninurta. The chief minister (i.e. Nuska), who is worthy of your fair copper vessels, who makes your bedchamber exceedingly pleasant, is also the guardian watching over your honourable divine powers; he is the shepherd watching over your honourable divine powers. Your provider, who was engendered by the Great Mountain and was born by Ninlil -- Išme-Dagan, who was engendered by the Great Mountain, and was born by Ninlil, he who has achieved a high reputation among his numerous people, throws himself at your feet. |
| 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. |
| An adab (?) to Enki for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan D): c.2.5.4.04 Enki, lord, firstborn son of An ……, Nudimmud, great bull of the abzu ……, may you …… with your consort, holy Damgalnuna. Father Enki, may you embrace her and soothe your heart with her. …… friendly words on behalf of Išme-Dagan. …… the prayer of the king until distant days. The one blessed by Enlil ……, Išme-Dagan, the shepherd, …… the son of Enlil. May his radiance …… for you to the outer limits of heaven and earth. May he have authority, may he be peerless in all the numerous countries. May Išme-Dagan …… from the south as far as the uplands. …… the god of the Land ……. May the Tigris and Euphrates ……, may they bring abundance for him. May the udders of heaven open for him; may the harvest …… for him. May barley, emmer, wheat, gu-nida grain …… on vast fields for him. May grain heaps be heaped up for him; may Ezina ……. |
| 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) |
| A balbale to Enki for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan E): c.2.5.4.05 (1 line fragmentary) Išme-Dagan ……. (1 line fragmentary) …… the house (?) of Enlil ……. …… of Enlil …… his statements ……. …… counsellor of holy An ……. (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A balbale to Enki for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan E): c.2.5.4.05 Nudimmud ……. Lord of Eridug ……. Išme-Dagan ……, son of Enlil ……. …… gives (?) you your instructions ……. Wise ……. …… divine plans ……. Omniscient ……. (2 lines fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A balbale to Enki for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan E): c.2.5.4.05 May he bestow a long life with vigorous (?) days on Išme-Dagan, the son of Enlil! May Father Enki bestow a long life with vigorous (?) days on Išme-Dagan, the son of Enlil! |
| 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 Enlil, through you may the term of kingship of Išme-Dagan, your beloved son, be enduring! |
| An adab to Enlil for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan H): c.2.5.4.08 Enlil, great lord of the gods, elevated above the numerous people! ……, great lord of the gods, elevated above the numerous people! …… your august utterances are prominent. …… cannot be countermanded, your statements are firm. Decide a good fate …… for the constant attendant of your temple ……. …… Išme-Dagan, the son of Enlil, ……. May …… to the uttermost limits of heaven and earth …… exalted. (1 line fragmentary) May …… submit ……. May you …… Išme-Dagan ……. (5 lines fragmentary)May …… be bestowed on you ……. May you …… indefatigable ……. …… holy place, pure place ……. |
| An adab to Enlil for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan H): c.2.5.4.08 An adab (?) of Enlil. |
| Išme-Dagan and Enlil's chariot: a tigi to Enlil (Išme-Dagan I): c.2.5.4.09 August chariot! Enlil, the lord of wisdom, the father of the gods, ordered your construction in the E-kur, his exalted shrine. He instructed Išme-Dagan, the wise shepherd called by an auspicious name, born from a beautiful mother's womb, the adviser of the Land, to make your holy and pure divine powers manifest. He set to work on you and worked without stopping. He decorated you with …… and lapis lazuli. He placed you ……. |
| Išme-Dagan and Enlil's chariot: a tigi to Enlil (Išme-Dagan I): c.2.5.4.09 At that time Išme-Dagan …… decorated the chariot with silver, gold, and lapis lazuli for his king, Enlil. |
| 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) |
| Išme-Dagan and Enlil's chariot: a tigi to Enlil (Išme-Dagan I): c.2.5.4.09 After you have taken out the implements to the …… fields from ……, let the hoe and the plough, the implements of field workers, rival each other before you. The king has paid attention to Enlil's instructions: Ninurta has prepared the holy plough, has ploughed the fertile fields and, to see that the silos and granaries of Enlil will be piled up high, he has sown with good seed. |
| Išme-Dagan and Enlil's chariot: a tigi to Enlil (Išme-Dagan I): c.2.5.4.09 The young hero then proudly enters the resplendent E-kur, Lord Ninurta prays to Enlil: "Please, look with favour on Išme-Dagan, the accomplished shepherd, who is at your service in the dining-hall; on the king who has built you the chariot! Give him Inana your beloved eldest daughter as a spouse. May they embrace each other forever! May the days of delight and sweetness last long in her holy embrace full of life!" |
| Išme-Dagan and Enlil's chariot: a tigi to Enlil (Išme-Dagan I): c.2.5.4.09 It is a tigi of Enlil. |
| A hymn to Inana for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan K): c.2.5.4.11 Holy Inana was endowed by Enlil and Ninlil with the capacity to make the heavens shake, to make the earth tremble, to hold the four directions in her hand and to act grandly as their lady, to shout with wide open mouth in battle and combat and to wreak carnage (?), to butt all at once valiantly (?) like a wild bull, to make the earth drink the blood of enemies like water and to pile up their bodies, to take captive their overwhelmed (?) troops and to make them serve, to make the people ascend from below to above, to make the { foreign } { (1 ms. has instead:) numerous } people change their place, and to turn light to darkness and darkness to light. They made her without rival in heaven and on earth. They bestowed on her the power to establish a woman's domain in ……. They detemined as her fate to ……, to make them content together. |
| A hymn to Inana for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan K): c.2.5.4.11 Inana was entrusted by Enlil and Ninlil with the capacity to gladden the heart of those who revere her in their established residences, but not to soothe the mood of those who do not revere her in their well-built houses; to turn a man into a woman and a woman into a man, to change one into the other, to make young women dress as men on their right side, to make young men dress as women on their left side, to put spindles into the hands of men ……, and to give weapons to the women; to see that women amuse themselves by using children's language, to see that children amuse themselves by using women's language, to …… skill, to ……. They built a palace, her house of ladyship, for the mistress of heaven, and invested it with fearsome radiance. They made it into the neck-stock of all the foreign countries, and imbued it with awe-inspiring, terrifying splendour. |
| A hymn to Inana for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan K): c.2.5.4.11 Enlil and Ninlil gave her Išme-Dagan, the constant attendant, …… as her husband ……. The duty to build temples for the gods, to furnish their daily portions, to purify their raised temples and to sanctify their daises, to secure their daily liquor, syrup and choice beer in their dining halls -- all this was bestowed on Inana and Išme-Dagan by Enlil and Ninlil. |
| An adab to Nanna for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan M): c.2.5.4.13 (1 line fragmentary) …… what he orders is faithfully executed, …… endowed with beauty in the E-kur, …… among the great gods, the great and august lord …… in the heavens, …… whose seat (?) no other god ……! August ……, lord whose abode is the mountains, Father Nanna ……, …… fixes the months and the new moon according to a cord (?), establishes the year ……, …… life for the multitudes ……, …… who puts all the lands in order, …… who makes the Tigris and the Euphrates bring flowing water ……, …… fine grain ……, …… lush vegetation in the spacious land ……, (1 line fragmentary) …… Lord Išme-Dagan …… (1 line unclear)august …… bestowed upon Father Nanna by An and Enlil ……. |
| An adab to Nanna for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan M): c.2.5.4.13 …… heart ……. …… his august name …… king ……. You have been assigned divine powers from the divine powers by Lord Nunamnir. He has presented you with the capacity to determine fates, the role of a supreme deity. He has elevated you; the great lord, Enlil, has made you one of the princes. With the rightful tiara and headdress, he has made you glorious on the holy august dais. He has bestowed upon you the guardianship of all the countries teeming (?) like fish. The prince of all the foreign countries …… like a shepherd (?). |
| An adab to Nanna for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan M): c.2.5.4.13 May the …… of Išme-Dagan, the son of Enlil, …… be immutable. |
| An adab to Nanna for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan M): c.2.5.4.13 Great lord, most wise in determining the fates from the holy heavens, ……! Brightest lord, most wise in determining the fates from the holy heavens, whom do you love more than Išme-Dagan, Enlil's son, the leader? |
| An adab to Nanna for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan M): c.2.5.4.13 …… of Enlil …… (1 line fragmentary) |
| 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 Uta-ulu, riding on fearsome radiance ……, greatest amongst the great lords ……! Ninurta, perfect in authority, caretaker of heaven and earth ……, lord who was given strength by Nunamnir, confident in his strength ……! Ninurta, foremost ……! Enlil ……! …… like a butting bull! …… your foot on the disobedient! Great hero ……! …… the distant hills! …… the enemy lands into the king's hands! Ninurta, …… helper of Išme-Dagan in the mêlée! …… his majestic weapon! …… the rebellious, disobedient land! …… his majestic mace the enemy! …… battle …… enemy! May …… Išme-Dagan ……! (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A tigi (?) to Ninurta for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan O): c.2.5.4.15 Adviser, whose decisions cannot be countermanded! Ninurta, whose utterances are firm! Hero, lord, august son of Enlil! …… overpowers (?) the mountains. Ninurta, prominent in the E-kur! His huge storm ……. …… furious …… against the rebel lands. (1 line fragmentary) Ninurta, ……, great hero, who …… the enemy. Hero …… Enlil ……. (2 lines fragmentary)…… wicked ……. His …… on the foreign countries, …… covers the Land like a garment. |
| A tigi (?) to Ninurta for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan O): c.2.5.4.15 Uta-ulu …… in majesty. …… the battle-mace …… the enemy. Ninurta, surpassing in authority, caretaker for ……! Lord who was given great strength by Nunamnir, confident in his strength, striding into battle! Ninurta, …… foremost ……, great wild bull, …… by Enlil ……! (2 lines fragmentary)…… of Enlil, the Great Mountain. …… the distant hills. …… the enemy ……. into his hands. …… Išme-Dagan, the son of ……. |
| An adab (?) to Ninurta for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan P): c.2.5.4.16 (2 lines fragmentary) …… in the Ubšu-unkena. …… the status of Enlil ……. …… the power of the Great Mountain Enlil ……. …… my man ……. Prince Išme-Dagan ……. …… Ninurta ……. …… fifty-headed battle-mace ……. …… Išme-Dagan ……. (1 line fragmentary) …… great copper throne ……. (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| 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. |
| An adab (?) to Nuska for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan Q): c.2.5.4.17 (2 lines fragmentary) (2 lines missing)Great lord, ……, Nuska, caretaker of the great gods, Nuska, prince respected in the E-kur, caretaker of ……! Youth who knows well how to give instructions, who …… decisions; trustworthy god who loves ……, who listens to prayers! When the shining E-kur, the shrine which assigns the divine powers, is made up as for a festival, and Enlil and Ninlil sit there attractively, may your pure mouth bring friendly words on behalf of Išme-Dagan! Addressing them daily, may he be able to please them unto distant days! When the house of Enlil, the shrine which assigns the divine powers, is made up as for a festival, and Enlil and Ninlil sit there attractively, may your pure mouth bring friendly words on behalf of Išme-Dagan! Addressing them daily, may he be able to please them unto distant days! |
| An adab (?) to Nuska for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan Q): c.2.5.4.17 When he greets them in prayer and supplication, may they look favourably upon him! Assign him a good life, a good reign, and years of joy! May he be elevated to be prince of all the great lords of the south and the uplands! May he exercise forever the leadership of the living of all lands, the numerous people! May they look favourably upon Išme-Dagan, son of Enlil! Assign him a good life, a good reign, and years of joy! May he be elevated to be prince of all the great lords of the south and the uplands! May he exercise forever the leadership of the living of all lands, the numerous people! …… Nuska ……. May you be his ……! (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A dedication of a statue (Išme-Dagan S): c.2.5.4.19 For Enlil, whose statements are powerful, the profoundly far-sighted knowledgeable judge, who issues decisions, whose utterances are immutable, who places the …… in his hands -- Išme-Dagan, the mighty man with muscles and body of a lion, the strong awe-inspiring youth who alone is august, the lord whose sweet name is invoked in all the lands, under whose rule the living creatures multiply, makes the black-headed people, its settled people who were entrusted to him for protection, proceed with the firstling-offerings of the land. He does not …… in his good palace. |
| A dedication of a statue (Išme-Dagan S): c.2.5.4.19 Then Išme-Dagan the youthful, the mightiest hero among swift athletes, the fearsome runner, who serving night and day never ceases caring for Nibru -- the city where the seed of the numerous people came forth and where life and birth came into existence -- and who provides daily for everything, established justice (?) on a grand scale. The king whose rising is a hurricane, a flood, a wind blowing in its fury, who swinging his wide open arms flashes away into the distance, who is like a fierce lion of the desert which advances in full strength and vigour, who runs fast on the roadway …… battle and combat, a horse waving its tail on the highway, who like a young deer …… running, …… knees are swift and indefatigable, the son who provides Enlil with everything, who causes joy to Ninlil's heart -- he will never stop caring for the shining shrine. |
| A dedication of a statue (Išme-Dagan S): c.2.5.4.19 If a king issues evil orders concerning this statue, and erases its inscription and writes his own name on it; or, because of this curse, he makes another man raise his hand against it, then may Enlil my lord and Ninlil my lady curse that man! May Enki, Iškur, Ezina, Šakkan, the lords of abundance, …… him cruelly by withholding abundance from heaven and earth under his rule! |
| An adab to Dagan (?) for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan U): c.2.5.4.21 In the E-kur, the house ……. The great gods …… to your upraised hands. …… holy lap for your exceedingly pleasant life. …… for its good reign ……. Išme-Dagan, the son of Enlil ……. …… joy (?) in the Egal-maḫ, your ladylike house. …… the prince …… meš tree with shining branches ……. …… to make his life pleasant …… Išme-Dagan ……. …… holy …… the child of An ……. (2 lines fragmentary)…… brick-built E-kur ……. |
| An adab to Dagan (?) for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan U): c.2.5.4.21 Dagan, you have …… the shepherd Išme-Dagan, the son of Enlil, with a royal garment. |
| A hymn to Nibru and Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan W): c.2.5.4.23 City, your interior is holy, your exterior is radiant. Your body exudes terrifying splendour. Your location is a well-chosen location. The lord of wisdom, Enlil, the Great Mountain, has built a sanctuary in your midst; that sanctuary is a lapis-lazuli sanctuary, a sanctuary that can decide destinies. It is the E-kur, the lapis-lazuli temple, the temple that can decide the destinies. |
| 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 Nibru and Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan W): c.2.5.4.23 (3 lines fragmentary) Enlil and Ninlil …… (5 lines fragmentary)Enlil and Ninlil have bestowed this on Nuska, the lord who stands ……. Nibru, no god excels like your lord and lady; they are powerful princes, brilliantly revealed deities. No god excels like Enlil and Ninlil; they are powerful princes, lords who can decide destinies. In your midst they have given divine powers to Nuska as minister. Nibru, your holy songs are exceptionally precious, surpassing all praise. I, Išme-Dagan, have put them in everyone's mouth for all time. |
| 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) |
| A hymn to Ninurta for Išme-Dagan: c.2.5.4.29 To befit heaven and earth grandly, they raised Enki, the lord, the firstborn son of holy An, to the status of junior Enlil. So that he can reveal everything (?), they bestowed sevenfold wisdom upon him as a gift. They have established eternally that he should give counsel, that he should decide great fates, that he ……, and that he should provide wisdom. |
| A hymn to Ninurta for Išme-Dagan: c.2.5.4.29 They (Enlil and Ninlil) are powerful princes, lords who decides the fates; in your midst they have bestowed the divine powers on Lord Ninurta. Nibru, your pure songs are most precious, surpassing all praise! I, Išme-Dagan, have made every mouth utter them forever. |
| A hymn to Inana for Išme-Dagan: c.2.5.4.a (1 line missing) (1 line fragmentary) …… whose hands were fettered, …… who had been treated unjustly. The son of Enlil, the son of ……. …… Sumer ……. I, Enlil, ……. From now on ……. (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A hymn to Inana for Išme-Dagan: c.2.5.4.a He made the people follow the proper path, and ousted (?) the enemy from Sumer. He removed the wicked tongues, and made justice shine forth like copper. That fathers should be feared and mothers respected, that sons should pay heed to the words of their fathers, and that mercy, compassion and pity should be shown, that one should provide even one's paternal grandparents with food and drink -- all this he established in Sumer and Akkad. Then she made Išme-Dagan, the son of Enlil, the en priest of Unug, into their guardian -- this is what Inana, the lady of heaven and earth, did; and the great An declared his consent. Enlil ……. |
| 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. |
| A hymn to Enki for Išme-Dagan: c.2.5.4.b August Nibru! No deity excels like your lord and lady! They are powerful princes; they are brilliantly revealed deities. No deity excels like Enlil or Ninlil! They are powerful princes; they are lords who can decide destinies. In your midst they have given divine powers to King Enki. Nibru, your holy songs are exceptionally precious, surpassing all praise! I, Išme-Dagan, have placed them in everyone's mouths for all time. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar A): c.2.5.5.1 I am a king treated with respect, good offspring from the womb. I am Lipit-Eštar, the son of Enlil. From the moment I lifted my head like a cedar sapling, I have been a man who possesses strength in athletic pursuits. As a young man I grew very muscular (?). I am a lion { in all respects } { (3 mss. have instead:) to the extremes (?) }, having no equal. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar A): c.2.5.5.1 I am An's purification priest with purified hands. An placed the great and good crown firmly on my head. Enlil gave the sceptre to me, his beloved son, in the Ki-ur. I am what makes Ninlil happy: she determined a good fate in the Ĝa-ĝiš-šua. I have been made excellently beautiful by Nintur, the joyful woman, in brick-built Keš. I am one looked on favourably by Nanna: he spoke to me affirmatively in Urim. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar A): c.2.5.5.1 Uta-ulu imbued me, the man of his heart, with great awesomeness in E-šu-me-ša. I am he on whom Enki has bestowed wisdom: he gave me kingship in Eridug. As the beloved husband of Inana, I lift my head high in the place Unug. I am a proficient scribe of Nisaba. I am a young man whose word Utu confirms. I am the perfection of kingship. I am Lipit-Eštar, Enlil's son. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar A): c.2.5.5.1 I am he who makes an abundant crop grow, the life of the Land. I am a farmer, piling up his grain piles. I am a shepherd making butter and milk abundant in the cow-pen. I am he who makes the fish and birds grow bigger in the marshes. I am a river of plenty, bringing flowing water. I am he who increases the splendour of the great mountains. I have been given enormous strength by Enlil. I am Lipit-Eštar, his young man who respects him. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar A): c.2.5.5.1 I am the provider of the gods. I am he who cares unceasingly for the E-kur. I am the king clutching a kid to the breast as a gift. I pray in all humility. I am a king standing in prayer. I am he who speaks friendly words to appease Enlil. I am he whose prayers make Ninlil happy. I am he who serves Nuska indefatigably. I am he who is ever praying (?) at the Ki-ur. Bestowing many things, I am perfect for the { foundation } { (1 ms. has:) city (?) }. I am one who always hurries, but whose knees never tire. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar A): c.2.5.5.1 I, the king, am like pounding waves in battle. Girded in manliness, I never loosen my harness. I am he who sharpens his dagger. In battle I flash like lightning. A firm foundation, I repulse the troops. I am a saĝkal stone, a pešpeš stone. I am a siege shield, a screen for the army. A clear-eyed warrior, I make the troops firm. I am Lipit-Eštar, Enlil's son. Like a waterskin with cool water, I am life for the young men. Keeping my eyes on the road, I am { the protection } { (1 ms. has:) the aid (?) } of the soldiers. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar A): c.2.5.5.1 What of my truthful things can be thrown away? I, prince Lipit-Eštar, keep the people on a straight path. As regards my integrity: in what respect have I ever been idle? I am a strong person who has brought distinction to everything. I am Lipit-Eštar, Enlil's son. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar A): c.2.5.5.1 In my royal palace, my holy and good residence, my spouse holy Inana made firm the foundation of my throne. She will embrace me forever and eternally. I will spend all day for the Mistress in the { good } { (1 ms.:) lapis-lazuli } bedchamber that fills the heart with joy! I am Lipit-Eštar, the powerful heir; I am the king that makes justice prominent. May my name be called on in all the foreign lands! I am Lipit-Eštar, Enlil's son. It is sweet to praise me. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar B): c.2.5.5.2 Lipit-Eštar, proud king, enthroned prince, most seemly offshoot of kingship, who walks like Utu, brilliant light of the Land, lofty in nobility, riding on the great divine powers; who settles the people in the four quarters; favoured by Enlil, beloved by Ninlil, trustworthy youth with shining eyes, worthy of the throne-dais, whose seemly head is adorned with the tiara, the good headdress, who { holds in his hand } { (1 ms. has instead:) is perfect with } the sceptre over the black-headed, prince Lipit-Eštar, son of Enlil, wise shepherd, who leads the people to let them relax …… in pleasant shade, lord, great bison, beloved by An! Your trust is put in Mother Ninlil; Lipit-Eštar, you exert great power. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar B): c.2.5.5.2 Lipit-Eštar, Enlil's son, you have realised justice and righteousness. Lord, your goodness covers everything as far as the horizon. King Lipit-Eštar, counsellor with huge intelligence, who never tires of discussion, wise one whose decisions guide the people, amply wise, knowing everything in great detail! To decide justly the lawsuits of foreign countries, you recognise true and false even in people's thoughts. Lipit-Eštar, you …… the wicked, but you also know how to save someone by commuting his death sentence; you know how to free someone from the severe punishment, from the jaws of destruction. The mighty do not commit robbery and the strong do not abuse the weak anymore: you have established justice in Sumer and Akkad and made the Land feel content. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar B): c.2.5.5.2 Lipit-Eštar, king of Isin, king of Sumer and Akkad, you are the tablet writer of Nibru; Lipit-Eštar, you are the constant attendant of the E-kur, Enlil's house. You are the beloved one of Enlil's and Ninlil's hearts. Hero Ninurta is your mighty commissioner. Chief minister Nuska is your aid in all matters. You have been rightly chosen by Nintur as the purification priest of Keš. When in Urim, you are the youth who has the attention of Suen. You are the one to whom Enki gave the good headdress in Eridug. In Unug, Lipit-Eštar, you are the delight of holy Inana's heart. In Isin, Ninisina set up your lofty throne-dais. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar B): c.2.5.5.2 Among joyful songs of the heart, in an auspicious regnal year, the prince, the powerful prince surpassing in greatness and majesty, your father Išme-Dagan, king of the Land, made the foundations of his throne firm for you. On the orders of An and Enlil, { he } { (1 ms. has instead:) you } silenced the loud (?) strife of the foreign countries. |
| A praise poem of Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar B): c.2.5.5.2 Lipit-Eštar, Enlil's son, you have made every mouth speak of your righteousness. { The tablets will forever speak your praise } { (1 ms. has instead:) May your praise never disappear from the tablets } in the e-dub-ba-a. May the scribes …… and glorify you greatly! May eulogies of you never cease in the e-dub-ba-a! Perfect shepherd, youthful son of Enlil, Lipit-Eštar, be praised! |
| An adab to An for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar C): c.2.5.5.3 He has implemented their divine plans properly; the gods of the earth { submit themselves to him } { (1 ms. has instead:) sit around him }. With august and foremost (?) divine powers, great An has bestowed on Lipit-Eštar, son of Enlil, a kingship which is very precious. |
| 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 An for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar C): c.2.5.5.3 May you, son of Enlil, chosen in his heart by the god imbued with awesomeness, be provided abundantly with everything! |
| An adab to An for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar C): c.2.5.5.3 What An says decides a good destiny; what the great An says decides a good destiny. …… for Lipit-Eštar, son of Enlil. |
| An adab to Ninurta for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar D): c.2.5.5.4 Enlil looked at him with joy and decided his fate: "Uta-ulu, may your name be exalted throughout the extent of heaven and earth. Your awesome radiance will make all the great gods tremble with fear." |
| An adab to Ninurta for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar D): c.2.5.5.4 ……, make …… hostile to him bow down for Lipit-Eštar, the son of Enlil! |
| An adab to Ninurta for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar D): c.2.5.5.4 (3 lines unclear) You have counted …… as ruin-mounds, to be mixed with dust. You have swept over ……, you obliterated it. Ninurta, hero of Enlil, as you are sitting on your throne-dais, may your spouse, the true lady Ninnibru, who embraces you, step before you daily with friendly words on behalf of Lipit-Eštar! Uta-ulu, may you be his aid when he prays! May he be able to rely on your words, may he be peerless! May he be the king whose fate Ninurta decides, the one endowed with attractiveness! Lipit-Eštar, the prince who is a supporter of yours, the son of Enlil, has established justice in Sumer and Akkad, and made the Land feel content. |
| A šir-namgala to Ninisina for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar E): c.2.5.5.5 He (probably Enlil) told her, Ninisina, the great daughter of An, the great daughter-in-law, ……: "That Lipit-Eštar should be your provider -- so let it be!" |
| A šir-namgala to Ninisina for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar E): c.2.5.5.5 Ninisina (?) paid attention to Enlil's utterance. She answered with humility: "Father Enlil, god whose name is manifest, ……, Enlil; lord ……, your divine powers are the most ……, your instructions are the most precious (?). For the trustworthy shepherd ……, …… Lord Lipit-Eštar (2 lines unclear)He has settled the people ……, he (?) has made the Land feel content. You looked upon him with your life-giving gaze: now decree him a true fate!" |
| A šir-namgala to Ninisina for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar E): c.2.5.5.5 The Great Mountain Enlil paid attention to the words spoken by Ninisina. He blessed the king and decreed his fate: "Lipit-Eštar, you whom I have called by name, shall be elevated among the people. May the living look to you as to their own fathers and mothers! May the strong one who cares for E-kur, the ensi of the august shrine, Uta-ulu, be your help on the battlefield! May he collect your enemies like swallows for you; may he spread them out like sheaves for you!" |
| A šir-namgala to Ninisina for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar E): c.2.5.5.5 "I, Enlil, am elevated in heaven, and am the lord of all the divine powers on earth. The good fate I have decreed to Lipit-Eštar is something which can never be changed!" |
| An ua-di to Inana for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar H): c.2.5.5.8 (1 line unclear) …… great divine powers ……. She cherished Lipit-Eštar, the son of Enlil. …… pleasant ……. …… pleasant ……. …… searched …… for me. …… surpassing in joy ……. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A šir-namgala (?) to Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta A): c.2.5.6.1 ……, when she augustly appears, no one can keep pace with her, …… glowing in the night, …… with awe-inspiring splendour. The great gods are filled with fear at her ……. Her …… utterances are as grand as those of An, and as weighty as those of Enlil. Inana is supreme, with multifarious divine powers surpassing the other divine ladies. She perfected the divine plans of kingship, so as to re-establish it, and she made up her mind and truly yearned to provide justice for the black-headed and to give them stable governance. From among the numerous people she summoned Ur-Ninurta to be the shepherd of living beings. She made the king whom she took by the hand humbly enter into the …… where destinies are determined, where the good divine powers are assigned to the great gods -- the E-kur, the holy dwelling of An and Enlil that is imbued with terrifying awe. There the goddess without whom no destiny is determined in heaven or earth sits on the dais with An and Enlil, taking counsel with them. |
| A šir-namgala (?) to Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta A): c.2.5.6.1 (Inana speaks:) "Great An, your commands are great indeed: who can revoke them? Father Enlil, no one knows how to dissipate the great destinies that you determine. Both of you, bestow permanently the role of shepherd of living beings, of the numerous people, upon Ur-Ninurta, the youth who knows how to carry out your orders. He has brought with him from the holy womb a knowledge of how to build homes and cities, and how to strengthen the Land. He knows how to direct all countries: let him give great commands. May his shepherd's crook make the rebel lands bow low; may he let them have stable governance. From the south to the uplands may he clamp down upon the Land like a neck-stock. May his utterances ……. May he search out food for them to eat as if for sheep, and may he get them …… water to drink." |
| A šir-namgala (?) to Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta A): c.2.5.6.1 The lord who has the decisions of heaven and earth in his hands, the Great Mountain Enlil, has made the king's fame extend as far as the boundaries of heaven: "Ur-Ninurta! In authority and youthfulness may your neck be as fat as a wild bull's. Like the warrior Erra, ……, may my avenging son, Lord Ninurta, a furious storm against the enemy, be your helper on the battlefield, and may you put your trust in him. …… the enemy land, and may he spread out in heaps for me ……. The holy purification rites of E-kur ……, serving daily. May your offerings on the august table in my great dining hall be everlasting. May you lift your head and raise your neck to the heavens. Life is yours, irrevocably." |
| 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 šir-namgala (?) to Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta A): c.2.5.6.1 "Youth with beautiful and well-formed limbs, …… radiantly and proudly lifting his head, full of charm and beauty, fitted for lordship, worthy of the holy dais, Ur-Ninurta: I have decided to give you your precious divine powers. I called to you when you lifted your faithful gaze: you are the one whom I called by name. Great An has made you forever pre-eminent, as far as the outer limit of the mountains. To prolong your days, O youth, in E-kur Enlil has commanded my …… holy life-giving embrace. You shall not cease to sit on …… the dais which I care for. May the foreign lands rejoice at you, my Ur-Ninurta, as at Nanna when, admired by the Land, he appears in the holy heavens." |
| A šir-namgala (?) to Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta A): c.2.5.6.1 "My Ur-Ninurta, Enlil has called you truly to be the shepherd of the Land." |
| 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. |
| 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 Ninurta for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta C): c.2.5.6.3 Lord Uta-ulu, son of Enlil, who has come forth from the hills, Ninurta! Your imposing greatness is declared in praise songs. Your authority and your powerful greatness cover the numerous people in all the lands from east to west with their tempestuous splendour. Your father who engendered you, the shepherd of the gods, Lord Nunamnir, has placed the great divine powers of heaven and earth in your hands for safe keeping, has given you valour and pre-eminence, and let you have no rivals. You are the heart's delight of Ninlil: she loves you dearly. Rejoicing in your actions, she has made you awe-inspiring. |
| An adab to Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta D): c.2.5.6.4 Your ideas are as profound as the abzu; no one is known to have perceived them. Your actions are very great, and there is no god to rival you. You fetched your divine powers on a favourable day, and none of them escaped you. You have secured the kingship, and nothing escapes from your hand. You have equal rank with An the king, and you decide destinies with him. Your utterances are as well-established as those of Enlil. Grandiloquent Inana, you have no rival in heaven or on earth. |
| 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 Ninurta for Būr-Suen (Būr-Suen A): c.2.5.7.1 ……, the right arm of Enlil, who destroys the rebellious foreign lands; Ninurta, the right arm of Enlil, who destroys the rebellious foreign lands. The king, whose rising is a flood no one can oppose. Ninurta, the furious storm in battle, who tramples upon the enemy. He is girded with heroism, a young man without rival. The one given superior strength by Nunamnir, who makes his father feel truly content. Your mighty commands are lofty and great. Ninurta, your mighty commands are lofty and great. …… flattens …… in the rebel lands, who forces the enemy to bow low. ……, who roars like a storm. (3 lines fragmentary) (4 lines missing) (2 lines fragmentary) |
| An adab to Enlil for Būr-Suen (Būr-Suen B): c.2.5.7.2 The city, where …… orders ……. (1 line fragmentary)Enlil, what you say is exalted, and there is no god who can interpret it." I will make the fate I have determined for you even more glorious. I will make your life long-lasting. I will make your days as numerous as those of Utu." You are the god of all the foreign lands! |
| An adab to Enlil for Būr-Suen (Būr-Suen B): c.2.5.7.2 An adab of Enlil. (lines 15 and 16 are written as one line in source) |
| 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 Enlil-bāni, great son of Enki, { shepherd } { (1 ms. has instead:) sage } and counsellor who guides living things, who spreads broad shade over all lands, grandiloquent prince whom great An has summoned, the great mother Ninlil trusts in you. |
| A praise poem of Enlil-bāni (Enlil-bāni A): c.2.5.8.1 Enlil-bāni, you are the one who has authority. Sweet mouth, lips good with words, (2 lines missing)husband of holy Inana, Asarluḫi gave you wisdom. |
| 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. |
| A praise poem of Enlil-bāni (Enlil-bāni A): c.2.5.8.1 Enlil-bāni, having counsel and exceptional wisdom, soothing hearts and proclaiming your judgments, wise in everything, (1 line missing)…… counsellor. When you keep in order the judgment of the black-headed and render verdicts, articulate in appropriate expressions, you know how to cleanse malice. You make justice shine like gold. You obliterate injustice. |
| A praise poem of Enlil-bāni (Enlil-bāni A): c.2.5.8.1 Enlil-bāni, king who gladdens the heart of his city, you speed offerings into Nibru. You bring the best corn into E-kiš-nu-ĝal; daily you ensure that it does not cease. You are him whom Enlil has summoned by name; you are the property of Ninlil. As for the lands rebellious against you, Ninurta the strong hero of Enlil, in triumph has dissolved into ruins those that are hostile and are not supporters of yours, and has spread them out as heaps for you. Nuska, the lord who stocks the E-kur, (1 line missing)a favourable omen. |
| A praise poem of Enlil-bāni (Enlil-bāni A): c.2.5.8.1 Diĝir-maḫ, the …… of the Land, fixed a destiny for your broad heart and, when your umbilical cord (?) was cut, appointed you to lordship. Nanna, the benign (?) lord, the son of Enlil, has fixed the crown of life firmly upon your head. In the abzu Nudimmud, your divine creator, has increased abundance for you. |
| A praise poem of Enlil-bāni (Enlil-bāni A): c.2.5.8.1 Enlil-bāni, you are the king who (1 line missing)in a favourable month, in a year of abundance, on a day of celebration and the elevation of the king, you are exalted. The four quarters of the world praise you with royal offerings. |
| 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. |
| 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 hymn to Nanna for Gungunum (Gungunum B): c.2.6.2.a (unknown no. of lines missing) (1 line fragmentary)In the whole heaven and on the whole earth Ašimbabbar has made …… great (?). The respected one, the singular dragon, the god made manifest, ……, the flourishing one, the lord who …… the moonlight -- supporting you, youthful Gungunum ……. The lord, the good wild bull, the first-born son of Enlil ……, the youthful Suen who listens to prayers ……, has made prince Gungunum's reign long ……. When my king stands in the sky …… beauty. When youthful Suen stands in the sky …… beauty. The splendid son of Nunamnir ……. |
| A praise poem of Sîn-iddinam (Sîn-iddinam A): c.2.6.6.1 Suen put in order the food offerings and, after he had taken them to Nibru, { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) and had brought them into the E-kur, the house of Enlil, } Enlil, delighted with the food offerings, fixed a good destiny. His own mother, the great lady Ninlil, expressed deserved affection. |
| A praise poem of Sîn-iddinam (Sîn-iddinam A): c.2.6.6.1 { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) Suen addressed Enlil and Ninlil. } He prayed to them to determine an eternal destiny for Sîn-iddinam: "May the life of the humble shepherd whom you favourably address ……. May the life of Sîn-iddinam whom you favourably address ……. As a just destiny, may a life into the distant future be determined for him (?) in destiny. May he be allotted long-lasting life." |
| Sîn-iddinam and Iškur (Sîn-iddinam E): c.2.6.6.5 He surveys these numerous people -- the lord of prosperity who makes celebration plentiful, who gives sustenance to the Land, the merciful prince whose solicitude is kind, the protector of Larsam, the helper of Sîn-iddinam on the battlefield, who stands in combat with the troops at his side, the great lord, the canal administrator of An and Enlil, whose destiny has no equal! |
| Sîn-iddinam and Iškur (Sîn-iddinam E): c.2.6.6.5 Sîn-iddinam -- the mighty man, the humble prince who respects Enlil; approved with a "let it be so!" by the E-kur; the young man given a propitious name by Nanna; the provider of Urim, the king of Larsam, the king of Sumer and Akkad, given broad wisdom and surpassing intelligence by Nudimmud, granted a good reign, a long life and unending abundance by Iškur, his god; who puts in order the divine plans of Eridug, who makes perfect offerings to the gods; the wise one who has restored the ancient divine powers, …… who has favourably identified his numerous people -- put in place a majestic throne, …… surpassing in form, for his lord, for his god. |
| A hymn to Numušda for Sîn-iqīšam (Sîn-iqīšam A): c.2.6.7.1 Exalted lord, for whom a favourable destiny was determined while he was still in the good womb! Numušda, exalted lord, for whom a favourable destiny was determined while he was still in the good womb! Ningal formed …… the holy seed …… engendered by Suen. Born amid plenty in the holy mountains, eating fruits from a green garden, named with a good name by An and Enlil, carefully cherished by the great lady Ninlil! Numušda, son of the prince, whose appearance is full of awe-inspiring radiance! Great wild bull battering the enemy country, great lord Numušda! |
| A hymn to Numušda for Sîn-iqīšam (Sîn-iqīšam A): c.2.6.7.1 Nunamnir, the lord who determines the destinies, has made your name august throughout the wide extent of foreign lands. He has assigned as a cult place for you the city of abundance, founded in a favourable place: Kazallu, the mountain of plenty. By his unchangeable command he has ordered the fashioning of Kun-satu, your lordly dais. Father Enlil, the good shepherd who loves your plans, has desired to make its forgotten lay-out visible again, and to restore its abandoned cities; he has ordered prince Sîn-iqīšam to accomplish it, and he has made (?) your cities and settlements peaceful dwelling places. He has dredged your canals, and cleared up the levees and irrigation ditches, so that abundant water will never be lacking there. He has put in your …… and made manifest all that is proper. |
| A prayer to Enlil for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn A): c.2.6.9.1 May Enlil, king of heaven and earth, whose utterances are trusty and whose words are ……, …… the shepherd Rīm-Sîn, …… my king ……. May he who gives him life-giving (?) food-offerings in Nibru stand in prayer before him. May Enlil bestow upon him grain, the benefit of mankind. May he pass his time in joy in the …… of his country. They will …… Rīm-Sîn my king. May he strengthen for him his royal throne and extend his reign. May he decree his sceptre for the south and the uplands. May he make the king's inferiors bow down before him. The offerings of Rīm-Sîn my king, small or great, at Nibru in the E-kur ……. Syrup shall drip like ghee from its fingers. I am as the son of one man, honey and ghee. My king, let offerings …… in my joy. They give me silver ……. |
| A prayer to Enlil for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn A): c.2.6.9.1 (1 line fragmentary) I am like …… a man's son. (1 line unclear) ……, may he …… you. Alone (?) Rīm-Sîn, my king, …… like syrup and ghee. (1 line unclear) …… Enlil, his Great Mountain, in accordance with your name may Rīm-Sîn be your Great Mountain. May Ninurta declare …… life for you, and may Ninnibru, the lady who founds cities, ……, enclose you mercifully and kindly …… to protect your life. May Ninšubur, …… whom Nanna declared (?), …… good fortune on your head, and declare life for you. (1 line unclear) |
| A hymn to Ḫaia for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn B): c.2.6.9.2 Lord, perfect in august wisdom and recognised for his mighty counsel, Ḫaia, who holds the great tablets, who enriches the deep wisdom! Accountant of Ḫal-an-kug, having the final overview of the arts of Nisaba's house of wisdom; palace archivist of heaven and earth, who keeps count of every single assignment, who holds a holy reed-stylus and covers the great tablets of destiny with writing! Wise one, who prompts holy An with words and attention at the appropriate times; seal-holder of Father Enlil! He who brings forth the holy objects from the treasure-house of E-kur; ornament of the abzu shrine, wearing his hair loose for Lord Nudimmud! |
| A hymn to Ḫaia for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn B): c.2.6.9.2 Ḫaia, linen-clad priest of E-unir, who stocks the holy uzga precinct; learned scholar of the shrine E-kiš-nu-ĝal, whose august name is great, whose mind is discerning; who dwells in the great dining-hall alongside the maiden Ningal! Fair of features, beloved spouse of Nun-bar-še-gunu and augustly renowned father-in-law of Father Enlil, the Great Mountain; junior administrator, possessor of wisdom, acknowledged in heaven and earth, who receives the tribute for the gods, the abundance of mountains and seas! Interpreter of the obscurity of Enlil's (?) words, skilful one who steers the august princely divine powers, with …… girt at his side! Formed (?) with a broad heart, holding in his hands the holy divine plans of the temple of Eridug, Ḫaia, who wears the ceremonial robe during pure lustrations of the engur! Indagara, administrator who performs the opening of the mouth for the gods in the heavens and in the underworld, and who is versed in the meaning of obscure tablets; craftsman of the great gods! |
| A hymn to Ḫaia for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn B): c.2.6.9.2 He who fixes the standards on their pegs, planner (?) who artfully excavates (?) the soil of the Land, who decorates the floor and makes the dining-hall attractive for Anšar and the Great Mountain! Tall and with head high, he whose utterances from the abzu shrine are favourable, who carefully holds the pure white loaves of the house of the gods! Kusu and Indagara, without whom heaven would not be pure nor earth bright, continual providers of the great meals of An and Enlil in their grand dining-hall! He who gazes upon the holy precinct, upon Lord Nudimmud; he who holds the holy bronze vessels, who makes hearts rejoice and soothes spirits! |
| A hymn to Ḫaia for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn B): c.2.6.9.2 Leader, leader (?) of the gods, complete the great fates of the people. Look favourably upon the king with your gracious gaze that is full of life. Duly grant a joyous reign of long days to prince Rīm-Sîn, marking its years on the tablet of life, forever unalterable. May An and Enlil love the shepherd Rīm-Sîn in the office of high priest. The singers will make your praise resound sweetly in their mouths; Ḫaia, the singers will make your praise resound sweetly in their mouths. Lord of heaven and earth, king of the abzu, its praise is august. Father Enki, king of the abzu, your praise is sweet. |
| A prayer to Nanna for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn D): c.2.6.9.4 Rīm-Sîn, king of abundance, august doyen of rulers, may right and justice be your helpers. May they make a good …… for you. May they make …… for you. Rīm-Sîn, named with a name by An and Enlil, when you enter the Great Gate, the gate of Urim, may the favourable protective god and the protective goddess of peace, gatekeepers of the Great Gate, shine upon you ……. May they bring you back an answer of life and peace …… to your greeting which they bring before Nanna and Ningal. |
| A prayer to Nanna for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn G): c.2.6.9.7 O king named with a name by Enlil, the destiny of whose reign is abundance, a time of richness and years of happiness! May a destiny of stability and a destiny of abundance be your lot. O king, day and night, even at dead of night, time shall pass for you in endless abundance, and be agreeable and stable for you. O king, since you have offered your food offerings first offered in the abzu; O king, since you have offered your food offerings afterwards in the great courtyard, there shall be no end to the abundance. O king, the temple shall be well-organised for you. Rīm-Sîn, king of Urim, has restored the august divine powers of the Ki-ur. |
| A praise poem of Anam (Anam A): c.2.7.1.1 You are grandly there for Enlil! As befits your calling as lord, you have freed from Unug and its settlements, and released to Nibru, the citizens of Nibru, slaves and slavegirls, who have much ……. |
| A praise poem of Ḫammu-rābi (Ḫammu-rābi A): c.2.8.2.1 (1 line fragmentary) …… acting as its lord …… (7 lines fragmentary)…… the black-headed ……. …… the Euphrates ……. …… the Tigris ……. …… on the banks of the Irnina watercourse ……. King Ḫammu-rābi …… Gibil (the god of fire). Enlil ……. Enki …… heroism. Suen ……. |
| A praise poem of Ḫammu-rābi (Ḫammu-rābi A): c.2.8.2.1 (1 line fragmentary) …… humanity ……. (5 lines fragmentary) …… the Great Mountain ……. (1 line fragmentary) …… the divine powers of kingship ……. (1 line fragmentary) …… Enlil ……. (1 line fragmentary) …… acting as its lord (?). (3 lines fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A praise poem of Ḫammu-rābi (Ḫammu-rābi A): c.2.8.2.1 (1 line fragmentary) …… Enki ……. …… emerging from the Land. …… befitting divinity ……. (3 lines fragmentary) …… joyous ……. …… praising with their songs ……. …… your statue shall not be brought in …… (2 lines fragmentary) …… formed your heart for Enlil (?). …… enter ……. …… precious destinies ……. (2 lines fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A prayer to Asarluḫi for Ḫammu-rābi (Ḫammu-rābi D): c.2.8.2.4 An, Enlil and Enki …… with him. When they had decided ……, all the great gods together …… joyfully to Marduk. (Marduk speaks to the great gods:) "You have …… the shepherd of your hearts to exercise the lordship in the Land. Determine his destiny grandly, …… with your holy mouths. Appoint …… your word …… for him, the indefatigable shepherd." |
| A prayer to Asarluḫi for Ḫammu-rābi (Ḫammu-rābi D): c.2.8.2.4 Ḫammu-rābi …… the command of An and Enlil, …… of heaven and earth, …… throughout the world ……. An and Enlil …… to the king. Among the great gods, Asarluhi ……. In Babylon, the city, the precinct, the pure dwelling ……. …… foundation, the great dais, the beloved and august dwelling, in joy ……. …… the noble son of the gods, …… royal name, …… they firmly spoke their consent to him. When they ……, they …… the power of Enlil over the numerous people. …… they manifested his destiny, …… the life of the Land. They magnified Ḫammu-rābi, their benign shepherd, and …… over all the black-headed. …… him whom Enki has …… his favour in the Land, (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of 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 prayer to Inana for Ḫammu-rābi (Ḫammu-rābi F): c.2.8.2.6 Without you, no king is …… as shepherd over the Land. An and Enlil …… at your command for the king. By your command, heaven and earth ……. An and Enlil …… the destiny which has been determined for you, Ḫammu-rābi, king ……. In the four quarters of the world …… the ordinances; …… a time of abundance, a year of plenty, …… life. |
| 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! |
| A prayer for Samsu-iluna (Samsu-iluna C): c.2.8.3.3 When you are imbued with the terrifying splendour of royalty, …… shining like the sun! When you perfectly wield the august divine powers, the great divine powers, may you be cloaked as if with a mantle in the great awesomeness of royalty! When you come forth in brilliance like the shining day, may An and Enlil determine a great destiny for you! When you appear like Nanna over the Land, may the great prince Enki pray on your behalf in his overflowing heart! |
| A prayer for Samsu-iluna (Samsu-iluna E): c.2.8.3.5 My …… of eternal fame, head lifted high in princely worth, …… who loves righteousness and truth, …… named with an august name, for whom Enlil …… has determined a great destiny, and Ninlil ……! The valiant Ninurta is your helper. In the E-kur, Nuska the august minister of Enlil, the assembly leader of all lands, is your foremost palace superintendent. Throughout your life, may you carry your neck high; in princely manner may you lift your head high! -- Prolong the days of his life for Samsu-iluna, of princely worth! |
| A prayer for Samsu-iluna (Samsu-iluna E): c.2.8.3.5 May An, king of the gods, look upon you favourably; the great and august An, the father of the gods, he with the splendid crown, full of great and august radiance, …… your royal throne whose branches and sprouts …… as wide as the sky. May he bestow upon you, during the days of your long life, the power to make decisions ……, to direct ……, to serve as the provider of the black-headed creatures in all their multitude! May Enlil, ……, the king of all countries, protect you …… command. May he …… for you the city of your country. May he make firm for you the foundation of your country. May Ninlil, the queen of deities, joyfully …… for you, and may she look upon you with shining face; may she who takes counsel …… with Enlil, and who cares for ……, …… her favourable word. |
| A prayer for Samsu-iluna (Samsu-iluna E): c.2.8.3.5 May Ninurta, the strong warrior of Enlil, the lord of decisions, whose august commands are as weighty as those of An and Enlil, he of lordly character, terrifying splendour and heroism, who resists the forceful, the strong shepherd (?) who crushes the evil and wicked -- may he spread out in heaps for you the inhabitants of the cities which you hate, and may he deliver your enemies into your hands! May Nuska, the august minister of Enlil, let you enter brick-built E-kur joyfully with your offerings, and escort you before the shining faces of Enlil and Ninlil; in Babylon, the city of heroes, may he make firm for you the foundation of your kingship. The august command …… Enlil ……. ……, may …… be their king! ……, may he …… a place for you! ……, like the light born monthly in the pure sky. ……, and may you too grow throughout your life like a fresh fruit, O Samsu-iluna, my king! |
| A hymn to Enlil for Samsu-iluna (Samsu-iluna F): c.2.8.3.6 He is the man to whom Enlil has given …… and the shepherdship over the widespread people, the beloved (?) shepherd of Nibru, the constant servant of E-kur; he is the trustworthy farmer of the house of Asalim, who takes care that provisions do not cease in E-saĝ-ila. For you to exercise your divine powers of shepherdship in the Land, Enlil has placed the foreign lands at your feet. Obedient to Utu, beloved (?) of Inana, Samsu-iluna, the king whose fate is never altered by Enlil, my king, at the command uttered by Enlil, Enki and Asalim, Zababa, Lugal-gu-dua, the king who builds temples, …… the rebel lands …… (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A hymn to Enlil for Samsu-iluna (Samsu-iluna F): c.2.8.3.6 Iškur, the net of the foreign lands …… made the foreign countries praise him duly, and made the mighty …… manifest. Samsu-iluna, the good hero, lordly one of his Land, has wisely co-ordinated decisions for the Land. From the banks of the Tigris and the banks of the Euphrates, to the shores of the sea …… and the banks of its rivers, men …… Samsu-iluna. In E-kur, the house of Enlil, …… he has taken his seat on his dais of joy. Enlil, it is sweet to praise you. Enlil, give my king a brilliant destiny and years of life! Grant him as a gift a life of long days! |
| A hymn to Enlil for Samsu-iluna (Samsu-iluna H): c.2.8.3.8 In the E-kur, the house of Enlil, Samsu-ilūna, the mighty king { whose …… awesomeness covers all people } { (an Akkadian gloss has:) whose splendour covers all people } { (1 line unclear) } { (an Akkadian gloss has:) reach …… } (3 lines fragmentary) |
| 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. |
| A fragment of a royal praise poem: c.2.99.b (2 lines fragmentary) …… who was given a long-lasting kingship by (?) Enlil. …… who takes counsel ……. For the …… of the youth Suen …… soothes the heart. He gave …… to him. (2 lines fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| An excerpt from a royal praise poem (?): c.2.99.d Nibru, the city where the divine powers are presented (?) to the gods ……. Nunamnir, the Great Mountain, the lord who embraces heaven and earth ……. My king, the shepherd of the black-headed people already in the womb ……. Adviser, who …… the divine powers of a supreme deity and the shepherd's crook ……. Enlil, your orders …… by the king. |
| Letter from Puzur-Šulgi to Šulgi about the advance of the enemy: c.3.1.07 As for the sector (?) of { Šu-Numušda } { (1 ms. has instead:) Šu-Marduk } { (1 other ms. has instead:) Puzur-Numušda }, the ruler of Ĝirilumtura: five nindan lengths of it are cut off. As for the sector (?) of Lugal-melem, the manager of the { Šegšeg watercourse } { (1 ms. has instead:) city of …… (the correct form of this name is not known) }: { 40 } { (1 ms. has instead:) 25 } { (1 other ms. has instead:) 30 } { (1 further ms. has instead:) 45 (?) } nindan lengths of …… on top of it are no longer fixed. As for the sector (?) of Ka-kugani, the ruler of the territory of Murub: 45 nindan lengths were destroyed when the opposite side was captured. As for the sector (?) of Tākil-ilišu, the { canal inspector } { (1 ms. has instead:) ruler } of the Ab-gal and Me-Enlila watercourses: 50 nindan lengths of the edge have been removed, and in the middle of it they collapsed. |
| Letter from Šulgi to Puzur-Šulgi about the fortress Igi-ḫursaĝa: c.3.1.08 When I had …… the fortress Igi-ḫursaĝa, and An and Enlil had …… supreme rule over all the foreign lands and the widespread people, the cities and the Land ……, and the people of the widespread Land lay ……. (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Letter from Šulgi to Puzur-Šulgi about the fortress Igi-ḫursaĝa: c.3.1.08 When I had built the great fortress Igi-ḫursaĝa and An and Enlil had given to me the …… over all the foreign lands and the widespread people, each of their towns and all their provinces, and the people of the widespread Land lay in green meadows. I made them rest (?) in spacious habitations, in peaceful dwelling places. |
| Letter from Išbi-Erra to Ibbi-Suen about the purchase of grain: c.3.1.17 May An, Enlil and Enki, who have loved Ibbi-Suen from the womb, look upon him approvingly. …… is indeed placed there; they have changed (?) their appearance. With the …… and (?) the city-gates of Urim opening, they cry "Aee!" If …… says," Who is my lord?" -- You are the king to whom Enlil has given …… no rival! |
| Letter from Ibbi-Suen to Išbi-Erra about his bad conduct: c.3.1.18 As long as Enlil was my lord (?), what course were you following? And is this how you alter your word? Today Enlil detests me, he detests his son Suen (the principal deity of Urim), and is handing Urim over to the enemy. Its central part (?) is gone, the enemy has risen up, and all the lands are thrown into disarray. But on the day when Enlil turns again towards his son Suen, you and your word will be marked out! |
| Letter from Puzur-Šulgi to Ibbi-Suen about Išbi-Erra's claim on Isin: c.3.1.19 ""Enlil, my lord, has …… the shepherdship of the land. Enlil has told me to bring before Ninisina the cities, deities and troops of the region of the Tigris, Euphrates, Ab-gal and Me-Enlila watercourses, from the province of Ḫamazi { to the sea of Magan } { (1 ms. has instead:) and from the …… of Magan }, so as to make Isin the storehouse of Enlil, to make it famous, and { to make those regions its spoils of war and to make Isin's citizens occupy their cities } { (1 ms. has instead:) to make Isin's citizens occupy the cities as spoils of war. }"" |
| Letter from Puzur-Šulgi to Ibbi-Suen about Išbi-Erra's claim on Isin: c.3.1.19 ""Why do you oppose (?) me? { I swear by the name of my lord Enlil and by Dagan, my personal god } { (2 mss. have instead:) I swear by the name of Dagan, my personal god }, that I will indeed get hold of Kazallu!"" |
| Letter from Puzur-Šulgi to Ibbi-Suen about Išbi-Erra's claim on Isin: c.3.1.19 ""The cities and the province which Enlil has promised me { I want to build up } { (1 ms. has instead:) I want to place } within Isin in their ……. I want to perform at their ešeš festivals. I want to install my statues, my emblems, my en priests { (2 mss. add:) and lumaḫ priests } and nindiĝir priestesses in their ĝipar shrines. Before Enlil, within the E-kur, before Nanna, within the E-kiš-nu-ĝal, the …… shall speak their prayers."" |
| Letter from Puzur-Šulgi to Ibbi-Suen about Išbi-Erra's claim on Isin: c.3.1.19 He has made { Nūr-aḫī } { (2 mss. have instead:) Nūr-Ea }, the governor of Ešnunna, Šu-Enlil, the governor of Kiš, and { Puzur-Tutu } { (1 ms. has instead:) Puzur-Marduk }, the governor of Bad-ziaba, return to their posts. At his cry of victory the land …… is covered (?) like a ……. Išbi-Erra is constantly at the head of (?) his soldiers! |
| Letter from Puzur-Šulgi to Ibbi-Suen about Išbi-Erra's claim on Isin: c.3.1.19 Just as he said he would, he has captured the regions of the Tigris, Euphrates, Ab-gal and Me-Enlila watercourses. He has made Iddin enter Malgium (?). { Opposing } { (1 ms. has instead:) hating } Girbubu, the governor of Ĝirikal, he { cut off his strap } { (2 mss. have instead:) he removed his barley stores (?) } and captured him. { His cry of victory lies heavily upon us (?) } { (1 ms. has instead:) …… he named …… }. |
| Letter from Ibbi-Suen to Puzur-Šulgi hoping for Išbi-Erra's downfall: c.3.1.20 Today (?) Enlil loathes Sumer and has elevated to the shepherdship of the Land an ape which has { descended } { (2 mss. have instead:) come forth } from those mountain lands. { Now Enlil has given kingship to a dishonest man, { a seller of } { (1 ms. has instead:) who values } asafoetida } { (1 ms. has instead:) At this moment Enlil …… to somebody who sells asafoetida, a peripatetic criminal } -- to Išbi-Erra, who is not of Sumerian origin. |
| Letter from Ibbi-Suen to Puzur-Šulgi hoping for Išbi-Erra's downfall: c.3.1.20 See, the assembly where the gods are and Sumer itself have been dispersed! Father Enlil, whose words prevail (?), said: "Until the enemy has been expelled (?) from Urim, Išbi-Erra, the man from Mari, will tear out Urim's foundations. He will indeed measure out Sumer like grain." He has spoken just so. |
| Letter from Ibbi-Suen to Puzur-Šulgi hoping for Išbi-Erra's downfall: c.3.1.20 Even though you were installed as governors of the various …… the others will defect to Išbi-Erra, in accordance with Enlil's word. Should you hand over your city to the enemy like your companions, { Išbi-Erra will not recognise you as his faithful and agreeable servant. } { (1 ms. has instead:) will Išbi-Erra recognise you as his faithful and agreeable servant? } |
| Letter from Ibbi-Suen to Puzur-Šulgi hoping for Išbi-Erra's downfall: c.3.1.20 { Now Enlil, my helper, has made the Martu rise from their mountain lands } { (1 ms. has instead:) Now Enlil has …… the Tidnum as …… from their mountain lands }. They will repel Elam and seize Išbi-Erra. To regain the Land will indeed make our might known in all the foreign lands. It is urgent! { Do not be neglectful } { (1 ms. has instead:) Do not all give up }! |
| Letter from Ibbi-Suen to Puzur-Šulgi hoping for Išbi-Erra's downfall: c.3.1.20 After …… has been dispersed, (3 lines missing)Enlil spoke thus: "…… will ……." |
| Letter from Iddin-Dagan to Sîn-illat about the troops: c.3.2.02 My expeditionary force is able to cross to both banks of the river, inspiring awe and creating a blockade. When you moved opposite Kakkulātum, the protective goddess and Dagan and …… and Enlil, king of the Land, …… the soldiers. My splendour covers the Land. And as for you, your heroism and strength ……. (1 line fragmentary)Kingship (?) ……. |
| Letter from Ur-Enlila to a governor and temple administrator: c.3.3.04 Say to the governor and temple administrator what Ur-Enlila says: |
| Letter from Ur-Enlila to a governor and temple administrator: c.3.3.04 The irrigation ditch which has been cleared was bringing water but { Enlil-diĝirĝu } { (1 ms. has instead:) Enlil-aĝu } { (another ms. has instead:) Enlilaĝu } and Ḫanzamu have drawn off the water and taken it from the ditch. |
| Letter from a governor and temple administrator to a king: c.3.3.05 The three šar (i.e. 3,240 iku) of the field Dabta are assigned for the benefit of Enlil { (2 mss. add:) , Ninlil } and Ninurta. Of this, { three bur (i.e. 54 iku) } { (1 ms. has instead:) three BURgunû (i.e. 540 iku) } are the portion of the men in charge of the requisitions. Iqbisum and Abī-qātī have made a claim over one bur (i.e. 18 iku) at the bottom of the field. If our king consents, he should send a courier and should …… the instructions for doing the work and for the boundary stakes of the field. |
| Letter from a governor and temple administrator to a king: c.3.3.05 The three šar (i.e. 3,240 iku) of the field Meam (Where-is-it?) are assigned for the benefit of Enlil and Ninurta. Of this, three BURgunû (i.e. 540 iku) are the portion of the men in charge of the requisitions. Two iku which are at its …… have been hoed and ……. Ploughmen are not available for work on a plot in the field. Iqbisum and Abī-qātī have made a claim against you. If my king consents, he should send a courier. They …… the instructions for doing the work and for the boundary stakes of the field. |
| Letter from Lugal-nesaĝe to Enlil-massu: c.3.3.09 Say this to Enlil-massu who { enhances } { (1 ms. has instead:) pronounces } advice and counsel, the mellifluous mouth which makes speech persuasive. Repeat it to the son who serves his god and respects his father and mother. { Say it a third time } { (1 ms. has instead:) Repeat it } to my protective guardian and propitious spirit -- the precious powers -- whose form and stature are pleasing, honour to the scribal craft, { hero among the administrators and ornament of the palace } { (1 Urim ms. has instead:) hero among the administrators } { (2 mss. have instead:) ornament of the palace and hero among the administrators } who reinstates decrees and greatly pleases the heart of his king. This is what Lugal-nesaĝe, the nueš priest of Enlil and person who brings laughter to the king, son of { Enlil-alsag } { (1 Urim ms. has instead:) Zuzu }, the scholar of Nibru and your father, says: |
| Letter from Lugal-nesaĝe to Enlil-massu: c.3.3.09 { After my becoming sorely afraid, my heart is full of blood and gore. As a result of deep concern, I am in distress. } { (1 Urim ms. has instead:) On my becoming sorely afraid, my heart …… blood and much gore. As a result of deep concern, I am in distress. } { (the other Urim ms. has instead:) As a result of deep concern, I am in distress. As a result of becoming sorely afraid, my heart is full of blood and gore. } So long as I have not gone to the place where destiny is decided, may your countenance favour me in accordance with the instructions of Enlil. |
| Letter from Inanaka to the goddess Nintinuga: c.3.3.10 Say to Nintinuga, the reliable stewardess of the E-kur, the physician of the Land; repeat to the lady, whose incantation heals the multitude of people, whose spells make the people recover, to { my }{ (1 ms. has instead:) the } relenting lady, who loves to revive the people and loves supplications, the merciful and compassionate one who listens to prayers. You are the caretaker of the living and the dead; you are the great healer of all the crippled ones. This is what Inanaka, the daughter of Enlil-a-mah, your maidservant says: |
| Letter from Inim-Inana to Enlil-massu: c.3.3.11 Say to Enlil-massu what Inim-Inana says: |
| Letter from Inim-Inana to Enlil-massu: c.3.3.11 They told me everything and I am pleased beyond exaggeration. May the precious protective power of a lifetime; Lugal-šu, Nabi-Enlil and Enlil-alsag, the scholars who precede you; and Ninimma, your own goddess, and Nisaba, the lady of broad wisdom, give wisdom to you. You did not know what was written on the tablet or that the city would be unforthcoming. Lu-gena is sending you two shekels of silver, one garment and two sashes. Accept them. But your mother should not touch the remaining assets. It is urgent. |
| Letter from X to the god Nanna: c.3.3.22 Say to Nanna, the firstborn son of Enlil, who loves prayers; repeat to the lord whose light spreads widely, the crown of heaven and earth, the great lord who loves to revive man; the father of the black-headed; the merciful king, who can untie and release; the merciful, compassionate god who listens to appeals: |
| Letter from Inim-Enlila to a king: c.3.3.27 Say to the king who entreats the gods fervently and, serving the gods, prepares the food offerings; repeat to the one elevated in stature who has the ability to give advice and counsel, the merciful one who makes the Land feel content -- this is what Inim-Enlila the scribe, son of Suen-palil, your servant, says: |
| A šir-šag-ḫula to Damgalnuna (Damgalnuna A): c.4.03.1 The great prince Enki, …… heaven and earth, …… cherishes you. Bride of Enki who determines fates favourably, great wild cow, exceptional in appearance, pre-eminent forever! Your husband, the great lord Nudimmud who makes perfect the borders of the Land, the lord on whom An the king has bestowed perceptiveness; the wise adviser, the sage lord whose command is foremost, who is skilful in everything, the majestic leader who pleases (?) Enlil's heart; whose divine powers cannot be withstood, he of deep understanding, called by an auspicious name, reaching decisions …… who is knowledgeable about giving birth, ……, (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| 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 In the city, the holy settlement of Enlil, in Nibru, the beloved shrine of father Great Mountain, he has made the dais of abundance, the E-kur, the shining temple, rise from the soil; he has made it grow on pure land as high as a towering mountain. Its prince, the Great Mountain, Father Enlil, has taken his seat on the dais of the E-kur, the lofty shrine. No god can cause harm to the temple's divine powers. Its holy hand-washing rites are everlasting like the earth. Its divine powers are the divine powers of the abzu: no one can look upon them. |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 Its interior is a wide sea which knows no horizon. In its …… glistening as a banner (?), the bonds and ancient divine powers are made perfect. Its words are prayers, its incantations are supplications. Its word is a favourable omen ……, its rites are most precious. At the festivals, there is plenty of fat and cream; they are full of abundance. Its divine plans bring joy and rejoicing, its verdicts are great. Daily there is a great festival, and at the end of the day there is an abundant harvest. The temple of Enlil is a mountain of abundance; to reach out, to look with greedy eyes, to seize are abominations in it. |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 Enlil, when you marked out the holy settlements, you also built Nibru, your own city. You (?) …… the Ki-ur, the mountain, your pure place. You founded it in the Dur-an-ki, in the middle of the four quarters of the earth. Its soil is the life of the Land, and the life of all the foreign countries. Its brickwork is red gold, its foundation is lapis lazuli. You { made it glisten on high } { (1 ms. has instead:) raised its glistening top } in Sumer as if it were the horns of a wild bull. It makes all the foreign countries tremble with fear. At its great festivals, the people pass their time in abundance. |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 Enlil, holy Uraš is favoured with beauty for you; you are greatly suited for the abzu, the holy { throne } { (1 ms. has instead:) engur }; you refresh yourself in the deep underworld, the holy chamber. Your presence spreads awesomeness over the E-kur, the shining temple, the lofty dwelling. Its fearsomeness and radiance reach up to heaven, its shadow stretches over all the foreign lands, and its crenellation reaches up to the midst of heaven. All lords and sovereigns regularly supply holy offerings there, approaching Enlil with prayers and supplications. |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 Enlil, if you look upon the shepherd favourably, if you elevate the one truly called in the Land, then the foreign countries are in his hands, the foreign countries are at his feet! Even the most distant foreign countries submit to him. He will then cause enormous incomes and heavy tributes, as if they were cool water, to reach the treasury. In the great courtyard he will supply offerings regularly. Into the E-kur, the shining temple, he will bring (?) ……. |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 Enlil, faithful shepherd of the teeming multitudes, herdsman, leader of all living creatures, has manifested his rank of great prince, { adorning himself with } { (1 ms. has instead:) putting on } the holy crown. As the Wind of the Mountain (?) occupied the dais, he spanned the sky as the rainbow. Like a floating cloud, he moved alone (?). |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 Without the Great Mountain Enlil, no city would be built, no settlement would be founded; no cow-pen would be built, no sheepfold would be established; no king would be elevated, no lord would be given birth; no high priest or priestess would perform extispicy; soldiers would have no generals or captains; no carp-filled waters would dredge (?) the rivers at their peak; the carp would not …… come straight up (?) from the sea, they would not dart about. The sea would not produce all its heavy treasure, no freshwater fish would lay eggs in the reedbeds, no bird of the sky would build nests in the spacious land; in the sky the thick clouds would not open their mouths; on the fields, dappled grain would not fill the arable lands, vegetation would not grow lushly on the plain; in the gardens, the { spreading trees } { (1 ms. has instead:) forests } of the mountain would not yield fruits. |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 Without the Great Mountain Enlil, Nintur would not kill, she would not strike dead; no cow would drop its calf in the cattle-pen, no ewe would bring forth a …… lamb in its sheepfold; the living creatures which multiply by themselves would not { lie down in their …… } { (1 ms. has instead:) sit within …… }; the four-legged animals would not propagate, they would not mate. |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 Enlil, your ingenuity takes one's breath away! By its nature it is like entangled threads which cannot be unravelled, crossed threads which the eye cannot follow. Your divinity can be relied on. You are your own counsellor and adviser, you are a lord on your own. Who can comprehend your actions? No divine powers are as resplendent as yours. No god can look you in the face. |
| 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. |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 Prominent one whose words are well established, whose command and support are things which are immutable, whose utterances take precedence, whose plans are firm words, Great Mountain, Father Enlil, your praise is sublime! |
| A balbale to Inana (Inana A): c.4.07.1 Great fierce storm, …… radiance! Inana, emitting fearsomeness and radiance in battle! { (1 ms. adds:) Inana, playing (?) in battle! Inana, emitting fearsomeness and radiance in battle! } Where Enlil has commanded it, you make a lion's body and lion's muscles rise up. …… in the south and in the uplands …… like grass. Like Iškur ……. Like their proud mighty heroes, { you …… } { (1 ms. has instead:) may they …… for you } their noses (?) to the ground. May the { great } { (1 ms. has instead:) proud } warrior of kings and queens restore for you the shrine Keš. May he make them …… their noses (?) to the ground for you. |
| A balbale to Inana (Inana A): c.4.07.1 My lady, you turn your gaze from the abzu (?). An has commanded you ……. You are gifted with divine powers like An the king, and like Enlil you are established in a place of honour. You determine majestic verdicts in the assembly; like a light from heaven within the assembly, you lead (?) the righteous and { seize the wicked } { (1 ms. has instead:) …… the evil }. You { lead (?) } { (1 ms. has instead:) lead forth } the righteous in the palace for Utu. You restore the ……. You …… the people for the king, and ……. Enlil gave you your fierce face and your serious brow. |
| The exaltation of Inana (Inana B): c.4.07.2 Raining blazing fire down upon the Land, endowed with divine powers by An, lady who rides upon a beast, whose words are spoken at the holy command of An! The great rites are yours: who can fathom them? Destroyer of the foreign lands, you confer strength on the storm. Beloved of Enlil, you have made awesome terror weigh upon the Land. You stand at the service of An's commands. |
| The exaltation of Inana (Inana B): c.4.07.2 My good divine wild cow, drive out the man, capture the man! In the place of divine encouragement, what is my standing now? May An extradite the land which is a malevolent rebel against your Nanna! May An smash that city! May Enlil curse it! May its plaintive child not be placated by his mother! Lady, with the laments begun, may your ship of lamentation be abandoned in hostile territory. Must I die because of my holy songs? My Nanna has { paid no heed to me } { (1 ms. has instead:) has not decided my case }. He has destroyed me utterly in renegade territory. Ašimbabbar has certainly not pronounced a verdict on me. What is it to me if he has pronounced it? What is it to me if he has not pronounced it? He stood there in triumph and drove me out of the temple. He made me fly like a swallow from the window; I have exhausted my life-strength. He made me walk through the thorn bushes of the mountains. He stripped me of the rightful { crown } { (1 ms. has instead:) garment } of the en priestess. He gave me a knife and dagger, saying to me "These are appropriate ornaments for you." |
| 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 Weeping daily your heart does not ……. 'Alas' …… heart …… knows no relaxation. Beloved lady of holy An, your …… in weeping ……. In heaven ……. On your breast ……. You alone are majestic, you have renown, heaven and earth …… not ……. You rival An and Enlil, you occupy their seat of honour. You are pre-eminent in the cult places, you are magnificent in your course. |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 The great gods kissed the earth and prostrated themselves. The high mountain land, the land of cornelian and lapis lazuli, bowed down before you, but Ebiḫ did not bow down before you and did not greet you. Shattering it in your anger, as desired, you smashed it like a storm. Lady, pre-eminent through the power of An and Enlil, ……. Without you no destiny at all is determined, no clever counsel is granted favour. |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 Your song is grief, lament ……. Your …… cannot be changed, your anger is crushing. Your creation cannot be ……, An has not diminished your …… orders. Woman, with the help of An and Enlil you (?) have granted …… as a gift in the assembly. Unison …… An and Enlil ……, giving the Land into your hand. An does not answer the word you have uttered to him. |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 Once you have said 'So be it', great An does not …… for him. Your 'So be it' is a 'So be it' of destruction, to destroy ……. Once you have said your …… in the assembly, An and Enlil will not disperse it. Once you have made a decision ……, it cannot be changed in heaven and earth. Once you have specified approval of a place, it experiences no destruction. Once you have specified destruction for a place, it experiences no approval. |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 They proclaim your magnificence; you are the lady ……. An and Enlil have determined a great destiny for you throughout the entire universe. They have bestowed upon you ladyship in the assembly chamber. Being fitted for ladyship, you determine the destiny of noble ladies. Mistress, you are magnificent, you are great! Inana, you are magnificent, you are great! My lady, your magnificence is resplendent. May your heart be restored for my sake! |
| A hymn to Inana as Ninegala (Inana D): c.4.07.4 Inana, when you give judgment with An and Enlil; Ninegala, when you decide destinies on earth with Enki, when you shimmer (?), when you …… to a mere shadow, when you come forth from the corner, when you come forth from the side, when you are to be seen on the horizon, Inana, when in your destructiveness you make storm-floods wash over everything, then the great en priests ……, then the igi-dua priestesses wear the tonsure for you, then your seat is on your Dais of Silence. |
| A tigi to Inana (Inana E): c.4.07.5 My lady, he has been given as your husband -- rejoice with him! Enlil has given a mountain of greatness into your hands. Inana, he has been given as your husband -- rejoice with him! Enlil has given a mountain of greatness into your hands. |
| A tigi to Inana (Inana E): c.4.07.5 Lady, throughout heaven and earth who knows from you the intentions of your heart, those great matters? All heaven trembles (?) at your word, a double-twined thread which cannot be separated. Your father Enlil has given this to you. Ama-ušumgal-ana competes majestically for you in battle, cutting a swathe like a dragon. |
| A tigi to Inana (Inana E): c.4.07.5 Inana, lady, throughout heaven and earth who knows from you the intentions of your heart, those great matters? All heaven trembles (?) at your word, a double-twined thread which cannot be separated. Your father Enlil has given this to you. Ama-ušumgal-ana competes majestically for you in battle, cutting a swathe like a dragon. |
| A balbale (?) to Inana (Inana F): c.4.07.6 Enlil gave me the heavens and he gave me the earth. I am Inana! He gave me lordship, and he gave me queenship. He gave me battles and he gave me fighting. He gave me the stormwind and he gave me the dust cloud. He placed the heavens on my head as a crown. He put the earth at my feet as sandals. He wrapped the holy ba garment around my body. He put the holy sceptre in my hand. |
| 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 balbale (?) to Inana (Inana F): c.4.07.6 When I enter the E-kur, the house of Enlil, the gate-keeper does not lift his hand against my breast; the minister does not tell me," Rise!". |
| A šir-namšub to Inana (Inana G): c.4.07.7 When I go, when I go -- the mighty queen who ……, who ……; when I, the queen, go to the Abzu, when I, Inana, go to the Abzu, when I go to the Abzu, the E-nun, when I go to Eridug the good, when I go to E-engura, when I go to E-ana, the temple of Enlil, when I go to ……, when I go to where the great offering bowls stand in the open air, when I go to where the …… pure …… bowls, when I go to where …… is honoured, when I go to where Lord Enki is honoured, when I go to where Damgalnuna …… is honoured, when I go to where Asarluḫi …… is honoured -- then I bring a dog with me, I bring a lion (?) with me, I bring boxwood with me, I bring ḫalub wood with me. I, Inana, receive the little ……, when I travel there, when I travel there. |
| A šir-namšub to Inana (Inana G): c.4.07.7 I go as one who brings forth water; I go as one who brings forth water. When I, the queen, go into the marshes, I go as the …… of the marshes. When I go into the hub of the battle, I go as one who brings forth its brightest light (?). When I go into the van of the battle, I go as one who brings forth its brightest light (?). When I follow at the rear of the battle, I go for …… the evil of the ……. When I enter the temple of Enlil, I go as its woman who triumphed over the mountains. I (?) utter hostile words against the foreign lands; I seat my husband before me. I utter a challenge in (?) the temples of the gods (?); I utter a challenge against Utu, against Nanna; I utter a challenge against Sud in its holy ……. |
| A šir-namšub to Inana (Inana G): c.4.07.7 The river, the river, good as the vast river, the ……, good as the city -- there is nothing as good as this! The river, the noble river, as the vast river, the river, the Euphrates, as the vast river, the …… of the Euphrates, as the vast river, (2 lines fragmentary)-- good as the ……, good as the city -- there is nothing as good as this! Just as when Enki, the wild bull of Eridug, arrives; as when the mother of the E-maḫ, Damgalnuna, arrives; as when Asarluḫi, the son of Eridug, arrives; as when Enlil eats, as when he drinks, …… good as ……, good as the city -- there is nothing as good as this! |
| A šir-namšub to Inana (Inana G): c.4.07.7 In E-ana the linen-clad priests prepare an altar for him. Water is placed there for the lord; they address him. Bread is placed there; they address him. He is refreshed in the palace; they address him as follows: "Dumuzid, radiant in the temple (?) and on earth! Mother Inana, Mother Inana, your mounds, your mounds (?)! Mother Inana, Inana of heaven, your garments, your garments, your black garment, your white garment!" (Inana (?) speaks:) "Oh my man who has come to the house: approach (?)!" (The priests (?) speak:) "Bring forward a chant, a melody of the heart! Bring forward their ……, as they seat the ……! Approach their place, where they are stationing, where they are stationing, where they are stationing, where they are stationing Enlil in the Ki-ur!" |
| A šir-namšub to Inana (Inana I): c.4.07.9 When I …… as I travel by boat, when I …… as I travel by boat, when I, the queen, journey to the abzu, when I enter the house of Enlil, I am indeed the queen who is pre-eminent in the mountains. When I stand before the face of Enlil, I am indeed the emanating light. When I stand in the mouth of the battle, I am indeed also the foremost one of all lands. When I stand in the thick of the battle, I am indeed also the very guts of battle, the heroic strength. When I walk about at the rear of the battle, I am indeed also the flood bearing ……. When I take my stand behind the battle, I am the woman who comes (?). |
| 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 balbale to Inana (Dumuzid-Inana A): c.4.08.01 "There shall lie down with you, there shall lie down with you, there shall lie down with you your bridegroom! Ama-ušumgal-ana shall lie down with you, the companion of Enlil shall lie down with you, the issue of a noble womb shall lie down with you, the offspring of a ruler shall lie down with you." |
| A balbale to Inana (Dumuzid-Inana F): c.4.08.06 I will sprinkle water ……. I will make …… shine. I will make my meš tree sprout forth. I will sprinkle water in the house of Enlil. I will make …… shine. I will make my meš tree sprout forth. I will sprinkle water …… in E-kur. I will make my king grow like a meš tree in the courtyard. I will sprinkle water in the house of Enlil. I will make King Ama-ušumgal-ana grow like a meš tree in the courtyard. |
| A balbale to Inana (Dumuzid-Inana F): c.4.08.06 I am perfect for the lord in E-kur. We are a fitting ornament in the joyful palace. In the house of Enlil ……. In the house of Enlil ……. …… in E-kur ……. (approx. 3 lines missing)I shall decree a good destiny …… from the abzu for my king, a meš tree properly ……, …… verdant, full of beauty, of his mother and father, my …… who was born ……: |
| A balbale to Inana (Dumuzid-Inana F): c.4.08.06 I shall perform laments for you with the balaĝ drum (?) ……. I shall lean against you …… as against a wood of cypresses. May you (?) rejoice …… in E-kur. May they stand at your service ……, man of my heart. For your sake I shall take my seat (?) in E-kur. I shall stand (?) in prayer for you in E-kur, the house of Enlil. In his exalted location, An gave you to me. Lord Enlil, the Great Mountain, ……. |
| A tigi to Inana (Dumuzid-Inana H): c.4.08.08 "……, let me go, so that I can go to our house! Friend of Enlil, let me go, so that I can go to our house! What lie can I offer to my mother? What lie can I offer to my mother Ningal?" |
| A balbale (?) to Inana (Dumuzid-Inana P): c.4.08.16 I gazed over all the people, and chose Dumuzid as god of the Land. For Dumuzid, beloved by Enlil, I exalted his name and decreed his destiny. My mother cherishes him constantly, and my father speaks his praise. |
| A kunĝar to Inana (Dumuzid-Inana T): c.4.08.20 The lord meets her for whom lapis lazuli was gathered from the heap. Dumuzid meets Inana for whom lapis lazuli was gathered from the heap. The shepherd of An, the servant of Enlil, the lord meets her. The servant of An, the herdsman of Enlil, Dumuzid meets her. The lord meets her at the lapis lazuli door which stands in the ĝipar shrine. Dumuzid meets her at the narrow door which stands in the storehouse of E-ana. |
| A song of Inana and Dumuzid (Dumuzid-Inana Y): c.4.08.25 "May you be sweet words in the mouth! May you be a reign which brings forth happy days! May you be a feast which brightens the countenance! May you be a shining mirror! Beloved of Enlil, may { the heart of your god } { (1 ms. has instead:) your god } be assuaged towards you! Come at night, stay at night! Come with the sun, stay with the sun! May your god pave the road for you, may he level the hills and depths for you!" |
| 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 balbale to Inana: c.4.08.a For the king you have chosen with your heart, for Dumuzid, the son of Enlil, may the cattle-pen produce (?) butter and milk, may the sheepfold produce (?) abundance! May the days of the true shepherd be numerous! The true shepherd, Dumuzid …… days of prosperity! |
| A hymn to Martu (Martu B): c.4.12.2 …… watching over ……, gathering together …… the divine powers, …… peerless dragon, …… named in heaven and earth with an august name, ……, engendered by great An and brought up on his holy knees, ……, born by Uraš, (1 line unclear) cherished and granted a favourable destiny by the Great Mountain Enlil, ……, not wearying of …… its beauty. Proud one among the great gods, …… hearts, …… pure ……, shining purification rites, his conduct ……. His words …… cannot be unravelled, his intelligence and counsel ……, …… distant ……, …… leader …… (at least 26 lines missing) |
| A balbale to Suen (Nanna A): c.4.13.01 He is its lover, he is its lover, he is the lord, the E-kur's lover! He is the man of delight to Enlil, he is Suen, the cry of joy of his own mother. |
| 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 balbale to Suen (Nanna A): c.4.13.01 He has poured out milk from the …… cows at the offering table, Suen has ordained the purification rites: "Everything that I do is brilliant! My father Enlil has fed me well." |
| A balbale to Suen (Nanna A): c.4.13.01 "Enlil has named you with a good renown -- you are the son of Enlil whose speech is just. In his elevated heart An has bestowed kingship on you. He has chosen your city Urim in his heart. For you he has brought fish and birds to the princely river. First-born of Enlil, who …… the rank of lord, he has bestowed on you the kingship of heaven. You are a god dressed in beauty in the heavens. Your moonlight is holy and bright, and because like Utu you are a shepherd of the Land, Nanna, it shines forth for the king like the daylight." |
| A balbale to Nanna (Nanna C): c.4.13.03 …… holy songs ……. The Prince ……. …… wisdom ……. …… the great divine powers. An and Enlil ……. Ningal …… May he excel ……. Aš-im-babbar ……. Like the sweet moonlight ……. …… the ĝipar, my delight, ……. An and Enlil ……. Mother Ningal …… charm ……. The high priestess of the moon god ……. En-ḫedu-ana ……. My king ……. …… the great divine powers ……. …… holy songs, light …… (1 line fragmentary) En-ḫedu-ana …… (1 line fragmentary) (probably 1 line missing) |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna E): c.4.13.05 Lifting your head in your goodness, greatness and majesty, majestically you extend your arm in order to determine destinies: great An has liberally bestowed on you your kingship over heaven and earth, and Enlil has perfected for you your great and noble filial status and lordship. Enlil has made majestic divinity manifest for you. Determining a destiny for your flowing waters, the majestic lower (?) waters, Enki from within the sacred bathing chamber (?) has placed the good earth, the good mother, at your feet. Enlil has sired you in majesty and lordship. |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna E): c.4.13.05 O Nanna, your crescent moon is called "the crescent moon of the seventh day (?)". Enlil has made known throughout heaven and earth your name, which is a sacred name. Princely son, he has made your greatness manifest throughout heaven and earth. The majestic assembly has bestowed on you his status as Enlil. And from the place of the sanctuary Eridug, Enki has determined for you your lordship and majesty. King of heaven and earth who adorns heaven and earth (?), from the majestic abzu, the place of the sanctuary Eridug, he has declared your great lordship and your greatness. |
| The herds of Nanna (Nanna F): c.4.13.06 His father, whose word is true, speaks with him day and night. Enlil, whose word is true, speaks with him day and night, and in decision determines the fates with him. |
| The herds of Nanna (Nanna F): c.4.13.06 Mighty one, trusted one of Enlil, youth, god of living creatures, leader of the Land, and Ningal, lady of the ĝipar shrines -- O Father Nanna, be praised! |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna G): c.4.13.07 Nanna, ……, lord, son of Enlil, ……, Nanna, lord, ……, lord, son of Enlil, ……! |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna G): c.4.13.07 Lord whose pure hands befit the milk churn, what you accomplish is pleasing to An and Enlil. Nanna, lord whose pure hands befit the milk churn, what you accomplish is pleasing to An and Enlil. |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna G): c.4.13.07 May you build enduringly the eternal (?) house. May you build enduringly Nanna's eternal (?) house, the …… quarters (?) and the courtyard of Nanna -- the temple whose shadow extends out into the midst of the sea, the E-kiš-nu-ĝal, the sweet wonder, the temple of Nanna built on empty land! ……, Suen …… among the gods. …… Enlil (?). ……, Nanna, lord, great son of An, beloved …… of Enlil and Ninlil, (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| An adab to Nanna (Nanna H): c.4.13.08 Righteous lord who determines destiny! Born to Ninlil, Suen, beloved son of Ninlil, Suen, having no rival in the E-kur, the house of Enlil: your divine powers are majestic divine powers granted by An! |
| An adab to Nanna (Nanna H): c.4.13.08 Your father, holy An, has bestowed upon you divine powers to which other gods cannot aspire. Enlil has decreed them to you in destiny. The lord of the holy lustration rites, An, has established them. ……, sacred lion of the gods, justly honoured, you are the light of heaven. (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A tigi to Suen (Nanna I): c.4.13.09 "O Nanna, Nanna, where have you tended your cows, Lord Ašimbabbar?" "In the chosen city, the shrine of my heart which I have founded in joy like Aratta ……. In my shrine Urim I have tended my cows." "First-born son of Enlil, where have you tended the people, Lord Ašimbabbar?" |
| A tigi to Suen (Nanna I): c.4.13.09 "In the chosen city, the shrine of my heart which I have founded in joy, like Aratta ……; in my E-mud-kura I have tended my cows." "First-born son of Enlil, where have you tended the people, Lord Ašimbabbar?" "In a place founded on a good day and given a good name, in the place chosen in my heart, my E-mud-kura, I, Ašimbabbar, have tended my cows." "First-born son of Enlil, where have you tended the people, Lord Ašimbabbar?" "In a place founded on a good day and given a good name, in the place chosen in my heart, my E-mud-kura, I, Ašimbabbar, have tended my cows." "King of the holy cattle-pen, where have you tended your cows, youthful, noble shepherd?" "In the meadow where I have built a dais for my shrine Urim and have let date palms grow as in the land of Dilmun -- there in its holy reedbeds I have tended my cows." "First-born son of Enlil, where have you tended the people, youthful, noble shepherd?" "In the meadow where I have built a dais for my shrine Urim and have let date palms grow as in the land of Dilmun -- there in its holy reedbeds I have tended my cows." |
| An ululumama to Nanna (Nanna J): c.4.13.10 Great lion of holy An, first-born of Enlil, seed of a bison, beloved of the gods, great strength inspiring awe in the Land, with the just crown and the shining sceptre, sparkling over the high mountains, …… of Enlil filled with princely divine powers, …… in the centre of Nibru, highly skilled at examining ……, (7 lines fragmentary) |
| A šir-namgala to Nanna (Nanna L): c.4.13.12 …… with (?) a remote heart ……, …… Urim, the city you have chosen, in the …… of An and Enlil ……, his lofty ……, may he (?) look favourably upon you. …… when you reside in the place where you find rest, …… in the Agrun-kug a just destiny is determined. The Great Mountain Enlil has set his mind on Lord Ašimbabbar. …… in his Ḫursaĝ-galama, …… as he instills terror and inspires fearsome awe, in the …… of the shrine Urim he determines favourable destinies. |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna M): c.4.13.13 …… has gathered the divine powers in joy. ……, the black-headed have lifted their eyes to you, { the first-born son of Enlil } { (the other ms. has instead:) Suen }. …… has gathered the divine powers in joy. ……, the black-headed have lifted their eyes to you, the first-born son of Enlil. |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna O): c.4.13.15 (4 lines missing) (1 line fragmentary)You possess ……! An, Enlil, Enki and Ninḫursaĝa treat you with deserved affection in your place of creation. Exalted Nanna ……, adviser in heaven and on earth ……! An, Enlil, Enki and Ninḫursaĝa treat you with deserved affection in your place of creation. |
| 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. |
| A hymn to Nanna: c.4.13.a Princely lord, foremost in the E-kur, …… fearsomeness! Suen, beneficent one of Enlil, …… the living! Cornelian calf, adorned with beauty, …… brilliance! …… prince whose forehead flourishes and whose countenance ……! Suen, warrior possessing great strength whose solidity ……, ……, radiance in (?) the pure heavens, …… fear over the broad earth, making …… manifest among the gods, ……, …… greatly ……, …… in heaven and on earth ……, (4 lines fragmentary) |
| A hymn to Nanna: c.4.13.a (Suen speaks:) " (2 lines fragmentary) I am the …… of Enlil, ……. In fear (?) of my lordship and greatness ……. O my mother, speak to my father ……, speak to the Great Mountain Enlil ……. Like the god, my brother, ……." |
| A hymn to Nanna: c.4.13.a His mother Ninlil spoke (?) to her spouse, she addressed her words to the Great Mountain Enlil: "O my spouse, your son Suen ……. The beneficent son, the song of the heart, ……. You …… born of mother and father, ……. Prince, glory of the E-kur, fruitful one of the Ki-ur ……, the cowherd …… cows, Suen ……, the princely son ……." |
| An excerpt from a hymn to Nanna: c.4.13.c Now in addition he desired something good, something good. The lord wearied Enlil to determine the fate of his city: "My father, may you restore my city for me!" |
| A hymn to Nanše (Nanše A): c.4.14.1 The lady, the matriarch of Enlil, Nanše, the lady of abundance who lives in the Land, the ……, the child of Enki, acting as a good woman for a good household, is to make the appointments. After she, as a good woman for a good household, has made the appointments, the regular offerings and daily goods of the house arrive unfailingly from the Bur-saĝ. |
| A hymn to Nanše (Nanše A): c.4.14.1 The guarantor of boundaries, the expert in (?) righteous words, lady, wise woman who founded Lagaš …… with Ĝatumdug. …… righteous words for (?) Nanše. The exalted lady whose commands are ……, the lady who like Enlil determines fates, who is seated on the throne of Sirara -- she, the pure one, looks at her powers. |
| A hymn to Nanše (Nanše A): c.4.14.1 My lady, your divine powers are mighty powers, surpassing all other divine powers; Nanše, there are no divine powers matching your powers. An, the king, looks joyfully at you, as you sit with Enlil on the throne-dais where the fates are to be determined. Father Enki determined a fate for you. Nanše, child born in Eridug, sweet is your praise. |
| 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. |
| A hymn to Nergal (Nergal B): c.4.15.2 Hero, majestic, awe-inspiring son of Enlil, battering like a storm and roaring against the rebel lands! Immense at his front, at his rear surging as a flood, after he ……, …… this place; Lord Mešlamta-ea inspiring terrifying awe, his …… not releasing the hostile land, his luxuriant horn …… in the Land, struck …… with weapons. |
| A hymn to Nergal (Nergal B): c.4.15.2 ……, sired by Enlil, great ……, …… flood ……; he has placed you ……, he has positioned you in your heroic strength. |
| 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 hymn to Nergal (Nergal B): c.4.15.2 (5 lines fragmentary) …… son of Enlil ……, Lugal-era. Praising you is sweet. |
| A tigi to Nergal (Nergal C): c.4.15.3 Hero, after your father begot you, your father Enlil bestowed on you the mountain of the earth and all of the people. He definitively handed the deciding of destinies to you. Hero, Nergal, you are their king! Nergal, hero, after your father begot you, your father Enlil bestowed on you the mountain of the earth and all of the people. He definitively handed the deciding of destinies to you. Hero, Nergal, you are their king! |
| A tigi to Nergal (Nergal C): c.4.15.3 Lord who imposes silence, son of Enlil, who in his heroism like a flood demands respect (?)! May the people of Lagaš spread on your pure table everything you need. Nergal, may you stretch forth your arm over the place Lagaš. Nergal, lord who imposes silence, son of Enlil, who in his heroism like a flood demands respect (?)! May the people of Lagaš spread on your pure table everything you need. Nergal, may you stretch forth your arm over the place Lagaš. |
| A tigi to Nergal (Nergal C): c.4.15.3 (1 line fragmentary) (2 lines missing) (1 line fragmentary)…… heroism, …… Uzarpara (?), the shrine ……, you are Mešlamta-ea, ……. Nergal, lord, you are the Enlil of his Land. Like Alla (?), you have no rival. Like Ištaran, it has been given to you to reach correct judgments. |
| A tigi to Nergal (Nergal C): c.4.15.3 Enlil, shepherd of the black-headed, has given you as your name "Lord who leads away the enemies of Enlil, avenger of his father, strong hero". The gods have determined your fate. They have given …… to you. On earth you are ……, in heaven you are ……. Because of your noise no god opposes you. Just young man who …… the plague, provider for the place Lagaš, Mešlamta-ea, may people praise you in song! |
| A hymn to Nisaba (Nisaba A): c.4.16.1 Dragon emerging in glory at the festival, Aruru (mother goddess) of the Land, …… from the clay, calming { …… } { (1 ms. has instead:) the region with cool water }, lavishing { fine oil } { (3 mss. have instead:) plenty } on the foreign lands, engendered in wisdom by the Great Mountain (Enlil)! Good woman, chief scribe of An, record-keeper of Enlil, wise sage of the gods! |
| A hymn to Nisaba (Nisaba A): c.4.16.1 In order to make barley and flax grow in the furrows, so that excellent corn can be admired; to provide for the seven great throne-daises by making flax shoot forth and making barley shoot forth at the harvest, the { great } { (1 ms. has instead:) august } festival of Enlil -- in her great princely role she has cleansed her body and has { put } { (1 ms. has instead:) draped } the holy priestly garment on her torso. |
| A hymn to Nisaba (Nisaba A): c.4.16.1 In order to establish bread offerings where none existed, and to pour forth great libations of alcohol, so as to appease the god of grandeur, Enlil, and to appease merciful Kusu and Ezina, she will appoint a great en priest, and will appoint a festival; she will appoint a great en priest of the Land. |
| A šir-namšub to Nisaba (Nisaba B): c.4.16.2 …… is destroyed. …… is destroyed. It is destroyed. …… of Nisaba is destroyed. The house of Nisaba, her of the tablets, is destroyed. The house of …… is destroyed. The house of Nun-bar-še-gunu is destroyed. ……, the E-ḫamun is destroyed. The plants of lamentation have sprouted; the šumunda grass has sprouted. By the walls the long grass has sprouted. Amongst them, the willow trees are everywhere. As for the word of An and the word of Enlil, the angry heart of great An is everywhere, and the malign heart of Enlil is everywhere. |
| A šir-namšub to Nisaba (Nisaba B): c.4.16.2 "In the moonlight, in the pure place of moonlight I lie down alone. In the moonlight which fills the hills, the pure place, I lie down alone. By the cedar mountains where Enlil lies, I lie down alone. …… I weep a bitter lament. …… lying in the moonlight, I weep a bitter lament. …… which sets aglow …… shines forth. I am distraught. The moonlight which sets aglow the glorious sky shines forth. I am distraught. The moonlight which sets aglow the glorious night shines forth. I am distraught -- which sets aglow the glorious sky, the glorious night, shines forth. I am distraught." |
| A balbale to Ninazu (Ninazu A): c.4.17.1 Ninazu, born in Urim, may Nanna rejoice over you. Lord Ninazu, born in Urim, may Nanna rejoice over you. The father who engendered you, the Great Mountain Enlil, has made your name glorious. Your own mother, the august lady, has decided your destiny in the Ki-ur. May you take your seat in your house, in your city -- the mountain, the pure place! May you take your seat in Enegir, in your city -- the mountain, the pure place! My lord Ninazu, may you take your seat there, may you take your seat there! |
| A balbale to Ninazu (Ninazu A): c.4.17.1 He has fixed the golden headdress on your head, making you truly perfect with it. He has …… the lordly son of his own father, the beloved of his heart. He has looked with best favour on ……. An has determined a good destiny for you. Son of Enlil king of the lands, may your splendour shine forth! My lord Ninazu, may your splendour shine forth, may your splendour shine forth! May your wife, the maiden, the good woman, Lady Ningirida, say to you: "Your house, your city!" as she steps before you in prayer, god of the Land, my lord Ninazu! |
| 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 hymn to Ninimma (Ninimma A): c.4.21.1 You are the seal-holder of the treasury of the ……. You are the caretaker of the great gods, you are ……. Ninimma, you are the lady of all the great rites in the E-kur. Lady, you are the …… of Enlil, you are the heavenly scribe. You …… the tablet of life. (1 line fragmentary) You who bring the best corn are the lady of the E-sara. The surveyor's gleaming line and the measuring rod suit you perfectly. You can hold your head high among the great princes. You are ……. You are ……, the cherished one. (1 line fragmentary) ……; you are exceptional in wisdom. …… joy ……. My lady, you were exalted already in the womb; you are resplendent like the sunlight. You are suited to the lapis-lazuli crown (?); you are the heavenly ……. …… adorned with loveliness ……. (1 line fragmentary) (approx. 10 lines missing) |
| A hymn to Ninimma (Ninimma A): c.4.21.1 …… like a strong (?) ……. …… of the E-kur …… lady ……. …… the forceful one of Nanna ……. You are profoundly intelligent, one who knows everything. You are the shining light which fills the exalted sanctuary. You are she who …… by Enlil. You are ……. You are ……. You are most apt for the holy susbu rites and lustration rites. (1 line unclear)Ninimma of the holy divine plans, it is sweet to praise you! |
| A šir-gida to Ninisina (Ninisina A): c.4.22.1 My lady performs the incantations perfectly. Ninisina speaks the incantation formula over them and they become better. She performs the incantation with ghee, and pours it into her great bowl, bringing it along in her cooling hands. She makes the illness leave this person's body like wind. Like a raging fire of esparto grass, it dies out of its own accord. The personal gods of mankind stand before her pleading and praying; at their request, holy Ninisina intercedes before An and Enlil for them at his highest cult place: |
| A šir-gida to Ninisina (Ninisina A): c.4.22.1 "I am the lady, the youthful woman, the great strength of Enlil! I am the beautiful woman Ninisina, daughter of holy An! My father An the king, shepherd of the gods, sat me in the Land on a holy dais. My mother Uraš, the lady of the gods, had momentous sexual intercourse with An, relaxing in the holy bedchamber; my place of engendering by holy An was a holy place." |
| 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 šir-gida to Ninisina (Ninisina A): c.4.22.1 "The heart of the Great Mountain Enlil became fearsome: he frowned at the enemy land, and cursed the rebel land. My father Enlil despatched me to the rebel land, the enemy land that he had frowned at -- me, the young woman, me, the strong heroine -- I went there. I made the shepherd of the rebel land there grasp Enlil's words well in his ears. He became frightened at me and became silent (?) in my presence. Then he was consigned to oblivion. Now no one knows him there in the destroyed city, no one finds the shepherd there in his pastures. After I had destroyed it like water, drowned it like the harvest, after I had grabbed him as a threshing sledge grabs barley, after I had set him ablaze like esparto grass, I struck him with the mace and killed him. I announced the news to my father Enlil in Nibru." |
| Ninisina's journey to Nibru: a šir-namšub to Ninisina (Ninisina C): c.4.22.3 Humbly she …… Enlil's house. She …… food offerings …… of Enlil. She slaughters cattle and sheep …… Enlil. …… greets her from his eternal royal offering-place; …… his shining …… upon her. Joyfully ……. (1 line fragmentary) (35 lines missing) |
| 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) |
| An adab to Ninisina (Ninisina E): c.4.22.5 Good woman ……, Ninisina …… of Enlil …… made …… august. |
| Ninisina and the gods (Ninisina F): c.4.22.6 They …… stood around her. The holy and pure divine powers befit Ninisina, lady of the great divine powers. Her divine powers are divine powers bestowed on her by An. The Great Mountain Enlil determined a fate for her. |
| Ninisina and the gods (Ninisina F): c.4.22.6 Having left the temple of Enlil, she entered Eridug, the pleasant place, and took her seat in the abzu shrine. Her father, Enki, seated her upon his knees. He truly cherished Ninisina -- as soon as …… took a fancy to jewels of šuba stone, they were hung around the neck of Ninisina; as soon as she took a fancy to a white linen garment, he dressed the daughter of holy An in it. Lord Nudimmud determined a fate for her. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Ninisina and the gods (Ninisina F): c.4.22.6 "…… with your beloved spouse, Lord Pabilsaĝ, …… your chosen ……!" This is what the Great Mountain Enlil determined as her fate for …… perfect with the great divine powers, the fifty divine powers, …… perfect …… adorned with jewels of šuba stone, the lady whose great name ……. |
| Ninisina and the gods (Ninisina F): c.4.22.6 In the shrine of Nibru, Dur-an-ki, the place of Enlil, she is …… indeed. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| An adab to Ninlil (Ninlil A): c.4.24.1 Ninlil, comprehensively replete with numerous divine powers! Equal to the Great Mountain; deciding destinies with Lord Nunamnir; suited to the Great Lion; pre-eminent over heaven and earth! Joyous princess (?), lady with the princely divine powers; conveying terror; wise with advice! Mother Ninlil, whose speech is a storm (?), you are a pleasure to Enlil's heart -- he has embraced you! Overseeing everything, Lord Nunamnir loves (?) you. You occupy a holy dais, Mother Ninlil; you provide the …… of prosperity. All the great lords and sovereigns have paid homage to you. Riding in princely style under a broad shelter in coolness, Mother Ninlil, you are the goddess who provides the divine powers of joy and prosperity. |
| An adab to Ninlil (Ninlil A): c.4.24.1 …… equal to the great gods, (1 line fragmentary) (approx. 6 lines missing) (1 line fragmentary)Mother Ninlil, righteous woman of Enlil, you dwell in the Ki-ur. In his heart filled with pleasure at your joyous divine powers, he has embraced you. The Enki and Ninki deities have perfected their divine powers throughout all countries for you. My lady, your speech is majestic -- take pleasure in your E-kur! |
| A šir-gida (?) to Ninšubur (Ninšubur A): c.4.25.1 Lady, good seed of the Land, minister of An! Minister of An, Mother Ninšubur! From the interior of heaven, An bestowed upon you (?), and Enlil destined as your (?) fate, that you should take a lapis-lazuli sceptre in your hand and proceed in front of An. |
| A hymn to Ninšubur (Ninšubur B): c.4.25.2 For Father Enlil, lord of all the lands; for Ninlil, lady of Ki-ur, the majestic place; for Enki, the bull of Eridug; for the good woman, …… Damgalnuna; for Ašimbabbar in Urim; for Ningal in her Agrun-kug; …… the Great Mountain Enlil; for ……, Ninurta, for …… Ninḫursaĝa, for youthful Utu in the shrine of E-babbar ……, for …… Ninirigal, for Inana in Zabalam, Enlil …… the great gods ……. |
| A hymn to Ninšubur (Ninšubur B): c.4.25.2 Servant, as you took your seat on the lofty dais, Ninšubur, as you took your seat, as you took your seat on the dais like Father Enlil, as you took your seat like Enlil and Ninlil, (you said:) "I, like my mother, I, Kaka, will ride high in joy like my mother! I, Ninšubur I, Kaka, will ride high in joy like my mother." |
| A tigi to Nintur (Nintur A): c.4.26.1 Forceful lady with the nobility of heaven and earth, …… born …… Nintur! ……, which the prince has put in the abzu, she who has contended with the Great Mountain Enlil! Nintur, forceful lady with the nobility of heaven and earth, …… born …… Nintur! ……, which the prince has put in the abzu, she who has contended with the Great Mountain Enlil! The cow cries aloud to her about her calf and, because of her distress, Mother Nintur looks for him, Mother Nintur, the august lady of Keš, she who has contended with the Great Mountain Enlil. The cow cries aloud to her about her calf and, because of her distress, Nintur -- Mother Nintur -- looks for him, Mother Nintur, the august lady of Keš, she who has contended with the Great Mountain Enlil. |
| 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. |
| A šir-gida to Ninurta (Ninurta A): c.4.27.01 The warrior, the lordly son of Enlil, Ninurta, the fierce bull, fit to be a prince, the hero manifest in E-šu-me-ša, the glory of E-kur, the rigorous judge, king, …… of the gods, the butting bull, placing his foot on the rebel lands, Ninurta, the lord of E-šu-me-ša, has taken his seat on the throne-dais of An. |
| A šir-gida to Ninurta (Ninurta A): c.4.27.01 August wisdom filling the Land like the abzu, …… of his pure house, …… he tends carefully, …… he calls. { The house of cedar …… } { (1 ms. has instead:) The lord …… }. He pours light over the fields. The lord with the holy mouth (?) standing on the high mountains, the light keeping guard over ……, present constantly every month in the great shrine, Uta-ulu, lord of the gods, great hero of An's, great lord of Enlil's, Ninurta, august son of E-kur, lordly son of his own father, your praise is sweet! |
| Ninurta's journey to Eridug: a šir-gida to Ninurta (Ninurta B): c.4.27.02 The hero …… coming forth from the E-kur; Ninurta …… coming forth from the E-kur, (1 line fragmentary) …… Ninurta, the son of Enlil, (1 line fragmentary)in order to instruct ……, Ninurta went from the place of Enlil to Eridug. |
| Ninurta's journey to Eridug: a šir-gida to Ninurta (Ninurta B): c.4.27.02 To see that the Tigris and the Euphrates should roar, to see that ……, to see that the subterranean waters should be terrifying, to see that in the lagoons the carp and the goat-fish ……; to see that in the reed thickets mature and fresh reed, first fruits, ……; to see that the numerous animals, the creatures of the plain, the ……, the stag, the deer, the great ……; to see that ……; to see that the living creatures should not diminish, to see that ……; to see that the divine powers of Sumer shall not be forgotten, nor the divine plans of all the lands altered; to see that ……, to see that faithfulness will prevail (?), Ninurta, the son of Enlil, in order to make judgments …… (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Ninurta's journey to Eridug: a šir-gida to Ninurta (Ninurta B): c.4.27.02 As a king, Ninurta, the son of Enlil, wore a crown and ……; as a lord, he tied on the shining headgear and held abundance in his hands. He came forth radiantly, raised his head high in the abzu, in Eridug. A youth who is the glory of the E-kur ……, he is the …… of kingship; he is the prayer of heaven and earth. With An and Enki he sits joyfully in the courtyard ……. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Ninurta's journey to Eridug: a šir-gida to Ninurta (Ninurta B): c.4.27.02 Lord who renders true judgments, son of Enlil, linen-clad, god of the determining of fates, suited for lordship, king of (?) the holy lustration rites, an expert in divination, you are indeed suited for the holy throne-dais! |
| Ninurta's journey to Eridug: a šir-gida to Ninurta (Ninurta B): c.4.27.02 At the word of Enlil, you rise up (?), warrior Ninurta. Your kingship's fearsomeness and awesome radiance covers the rebellious lands. Warrior, you harrow and you fortify the Land. From the heart of the mountains you bring down silver and lapis lazuli, the treasures of the mountains ……, to your father Enlil. On the horizon ……. At evening ……, …… companion ……. Lord who destroys the foreign lands, who always claims (?) victory, Ninurta you are the warrior of Enlil; you are authoritative in heaven, warrior ……. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Ninurta's journey to Eridug: a šir-gida to Ninurta (Ninurta B): c.4.27.02 Your city is august; your house is august. Your divine powers are august; your lustration rites are august. The commands of your kingship are august; the cry of your heroism is august. Ninurta, the son of Enlil, …… is august. When you come forth from the house of ……, your tall shadow hangs over the Land; from the south as far as the highlands, it covers the Land like a garment. |
| Ninurta's journey to Eridug: a šir-gida to Ninurta (Ninurta B): c.4.27.02 Your grandeur pleases Enlil; Ninurta, your grandeur pleases Enlil. It pleases him that you give firm commands ……. It pleases him that you determine fates ……. It pleases him that you make the royal throne firm. It pleases him that you ……. |
| A hymn to Ninurta (Ninurta C): c.4.27.03 (1 line fragmentary) ……. ……, lordly son of Enlil, ……. ……, hero who appears in glory, who ……. …… in Enlil's house ……. …… no one ……. …… of E-kur, the rebel lands ……. ……, lord ……. ……, captain, ……. …… king of Urim, ……. ……, king of Adab ……. ……, king of ……. …… E-kur ……. (1 line fragmentary) …… of Ninlil ……. …… to the …… of Enlil ……. …… heaven and earth, the mother who bore ……. …… Enlil ……. …… of the hero ……. (1 line fragmentary) …… Zababa ……. …… hero ……. (20 lines missing) |
| A hymn to Ninurta (Ninurta C): c.4.27.03 …… favourable before Ninurta, the great governor of Enlil, and Ninnibru, the beloved child of An. (4 lines missing)May …… the beloved spouse, Ninnibru, the great queen, be favourable towards you. |
| A hymn to Ninurta (Ninurta C): c.4.27.03 Ninurta, lord of the gods, glory of E-šu-me-ša, speaks most generously in praise: "My father Enlil!" Ninurta …… himself like a lion: "I am the hero belonging to Enlil, I am he who controls the affairs of Nibru. ……, and do not let the birds escape. I am a man after the heart of my father Enlil, and I am the hero beloved by my mother Ninlil. I was born in the mountains; I am strong in the mountains." |
| A hymn to Ninurta (Ninurta C): c.4.27.03 Ninurta, before whose roaring the mountains tremble, hurricane, south storm that flashes with lightning, you belong to Enlil! May it therefore ……, may Ninurta's city, the shrine Nibru -- therefore ……. He is indeed its beloved, is indeed its beloved; the lord is indeed the beloved of E-kur. |
| A hymn to Ninurta (Ninurta C): c.4.27.03 You desire everything in your heart, you wish for everything valuable in your heart. Hero, Enlil's right arm, youth without rival! Ninurta, Enlil's right arm, youth without rival, grandly heaping up …… with the fifty-headed ……, letting no enemies escape from the mountains! Wild raging lion, overpowering the enemy, Ninurta, wild raging lion, overpowering the enemy -- who like a foul moving storm …… the rebel lands and territories! Hero, first choice of his father, Lord Ninurta, first choice of his father! He is the hero, he is the hero, the hero who does not let the mountains escape! He (?) is the hero! He is Ninurta who does not let the mountains escape! |
| 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 tigi to Ninurta (Ninurta D): c.4.27.04 The warrior, …… in furious battle, smashes heads. The lord curses the disobedient, rebellious lands: "I will …… battering ram, I will …… your venom. I will destroy (?) your city gate ……, and reach your ……. I will …… shield on (?) your tower, and reduce it to a pile of dust. I will …… your ……, like a city cursed by Enlil. I will …… you into ruin mounds, like a city hated by Ninurta." |
| A tigi to Ninurta (Ninurta D): c.4.27.04 O king, given strength by Enlil, conquer the foreign lands! Lord Ninurta, given strength by Enlil, conquer the foreign lands! Lord, first choice of An, given strength by Enlil, conquer the foreign lands! Lord Ninurta …… (4 lines missing) (6 lines fragmentary)Young woman Ninnibru, lady ……. Lord Ninurta, my king ……. Ig-alim, my king ……. Šul-šagana, my king ……. |
| A balbale to Ninurta (Ninurta F): c.4.27.06 Good semen, good seed, king chosen by Enlil! Very good semen, very good seed, Ninurta, chosen by Enlil! My king, I shall call upon your name. Ninurta, I am your man, your man; I shall call upon your name. My king, ewes give birth to lambs, ewes give birth to lambs, ewes and rams are born; I shall call upon your name. My king, goats give birth to kids, goats give birth to kids, buck-goats are born; I shall call upon your name. My king, cows give birth to calves, cows give birth to calves, cows and breed-bulls are born; I shall call upon your name. My king, she-asses give birth to foals, she-asses give birth to foals, donkeys …… are born; I shall call upon your name. My king, humans give birth to children, humans give birth to children. Ninurta, king ……. |
| A šir-namšub to Ninurta (Ninurta G): c.4.27.07 You have taken your place upon the throne-dais of Nibru, where you sit with Father Enlil. You are the heroic son of Father Enlil. He made you stand in service in E-kur. You have taken your place upon the throne-dais of Lagaš. Speak to holy Mother Nanše, so she will cast her protecting arms over you like Utu! May she indicate your station for you! May she who has no fear of your splendour embrace your limbs! May my lady of the beneficent divine powers, with the ornaments of šuba stone about her neck, …… (1 line missing) |
| A hymn to Nungal (Nungal A): c.4.28.1 Then the lady is exultant; the powerful goddess, holy Nungal, praises herself: "An has determined a fate for me, the lady; I am the daughter of An. Enlil too has provided me with an eminent fate, for I am his daughter-in-law. The gods have given the divine powers of heaven and earth into my hands. My own mother, Ereškigala, has allotted to me her divine powers. I have set up my august dais in the nether world, the mountain where Utu rises. I am the goddess of the great house, the holy royal residence. I speak with grandeur to Inana, I am her heart's joy. I assist Nintur at the place of child-delivery (?); I know how to cut the umbilical cord and know the favourable words when determining fates. I am the lady, the true stewardess of Enlil; he has heaped up possessions for me. The storehouse which never becomes empty is mine; ……." |
| A hymn to Nungal (Nungal A): c.4.28.1 "My house is built on compassion; I am a life-giving (?) lady. Its shadow is like that of a cypress tree growing in a pure place. Birtum the very strong, my spouse, resides there with me. Taking a seat on its great and lofty dais, he gives mighty orders. The guardians of my house and the fair-looking protective goddesses ……. My chief superintendent, Ig-alim, is the neck-stock of my hands. He has been promoted to take care of my house; ……. My messenger does not forget anything: he is the pride of the palace. In the city named after (?) Enlil, I recognise true and false. Ninḫarana brings the news and puts it before me. My chief barber sets up the bed for me in the house imbued with awesomeness. Nezila arranges joyous { (1 ms. adds:) and valued (?) } occasions (?)." |
| A šir-gida to Nuska (Nuska A): c.4.29.1 (2 lines missing or fragmentary) You who bundle together the divine powers, …… the divine powers, articulate …… house of the king ……, who give instruction throughout the breadth of heaven and earth, adviser of the Land, Nuska! The Great Mountain Enlil has summoned you to his divine powers. He has made long life issue gloriously in heaven and earth for you who were fathered by Lord Nunamnir; you are his beloved lord. He has entrusted the princely divine powers of the E-kur, the august shrine, the holy divine powers, the august and most complex divine powers, the divine powers of the father, of the Great Mountain to you. Lord Nuska, summoned by the Prince! He has truly installed you Nuska as leader of the assembly, and has truly installed you to make most brilliant the holy precinct and the pure lustrations, to position the holy vessels, to perfect the divine powers of his status as Enlil, and to amplify the great divine powers. |
| A šir-gida to Nuska (Nuska A): c.4.29.1 The Great Mountain has entrusted you with organising the divine plans of heaven and earth, throughout the breadth of heaven and earth, setting on their course the great decisions and perfecting the cultic ordinances, Nuska, good lord of Enlil! Impressively strong minister of Enlil, wielding the holy sceptre, pre-eminent leader of the gods, who broadens heaven and earth, good minister, lord of the great words, honourable son of An, with broad chest, endowed with great strength by the Prince, perfecting the divine powers of all that is great! Cup-bearer who makes the holy copper bowls shine, lord of the divine powers of the offering-table, you of great terrifying splendour! Temple cleaner, šita priest of the abzu, you sprinkle the temple courtyard! Great ……, working industriously on the Holy Mound to prepare best butter and best milk, reciting …… to cool the …… with incantation formulae, to perfect the holy prayers, making …… shine, hurrying about, organising food offerings, (approx. 11 lines missing) |
| A šir-gida to Nuska (Nuska B): c.4.29.2 ……, Enlil decreed your birth in the E-kur! Nuska, Enlil decreed your birth in the E-kur! Lord Nudimmud, the king of prosperity, honoured you in the abzu. Good minister, I shall praise you! Nuska, majestic minister of Enlil, your praise is good and most sweet. My king, I shall praise you in song! |
| A šir-gida to Nuska (Nuska B): c.4.29.2 You are the light of the good shepherd Enlil, and you have been given a majestic name by Ninlil. You have been given wisdom by Enki. You were born to Enul and Ninul, and so you are united with the lordly seed. You are the E-kur's song. You are a minister fit for his king: Nuska, you are the man of Enlil's heart. |
| 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 At the command of the household of Enlil, you …… the great divine powers, you …… the good divine powers, you are the good provider of the majestic divine powers, you make manifest the everlasting divine powers; you are clothed in the divine powers of ba garments and linen garments; you make the princely divine powers prosper, you perfect the multitude of the divine powers. |
| 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! |
| A hymn to Šul-pa-e (Šul-pa-e A): c.4.31.1 Hero, who shines forth like moonlight over the upper city! Hero Šul-pa-e, who shines forth like moonlight over the upper city! Eminent and famous Šul-pa-e, who shines forth like moonlight over the upper city! Lord of great divine powers, god who appears in glory, Šul-pa-e, of great divine powers, god who appears in glory, lordly in battle, who makes vegetation grow tall in the Land! Lord who raises his great arms, battle-club that smashes all enemies! Pre-eminent brother-in-law of Father Enlil, good youth! Enlil has named your august name. |
| A hymn to Šul-pa-e (Šul-pa-e A): c.4.31.1 You are the throne-bearer of An and Enlil, the fierce constable of the gods, and the table-steward of Enlil. You do not …… these people what you have placed. He brings (?) to you ……. …… that he has handed you. ……, after you have …… from above; the heavy …… cover …… like a garment. ……, after …… has said ……, ……, he addresses a prayer to you. After he has declared his …… of lament to you, he calls (?) to you like a …… of a boat in an inundation, and raises …… to you. |
| A hymn to Utu (Utu B): c.4.32.2 Utu who decrees judgments for all countries, the lord, the son of Ningal, who renders decisions for all countries, the lord who is highly skilled at verdicts, the son of Enlil, highly knowledgeable and majestic Utu, the son of …… -- Utu has placed the …… on his head. |
| A šir-namšub to Utu (Utu E): c.4.32.e Whoever has eaten good bread has also drunk good beer, in the house where the righteous man has filled the bowls with liquor -- the lord of the storehouse, the Great Mountain Enlil; the lady of the storehouse, the great mother Ninlil; youthful Utu, lord of the mountain; Šerida, youthful leader of battle; the Enki and Ninki deities; Enmul and Ninmul. |
| A šir-namšub to Utu (Utu E): c.4.32.e Unto distant days, indeed forever, stand by the righteous man who gives you bread, O exalted one, O exalted one, O exalted one -- elalu! Unto distant days, indeed forever, stand by the most righteous of men who gives you bread, O lord of the storehouse, Great Mountain Enlil! O lady of the storehouse, great mother Ninlil! O youthful Utu, lord of the mountain! O Šerida, youthful leader of battle! O exalted one, O exalted one, O exalted one -- elalu! |
| A šir-namšub to Utu (Utu E): c.4.32.e Auamma! -- in the house -- ulili! Alliliamma! -- in the house -- ulili! Pour out beer for him, pour out liquor for him, O minister, pour out liquor for your lord, O Nuska, pour out liquor for Enlil! Beer has now been poured out: let me give you this beer to drink. Liquor has now been poured out: let me give you this liquor to refresh yourself. O lord, eat and drink! May it be acceptable (?) to you! O Enlil, eat and drink! May it be acceptable (?) to you! |
| A šir-namšub to Utu (Utu E): c.4.32.e The righteous man, the most righteous of men, has filled them to overflowing. O lord of the storehouse, Great Mountain Enlil, he has filled them to overflowing. O lady of the storehouse, great mother Ninlil, he has filled them to overflowing. The most righteous of men has …… the bowls with your beer. May this bronze vessel increase his long life. When Nibru had been fully built, when …… had been ……, when the brickwork of this house had been ……, the living spouse ……, the seed of the house, the seed ……. |
| A šir-namšub to Utu (Utu E): c.4.32.e Ulili ……! Enlil ……. (2 lines missing) (21 lines fragmentary) |
| A hymn to Sadarnuna (Sadarnuna A): c.4.33.1 The great authority (?), the majestic quay, made fitting for the Eš-maḫ by Enul and Ninul, the just woman has erected her majestic dais in the courtyard of Enlil. As she stands in the holy storehouse Eš-maḫ, the …… place, she conveys terrifying awesomeness. The beloved offspring of An the king, as she is worthy of the Pada-nunus (?), …… the Eš-maḫ (?). |
| A hymn to Sadarnuna (Sadarnuna A): c.4.33.1 (1 line fragmentary) Enlil (?) ……. (1 line fragmentary)The heart of Ninlil ……. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O ……, shrine where destiny is determined, ……, foundation, raised with a ziqqurat, ……, settlement of Enlil, your ……, your right and your left are Sumer and Akkad. House of Enlil, your interior is cool, your exterior determines destiny. Your door-jambs and architrave are a mountain summit, your projecting pilasters a dignified mountain. Your peak is a …… peak of your princely platform. Your base serves heaven and earth. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 Your prince, the great prince Enlil, the good lord, the lord of the limits of heaven, the lord who determines destiny, the Great Mountain Enlil, has erected a house in your precinct, O shrine Nibru, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 13 lines: the house of Enlil in Nibru. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O Tummal, exceedingly worthy of the princely divine powers, inspiring awe and dread! Foundation, your pure lustration extends over the abzu. Primeval city, reedbed green with old reeds and new shoots, your interior is a mountain of abundance built in plenitude. At your feast held in the month of the New Year, you are wondrously adorned as the great lady of Ki-ur rivals Enlil. Your princess, Mother Ninlil, the beloved wife of Nunamnir, has erected a house in your precinct, O E-Tummal (Tummal House), and taken a place upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O E-melem-ḫuš (House of terrifying radiance) exuding great awesomeness, Eš-maḫ (Magnificent shrine), to which princely divine powers were sent from heaven, storehouse of Enlil founded for the primeval divine powers, worthy of nobility, lifting your head in princeship, counsellor of E-kur, parapeted buttress, your house …… the platform with heaven. The decisions at its place of reaching the great judgment -- the river of the ordeal -- let the just live and consign to darkness the hearts that are evil. In your great place fit for pure lustration and the rites of išib priests, you dine with Lord Nunamnir. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 Your prince, the prince who is the counsellor of Enlil and worthy of Eš-maḫ, the udug demon of E-kur, the leader Nuska, has erected a house in your precinct, O house of Enlil, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O E-me-ur-ana (House which gathers the divine powers of heaven) standing in a great place, the just divine powers which the warrior ……, strength of battle, heroic mace, carrier of the quiver, mighty bustling brick building, your foundation is eternal. Founded by the primeval lord, with decisions which belong to the princely divine powers, holy soil filling the mountain, lifting your head among the princes, magnificent house, the wonder coming from you is like the sun whose glow spreads. E-šu-me-ša (House which …… the divine powers), Enlil has instilled your name with terrifying awesomeness. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 Your prince, the great ……, the warrior whose strength is boundless, the great ruler for Enlil, the noble who rivals heaven and earth, the provisioning (?) seal-keeper of Father Enlil who makes the great divine powers perfect, the ……, the leader for Father Enlil, the foremost, the lion engendered by the Great Mountain, who destroys the hostile lands for Enlil, Lord Ninurta, has erected a house in your precinct, O E-šu-me-ša, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O E-ĝa-duda (House, chamber of the mound), ……, crown of the high plain, holy place, pure place, house, your foundation is a great princely mooring pole. Du-saĝ-dili (Singular mound), your lady, the singular woman who keeps the chamber and the dais full, gladdens your platform in princely style. Your princess who avoids anger and is exceedingly wise, the princely daughter who prospers together with the Great Mountain, Šu-zi-ana, the junior wife of Father Enlil, has erected a house in your precinct, O Du-saĝ-dili, and taken her seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 Your princess, the silencing princess, the true and great lady of heaven -- when she talks heaven trembles, when she opens her mouth a storm thunders -- Aruru, the sister of Enlil, has erected a house in your precinct, O house Keš, and taken her seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 Your prince, a raging storm which destroys cities in hostile lands, your sovereign, a terrifying wild ox which will manifest its strength, a terrifying lion which smashes heads, the warrior who devises strategies in lordship and attains victory in kingship, the mighty one, the great warrior in battle, the lord without rival, the son of Enlil, Lord Ninĝirsu, has erected a house in your precinct, O E-ninnu, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O E-ab-šaga-la (House which stretches over the midst of the sea) built in a holy place, Gu-aba, your interior produces everything and is a well-established storehouse. Holy shrine, wild cow for which everything endures, your princess is Ninĝagia, the magnificent …… stewardess, the mighty …… of Father Enlil, who takes counsel with Lord Nunamnir. Born in ……, …… in the flood of the sea, like her …… father a controller of the pure sea, holy Ninmarki has erected a house in your precinct, O house Gu-aba, and taken her seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 (2 lines missing) (1 line fragmentary)An has …… your platform. E-maḫ (Exalted house), house of the universe, suited for its lady, your front inspires great awesomeness, your interior is filled with radiance. Mother Nintur, Enlil and Enki have determined your destiny. E-suga (Joyous (?) house) which ……, life of the black-headed, An has given you the magnificent divine powers from the interior of heaven. As in Keš, Ninḫursaĝa has blessed your priests maintaining the shrine in the holy uzga precinct. House with great divine powers, a pure platform and cleansing lustration, Ašgi, the god of Adab, has erected a house in your precinct, O Adab, O house situated at a canal, O house Adab, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| 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 temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O E-sikil (Pure house) whose pure divine powers are supreme in all lands, whose name is high and mighty, magnificent dwelling of the warrior, holy house of Ninazu, house of the holy divine powers! House, your divine powers are pure divine powers, your lustration is a cleansing lustration. The warrior refreshes himself in your dwelling. Ninazu dines on your platform. Your sovereign, the great lord, the son of Enlil, is a towering lion spitting venom over hostile lands, rising like the south wind against enemy lands, snarling like a dragon against the walls of rebel lands, a storm enveloping the disobedient and trampling on the enemy. |
| The Keš temple hymn: c.4.80.2 The princely lord, the princely lord came forth from the house. Enlil, the princely lord, came forth from the house. The princely lord came forth royally from the house. Enlil lifted his glance over all the lands, and the lands raised themselves to Enlil. The four corners of heaven became green for Enlil like a garden. Keš was positioned there for him with head uplifted, and as Keš lifted its head among all the lands, Enlil spoke in praise of Keš. |
| The Keš temple hymn: c.4.80.2 House, great enclosure, reaching to the heavens, great, true house, reaching to the heavens! House, great crown reaching to the heavens, house, rainbow reaching to the heavens! House whose diadem extends into the midst of the heavens, whose foundations are fixed in the abzu, whose shade covers all lands! House founded by An, praised by Enlil, given an oracle by Mother Nintur! House Keš, green in its fruit! 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 { (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? } |
| A hymn to the E-kur: c.4.80.4 The great house is as great as a mountain. The house of Enlil is as great as a mountain. The house of Ninlil is as great as a mountain. The bedchamber is as great as a mountain. The house which knows no daylight is as great as a mountain. The house at the Lofty Gate is as great as a mountain. The house at the Gate of Well-being is as great as a mountain. The courtyard of Enlil is as great as a mountain. The Ḫursaĝ-galama is as great as a mountain. The holy Renowned Gate is as great as a mountain. The Gate from which Grain is never Diverted is as great as a mountain. The Ubšu-unkena is as great as a mountain. The Ĝa-ĝiš-šua is as great as a mountain. |
| A hymn to the E-kur: c.4.80.4 For him who declares it, for him who declares it, the house comes forth like the daylight. For him who declares that he is of the mountain, the house comes forth like the daylight. For him who declares that he is of the house of Enlil, the house comes forth like the daylight. For him who declares that he is of the house of Ninlil, the house comes forth like the daylight. For him who declares that he is of the house of Ninurta, the house comes forth like the daylight, for him who declares that he is of the house of the princely son. |
| A hymn to the E-kur: c.4.80.4 The house towers high in full grandeur; in its midst is a mountain of aromatic cedars. The house of Enlil towers high in full grandeur; in its midst is a mountain of aromatic cedars. The house of Ninlil towers high in full grandeur; in its midst is a mountain of aromatic cedars. The courtyard of Enlil towers high in full grandeur; in its midst is a mountain of aromatic cedars. The courtyard of Ninlil towers high in full grandeur; in its midst is a mountain of aromatic cedars. |
| A hymn to the E-kur: c.4.80.4 Its king is worthy of Enlil the king in the true house of youth. The hero Ninurta is worthy of Enlil the king in the true house of youth. The offspring (?) of Ninlil is worthy of Enlil the king in the true house of youth. The lord, the hero (?) of the E-kur, is worthy of Enlil the king in the true house of youth. The offspring (?) of Enlil is worthy of Enlil the king in the true house of youth. Lord Ašimbabbar is worthy of Enlil the king in the true house of youth. The princely son of the E-kur is worthy of Enlil the king in the true house of youth. |
| A hymn to the E-kur: c.4.80.4 He is the favourite of Enlil. |
| The debate between Hoe and Plough: c.5.3.1 The Plough addressed the Hoe: "I am the Plough, fashioned by great strength, assembled by great hands, the mighty registrar of Father Enlil. I am mankind's faithful farmer. To perform my festival in the fields in the harvest month, the king slaughters cattle and sacrifices sheep, and he pours beer into a bowl. The king offers the gathered (?) libation. The ub and ala drums resound. { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) (1 line fragmentary) } The king takes hold of my handles, and harnesses my oxen to the yoke. All the great high-ranking persons walk at my side. All the lands gaze at me in great admiration. The people watch me in joy." |
| The debate between Hoe and Plough: c.5.3.1 "My threshing-floors punctuating the plain are yellow hillocks radiating beauty. I pile up stacks and mounds for Enlil. I amass emmer and wheat for him. I fill the storehouses of mankind with barley. The orphans, the widows and the destitute take their reed baskets and glean my scattered ears. People come to drag away my straw, piled up in the fields. The teeming herds of Šakkan thrive." |
| The debate between Hoe and Plough: c.5.3.1 Then the Hoe addressed the Plough: "Plough, what does my being small matter to me, what does my being exalted matter to me, what does my being powerful matter to me? -- at Enlil's place I take precedence over you, in Enlil's temple I stand ahead of you." |
| The debate between Hoe and Plough: c.5.3.1 "What then does one person say to another? What does one tell another in detail?: "The shepherd adorns the plain with his ewes and lambs. After the heavens had been turned upside down, after bitter lament had been imposed on Sumer, after, as houses were overwhelmed by the rivers and Enlil frowned in anger upon the land, Enlil had flooded the harvest, after Enlil had acted mightily thus, Enlil did not abandon us -- the single-toothed Hoe was struck against the dry earth."" |
| The debate between Hoe and Plough: c.5.3.1 Enlil adressed the Hoe: "Hoe, do not start getting so mightily angry! Do not be so mightily scornful! Is not Nisaba the Hoe's inspector? Is not Nisaba its overseer? The scribe will register your work, he will register your work. Hoe, whether he enters five or 10 giĝ in your account, Hoe -- or, Hoe, whether he enters one-third or one-half mana in your account, Hoe, like a maid-servant, always ready, you will fulfil your task." |
| 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 Grain and Sheep: c.5.3.2 They brought wealth to the assembly. They brought sustenance to the Land. They fulfilled the ordinances of the gods. They filled the storerooms of the Land with stock. The barns of the Land were heavy with them. When they entered the homes of the poor who crouch in the dust they brought wealth. Both of them, wherever they directed their steps, added to the riches of the household with their weight. Where they stood, they were satisfying; where they settled, they were seemly. They gladdened the heart of An and the heart of Enlil. |
| The debate between Grain and Sheep: c.5.3.2 "I foster neighbourliness and friendliness. I sort out quarrels started between neighbours. When I come upon a captive youth and give him his destiny, he forgets his despondent heart and I release his fetters and shackles. I am Ezina-Kusu (Grain); I am Enlil's daughter. In sheep shacks and milking pens scattered on the high plain, what can you put against me? Answer me what you can reply!" |
| The debate between Grain and Sheep: c.5.3.2 Then Enki spoke to Enlil: "Father Enlil, Sheep and Grain should be sisters! They should stand together! Of their threefold metal …… shall not cease. But of the two, Grain shall be the greater. Let Sheep fall on her knees before Grain. Let her kiss the feet of ……. From sunrise till sunset, may the name of Grain be praised. People should submit to the yoke of Grain. Whoever has silver, whoever has jewels, whoever has cattle, whoever has sheep shall take a seat at the gate of whoever has grain, and pass his time there." |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 An lifted his head in pride and brought forth a good day. He laid plans for …… and spread the population wide. Enlil set his foot upon the earth like a great bull. Enlil, the king of all lands, set his mind to increasing the good day of abundance, to making the …… night resplendent in celebration, to making flax grow, to making barley proliferate, to guaranteeing the spring floods at the quay, to making …… lengthen (?) their days in abundance, to making Summer close the sluices of heaven, and to making Winter guarantee plentiful water at the quay. |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 He copulated with the great hills, he gave the mountain its share. He filled its womb with Summer and Winter, the plenitude and life of the Land. As Enlil copulated with the earth, there was a roar like a bull's. The hill spent the day at that place and at night she opened her loins. She bore Summer and Winter as smoothly as fine oil. He fed them pure plants on the terraces of the hills like great bulls. He nourished them in the pastures of the hills. |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 Enlil set about determining the destinies of Summer and Winter. For Summer founding towns and villages, bringing in harvests of plenitude for the Great Mountain Enlil, sending labourers out to the large arable tracts, and working the fields with oxen; for Winter plenitude, the spring floods, the abundance and life of the Land, placing grain in the fields and fruitful acres, and gathering in everything -- Enlil determined these as the destinies of Summer and Winter. |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 By hand Winter guided the spring floods, the abundance and life of the Land, down from the edge of the hills. He set his foot upon the Tigris and Euphrates like a big bull and released them into the fields and fruitful acres of Enlil. He shaped lagoons in the sea. He let fish and birds together come into existence by the sea. He surrounded all the reedbeds with mature reeds, reed shoots and …… reeds. |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 Summer, the heroic son of Enlil, drained the large arable tracts. He …… cool water on the fields and fruitful acres like ……. (2 lines unclear) (5 lines fragmentary) (approx. 1 line missing) (1 line fragmentary) |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 Holy Winter ……. The ox …… its head in the yoke. Ninurta, Enlil's son, …… the fruitful acres. He …… grain in the large arable tracts. He fills the fields and fruitful acres of Enlil. |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 Winter made the ewe give birth to the lamb, he gave the kid to the goat. He made cows teem together with their calves, he provided butter and milk. On the high plain he made the deer and stag glad of heart. He made the birds of heaven set their nests in the broad spaces. The fish of the lagoons laid eggs in the reedbed. In all the orchards he made honey and wine drip (?) to the ground. He made the trees, wherever planted, bear fruit. He established gardens and provided plants. He made grain abundant in the furrows. He made Ezina appear radiant as a beautiful maiden. The harvest, the great festival of Enlil, rose heavenward. |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 Summer founded houses and farmsteads, he made the cattle-pens and sheepfolds wide. He brought great attractiveness to the broad arable tracts. At their edges he made …… flax …… ripen (?). He brought a plentiful harvest into the temples, he heaped up piles of grain. He founded towns and villages, he built the houses of the Land. He made the houses of the gods grow like the hills in a pure place. In E-namtila, the holy seat of kingship, fit for high daises, he established abundance for the Great Mountain Enlil. |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 Summer, the heroic son of Enlil, decided to bring offerings to E-namtila, the house of Enlil. He brought animals, cattle and sheep of the hill, fully grown wild rams, deer and stags, …… sheep, long-fleeced barley-fed sheep, thick-tailed sheep. Pigs grown fat in the midst of the reedbeds, porcupine, tortoise, turtle, birds brooding in their nests, taken together with their eggs, harvest crops, flour and malt for mixing, butter and milk from cattle-pen and sheepfold, wheat, hulled barley, small beans and large beans gathered in piled-high baskets, onions …… in their furrows, zaḫadin onions and shallots, seed turnips, cardamom (?), ……, (8 lines missing)-- Summer, the heroic son of Enlil, offered. |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 Winter, lordly son of Enlil, ……, released the water of life and …… opened. He gathered the …… oxen and …… the oxen. The disputed sheep was provided, barley-fed but with a scorpion at its side. Quartz, gold and silver found in leather pouches, cedar, cypress, ……, boxwood, ……, …… tribute of the Land, figs from Mari, ……, strings of dried fruit, cool water, the tribute of the hills, …… thick honey, dida beer, ……, village ……, bibra birds, esig birds, …… birds, clipped geeese, fattened ducks, carp, …… which Winter made grow up, large pomegranates gathered from the orchards, big bunches of grapes on high, winter cucumbers, …… empty ……, brought forth …… in the early rain, large turnips, large …… cut down with the knife (?), long leeks -- Winter himself brought the tribute he had collected. |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 Summer and Winter set about organising the animals and offerings for E-namtila, the house of Enlil. The two of them, like huge butting bulls, reared themselves triumphantly. But Winter, because his limbs had grown tired from the grain grown heavy in the furrows, and the wheat and the emmer which he had been watering by hand, turned away as from an enemy and would not draw near. |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 "After they …… my seed, Winter, do not …… noise, when water is cut off from the arable tracts, when the bowls lie placed, when the fishing place has been prepared, when the fish have been piled up, I am Father Enlil's great comptroller. I harrow the fields into fruitful acres. When the oxen have stopped working the fields, when you have concentrated your efforts on the damp areas and given the sign for the field work, I do not work for you in the large arable tracts and fruitful acres early in the season. If the spring grain bends its neck in the hollow of the furrows, no one provides a fence. Whatever your farmer brings to the oxen, he will not make the oxen angry with me. Winter …… in the uplands ……. The man of the bedroom ……." |
| 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 Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 For a second time Winter had taunted Summer. Summer, the heroic son of Enlil, was convinced of his own strong power and consequently trusted in himself. He acted as if in a friendly manner to the insults that Winter had spoken to him. |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 Like a great bull Winter raised his head to speak: "Father Enlil, you gave me control of irrigation; you brought plentiful water. I made one meadow adjacent to another and I heaped high the granaries. The grain became thick in the furrows. Ezina came forth in splendour like a beautiful maiden. Summer, a bragging field-administrator who does not know the extent of the field, …… my thighs grown tired from toil. …… tribute has been produced for the king's palace. Winter admires the heart of your …… in words." |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 Summer pondered everything in his head and calmed down. Summer spoke respectfully to Enlil: "Enlil, your verdict is highly valued, your holy word is an exalted word. The verdict you pronounce is one which cannot be altered -- who can change it? There was quarrelling of brother with brother but now there is harmony. For as long as you are occupying the palace, the people will express awe. While you live there, far be it from me to mock -- in fact I shall praise you." |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 Enlil answered Summer and Winter: "Winter is controller of the life-giving waters of all the lands -- the farmer of the gods produces everything. Summer, my son, how can you compare yourself to your brother Winter?" The import of the exalted word Enlil speaks is artfully wrought, the verdict he pronounces is one which cannot be altered -- who can change it? |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 In the dispute between Summer and Winter, Winter, the faithful farmer of Enlil, was superior to Summer -- praise be to the Great Mountain, Father Enlil! |
| 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 Bird and Fish: c.5.3.5 "But I am the beautiful and clever Bird! Fine artistry went into my adornment. But no skill has been expended on your holy shaping! Strutting about in the royal palace is my glory; my warbling is considered a decoration in the courtyard. The sound I produce, in all its sweetness, is a delight for the person of Šulgi, son of Enlil. Fruits and produce of gardens and orchards are the enormous daily offerings due to me. Groats, flour, malt, hulled barley and emmer (?) are sweet things to my mouth. How do you not recognise my superiority from this? Bow your neck to the ground!" |
| The debate between Bird and Fish: c.5.3.5 And so with the two of them jostling and continuing the evil quarrel in order to establish, the one over the other, their grandness and pre-eminence, the litigation was registered within Eridug, and they { put forward their argumentation } { (1 ms. has instead:) stood there in dispute }. …… thrashing about (?) amid roaring like that of a bull, …… rushed forward like ……. They requested a verdict …… from King Šulgi, son of Enlil. |
| 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 (Copper speaks:) "Hills and depths ……. My harrow ……. Levelling all the mounds ……, Strong Copper directs (?) the way. A dragon ……. Strong Copper …… the fields. Turbulent waters …… ewes. Strong Copper …… the mighty waters." Enlil ……. (1 line fragmentary) Silver …… Strong Copper …… (10 lines fragmentary) (8 lines missing) |
| The debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 Enlil …… called for his minister Nuska: "My minister, Nuska!" (Nuska answered:) "Always at your service!" (Enlil replied:) "Strong Copper …… the throne and serves -- let him sit in his ……." He had barely finished speaking thus to him, when Nuska and the minister's retinue went together to …… and said to Strong Copper "Come in!" Then Strong Copper clasped against his chest the labours of his huge arms, the abundance of heaven and earth, as an offering and a gift. |
| The debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 Against Strong Copper, the strong heir of Father Enlil, he hurled vile insults, and cast vile curses: "The porters with their arms tied to their work; the potter, digging the hoe in the ground, for days on end extracting the clay with his hands; the …… worker from daybreak in a pit unfit for washing or bathing; the shipbuilder, caulking a boat, heating up fish oil, with garments not easy to clean; the cook, heating up oil, carrying …… water, standing by the place of testimony; the brewer, who does not untie his belt in warm weather, whose hands do not dry the clay; the maltster, never resting in winter, ……; the nest hunter (?), spreading the nets, working in hollows; the barber, cutting the growth, removing the flourishing roots; the freight waggon oxen shaking their heads; the donkeys submitting their necks to the yoke, ……, carrying firewood; ……." (7 lines fragmentary) (7 lines missing) The oven …… warm food. (2 lines fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| 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 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 debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 "At that time, your feet did not move, and you did not walk around. In the …… of Enlil, not separated from the ……, you got up, and you moved your feet toward his house. They cut you to pieces with the strength provided by me. Someone opens …… there with the abundance I give to the population." |
| The debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 "Silver, consider the palace! …… finds the time right, according to the turning starry sky, (and says:) "Come on! You will perform the work of your arms, you will help Enlil." But you stick out a long tongue like a buck-goat so that everybody can see. Indoors, the palace is your station and banquets are your assigned task (you say). -- Silver, I will demonstrate to you that the palace is neither your station nor your dwelling." |
| The debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 (2 lines fragmentary) of Enlil ……. Small ten-shekel pieces of silver …… (6 lines fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| The debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 (4 lines fragmentary) …… for my father Enlil. (2 lines fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| The debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 (9 lines fragmentary) Silver and Strong Copper having carefully had a debate, Strong Copper had the lead over Silver in Enlil's house -- Father Enlil be praised! |
| The debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 Enlil joyfully addressed Sumer. In a …… of abundance he raised …… to the duties of shepherd. In order to build the …… of Enlil, to bring forth the houses of the great gods, to raise the banks of the levees and ditches, Enlil gave strength to the shepherd Ur-Namma in his majestic arms. |
| The debate between Copper and Silver: c.5.3.6 On Ur-Namma receiving …… and kingship, after he …… a good ……, Strong Copper helped him mightily. With it, the shepherd Ur-Namma …… in great amounts. With it, he …… the great temple of Suen in Urim. With it, he …… the E-kur, the house of Enlil in Nibru. He made famous the houses of the great gods, and raised high the banks of the levees and ditches. |
| An elegy on the death of Nannaya: c.5.5.2 "Utu, the great lord of the nether world, after turning the dark places to light, will judge your case. May Nanna decree your fate on the day of sleep. Nergal, the Enlil of the underworld, …… before it, may the …… utter your name, may he cause you to eat fresh food. May you be …… of the underworld, and may she have pity on you. May your household bring fresh water to the libation place. May Lord Ninĝišzida …… the house ……. May the mighty Gilgameš …… health for you. May Neti and Etana be your helpers. May the god of the underworld utter prayers for you." |
| The song of the hoe: c.5.5.4 Not only did the lord make the world appear in its correct form -- the lord who never changes the destinies which he determines: Enlil, who will make the human seed of the Land come { forth } { (3 mss. have instead:) up } from the { earth } { (2 other mss. have instead:) chamber } -- and not only did he hasten to separate heaven from earth, and hasten to separate earth from heaven, but, in order to make it possible for humans to grow in { 'Where Flesh Came Forth' } { (2 mss. have instead:) 'Where Flesh Grew' } (the name of a cosmic location), he first { suspended } { (2 mss. have instead:) raised } the axis of the world at Dur-an-ki. |
| The song of the hoe: c.5.5.4 He did this with the help of the hoe (al) -- and so daylight broke forth (aled). By distributing (altare) the shares of duty he established daily tasks, and for the hoe (al) and the carrying-basket wages were even established. Then Enlil praised his hoe (al), his hoe (al) wrought in gold, its top inlaid with lapis lazuli, his hoe (al) whose blade was tied on with a cord, which was adorned with silver and gold, his hoe (al), the edge of whose point (?) was a plough of lapis lazuli, whose blade was like a battering ram { standing up to a great (gal) wall } { (1 ms. has instead:) born for a great (gal) person (?) }. The lord evaluated the hoe (al), determined its future destiny and placed a holy crown on its head ……. |
| 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 leader of heaven and earth, Lord Nunamnir, named the important persons and valued (kal) persons. He formed those persons into a row and recruited them to provide for the gods. Now Enki praised Enlil's hoe (al), and the maiden Nisaba was made responsible for keeping records of the decisions. And so people took (ĝal) the shining hoes (al), the holy hoes (al), into their hands. |
| The song of the hoe: c.5.5.4 The E-kur, the temple of Enlil, was founded by the hoe (al). By day it was building (aldue) it, by night it caused the temple to grow (almumu). In well-founded Nibru, the hero Ninurta entered into the presence of Enlil in the inner chamber of the Tummal -- the Tummal, the { bread basket (?) } { (1 ms. has instead:) …… masterpiece (?) } of Mother Ninlil -- the innermost chamber of the Tummal, with regular food deliveries. Holy Ninisina entered into the presence of Enlil with black kids and fruit offerings for the lord. |
| 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). |
| The song of the hoe: c.5.5.4 The temple of Ĝeštin-ana resembled the drumsticks, the drumsticks of Mother Ĝeštin-ana that make a pleasant sound. The lord (Enlil) bellowed at his hoe (al) like a bull. As for the grave (irigal): the hoe (al) buries people, but dead people are also brought up from the ground by the hoe (al) (This may allude to Enkidu's ghost being put in contact with Gilgameš.). With the hoe (al), the hero honoured by An, the younger brother of Nergal, the warrior Gilgameš is as powerful as a hunting net. The { (1 ms. adds:) sage } son of Ninsumun is pre-eminent with oars (ĝisal) (This may allude to Gilgameš rowing across the waters of death.). With the hoe (al) he is the great barber (kindagal) of the watercourses. In the { chamber } { (1 ms. has instead:) place } of the shrine, with the hoe (al) he is the minister (sukkal). The wicked (ḫulĝal) …… are sons of the hoe (al); they are born in sleep from heaven. |
| The song of the hoe: c.5.5.4 The hoe (al), the implement whose destiny was fixed by Father Enlil -- the renowned hoe (al)! Nisaba be praised! |
| The song of the ploughing oxen: an ululumama to Ninurta: c.5.5.5 ellu mallu! Go, oxen, go, put your necks under the yoke! Go, …… oxen, go, put your necks under the yoke! I am …… of the country. I am …… of Enlil. I am …… of the Land. |
| The farmer's instructions: c.5.6.3 Instructions of the god Ninurta, the son of Enlil -- Ninurta, faithful farmer of Enlil, your praise be good! |
| Enlil and Nam-zid-tara: c.5.7.1 Nam-zid-tara walked by Enlil, who said to him: "Where have you come from, Nam-zid-tara?" "From Enlil's temple. My turn of duty is finished. I serve at the place of the gudug priests, with their sheep. I am on my way home. Don't stop me; I am in a hurry. Who are you who asks me questions?" |
| Enlil and Nam-zid-tara: c.5.7.1 "I am Enlil." But Enlil had changed his appearance: he had turned into a raven and was croaking." But you are not a raven, you really are Enlil!" "How did you recognise that I am Enlil, who decrees the destinies?" |
| Enlil and Nam-zid-tara: c.5.7.1 "When your uncle En-me-šara was a captive, after taking for himself the rank of Enlil, he said: "Now I shall know the fates, like a lord."" |
| Enlil and Nam-zid-tara: c.5.7.1 "You may acquire precious metals, you may acquire precious stones, you may acquire cattle or you may acquire sheep; but the day of a human being is always getting closer, so where does your wealth lead? Now, I am indeed Enlil, who decrees the fates. What is your name?" |
| A dog for Nintinuga: c.5.7.2 Lugal-nesaĝe the son of Zuzu, the master-scribe of Nibru, has fashioned for Nintinuga his messenger (?) dog Tuni-lu-sag. That is why the dog will wag his tail or chew for his mistress the queen of heaven and earth, the provider of food, the stewardess of Enlil, the sweet breast satisfying all lands, the bringer of abundance, who can diagnose the intentions of the virulent asag demon and who checks people's bones; who examines the sinews of life and the sinews of death, comforting those joints; who knows every sick spot where there is affliction, torment or distress -- the kindly physician, the exorcist to the sick, who looks after the hearts of humans. |
| Proverbs: collection 2 + 6: c.6.1.02 The fox lies (?) even to Enlil. |
| Proverbs: collection 2 + 6: c.6.1.02 Your helpless donkey's speed has left him. O Enlil, your helpless man's strength has left him. |
| Proverbs: collection 2 + 6: c.6.1.02 (= Alster 1997 6.48; cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 2 + 6: c.6.1.02 (= Alster 1997 6.49)May …… fish oil and bird oil on your shoulders for the offering basket of Enlil. |
| Proverbs: collection 3: c.6.1.03 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 3: c.6.1.03 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 3: c.6.1.03 Enlil …… (2 lines fragmentary) |
| Proverbs: collection 3: c.6.1.03 Ur-Namma …… large mirrors in Enlil's temple. |
| Proverbs: collection 3: c.6.1.03 Enlil's temple is a summation of accounts. The temple manager is its overseer. |
| Proverbs: collection 3: c.6.1.03 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 3: c.6.1.03 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 4: c.6.1.04 The riverbank should rejoice as though there were a flood. Enlil should rejoice as though the Tigris were at high water. |
| Proverbs: collection 8: c.6.1.08 A fox demanded of Enlil the horns of a wild bull. While it was wearing the wild bull's horns, it started to rain. But the horns rose high above him, so he could not enter his burrow. Until midnight the wind kept blowing, and the clouds brought rain. Afterwards, when it had stopped raining on him, and he had dried off, he said: "I shall return this feature to its rightful owner!" |
| Proverbs: collection 11: c.6.1.11 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 14: c.6.1.14 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 14: c.6.1.14 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 14: c.6.1.14 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 14: c.6.1.14 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 15: c.6.1.15 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 15: c.6.1.15 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 15: c.6.1.15 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 15: c.6.1.15 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 15: c.6.1.15 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 15: c.6.1.15 …… Enlil's temple, his things are counted. To his things that have been counted (?), let nothing be added. Let their names be destroyed. |
| Proverbs: collection 16: c.6.1.16 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 16: c.6.1.16 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 16: c.6.1.16 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 19: c.6.1.19 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 25: c.6.1.25 (cf. |
| Proverbs: from Urim: c.6.2.3 (cf. |
| Proverbs: from Urim: c.6.2.3 (cf. |
| Proverbs: from Unug: c.6.2.4 (cf. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 (cf. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 (cf. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 (cf. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 (cf. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 (cf. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 (cf. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 Enlil …… abomination ……. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 (cf. |
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