 |
© Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 The ETCSL project, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford |
 |
| ETCSLtranslation |
| Enki and Ninḫursaĝa: c.1.1.1 (Enki answered Ninsikila:) "When Utu steps up into heaven, fresh waters shall run out of the ground for you from the standing vessels (?) on Ezen's (?) shore, from Nanna's radiant high temple, from the mouth of the waters running underground." |
| Enki and Ninḫursaĝa: c.1.1.1 At that moment, on that day, and under that sun, when Utu stepped up into heaven, from the standing vessels (?) on Ezen's (?) shore, from Nanna's radiant high temple, from the mouth of the waters running underground, fresh waters ran out of the ground for her. |
| Enki and Ninḫursaĝa: c.1.1.1 Enki cried out: "By the life's breath of heaven I adjure you. Lie down for me in the marsh, lie down for me in the marsh, that would be joyous." Enki distributed his semen destined for Damgalnuna. He poured semen into Ninḫursaĝa's womb and she conceived the semen in the womb, the semen of Enki. |
| Enki and Ninmaḫ: c.1.1.2 In those days, in the days when heaven and earth were created; in those nights, in the nights when heaven and earth were created; in those years, in the years when the fates were determined; when the Anuna gods were born; when the goddesses were taken in marriage; when the goddesses were distributed in heaven and earth; when the goddesses …… became pregnant and gave birth; when the gods were obliged (?) …… their food …… dining halls; the senior gods oversaw the work, while the minor gods were bearing the toil. The gods were digging the canals and piling up the silt in Ḫarali. The gods, crushing the clay, began complaining about this life. |
| Enki and Ninmaḫ: c.1.1.2 (Ninmaḫ's answer continues) "You (?) entered ……. Look, you do not dwell in heaven, you do not dwell on earth, you do not come out to look at the Land. Where you do not dwell but where my house is built, your words cannot be heard. Where you do not live but where my city is built, I myself am silenced (?). My city is ruined, my house is destroyed, my child has been taken captive. I am a fugitive who has had to leave the E-kur, even I myself could not escape from your hand." |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 Grandiloquent lord of heaven and earth, self-reliant, Father Enki, engendered by a bull, begotten by a wild bull, cherished by Enlil, the Great Mountain, beloved by holy An, king, meš tree planted in the Abzu, rising over all lands; great dragon who stands in Eridug, whose shadow covers heaven and earth, a grove of vines extending over the Land, Enki, lord of plenty of the Anuna gods, Nudimmud, mighty one of the E-kur, strong one of heaven and earth! Your great house is founded in the Abzu, the great mooring-post of heaven and earth. Enki, from whom a single glance is enough to unsettle the heart of the mountains; wherever bison are born, where stags are born, where ibex are born, where wild goats are born, in meadows ……, in hollows in the heart of the hills, in green …… unvisited by man, you have fixed your gaze on the heart of the Land as on split reeds. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 Enki, the king of the Abzu, rejoicing in great splendour, justly praises himself: "My father, the king of heaven and earth, made me famous in heaven and earth. My elder brother, the king of all the lands, gathered up all the divine powers and placed them in my hand. I brought the arts and crafts from the E-kur, the house of Enlil, to my Abzu in Eridug. I am the good semen, begotten by a wild bull, I am the first born of An. I am a great storm rising over the great earth, I am the great lord of the Land. I am the principal among all rulers, the father of all the foreign lands. I am the big brother of the gods, I bring prosperity to perfection. I am the seal-keeper of heaven and earth. I am the wisdom and understanding of all the foreign lands. With An the king, on An's dais, I oversee justice. With Enlil, looking out over the lands, I decree good destinies. He has placed in my hands the decreeing of fates in the place where the sun rises. I am cherished by Nintur. I am named with a good name by Ninḫursaĝa. I am the leader of the Anuna gods. I was born as the firstborn son of holy An." |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 "At my command, sheepfolds have been built, cow-pens have been fenced off. When I approach heaven, a rain of abundance rains from heaven. When I approach earth, there is a high carp-flood. When I approach the green meadows, at my word stockpiles and stacks are accumulated. I have built my house, a shrine, in a pure place, and named it with a good name. I have built my Abzu, a shrine, in ……, and decreed a good fate for it. The shade of my house extends over the …… pool. By my house the suḫur carp dart among the honey plants, and the eštub carp wave their tails among the small gizi reeds. The small birds chirp in their nests." |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 The Anuna gods address affectionately the great prince who has travelled in his Land: "Lord who rides upon the great powers, the pure powers, who controls the great powers, the numberless powers, foremost in all the breadth of heaven and earth; who received the supreme powers in Eridug, the holy place, the most esteemed place, Enki, lord of heaven and earth -- praise!" |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 Sirsir ……, the boatman of the barge, …… the boat for the lord. Niĝir-sig, the captain of the barge, holds the holy sceptre for the lord. The fifty laḫama deities of the subterranean waters speak affectionately to him. The stroke-callers, like heavenly gamgam birds, ……. |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 The intrepid king, Father Enki …… in the Land. Prosperity was made to burgeon in heaven and on earth for the great prince who travels in the Land. Enki decreed its fate: |
| 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 called to the rain of the heavens. He …… as floating clouds. He made …… rising at the horizon. He turned the mounds into fields ……. Enki placed in charge of all this him who rides on the great storms, who attacks with lightning bolts, the holy bar which blocks the entrance to the interior of heaven, the son of An, the canal inspector of heaven and earth -- Iškur, the bringer of plenty, the son of An. |
| 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 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 Then, alone lacking any functions, the great woman of heaven, Inana, lacking any functions -- Inana came in to see her father Enki in his house, weeping to him, and making her complaint to him: |
| Enki and the world order: c.1.1.3 "My illustrious sister, holy Ninisina, is to get the jewellery of šuba stones. She is to be the mistress of heaven. She is to stand beside An and speak to him whenever she desires." |
| Enki's journey to Nibru: c.1.1.4 "Your lock has no rival. Your bolt is a fearsome lion. Your roof beams are the bull of heaven, an artfully made bright headgear. Your reed-mats are like lapis lazuli, decorating the roof-beams. Your vault is a { bull } { (some mss. have instead:) wild bull } raising its horns. Your door is a lion who { seizes a man } { (1 ms. has instead:) is awe-inspiring }. Your stairway is a lion coming down on a man." |
| Enki's journey to Nibru: c.1.1.4 "Abzu, pure place which fulfils its purpose! E-engura! Your lord has directed his steps towards you. Enki, lord of the abzu, has embellished your foundation pegs with cornelian. He has adorned you with …… and (?) lapis lazuli. The temple of Enki is provisioned with holy wax (?); it is a bull obedient to its master, roaring by itself and giving advice at the same time. E-engura, which Enki has surrounded with a holy reed fence! In your midst a lofty throne is erected, your door-jamb is the holy locking bar of heaven." |
| 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 The heart of the wise lord pounded. He called for Nuska." What is your wish?" He gave the following instructions to him: "I want you to go back to Ereš, the city of Nisaba, the city whose foundations are august. Do not delay! Repeat to her what I am going to tell you: "I am a young man, I have sent this message to you because of my wish: I want to take your daughter as wife. Give me your consent. I will send you presents in my name, …… my marriage gifts. I am Enlil, the descendant and offspring of Anšar, the noble, the lord of heaven and earth. The name of your daughter shall become Ninlil, and all the foreign countries shall …… it. I will present her with the Ĝa-ĝiš-šua as her storehouse. I will give her the Ki-ur to be her beloved private quarters. She shall { sit } { (1 ms. has instead:) live } with me in the E-kur, { my } { (1 ms. has instead:) the } august dais. She shall determine fates. She shall apportion the divine powers among the Anuna, the great gods. And as for you, I will place in your hands the lives of the black-headed people." When you get there, let the woman I have chosen for her beauty …… her mother. Do not go to her empty-handed, but take her some jewellery in your left hand. Waste no time. Return with her answer quickly." |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 On that day the maiden Inana, holy Inana, directed her steps all by herself towards Enki's abzu in Eridug. On that day, he of exceptional knowledge, who knows the divine powers in heaven and earth, who from his own dwelling already knows the intentions of the gods, Enki, the king of the abzu, who, even before holy Inana had approached within six miles of { the abzu } { (1 ms. has instead:) the temple } in Eridug, knew all about her enterprise -- Enki spoke to his man, gave him instructions: "Come here, my man, listen to my words." (1 line fragmentary) (approx. 2 lines missing) |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 Enki spoke to the minister Isimud: "Isimud, my minister, my Sweet Name of Heaven!" "Enki, my master, I am at your service! What is your wish?" "Since she said that she would not yet depart from here for Unug Kulaba, that she would not yet depart from here to the place where Utu ……, can I still reach her?" But holy Inana had gathered up the divine powers and embarked onto the Boat of Heaven. The Boat of Heaven had already left the quay. As the effects of the beer cleared from him who had drunk beer, from him who had drunk beer, as the effects of the beer cleared from Father Enki who had drunk beer, the great lord Enki turned his attention to the …… building. The lord looked up at the abzu. King Enki turned his attention to Eridug. |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 Enki spoke to Isimud the minister: "Isimud, my minister, my Sweet Name of Heaven!" "Enki, my master, I am at your service! What is your wish?" "Where are the office of en priest, the office of lagar priest, divinity, the great and good crown, the royal throne?" "My master has given them to his daughter." |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 "Where are the holy niĝin-ĝar shrine, ……, the mistress of heaven, loud musical instruments, the art of song, venerable old age?" "My master has given them to his daughter." (approx. 33-36 lines missing) |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 …… king …… in the house of Enki should not forget a word. …… full of advice, loud voiced, knowing much ……. They said: "By the bolt of the temple door, a frog spoke." He showed him to a place. Enki grasped the frog by his right paw. He showed him into his holy ……. He received …… the ḫalub tree and his box-tree. He gave …… to the bird of heaven. He gave …… to the fish of the subterranean waters. (11 lines fragmentary) (approx. 10-15 lines missing) |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 The prince spoke to his minister Isimud, Enki addressed the Sweet Name of Heaven: "Isimud, my minister, my Sweet Name of Heaven!" "Enki, my master, I am at your service! What is your wish?" "Where has the Boat of Heaven reached now?" "It has just now reached the …… Quay." "Go now! The enkum are to take the Boat of Heaven away from her!" |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 The minister Isimud spoke to holy Inana: "My lady! Your father has sent me to you. Inana, your father has sent me to you. What your father said was very serious. What Enki spoke was very serious. His important words cannot be countermanded." Holy Inana replied to him: "What has my father said to you, what has he spoken? Why should his important words not be countermanded?" "My master has spoken to me, Enki has said to me: "Inana may travel to Unug, but you are to get the Boat of Heaven back to Eridug for me"." |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 Holy Inana spoke to the minister Isimud: "How could my father have changed what he said to me? How could he have altered his promise as far as I am concerned? How could he have discredited his important words to me? Was it falsehood that my father said to me, did he speak falsely to me? Has he sworn falsely by the name of his power and by the name of his abzu? Has he duplicitously sent you to me as a messenger?" Now as these words were still in her mouth, he got the enkum to seize hold of the Boat of Heaven. Holy Inana adressed her minister Ninšubur: "Come, my good minister of E-ana! My fair-spoken minister! My envoy of reliable words! Water has never touched your hand, water has never touched your feet!" |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 So Inana got hold again of the divine powers which had been presented to her, and the Boat of Heaven; and then for the second time the prince spoke to his minister Isimud, Enki addressed the Sweet Name of Heaven: "Isimud, my minister, my Sweet Name of Heaven!" "Enki, my master, I am at your service! What is your wish?" "Where has the Boat of Heaven reached now?" "It has just now reached the holy ……." "Go now! The fifty giants of Eridug are to take the Boat of Heaven away from her!" |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 The minister Isimud spoke to holy Inana: "My lady! Your father has sent me to you. Inana, your father has sent me to you. What your father said was very serious. What Enki spoke was very serious. His important words cannot be countermanded." Holy Inana replied to him: "What has my father said to you, what has he spoken? Why should his important words not be countermanded?" "My master has spoken to me, Enki has said to me: "Inana may travel to Unug, but you are to get the Boat of Heaven back to Eridug for me"." |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 Holy Inana spoke to the minister Isimud: "How could my father have changed what he said to me? How could he have altered his promise as far as I am concerned? How could he have discredited his important words to me? Was it falsehood that my father said to me, did he speak falsely to me? Has he sworn falsely by the name of his power and by the name of his abzu? Has he duplicitously sent you to me as a messenger?" Now as these words were still in her mouth, he got the fifty giants of Eridug to seize hold of the Boat of Heaven. Holy Inana adressed her minister Ninšubur: "Come, my good minister of E-ana! My fair-spoken minister! My envoy of reliable words! Water has never touched your hand, water has never touched your feet!" |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 So Inana got hold again of the divine powers which had been presented to her, and the Boat of Heaven; and then for the third time the prince spoke to his minister Isimud, Enki addressed the Sweet Name of Heaven: "Isimud, my minister, my Sweet Name of Heaven!" "Enki, my master, I am at your service! What is your wish?" "Where has the Boat of Heaven reached now?" "It has just now reached the UL.MA hill." "Go now! The fifty laḫama of the subterranean waters are to take the Boat of Heaven away from her!" |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 The minister Isimud spoke to holy Inana: "My lady! Your father has sent me to you. Inana, your father has sent me to you. What your father said was very serious. What Enki spoke was very serious. His important words cannot be countermanded." Holy Inana replied to him: "What has my father said to you, what has he spoken? Why should his important words not be countermanded?" "My master has spoken to me, Enki has said to me: "Inana may travel to Unug, but you are to get the Boat of Heaven back to Eridug for me"." |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 Holy Inana spoke to the minister Isimud: "How could my father have changed what he said to me? How could he have altered his promise as far as I am concerned? How could he have discredited his important words to me? Was it falsehood that my father said to me, did he speak falsely to me? Has he sworn falsely by the name of his power and by the name of his abzu? Has he duplicitously sent you to me as a messenger?" Now as these words were still in her mouth, he got the fifty laḫama of the subterranean waters to seize hold of the Boat of Heaven. Holy Inana adressed her minister Ninšubur: "Come, my good minister of E-ana! My fair-spoken minister! My envoy of reliable words! Water has never touched your hand, water has never touched your feet!" |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 So Inana got hold again of the divine powers which had been presented to her, and the Boat of Heaven; and then for the fourth time the prince spoke to his minister Isimud, Enki addressed the Sweet Name of Heaven: "Isimud, my minister, my Sweet Name of Heaven!" "Enki, my master, I am at your service! What is your wish?" "Where has the Boat of Heaven reached now?" "It has just now reached the Field Hill." "Go now! All the great fish together …… are to take the Boat of Heaven away from her!" |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 The minister Isimud spoke to holy Inana: "My lady! Your father has sent me to you. Inana, your father has sent me to you. What your father said was very serious. What Enki spoke was very serious. His important words cannot be countermanded." Holy Inana replied to him: "What has my father said to you, what has he spoken? Why should his important words not be countermanded?" "My master has spoken to me, Enki has said to me: "Inana may travel to Unug, but you are to get the Boat of Heaven back to Eridug for me"." |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 Holy Inana spoke to the minister Isimud: "How could my father have changed what he said to me? How could he have altered his promise as far as I am concerned? How could he have discredited his important words to me? Was it falsehood that my father said to me, did he speak falsely to me? Has he sworn falsely by the name of his power and by the name of his abzu? Has he duplicitously sent you to me as a messenger?" Now as these words were still in her mouth, he got all the great fish together …… to seize hold of the Boat of Heaven. Holy Inana adressed her minister Ninšubur: "Come, my good minister of E-ana! My fair-spoken minister! My envoy of reliable words! Water has never touched your hand, water has never touched your feet!" |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 So Inana got hold again of the divine powers which had been presented to her, and the Boat of Heaven; and then for the fifth time the prince spoke to his minister Isimud, Enki addressed the Sweet Name of Heaven: "Isimud, my minister, my Sweet Name of Heaven!" "Enki, my master, I am at your service! What is your wish?" "Where has the Boat of Heaven reached now?" "It has just now reached ……." "Go now! ……, the guardians of Unug, are to take the Boat of Heaven away from her!" |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 The minister Isimud spoke to holy Inana: "My lady! Your father has sent me to you. Inana, your father has sent me to you. What your father said was very serious. What Enki spoke was very serious. His important words cannot be countermanded." Holy Inana replied to him: "What has my father said to you, what has he spoken? Why should his important words not be countermanded?" "My master has spoken to me, Enki has said to me: "Inana may travel to Unug, but you are to get the Boat of Heaven back to Eridug for me"." |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 Holy Inana spoke to the minister Isimud: "How could my father have changed what he said to me? How could he have altered his promise as far as I am concerned? How could he have discredited his important words to me? Was it falsehood that my father said to me, did he speak falsely to me? Has he sworn falsely by the name of his power and by the name of his abzu? Has he duplicitously sent you to me as a messenger?" Now as these words were still in her mouth, he got the ……, the guardians of Unug, to seize hold of the Boat of Heaven. Holy Inana adressed her minister Ninšubur: "Come, my good minister of E-ana! My fair-spoken minister! My envoy of reliable words! Water has never touched your hand, water has never touched your feet!" |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 So Inana got hold again of the divine powers which had been presented to her, and the Boat of Heaven; and then for the sixth time the prince spoke to his minister Isimud, Enki addressed the Sweet Name of Heaven: "Isimud, my minister, my Sweet Name of Heaven!" "Enki, my master, I am at your service! What is your wish?" "Where has the Boat of Heaven reached now?" "It has just now reached the Surungal canal ……." "Go now! The Surungal canal …… are to take the Boat of Heaven away from her! …… from holy Inana." |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 The minister Isimud spoke to holy Inana: "My lady! Your father has sent me to you. Inana, your father has sent me to you. What your father said was very serious. What Enki spoke was very serious. His important words cannot be countermanded." Holy Inana replied to him: "What has my father said to you, what has he spoken? Why should his important words not be countermanded?" "My master has spoken to me, Enki has said to me: "Inana may travel to Unug, but you are to get the Boat of Heaven back to Eridug for me"." |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 Holy Inana spoke to the minister Isimud: "How could my father have changed what he said to me? How could he have altered his promise as far as I am concerned? How could he have discredited his important words to me? Was it falsehood that my father said to me, did he speak falsely to me? Has he sworn falsely by the name of his power and by the name of his abzu? Has he duplicitously sent you to me as a messenger?" Now as these words were still in her mouth, he got the Surungal canal …… to seize hold of the Boat of Heaven. …… from holy Inana. Holy Inana adressed her minister Ninšubur: "Come, my good minister of E-ana! My fair-spoken minister! My envoy of reliable words! Water has never touched your hand, water has never touched your feet!" |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 So Inana got hold again of the divine powers which had been presented to her, and the Boat of Heaven; and then (1 line fragmentary) …… Unug …… (1 line fragmentary) …… the Boat of Heaven. Ninšubur ……, …… the Boat of Heaven. A seventh time …… (1 line fragmentary)The great princely scion, holy ……. Holy Inana …… the Boat of Heaven. Holy Inana at that time ……. |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 Her minister Ninšubur spoke to holy Inana: "My lady, today you have brought the Boat of Heaven to the Gate of Joy, to Unug Kulaba. Now there will be rejoicing in our city, now there will be rejoicing in our city. …… barges on our river ……." |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 Holy Inana replied to her: "Today I have brought the Boat of Heaven to the Gate of Joy, to Unug Kulaba. It shall pass along the street magnificently. The people shall stand in the street full of awe." (1 line fragmentary) …… in joy. …… the old men of the city …… comfort, …… the old women …… counsel, …… the young men …… strength of arms, …… the children …… joy. …… Unug. (1 line fragmentary) (1 line missing) (3 lines fragmentary)"…… festival …… the Boat of Heaven. He shall recite great prayers. The king shall slaughter bulls, shall sacrifice sheep. He shall pour beer from a bowl. He shall have the šem and ala drums sound, and have the sweet-sounding tigi instruments play. The foreign lands shall declare my greatness. My people shall utter my praise." |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 When she had …… the Boat of Heaven to the Gate of Joy at Unug Kulaba, it passed magnificently along the street. It reached the maiden's house, and she …… its place. …… the purified well, her principal well. Inana …… the divine powers which had been presented to her, and the Boat of Heaven, at the Ĝipar Gate. At the Agrun Chamber ……. Holy Inana …… the Boat of Heaven ……. |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 The prince addressed his minister Isimud, Enki spoke to the Sweet Name of Heaven: "Isimud, my minister, my Sweet Name of Heaven!" "Enki, my master, I am at your service! What is your wish?" "Where has the Boat of Heaven reached now?" "It has just now reached the White Quay." "Go now, …… admiration. …… admiration …… the Boat of Heaven. Holy Inana ……. …… admiration ……." (approx. 3 lines missing) |
| Inana and Enki: c.1.3.1 "You have brought with you the holy niĝin-ĝar shrine, you have brought with you ……, you have brought with you the mistress of heaven, you have brought with you loud musical instruments, you have brought with you the art of song, you have brought with you venerable old age." |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 In heaven and on earth you roar like a lion and devastate the people. Like a huge wild bull you triumph over lands which are hostile. Like a fearsome lion you pacify the insubordinate and unsubmissive with your gall. |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 My lady, on your acquiring the stature of heaven, maiden Inana, on your becoming as magnificent as the earth, on your coming forth like Utu the king and stretching your arms wide, on your walking in heaven and wearing fearsome terror, on your wearing daylight and brilliance on earth, on your walking in the mountain ranges and bringing forth beaming rays, on your bathing the girin plants of the mountains (in light), on your giving birth to the bright mountain, the mountain, the holy place, on your ……, on your being strong with the mace like a joyful lord, like an enthusiastic (?) lord, on your exulting in such battle like a destructive weapon -- the black-headed people ring out in song and all the lands sing their song sweetly. |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 (Inana announced:) "When I, the goddess, was walking around in heaven, walking around on earth, when I, Inana, was walking around in heaven, walking around on earth, when I was walking around in Elam and Subir, when I was walking around in the Lulubi mountains, when I turned towards the centre of the mountains, as I, the goddess, approached the mountain it showed me no respect, as I, Inana, approached the mountain it showed me no respect, as I approached the mountain range of Ebiḫ it showed me no respect." |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 An, in delight at Inana, stepped forward and took his place. He filled the seat of honour of heaven. |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 (Inana announced:) "An, my father, I greet you! Lend your ear to my words. An has made me terrifying throughout heaven. Owing to you my word has no rival in heaven or on earth. At the limits of heaven are the silig weapon, the antibal and mansium emblems." |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 "To set the socle in position and make the throne and foundation firm, to carry the might of the šita weapon which bends like a mubum tree, to hold the ground with the sixfold yoke, to extend the thighs with the fourfold yoke, to pursue murderous raids and widespread miltary campaigns, to appear to those kings in the …… of heaven like moonlight, to shoot the arrow from the arm and fall on fields, orchards and forests like the tooth of the locust, to take the harrow to rebel lands, to remove the locks from their city gates so the doors stand open -- King An, you have indeed given me all this, and ……." |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 "How can it be that the mountain did not fear me in heaven and on earth, that the mountain did not fear me, Inana, in heaven and on earth, that the mountain range of Ebiḫ, the mountain, did not fear me in heaven and on earth? Because it did not act appropriately on its own initiative, because it did not put its nose to the ground, because it did not rub its lips in the dust, may I fill my hand with the soaring mountain range and make it learn fear of me." |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 "It has poured fearsome terror on the abodes of the gods. It has spread fear among the holy dwellings of the Anuna deities. Its fearsomeness is terrible and weighs upon the Land. The mountain range's radiance is terrible and weighs upon all the lands. Its arrogance extends grandly to the centre of heaven." |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 "Fruit hangs in its flourishing gardens and luxuriance spreads forth. Its magnificent trees, a crown in the heavens, …… stand as a wonder to behold. In Ebiḫ …… lions are abundant under the canopy of trees and bright branches. It makes wild rams and stags freely abundant. It stands wild bulls in flourishing grass. Deer couple among the cypress trees of the mountain range." |
| Inana and Ebiḫ: c.1.3.2 She went to the mountain range of Ebiḫ and addressed it: "Mountain range, because of your elevation, because of your height, because of your attractiveness, because of your beauty, because of your wearing a holy garment, because of your reaching up to heaven, because you did not put your nose to the ground, because you did not rub your lips in the dust, I have killed you and brought you low." |
| Inana and Šu-kale-tuda: c.1.3.3 Then the …… left heaven, left the earth and climbed up into the mountains. Inana left heaven, left the earth and climbed up into the mountains. She left E-ana in Unug and climbed up into the mountains. She left the giguna in Zabalam and climbed up into the mountains. As she had gone up from E-ana, …… ĝipar ……. Inana …… her cloak …… and climbed up into the mountains. -- Now, what did one say to another? What further did one add to the other in detail? |
| Inana and Šu-kale-tuda: c.1.3.3 Once, after my lady had gone around the heavens, after she had gone around the earth, after Inana had gone around the heavens, after she had gone around the earth, after she had gone around Elam and Subir, after she had gone around the intertwined horizon of heaven, the mistress became so tired that when she arrived there she lay down by its roots. Šu-kale-tuda noticed her from beside his plot. Inana …… the loincloth (?) of the seven divine powers over her genitals. …… the girdle of the seven divine powers over her genitals ……. …… with the shepherd Ama-ušumgal-ana ……. …… over her holy genitals ……. Šu-kale-tuda undid the loincloth (?) of seven divine powers and got her to lie down in her resting place. He had intercourse with her and kissed her there. After he had had intercourse with her and kissed her, he went back to beside his plot. When day had broken and Utu had risen, the woman inspected herself closely, holy Inana inspected herself closely. |
| Inana and Šu-kale-tuda: c.1.3.3 "Once, after my lady had gone around the heavens, after she had gone around the earth, after Inana had gone around the heavens, after she had gone around the earth, after she had gone around Elam and Subir, after she had gone around the intertwined horizon of heaven, the mistress became so tired that when she arrived there she lay down by its roots. I noticed her from beside my plot. I had intercourse with her and kissed her there. Then I went back to beside my plot." |
| Inana and Šu-kale-tuda: c.1.3.3 "Once, after my lady had gone around the heavens, after she had gone around the earth, after Inana had gone around the heavens, after she had gone around the earth, after she had gone around Elam and Subir, after she had gone around the intertwined horizon of heaven, the mistress became so tired that when she arrived there she lay down by its roots. I noticed her from beside my plot. I had intercourse with her and kissed her there. Then I went back to beside my plot." |
| Inana and An: c.1.3.5 (unknown no. of lines missing) (1 line fragmentary) Holy Inana ……. The hero, youthful Utu, ……. At dead of night ……. E-ana ……. Inana ……. The great (?) heavens ……. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Inana and An: c.1.3.5 (1 line fragmentary) …… E-ana comes forth from heaven, …… the lady of heaven set her mind to capturing the great heavens, …… Inana set her mind to capturing the great heavens, …… set her mind to capturing the great heavens from the …… of heaven, …… youthful Utu, she set her mind to capturing the great heavens. |
| Inana and An: c.1.3.5 Her brother the hero, youthful Utu, answered holy Inana: "My sister, I swear an oath by the life of heaven, I swear by the life of the rainbow (?) of heaven, my ……, ……, I swear by the life of my throne, by my majesty: I will follow what my sister says to me, I will follow what holy Inana says to me." |
| Inana and An: c.1.3.5 The maiden Inana answered her brother the hero, youthful Utu: "……, my spouse (?), has made love to me, has kissed me. I wanted …… for him but …… he did not give it to him. I hastened (?) with him …… but majestic An would not give him E-ana. The heavens are ours, the earth is ours: E-ana should be captured from An. After you have taken ……, listen to what I say to you. Examine …… for me, you must observe these instructions: …… the evil wind, the south wind, against me." (approx. 23 lines missing) |
| Inana and An: c.1.3.5 Holy Inana embarked (?) on the ……. The barge ……. The rope ……. The south wind, that south wind, rose up. The evil wind, that evil wind, rose up. In the distant heavens ……. Ḫienḫi-sag ……. The fisherman ……. The reed thickets and the tall reeds ……. |
| Inana and An: c.1.3.5 Adagbir answered holy Inana: "…… through the reed thickets and the tall reeds. For you …… find E-ana, which comes forth from heaven." |
| 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 and An: c.1.3.5 Having heard its …… cries, …… poured forth the ……, the clay of creation, …… and laid it ……. (2 lines missing)…… the great lady of heaven delivered those words to An. |
| Inana and An: c.1.3.5 An, who created gods and humankind, gazed at holy Inana { (1 ms. adds:) and addressed the favourite wife who travels by his side }, unable to describe this arrogance, this arrogance -- An was unable to describe { (1 ms. adds:) to Inana } this arrogance, this arrogance: "My child, …… you did not say …… -- you were able to capture E-ana! Inana, …… you did not say …… -- you were able to capture E-ana! E-ana should be as firm as heaven, { it should not be toppled } { (1 ms. has instead:) its attractions should never be exhausted }. Its name should be 'The Settlement of the Land'. { (1 ms. adds:) It should have no rival. } Mankind, all of the people, should prostrate themselves at her (?) feet." And now, under that sun and on that day, it was indeed so. |
| Dumuzid and Ĝeštin-ana: c.1.4.1.1 The lad raises his hands heavenward to Utu: "O Utu, I am your friend, I am a youth. Do you recognise me? Your sister, whom I married, descended to the underworld. Because she descended to the underworld, it was me that she was to hand over to the underworld as a substitute. O Utu, you are a just judge, don't disappoint me! Change my hands, alter my appearance, so that I may escape the clutches of my demons! Don't let them seize me! Like a saĝkal snake that slithers across the meadows and mountains, let me escape alive to the dwelling of my sister Ĝeštin-ana." |
| Dumuzid and Ĝeštin-ana: c.1.4.1.1 The demons go hither and thither searching for Dumuzid. The small demons say to the big demons: "Demons have no mother; they have no father or mother, sister or brother, wife or children. When …… were established on heaven and earth, you demons were there, at a man's side like a reed enclosure. Demons are never kind, they do not know good from evil. Who has ever seen a man, without a family, all alone, escape with his life? We shall go neither to the dwelling of his friend nor to the dwelling of his in-laws. Rather, for the shepherd let us go to the dwelling of Ĝeštin-ana." The demons clap their hands and begin to seek him out. |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 From the great heaven she set her mind on the great below. From the great heaven the goddess set her mind on the great below. From the great heaven Inana set her mind on the great below. My mistress abandoned heaven, abandoned earth, and descended to the underworld. Inana abandoned heaven, abandoned earth, and descended to 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 In his rage Father Nanna 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 Father Enki answered Ninšubur: "What has my daughter done? She has me worried. What has Inana done? She has me worried. What has the mistress of all the lands done? She has me worried. What has the mistress of heaven done? She has me worried." { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) Thus Father Enki helped her in this matter. } He removed some dirt from the tip of his fingernail and created the kur-ĝara. He removed some dirt from the tip of his other fingernail and created the gala-tura. To the kur-ĝara he gave the life-giving plant. To the gala-tura he gave the life-giving water. |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 "When she says "Oh my heart", you are to say "You are troubled, our mistress, oh your heart". When she says "Oh my body", you are to say "You are troubled, our mistress, oh your body". (She will then ask:) "Who are you? Speaking to you from my heart to your heart, from my body to your body -- if you are gods, let me talk with you; if you are mortals, may a destiny be decreed for you." Make her swear this by heaven and earth. (1 line fragmentary)" |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 When she said "Oh my heart", they said to her "You are troubled, our mistress, oh your heart". When she said "Oh my body", they said to her "You are troubled, our mistress, oh your body". (Then she asked:) "Who are you? I tell you from my heart to your heart, from my body to your body -- if you are gods, I will talk with you; if you are mortals, may a destiny be decreed for you." They made her swear this by heaven and earth. They ……. |
| Inana's descent to the nether world: c.1.4.1 Dumuzid let out a wail and wept. The lad raised his hands to heaven, to Utu: "Utu, you are my brother-in-law. I am your relation by marriage. I brought butter to your mother's house. I brought milk to Ningal's house. Turn my hands into snake's hands and turn my feet into snake's feet, so I can escape my demons, let them not keep hold of me." |
| Dumuzid's dream: c.1.4.3 The men surrounded him and drained the standing waters. They twisted a cord for him, they knotted a net for him. They wove a reed hawser for him, they cut sticks for him. The one in front of him threw missiles at him, the one behind him …… one cubit. His hands were bound in handcuffs, his arms were bound in fetters. The lad raised his hands heavenward to Utu: |
| Dumuzid's dream: c.1.4.3 "Come, let us go to Ku-bireš." { (1 ms. adds:) …… like a net ……. } They caught Dumuzid at Ku-bireš. The men surrounded him and drained the standing waters. They twisted a cord for him, they knotted a net for him. They wove a reed hawser for him, they cut sticks for him, the one in front of him threw missiles at him, the one behind him ……. His hands were bound in handcuffs, his arms were bound in fetters. The lad raised his hands heavenward to Utu: |
| Dumuzid's dream: c.1.4.3 "Unless the old woman is aware of Dumuzid's whereabouts, she is indeed looking frightened! She is indeed screaming in a frightened way! Come, let us go to the house of Old Woman Belili!" They caught Dumuzid at the house of Old Woman Belili. The men surrounded him and drained the standing waters. They twisted a cord for him, they knotted a net for him. They wove a reed hawser for him, they cut sticks for him, the one in front of him threw missiles at him, the one behind him ……. His hands were bound in handcuffs, his arms were bound in fetters. The lad raised his hands heavenward to Utu: |
| Dumuzid's dream: c.1.4.3 Utu accepted his tears. He changed his hands into { gazelle } { (1 ms. has instead:) snake } hands, he changed his feet into { gazelle } { (1 ms. has instead:) snake } feet, so he evaded the demons, and escaped with his life to the holy sheepfold, his sister's sheepfold. He approached the holy sheepfold, his sister's sheepfold. Ĝeštin-ana cried toward heaven, cried toward earth. Her cries covered the horizon completely like a cloth, they were spread out like linen. She lacerated her eyes, she lacerated her face, she lacerated her ears in public; in private she lacerated her buttocks. |
| 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 To the hostile mountains ……. To the fortress of the rebellious land ……. (1 line unclear) Lord, frighteningly fierce, ……. Fierce in heaven and earth, ……. (1 line unclear) |
| 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 "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 Lord Ninurta answered her: "My mother, I alone cannot …… with you ……. Ninlil, I alone cannot …… with you, for me alone ……. Battle arrayed like heaven -- no one can rival me (?). Like the deluge ……. Smashing the mountains like reed huts ……." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 "My battle, like an onrushing flood, overflowed in the mountains. With a lion's body and lion's muscles, it rose up in the rebellious land. The gods have become worried and flee (?) to the mountain ranges. They beat their wings like a flock of small birds. They stand hiding in the grass like wild bulls ……. No one can confront my radiance, heavy as heaven." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 "Now I have reestablished my heroic strength in the mountains. On my right, I bear my Mows-down-a-myriad. On my left, I bear my Crushes-a-myriad. I bear my Fifty-toothed-storm, my heavenly mace. I bear the hero who comes down from the great mountains, my No-resisting-this-storm. I bear the weapon which devours corpses like a dragon, my agasilig axe. I bear my ……." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 "I bear my ……. I bear the alkad net of the rebellious land, my alkad net. I bear that from which the mountains cannot escape, my šušgal net. I bear the seven-mouthed mušmaḫ serpent, the slayer, my spike (?). I bear that which strips away the mountains, the sword, my heavenly dagger." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 "I bear the deluge of battle, my fifty-headed mace. I bear the storm that attacks humans, my bow and quiver. I bear those which carry off the temples of the rebellious land, my throw-stick and shield. I bear the helper of men, my spear. I bear that which brings forth light like the day, my Obliterator-of-the-mountains. I bear the maintainer of the people in heaven and earth, my The-enemy-cannot-escape." |
| 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 "I am the ……, the life-source of Inana. I am the warrior, destined with Enki to be suited for the fearsome divine powers. Let my kingship be manifest unto the ends of heaven and earth. I am most able among the gods -- let me be imbued with great awesomeness." |
| Ninurta's return to Nibru: a šir-gida to Ninurta: c.1.6.1 "Let my beloved city, the sanctuary Nibru, raise its head as high as heaven. Let my city be pre-eminent among the cities of my brothers. Let my temple rise (?) the highest …… among the temples of my brothers. Let the territory of my city be the freshwater well of Sumer. Let the Anuna, my brother gods, bow down there. Let their flying birds establish nests in my city. Let their refugees refresh themselves in my shade." |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "Lord of lofty station, foremost one, who presides over all lords from the throne dais, Ninurta, whose orders are unalterable, whose allotted fates are faithfully executed; my master! Heaven copulated with the verdant Earth, Ninurta: she has born him a warrior who knows no fear -- the Asag, a child who sucked the power of milk without ever staying with a wet-nurse, a foster-child, O my master -- knowing no father, a murderer from the mountains, a youth who has come forth from ……, whose face knows no shame; impudent of eye, an arrogant male, { Ninurta } { (1 ms. has instead:) Ninĝirsu }, rejoicing in his stature. My hero, you who are like a bull, I will take my stand beside you. My master, who turns sympathetically towards his own city, who is effective in carrying out his mother's wishes: it has sired offspring in the mountains, and spread its seeds far and wide. The plants have unanimously named it king over them; like a great wild bull, it tosses its horns amongst them. The šu, the saĝkal, the esi (diorite), the usium, the kagena (haematite), and the heroic nu stones, its warriors, constantly come raiding the cities. For them a shark's tooth has grown up in the mountains; it has stripped the trees. Before its might the gods of those cities bow towards it. My master, this same creature has erected a throne dais: it is not lying idle. Ninurta, lord, it actually decides the Land's lawsuits, just as you do. Who can compass the Asag's dread glory? Who can counteract the severity of its frown? People are terrified, fear makes the flesh creep; their eyes are fixed upon it. My master, the mountains have taken their offerings to it." |
| 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 Ninurta led the march through the rebel lands. He killed their messengers in the mountains, he crushed (?) their cities, he smote their cowherds over the head like fluttering butterflies, he tied together their hands with hirin grass, so that they dashed their heads against walls. The lights of the mountains did not gleam in the distance any longer. People gasped for breath (?); those people were ill, they hugged themselves, they cursed the Earth, they considered the day of the Asag's birth a day of disaster. The lord caused bilious poison to run over the rebel lands. As he went the gall followed, anger filled his heart, and he rose like a river in spate and engulfed all the enemies. In his heart he beamed at his lion-headed weapon, as it flew up like a bird, trampling the mountains for him. It raised itself on its wings to take away prisoner the disobedient, it spun around the horizon of heaven to find out what was happening. Someone from afar came to meet it, brought news for the tireless one, the one who never rests, whose wings bear the deluge, the Šar-ur. What did it gather there …… for Lord Ninurta? It reported the deliberations of the mountains, it explained their intentions to Lord Ninurta, it outlined (?) what people were saying about the Asag. |
| Ninurta's exploits: a šir-sud (?) to Ninurta: c.1.6.2 "Hero, pitfall (?), net of battle, Ninurta, king, celestial mace …… irresistible against the enemy, vigorous one, tempest which rages against the rebel lands, wave which submerges the harvest, king, you have looked on battles, you have …… in the thick of them. Ninurta, after gathering the enemy in a battle-net, after erecting a great reed-altar, lord, heavenly serpent, purify your pickaxe and your mace! Ninurta, I will enumerate the names of the warriors you have already slain: the Kuli-ana, the Dragon, the Gypsum, the Strong Copper, the hero Six-headed Wild Ram, the Magilum Boat, Lord Saman-ana, the Bison Bull, the Palm-tree King, the Anzud bird, the Seven-headed Snake -- Ninurta, you slew them in 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 lord …… the wind. In his battle he smote the mountains with a cudgel. The Šar-ur made the storm-wind rise to heaven, scattering the people; like …… it tore. Its spittle alone destroyed the townspeople. The destructive mace set fire to the mountains, the murderous weapon smashed skulls with its painful teeth, the club which tears out entrails piled up noses. The lance was stuck into the ground and the crevasses filled with blood. In the rebel lands dogs licked it up like milk. The enemy rose up, crying to wife and child," You did not lift your arms in prayer to Lord Ninurta." The weapon covered the mountains with dust, but did not shake the heart of the Asag. The Šar-ur threw its arms around the neck of the lord: |
| 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 They sang to the lord in the ceremonial (?) boat. The boat, floating of its own accord, was piled up with riches. The boat Ma-kar-nunta-ea proceeded shiningly. To greet the hero from the smiting of weapons, the Anuna …… came to meet him. They pressed their noses to the ground, they placed their hands on their chests. They addressed a prayer and a supplication to the lord: "May your anger be appeased ……. Ninurta, king, Uta-ulu, lift your head to heaven." |
| 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." |
| Ninĝišzida's journey to the nether world: c.1.7.3 When Ama-šilama had gone on board the barge, a cry approached the heavens, a cry approached the earth, that great demon set up an enveloping cry before him on the river: "Urim, at my cry to the heavens lock your houses, lock your houses, city, lock your houses! Shrine Urim, lock your houses, city, lock your houses! Against your lord who has left the ĝipar, city, lock your houses!" (1 line fragmentary) (approx. 1 line missing) |
| The Flood story: c.1.7.4 After the …… of kingship had descended from heaven, after the exalted crown and throne of kingship had descended from heaven, the divine rites and the exalted powers were perfected, the bricks of the cities were laid in holy places, their names were announced and the …… were distributed. The first of the cities, Eridug, was given to Nudimmud the leader. The second, Bad-tibira, was given to the Mistress. The third, Larag, was given to Pabilsaĝ. The fourth, Zimbir, was given to the hero Utu. The fifth, Šuruppag, was given to Sud. And after the names of these cities had been announced and the …… had been distributed, the river ……, …… was watered, and with the cleansing of the small canals …… were established. (approx. 34 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 All the windstorms and gales arose together, and the flood swept over the ……. After the flood had swept over the land, and waves and windstorms had rocked the huge boat for seven days and seven nights, Utu the sun god came out, illuminating heaven and earth. Zi-ud-sura could drill an opening in the huge boat and the hero Utu entered the huge boat with his rays. Zi-ud-sura the king prostrated himself before Utu. The king sacrificed oxen and offered innumerable sheep. |
| 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, ……." |
| 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 "Come, let us go to Utu of heaven, who as he lies there, as he lies there, sleeps a sound sleep, to the hero, the son of Ningal, who as he lies there sleeps a sound sleep." He raised his hands towards Utu of the seventy doors (?). |
| The šumunda grass: c.1.7.7 When the rain rained, when walls were demolished, when it rained potsherds and fireballs, when one person confronted another defiantly, when there was copulation -- he also copulated, when there was kissing -- he also kissed. When the rain said: "I will rain," when the wall said: "I will rain (scribal error for 'demolish' ?)", when the flood said: "I will sweep everything away" -- Heaven impregnated (?), Earth gave birth, she gave birth also to the šumunda grass. Earth gave birth, Heaven impregnated (?), she gave birth also to the šumunda grass. |
| The šumunda grass: c.1.7.7 Her voice reached Heaven, her voice reached Earth, her resounding cry covered the horizon like a garment, was spread over it like a cloth, she hurled fierce winds at the head of the šumunda grass (saying): "Šumunda grass, your name ……. You shall be a plant ……. You shall be a hateful plant ……. Your name ……." (approx. 23 lines missing) |
| Gilgameš and Aga: c.1.8.1.1 "The great gods created the structure of Unug, the handiwork of the gods, and of E-ana, the house lowered down from heaven. You watch over { the great rampart, the rampart which An founded } { (1 ms. has instead:) its great rampart, a cloudbank resting on the earth }, the majestic residence which An established. You are its king and warrior, an exuberant person, a prince beloved of An. When Aga comes, what terror he will experience! That army is small, and scattered at the rear. Its men will be incapable of confronting us." |
| Gilgameš and the bull of heaven: c.1.8.1.2 (Inana speaks:) "Maybe it will muddy the waters, and will leave gigantic cowpats -- but let my father give me the Bull of Heaven, so I can kill the lord, so I can kill the lord, so I can kill the lord, Lord Gilgameš!" |
| Gilgameš and the bull of heaven: c.1.8.1.2 Great An replied to holy Inana: "My child, the Bull of Heaven would not have any pasture, as its pasture is on the horizon. Maiden Inana, the Bull of Heaven can only graze where the sun rises. So I cannot give the Bull of Heaven to you!" |
| Gilgameš and the bull of heaven: c.1.8.1.2 Holy Inana replied to him: "I shall shout, and make my voice reach heaven and earth!" |
| Gilgameš and the bull of heaven: c.1.8.1.2 { He was frightened, he was frightened. { (1 ms. adds here:) …… was frightened of Inana. } Great An replied to holy Inana: "I shall give her the Bull of Heaven." } { (instead of approx. lines 52-54, 1 ms. has:) She made her voice reach heaven ……, she made her voice reach earth; she made her voice reach heaven ……, she made her voice reach earth. It covered them like a woollen garment, it was spread over them like a linen garment. …… who could speak to her? …… who could speak to her? …… gave ……. } |
| Gilgameš and the bull of heaven: c.1.8.1.2 In masculine fashion, the maiden Inana grasped it by the lapis-lazuli tether. Holy Inana brought the Bull of Heaven { out } { (1 ms. has instead:) down }. At Unug, the Bull devoured the pasture, and drank the water of the river in great slurps. With each slurp it used up one mile of the river, but its thirst was not satisfied. It devoured the pasture and stripped the land bare. It broke up the palm trees of Unug, as it bent them to fit them into its mouth. When it was standing, the Bull submerged Unug. { The aura } { (1 ms. has instead:) the name } of the Bull of Heaven submerged Kulaba. |
| Gilgameš and the bull of heaven: c.1.8.1.2 Lord Gilgameš ……. Inana …… the Bull of Heaven. At Unug, the Bull ……, and drank the water of the river in great slurps. With each slurp it used up one mile of the river, but its thirst was not satisfied. It devoured the pasture and stripped the land bare. { (1 ms. adds here:) His lady ……. Gilgameš …… said," My mother ……, my sister ……, will …… the cattle to their tethering stakes, will …… the sheep to their tethering stakes, will …… to their tethering stakes." Gilgameš ……," Bull of Heaven, you, yes you, ……; you, yes you -- you do not ……." Gilgameš ……. } (5 lines unclear)"They will throw your corpse in the deserted streets, and throw your intestines in the broad square. They will send your carcass to the knacker's, and I shall share out your meat in baskets to the widows' sons who are citizens of my city ……. I shall make flasks of your two horns for pouring fine oil to Inana in E-ana." |
| Gilgameš and the bull of heaven: c.1.8.1.2 Holy Inana ……. An ……. …… the bond of heaven. An …… to holy Inana: "My child, ……." Inana replied ……: |
| Gilgameš and the bull of heaven: c.1.8.1.2 "Bull of Heaven, you -- you, ……, yes, you! You crush them ……, and I crush them ……. If you crush them, …… They shall consign your hide to the streets ……. They shall consign your intestines to the broad square ……. The widows' sons of my city shall each take their share of your meat in baskets. They shall consign your carcass to the knacker's, and I shall turn your two horns into flasks for pouring fine oil to Inana in E-ana." |
| Gilgameš and the bull of heaven: c.1.8.1.2 As he spoke, he consigned its hide to the streets, he consigned its intestines to the broad square, and the widows' sons of his city each took their share of its meat in baskets. He consigned its carcass to the knacker's, and turned its two horns into flasks for pouring fine oil to Inana in E-ana.For the death of the Bull of Heaven: holy Inana, 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?" |
| 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 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 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 and Ḫuwawa (Version B): c.1.8.1.5.1 Utu of heaven put on his lapis-lazuli diadem and came forward with head high. In his hand Gilgameš, the lord of Kulaba, held a holy staff before his nose: "Utu, I want to set off into the mountains! May you be my helper! I want to set off into the mountains of Cedar-felling! May you be my helper!" |
| Gilgameš and Ḫuwawa (Version B): c.1.8.1.5.1 (4 lines missing) "The first ……. The second ……. The third ……. The fourth ……. The fifth ……. The sixth beats at the flanks of the mountains like a battering flood. The seventh flashes like lightning, and no one can deflect its power. These shine in the heavens, but they know the routes on earth. In heaven they shine ……, raising ……; on earth they know the way even to Aratta. They know the destructive weather like the merchants. They know the mountain crannies like the pigeons. They will guide you to the place in the mountains where the boats have to be pulled from the water." |
| Gilgameš and Ḫuwawa (Version A): c.1.8.1.5 Gilgameš { prepared } { (2 mss. have instead:) took hold of } a white kid. { He clasped a brown kid, a sacrificial animal, close to his breast. } { (1 ms. has instead:) He …… a brown kid. } In his hand he held a holy staff before his nose, as he addressed Utu of heaven: |
| Gilgameš and Ḫuwawa (Version A): c.1.8.1.5 From heaven Utu replied to him: "Young man, you are noble already in your own right -- but what would you want with the mountains?" |
| Gilgameš and Ḫuwawa (Version A): c.1.8.1.5 "Utu, I have something to say to you -- a word in your ear! I greet you -- please pay attention! In my city people are dying, and hearts are full of distress. People are lost -- that fills me with { (1 ms. adds:) wretched } dismay. I craned my neck over the city wall: corpses in the water make the river almost overflow. That is what I see. That will happen to me too -- that is the way things go. No one is tall enough to reach heaven; no one can reach wide enough to stretch over the mountains. Since a man cannot pass beyond the final end of life, I want to set off into the mountains, to establish my renown there. Where renown can be established there, I will establish my renown; and where no renown can be established there, I shall establish the renown of the gods." |
| Gilgameš and Ḫuwawa (Version A): c.1.8.1.5 { He tugged at Gilgameš's hand. } { (4 mss. have instead:) "Gilgameš, let me go!" } "I want to talk to Utu!" "Utu, I never knew a mother who bore me, nor a father who brought me up! I was born in the mountains -- you brought me up! Yet Gilgameš swore to me by heaven, by earth, and by the mountains." |
| 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 When in ancient days heaven was separated from earth, when in ancient days that which was fitting ……, when after the ancient harvests …… barley was eaten (?), when boundaries were laid out and borders were fixed, when boundary-stones were placed and inscribed with names, when dykes and canals were purified, when …… wells were dug straight down; when the bed of the Euphrates, the plenteous river of Unug, was opened up, when ……, when ……, when holy An removed ……, when the offices of en and king were famously exercised at Unug, when the sceptre and staff of Kulaba were held high in battle -- in battle, Inana's game; when the black-headed were blessed with long life, in their settled ways and in their ……, when they presented the mountain goats with pounding hooves and the mountain stags beautiful with their antlers to Enmerkar son of Utu -- |
| Lugalbanda in the mountain cave: c.1.8.2.1 -- now at that time the king set his mace towards the city, Enmerkar son of Utu prepared an …… expedition against Aratta, the mountain of the holy divine powers. He was going to set off to destroy the rebel land; the lord began a mobilization of his city. The herald made the horn signal sound in all the lands. Now levied Unug took the field with the wise king, indeed levied Kulaba followed Enmerkar. Unug's levy was a flood, Kulaba's levy was a clouded sky. As they covered the ground like heavy fog, the dense dust whirled up by them reached up to heaven. As if to rooks on the best seed, rising up, he called to the people. Each one gave his fellow the sign. |
| Lugalbanda in the mountain cave: c.1.8.2.1 Five days passed. On they sixth day they bathed. …… on the seventh day they entered the mountains. When they had crossed over on the paths -- an enormous flood billowing upstream into a lagoon …… Their ruler (i.e. Enmerkar), riding on a storm, Utu's son, the good bright metal, stepped down from heaven to the great earth. His head shines with brilliance, the barbed arrows flash past him like lightning; at his side the bronze pointed axe of his emblem shines for him, he strides forward keenly with the pointed axe, like a dog set on consuming a corpse. |
| Lugalbanda in the mountain cave: c.1.8.2.1 When he lifted his eyes to heaven to Utu, 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 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 A second time (i.e. at the following sunrise), as the bright bull rising up from the horizon, the bull resting among the cypresses, a shield standing on the ground, watched by the assembly, a shield coming out from the treasury, watched by the young men -- the youth Utu extended his holy splendour down from heaven { (1 ms. from Urim adds:) …… holy, his brilliance illuminated for him the mountain cave }, he bestowed them on holy Lugalbanda in the mountain cave. His good protective god hovered ahead of him, his good protective goddess walked behind him. The god which had smitten him { stepped aside } { (1 ms. has instead:) went out from him } { (1 ms. has instead:) went up and away from him }. When he raised his eyes heavenward to Utu, he wept to him as 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 "Utu, shepherd of the land, father of the black-headed, when you go to sleep, the people go to sleep with you; youth Utu, when you rise, the people rise with you. Utu, without you no net is stretched out for a bird, no slave is taken away captive. To him who walks alone, you are his brotherly companion; Utu, you are the third of them who travel in pairs. You are the blinkers for him who wears the neck-ring. Like a holy zulumḫi garment, your sunshine clothes the poor man and the scoundrel as well as him who has no clothes; as a garment of white wool it covers the bodies even of debt slaves. Like rich old men, the old women praise your sunshine sweetly, until their oldest days. Your sunshine is as mighty as oil. Great wild bulls run forward." (alludes to a proverb) (1 line unclear) "Hero, son of Ningal, …… to you." (2 lines unclear)"Brother …… his brother. He causes his plough to stand in the ……. Praise to you is so very sweet, it reaches up to heaven. Hero, son of Ningal, they laud you as you deserve." |
| Lugalbanda in the mountain cave: c.1.8.2.1 They pursue …… Inana ……, who are favoured by Inana's heart, who stand in the battle, they are the fourteen torches of battle ……, at midnight they ……, at dead of night they pursue like wildfire, in a band they flash together like lightning, in the urgent storm of battle, which roars loudly like a great flood rising up; they who are favoured in Inana's heart, who stand in the battle, they are the seven torches of battle ……; they stand joyfully as she wears the crown under a clear sky, with their foreheads and eyes they are a clear evening. Their ears …… a boat, with their mouths they are wild boars resting in a reed thicket; they stand in the thick of battle, with their life-force they ……, (1 line unclear) who are favoured in Inana's heart, who stand in the battle, by Nintur of heaven they are numerous, by the life of heaven they hold ……; the holy shining battle-mace reaches to the edge of heaven and earth, …… reaches. (1 line unclear) |
| Lugalbanda in the mountain cave: c.1.8.2.1 As Utu comes forth from his chamber, the holy battle-mace of An ……, the just god who lies alongside a man; they are wicked gods with evil hearts, they are …… gods. It is they, like Nanna, like Utu, like Inana of the fifty divine powers, …… in heaven and earth ……; they are the interpreters of spoken evil, the spies of righteousness, (2 lines unclear) …… a clear sky and numerous stars, (1 line unclear) …… fresh cedars in the mountains of the cypress, …… a battle-net from the horizon to the zenith, (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| Lugalbanda and the Anzud bird: c.1.8.2.2 Lugalbanda is wise and he achieves mighty exploits. In preparation of the sweet celestial cakes he added carefulness to carefulness. He kneaded the dough with honey, he added more honey to it. He set them before the young nestling, before the Anzud chick, gave the baby fatty meat to eat. He fed it sheep's fat. He popped the cakes into its beak. He settled the Anzud chick in its nest, painted its eyes with kohl, dabbed white cedar scent onto its head, put up a twisted roll of salt meat. He withdrew from the Anzud's nest, awaited him in the mountains where no cypresses grow. At that time the bird was herding together wild bulls of the mountains, Anzud was herding together wild bulls of the mountains. He held a live bull in his talons, he carried a dead bull across his shoulders. He poured forth his bile like 10 gur of water. The bird halted (?) once, Anzud halted (?) once. When the bird called back to the nest, when Anzud called back to the nest, his fledgling did not answer him from the nest. When the bird called a second time to the nest, his fledgling did not answer from the nest. Whenever the bird had called back to the nest before, his fledgling had answered from the nest; but now when the bird called back to the nest, his fledgling did not answer him from the nest. The bird uttered a cry of grief that reached up to heaven, his wife cried out "Woe!" Her cry reached the abzu. The bird with this cry of "Woe!" and his wife with this cry of grief made the Anuna, gods of the mountains, actually crawl into crevices like ants. The bird says to his wife, Anzud says to his wife," Foreboding weighs upon my nest, as over the great cattle-pen of Nanna. Terror lies upon it, as when wild lions start butting each other. Who has taken my child from its nest? Who has taken the Anzud from its nest?" |
| Lugalbanda and the Anzud bird: c.1.8.2.2 Lugalbanda, partly from fright, partly from delight, partly from fright, partly from deep delight, flatters the bird, flatters Anzud: "Bird with sparkling eyes, born in this district, Anzud with sparkling eyes, born in this district, you frolic as you bathe in a pool. Your grandfather, the prince of all patrimonies, placed heaven in your hand, set earth at your feet. Your wingspan extended is like a birdnet stretched out across the sky! …… on the ground your talons are like a trap laid for the wild bulls and wild cows of the mountains! Your spine is as straight as a scribe's! Your breast as you fly is like Niraḫ parting the waters! As for your back, you are a verdant palm garden, breathtaking to look upon. Yesterday I escaped safely to you, since then I have entrusted myself to your protection. Your wife shall be my mother" (he said)," You shall be my father" (he said)," I shall treat your little ones as my brothers. Since yesterday I have been waiting for you in the mountains where no cypresses grow. Let your wife stand beside you to greet me. I offer my greeting and leave you to decide my destiny." |
| Lugalbanda and the Anzud bird: c.1.8.2.2 Like a pelican emerging from the sacred reedbed, like laḫama deities going up from the abzu, like one who is stepping from heaven to earth, Lugalbanda stepped into the midst of his brothers' picked troops. His brothers chattered away, the troops chattered away. His brothers, his friends weary him with questions: "Come now, my Lugalbanda, here you are again! The troops had abandoned you as one killed in battle. Certainly, you were not eating the good fat of the herd! Certainly, you were not eating the sheepfold's fresh cheese. How is it that you have come back from the great mountains, where no one goes alone, whence no one returns to mankind?" Again his brothers, his friends weary him with questions: "The banks of the mountain rivers, mothers of plenty, are widely separated. How did you cross their waters? -- as if you were drinking them?" |
| Lugalbanda and the Anzud bird: c.1.8.2.2 Lugalbanda alone arose from the people and said to him," My king, I will go to the city, but no one shall go with me. I will go alone to Kulaba. No one shall go with me." -- "If you go to the city, no one shall go with you. You shall go alone to Kulaba, no one shall go with you." He swore by heaven and by earth: "Swear that you will not let go from your hands the great emblems of Kulaba." |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 "My sister, let Aratta fashion gold and silver skilfully on my behalf for Unug. Let them cut the flawless lapis lazuli from the blocks, let them …… the translucence of the flawless lapis lazuli ……. …… build a holy mountain in Unug. Let Aratta build a temple brought down from heaven -- your place of worship, the Shrine E-ana; let Aratta skilfully fashion the interior of the holy ĝipar, your abode; may I, the radiant youth, may I be embraced there by you. Let Aratta submit beneath the yoke for Unug on my behalf. Let the people of Aratta bring down for me the mountain stones from their mountain, build the great shrine for me, erect the great abode for me, make the great abode, the abode of the gods, famous for me, make my me prosper in Kulaba, make the abzu grow for me like a holy mountain, make Eridug gleam for me like the mountain range, cause the abzu shrine to shine forth for me like the silver in the lode. When in the abzu I utter praise, when I bring the me from Eridug, when, in lordship, I am adorned with the crown like a purified shrine, when I place on my head the holy crown in Unug Kulaba, then may the …… of the great shrine bring me into the ĝipar, and may the …… of the ĝipar bring me into the great shrine. May the people marvel admiringly, and may Utu witness it in joy." |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 The messenger gave heed to the words of his king. He journeyed by the starry night, and by day he travelled with Utu of heaven. Where and to whom will he carry the important message of Inana with its stinging tone? He brought it up into the Zubi mountains, he descended with it from the Zubi mountains. Susa and the land of Anšan humbly saluted Inana like tiny mice. In the great mountain ranges, the teeming multitudes grovelled in the dust for her. He traversed five mountains, six mountains, seven mountains. He lifted his eyes as he approached Aratta. He stepped joyfully into the courtyard of Aratta, he made known the authority of his king. Openly he spoke out the words in his heart. The messenger transmitted the message to the lord of Aratta: |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 When he had spoken thus to him, (the lord of Aratta replied): "Messenger, speak to your king, the lord of Kulaba, and say to him: "It is I, the lord suited to purification, I whom the huge heavenly neck-stock, the queen of heaven and earth, the goddess of the numerous me, holy Inana, has brought to Aratta, the mountain of the shining me, I whom she has let bar the entrance of the mountains as if with a great door. How then shall Aratta submit to Unug? Aratta's submission to Unug is out of the question!" Say this to him." |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 When he had spoken thus to him, the messenger replied to the lord of Aratta: "The great queen of heaven, who rides upon the awesome me, dwelling on the peaks of the bright mountains, adorning the dais of the bright mountains -- my lord and master, who is her servant, has had them instal her as the divine queen of E-ana. Aratta shall bow, O lord, in absolute submission! She has spoken to him thus, in brick-built Kulaba." |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 "Messenger! Speak to your king, the lord of Kulaba, and say to him: "This great mountain range is a meš tree grown high to the sky; its roots form a net, and its branches are a snare. It may be a sparrow but it has the talons of an Anzud bird or of an eagle. The barrier of Inana is perfectly made and is impenetrable (?). Those eagle talons make the blood of the enemy run from the bright mountain. Although in Aratta there is weeping ……, water libations are offered and flour is sprinkled; on the mountain, sacrifices and prayers are offered in obeisance. With fewer than five or 10 men, how can mobilised Unug proceed against the Zubi mountains? Your king is heading in all haste against my military might, but I am equally eager for a contest. (As the proverb goes,) he who ignores a rival, does not get to eat everything up, like the bull which ignores the bull at its side. But he who acknowledges a contest can be the outright winner, like the bull which acknowledges the bull at its side -- or does he reject me in this contest? Like ……, …… can match no one -- or does he still reject me in this contest? Again, I have words to say to you, messenger: I have an artful proposal to make to you ……, may it get across to you ……. Repeat this to your master, to the lord of Kulaba, a lion lying on its paws in E-ana, a bull bellowing within it, within his ĝipar, fruitful as a flourishing meš tree. The mountain range is a warrior, …… high, like Utu going to his abode at twilight, like one from whose face blood drips; or like Nanna, who is majestic in the high heavens, like him whose countenance shines with radiance, who …… is like the woods in the mountains."" |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 ""Now if Enmerkar just makes straight for the …… of Aratta, for the benevolent protective spirit of the mountain of holy powers, for Aratta, which is like a bright crown of heaven, then I shall make my pre-eminence clear, and he need not pour barley into sacks, nor have it carted, nor have that barley carried into the settlements, nor place collectors over the labourers."" |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 After day had broken and Utu had risen, the sun god of the Land lifted his head high. The king combined the Tigris with the Euphrates. He combined the Euphrates with the Tigris. Large vessels were placed in the open air, and he stood small vessels beside them, like lambs lying on the grass. …… vessels were placed in the open air adjacent to them. Then the king, Enmerkar, the son of Utu, placed wide apart the ešda vessels, which were of gold. Thereupon, the …… clay tablet, the pointed stylus of the assembly, the golden statue fashioned on a propitious day, beautiful Nanibgal, grown with a fair luxuriance, Nisaba, the lady of broad wisdom, opened for him her holy house of wisdom. He entered the palace of heaven, and became attentive. Then the lord opened his mighty storehouse, and firmly set his great lidga measure on the ground. The king removed his old barley from the other barley; he soaked the greenmalt all through with water; its lip …… the ḫirin plant. He narrowed the meshes of the carrying nets. He measured out in full (?) the barley for the granary, adding for the teeth of locusts. He had it loaded on the packasses at whose sides reserve donkeys were placed. The king, the lord of broad wisdom, the lord of Unug, the lord of Kulaba, despatched them directly to Aratta. He made the people go on to Aratta on their own, like ants out of crevices. Again the lord added instructions for the messenger going to the mountains, to Aratta: |
| Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: c.1.8.2.3 After he had thus spoken to him, the messenger went on his way to Aratta; his feet raised the dust of the road, and made the little pebbles of the hills thud; like a dragon prowling the desert, he was unopposed. After the messenger reached Aratta, the people of Aratta stepped forward to admire the packasses. In the courtyard of Aratta, the messenger measured out in full (?) the barley for the granary, adding for the teeth of locusts. As if from the rains of heaven and the sunshine, Aratta was filled with abundance. As when the gods return to their seats (?), Aratta's hunger was sated. The people of Aratta covered their fields with the water-soaked greenmalt. Afterwards, couriers and šatam officials ……. (2 lines unclear) |
| 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 En-suḫgir-ana: c.1.8.2.4 Brickwork rising out { from the pristine mountain } { (on the edge of ms. C:) of the shining plain } -- Kulaba, city which reaches from heaven to earth; Unug, whose fame like the rainbow reaches up to the sky, a multicoloured sheen, as the new moon standing in the heavens. |
| The Sumerian king list: c.2.1.1 After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alalĝar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Then Eridug fell and the kingship was taken to Bad-tibira. In Bad-tibira, En-men-lu-ana ruled for 43200 years. En-men-gal-ana ruled for 28800 years. Dumuzid, the shepherd, ruled for 36000 years. 3 kings; they ruled for 108000 years. Then Bad-tibira fell (?) and the kingship was taken to Larag. In Larag, En-sipad-zid-ana ruled for 28800 years. 1 king; he ruled for 28800 years. Then Larag fell (?) and the kingship was taken to Zimbir. In Zimbir, En-men-dur-ana became king; he ruled for 21000 years. 1 king; he ruled for 21000 years. Then Zimbir fell (?) and the kingship was taken to Šuruppag. In Šuruppag, Ubara-Tutu became king; he ruled for 18600 years. 1 king; he ruled for 18600 years. In 5 cities 8 kings; they ruled for 241200 years. Then the flood swept over. |
| The Sumerian king list: c.2.1.1 After the flood had swept over, and the kingship had descended from heaven, the kingship was in Kiš. In Kiš, Ĝušur became king; he ruled for 1200 years. Kullassina-bēl ruled for { 960 } { (ms. P2+L2 has instead:) 900 } years. Nanĝišlišma ruled for (ms. P2+L2 has:) { 670 } (?) years. En-taraḫ-ana ruled for (ms. P2+L2 has:) { 420 } years ……, 3 months, and 3 1/2 days. Babum …… ruled for (ms. P2+L2 has:) { 300 } years. Puannum ruled for { 840 } { (ms. P2+L2 has instead:) 240 } years. Kalibum ruled for { 960 } { (ms. P2+L2 has instead:) 900 } years. Kalūmum ruled for { 840 } { (mss. P3+BT14, Su1 have instead:) 900 } years. Zuqāqīp ruled for { 900 } { (ms. Su1 has instead:) 600 } years. (in mss. P2+L2, P3+BT14, P5, the 10th and 11th rulers of the dynasty precede the 8th and 9th) { Atab } { (mss. P2+L2, P3+BT14, P5 have instead:) A-ba } ruled for 600 years. Mašda, the son of Atab, ruled for { 840 } { (ms. Su1 has instead:) 720 } years. Arwium, the son of Mašda, ruled for 720 years. Etana, the shepherd, who ascended to heaven and consolidated all the foreign countries, became king; he ruled for { 1500 } { (ms. P2+L2 has instead:) 635 } years. Baliḫ, the son of Etana, ruled for { 400 } { (mss. P2+L2, Su1 have instead:) 410 } years. En-me-nuna ruled for { 660 } { (ms. P2+L2 has instead:) 621 } years. Melem-Kiš, the son of En-me-nuna, ruled for 900 years. { (ms. P3+BT14 adds:) 1560 are the years of the dynasty of En-me-nuna. } { Barsal-nuna, the son of En-me-nuna, } { (mss. P5, P3+BT14 have instead:) Barsal-nuna } ruled for 1200 years. Zamug, the son of Barsal-nuna, ruled for 140 years. Tizqār, the son of Zamug, ruled for 305 years. { (ms. P3+BT14 adds:) 1620 + X ……. } Ilku ruled for 900 years. Iltasadum ruled for 1200 years. En-me-barage-si, who made the land of Elam submit, became king; he ruled for 900 years. Aga, the son of En-me-barage-si, ruled for 625 years. { (ms. P3+BT14 adds:) 1525 are the years of the dynasty of En-me-barage-si. } 23 kings; they ruled for 24510 years, 3 months, and 3 1/2 days. Then Kiš was defeated and the kingship was taken to E-ana. |
| 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. |
| Sargon and Ur-Zababa: c.2.1.4 It was then that the cupbearer of Ezina's wine-house, Sargon, lay down not to sleep, but lay down to dream. In the dream, holy Inana drowned Ur-Zababa in a river of blood. The sleeping Sargon groaned and gnawed the ground. When King Ur-Zababa heard about this groaning, he was brought into the king's holy presence, Sargon was brought into the presence of Ur-Zababa (who said:) "Cupbearer, was a dream revealed to you in the night?" Sargon answered his king: "My king, this is my dream, which I will tell you about: There was a young woman who was as high as the heavens and as broad as the earth. She was firmly set as the base of a wall. For me, she drowned you in a great river, a river of blood." |
| 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 Its king, the shepherd Naram-Suen, rose as the daylight on the holy throne of Agade. Its city wall { , like a mountain, } { (1 ms. has instead:), a great mountain, } reached the heavens. It was like the Tigris { going to } { (some mss. have instead:) flowing into } the sea as holy Inana opened the portals of its city-gates and made Sumer bring its own possessions upstream by boats. The highland Martu, people ignorant of agriculture, brought spirited cattle and kids for her. The Meluḫans, the people of the black land, brought { exotic wares } { (some mss. have instead:) wares of foreign countries } up to her. Elam and Subir loaded themselves with goods for her as if they were packasses. All the governors, the { temple administrators } { (1 ms. has instead:) generals }, and the accountants of the Gu-edina regularly supplied the monthly and New Year offerings. What a weariness all these caused at Agade's city gates! Holy Inana could hardly receive all these offerings. As if she were a citizen there, she could not restrain (?) the desire (?) to prepare the ground for a temple. |
| The cursing of Agade: c.2.1.5 Not even five or 10 days had passed and Ninurta brought the jewels of rulership, the royal crown, the emblem and the royal throne bestowed on Agade, back into his E-šu-me-ša. Utu took away the eloquence of the city. Enki took away its wisdom. An took { up } { (some mss. have instead:) out } { (1 ms. has instead:) away } into the midst of heaven its fearsomeness that reaches heaven. Enki tore out its well-anchored holy mooring pole from the abzu. Inana took away its weapons. |
| 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 Enki took away its wisdom. An took up into the midst of heaven its fearsomeness that reaches heaven. Enki tore out its well-anchored holy mooring pole from the abzu. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| 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 "In the dream there was someone who was as enormous as the heavens, who was as enormous as the earth. His head was like that of a god, his wings were like those of the Anzud bird, his lower body was like a flood storm. Lions were lying at his right and his left. He spoke to me about building his house, but I could not understand what he exactly meant, then daylight rose for me on the horizon." |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 His mother Nanše answered the ruler: "My shepherd, I will explain your dream for you in every detail. The person who, as you said, was as enormous as the heavens, who was as enormous as the earth, whose head was like that of a god, whose wings, as you said, were like those of the Anzud bird, and whose lower body was, as you said, like a flood storm, at whose right and left lions were lying, was in fact my brother Ninĝirsu. He spoke to you about the building of his shrine, the E-ninnu." |
| 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 "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 Afterwards, Ninĝirsu stepped up to the head of the sleeper, briefly touching him: "You who are going to build it for me, you who are going to build it for me, ruler, you who are going to build my house for me, Gudea, let me tell you the ominous sign for building my house, let me tell you the pure stars of heaven indicating my regulations (?)." |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 "As if at the roaring of the Anzud bird, the heavens tremble at my house, the E-ninnu founded by An, the powers of which are the greatest, surpassing all other powers, at the house whose owner looks out over a great distance. Its fierce halo reaches up to heaven, the great fearsomeness of my house settles upon all the lands. In response to its fame all lands will gather from as far as heaven's borders, even Magan and Meluḫa will come down from their mountains." |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 "When you, true shepherd Gudea, really set to work for me on my house, the foremost house of all lands, the right arm of Lagaš, the Anzud bird roaring on the horizon, the E-ninnu, my royal house, I will call up to heaven for humid winds so that plenty comes down to you from heaven and the land will thrive under your reign in abundance." |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 Towards the house whose halo reaches to heaven, whose powers embrace heaven and earth, whose owner is a lord with a fierce stare, whose warrior Ninĝirsu is expert at battle, towards E-ninnu-the-white-Anzud-bird, Gudea went from the south and admired it northwards. From the north he went towards it and admired it southwards. He measured out with rope exactly one iku. He drove in pegs at its sides and personally verified them. This made him extremely happy. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 He performed extispicy on a kid and his omen was favourable. He cast grain on to …… and its appearance was right. Gudea lay down for a dream oracle, and while he was sleeping a message came to him: in the vision he saw his master's house already built, the E-ninnu separating heaven and earth. This made him extremely happy. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 They inserted the wooden door frames, which were like a crown worn in the blue sky. As Gudea sat down at a wooden door frame, from there it was like a huge house embracing heaven. As he built the house and laid wooden scaffolding against it, it was like Nanna's lagoon attended by Enki. They made the house grow as high as the hills, they mad it float in the midst of heaven as a cloud, they made it lift its horns as a bull and they made it raise its head above all the lands, like the ĝišgana tree over the abzu. As the house had been made to lift its head so high as to fill the space between heaven and earth like the hills, it was like a luxuriant cedar growing among high grass (?); E-ninnu was decorated most alluringly among Sumer's buildings. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 As they placed wooden beams on the house, they looked like dragons of the abzu coming out all together, they were like …… of heaven ……, they were like huge serpents of the foothills ……. The reeds cut for the house were like mountain snakes sleeping together. Its upper parts were covered with luxuriant cedar and cypress, and they put white cedars in its inner room of cedar, marvellous to behold. They treated them with good perfume and precious oil. The mud-wall of the house was covered with the abundance (?) of the abzu and they tied its …… to it. The shrine of E-ninnu was thus placed in the …… hand of An. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 The ruler built the house, he made it high, high as a great mountain. Its abzu foundation pegs, big mooring stakes, he drove into the ground so deep they could take counsel with Enki in the E-engura. He had heavenly foundation pegs surround the house like warriors, so that each one was drinking water at the libation place of the gods. He fixed the E-ninnu, the mooring stake, he drove in its pegs shaped like praying wizards. He planted the pleasant poplars of his city so that they cast their shadow. He embedded its Šar-ur weapon beside Lagaš like a big standard, placed it in its dreadful place, the Šu-galam, and made it emanate fearsome radiance. On the dais of Ĝir-nun, on the place of making judgments, the provider of Lagaš lifted his horns like a mighty bull. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 He built his master's house exactly as he had been told to. The true shepherd Gudea made it grow so high as to fill the space between heaven and earth, had it wear a tiara shaped like the new moon, and had its fame spread as far as the heart of the highlands. Gudea made Ninĝirsu's house come out like the sun from the clouds, had it grow to be like hills of lapis lazuli and had it stand to be marvelled at like hills of white alabaster. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 The built-in door-sockets of the house are laḫama deities standing by the abzu. Its timber store (?) looks like waves (?) of an enormous lagoon where snakes have dived (?) into the water. Its …… is …… full of fearsomeness. Its …… is a light floating in the midst of heaven. On the Gate where the King Enters an eagle is raising its eyes toward a wild bull. Its curved wooden posts joining above the gate are a rainbow stretching over the sky. Its upper lintel of the gate like (?) the E-ninnu stands among rumbling, roaring storms. Its awe-inspiring eyebrow-shaped arch (?) meets the admiring eyes of the gods. His white dais …… of the house is a firmly founded lapis lazuli mountain connecting heaven and earth. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 The fearsomeness of the E-ninnu covers all the lands like a garment. The house! It is founded by An on refined silver, it is painted with kohl, and comes out as the moonlight with heavenly splendour. The house! Its front is a great mountain firmly grounded, its inside resounds with incantations and harmonious hymns, its exterior is the sky, a great house rising in abundance, its outer assembly hall is the Anuna gods' place of rendering judgments, from its …… words of prayer can be heard, its food supply is the abundance of the gods, its standards erected around the house are the Anzud bird spreading its wings over the bright mountain. E-ninnu's clay plaster, harmoniously blended clay taken from the Edin canal, has been chosen by its master Lord Ninĝirsu with his holy heart, and was painted by Gudea with the splendours of heaven as if kohl were being poured all over it. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 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 The house is a great mountain reaching up to the skies. It is Utu filling the midst of the heavens; E-ninnu is the white Anzud bird spreading its talons upon the mountain land. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 They sheared the black ewes and milked the udder of the cow of heaven. They cleaned the E-ninnu, they polished it with brooms of tamarisk and ……. The ruler made the whole city kneel down, made the whole land prostrate itself. He levelled what was high, rejected chance utterances (?); the sorcerers' spittle (?) was removed from the roads. In the city only the mother of a sick person administered a potion. The wild animals, creatures of the steppe, all had crouched together. The lions and the dragons of the steppe were lying asleep. |
| The building of Ninĝirsu's temple (Gudea, cylinders A and B): c.2.1.7 After the heavenly mitum mace had roared against the foreign lands like a fierce storm -- the Šar-ur, the flood storm in battle, the cudgel for the rebel lands -- after the lord had frowned at the rebellious land, the foreign country, hurled at it his furious words, driven it insane (the text here seems to be corrupt, and there may be some lines missing), |
| 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 …… determined a fate for the brickwork of E-ninnu: "O brickwork, let there be a fate determined, brickwork of E-ninnu, let there be a good fate determined! House …… embers (?) …… embracing heaven. …… holy ……." (14 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 "Because there was bitterness in my Land, I trudged the earth like a cow for its calf. My Land was not granted succcess. Because there was bitter distress in my city, I beat my wings like a bird of heaven and flew to my city; and my city was destroyed in its foundations; and Urim perished where it lay. Because the hand of the storm appeared above, I screamed and cried to it "Return, O storm, to the plain". The storm's breast did not rise." |
| 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 Alas, storm after storm swept the Land together: the great storm of heaven, the ever-roaring storm, the malicious storm which swept over the Land, the storm which destroyed cities, the storm which destroyed houses, the storm which destroyed cow-pens, the storm which burned sheepfolds, which laid hands on the holy rites, which defiled the weighty counsel, the storm which cut off all that is good from the Land, the storm which pinioned the arms of the black-headed people. |
| 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 Urim: c.2.2.2 From distant days when the Land was founded, O Nanna, the humble people who lay hold of your feet have brought to you their tears for the silent house, playing music before you. May the black-headed people, cast away from you, make obeisance to you. In your city reduced to ruin mounds may a lament be made to you. O Nanna, may your restored city be resplendent before you. Like a bright heavenly star may it not be destroyed, may it pass before you. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 The dark time was roasted by hailstones and flames. The bright time was wiped out by a shadow. { (2 mss. add 2 lines:) In the darkness, noses were heaped up, heads were smashed. The storm was a harrow coming from above, the city was struck by a hoe. } On that day, heaven rumbled, the earth trembled, the storm worked without respite. Heaven was darkened, it was covered by a shadow; the mountains roared. Utu lay down at the horizon, dust passed over the mountains. Nanna lay at the zenith, the people were afraid. The city's god left his dwelling and stood aside. The foreigners in the city even chased away its dead. Large trees were uprooted, the forest growth was ripped out. The orchards were stripped of their fruit, they were cleaned of their offshoots. The crop drowned while it was still on the stalk, the yield of the grain diminished. (3 lines fragmentary) |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 A lament was raised at the dais that stretches out toward heaven. Its heavenly throne was not set up, was not fit to be crowned (?). It was cut down as if it were a date palm and tied together. Aššu, the settlement that stretches out along the river, was deprived of water. At the place of Nanna where evil had never walked, the enemy walked. How was the house treated thus? The E-puḫruma was emptied. Ki-abrig, which used to be filled with numerous cows and numerous calves, was destroyed like a mighty cattle-pen. Ningublaga took an unfamiliar path away from the Ĝa-bura. Ninigara wept bitter tears all alone." Alas, the destroyed city, my destroyed house," she cried bitterly. Its sacred Ĝipar of en priesthood was defiled. Its en priestess was snatched from the Ĝipar and carried off to enemy territory. |
| The lament for Sumer and Urim: c.2.2.3 The house's great door ornament fell down, its parapet was destroyed. The wild animals that were intertwined on its left and right lay before it like heroes smitten by heroes. Its gaping-mouthed dragons and its awe-inspiring lions were pulled down with ropes like captured wild bulls and carried off to enemy territory. The fragrance of the sacred seat of Nanna, formerly like a fragrant cedar grove, was destroyed. { (1 ms. adds 1 line:) Its architrave …… gold and lapis lazuli. } The glory of the house, whose glory was once so lovely, was extinguished. Like a storm that fills all the lands, it was built there like twilight in the heavens; its doors adorned with the heavenly stars, its ……. Great bronze latches …… were torn out. Its hinges ……. Together with its door fittings it (?) wept bitterly like a fugitive. The bolt, the holy lock and the great door were not fastened for it. The noise of the door being fastened had ceased; there was no one to fasten it. The …… and was put out in the square. |
| 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 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 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 Unug: c.2.2.5 The …… which had developed -- its wiping clean (?) was to be accomplished (?). The …… of heaven and earth put their divine powers …… to sleep (?). (1 line fragmentary) |
| The lament for Unug: c.2.2.5 As its gigantic horns reached up to heaven, who trembled in his very core? As it was piled up over the mountains like a battle-net, who turned away? Who caused wailing and lamenting in those streets and ……? Unug, like a loyal citizen in terror, set up an alarm (and exclaimed) "Rise up!" Why did its hand seize Unug? Why did the benevolent eye look away? Who brought about such worry and lamenting and ……? |
| 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 The …… of heaven …… and the people …… to the limits of heaven. |
| 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 Unug! They seized your wharf and your borders and ……. At Unug shouts rang out, screams reverberated, its captured men ……. The noise reached to the south. The south was destroyed and ……. The impact forced its way to the uplands. The uplands were struck and ……. To the right and left no people moved about, no habitations were built. There was no …… and the mobilisation of troops did not ……. …… rose up to heaven. Heaven perished and its strength did not ……. …… upon the earth. The earth was scattered, and it did not ……. All the settlements were dispersed -- Unug stood all alone. It was a bull, it was a champion, it was immense with pride, but it …… to the weapons. All night and even until midday battle was waged, and afterwards it did not ……. |
| 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 …… It distorted its appearance. …… It distorted its appearance. It circled its …… wall. It overturned its foundations. Throughout his city, the pure, radiant (?) place, the foundations were filled with dust. It cast down its ziggurat, the shrine which reaches up to heaven, into a heap of debris. The loftiness of its elevated door-ornament, befitting a house, was stripped down (?). It cut down the gate, its Great-Ziggurat-of-Heaven-and-Earth-Covered-with-Terrible-Awesomeness, its shining door, and it broke through its bolt. It ripped out its doorframe. The house was defaced. |
| The lament for Eridug: c.2.2.6 The hired man and the governor ……. The festivals …… grandly ……. Holy songs, songs of all kinds ……. The šem drum and ala drum ……. The great divine powers, all the divine powers ……. The place of the gods of heaven and earth ……. The judgment by the king, the holy sceptre at his right side, ……. The en priestess, lumaḫ priest and nindiĝir priestess ……. |
| The lament for Eridug: c.2.2.6 Inana, the queen of heaven and earth, destroyed her city Unug. Fleeing from the E-ana, the house of seven corners and seven fires ……, she destroyed it but did not abandon it -- at the lunches, in her great dining hall, they call her name. |
| The lament for Eridug: c.2.2.6 At the giguna shrine, the sacred house, evildoers ……. The E-unir -- the shrine raises its head as high as heaven. Its shadow ……. |
| 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. |
| A tigi to Bau for Gudea (Gudea A): c.2.3.2 My lady, you have brought the divine powers from the interior of heaven. Your own father, An, the king, has presented you with perfect divine powers, so you inspire respect among the Anuna gods. Bau, you have brought the divine powers from the midst of heaven. Your own father, An the king, has presented you with perfect divine powers, so you inspire respect among the Anuna gods. |
| A tigi to Bau for Gudea (Gudea A): c.2.3.2 You are the lady who renders verdicts, who decrees judgments and ……. You are the righteous one among the gods, the wife of the warrior. Bau, you are cherished in the heaven and on the earth. Bau, you are the lady who renders verdicts, who decrees judgments and ……. You are the righteous one among the gods, the wife of the warrior. Bau, you are cherished in heaven and on earth. |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 To Gilgameš, the king of the nether world, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a spear, a leather bag for a saddle-hook, a heavenly lion-headed imitum mace, a shield resting on the ground, a heroic weapon, and a battle-axe, an implement beloved of Ereškigala. |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 The trustworthy shepherd …… a heart-rending lament for himself: "I, who have been treated like this, served the gods well, set up chapels for them. I have created evident abundance for the Anuna gods. I have laid treasures on their beds strewn with fresh herbs. Yet no god stood by me and soothed my heart. Because of them, anything that could have been a favourable portent for me was as far away from me as the heavens, the ……. What is my reward for my eagerness to serve during the days? My days have been finished for serving them sleeplessly during the night! Now, just as the rain pouring down from heaven cannot turn back, alas, nor can I turn back to brick-built Urim." |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 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 Gilgameš, the king of the nether world, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a spear, a leather bag for (?) the saddle-hook ……, a heavenly lion-headed mitum mace, a shield resting on the ground, and a battle-axe, an implement beloved of Ereškigala. |
| The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A): c.2.4.1.1 After five days, 10 days had passed, lamenting for Sumer overwhelmed my king, lamenting for Sumer overwhelmed Ur-Namma. As he could not complete the wall of Urim; as he could no longer enjoy the new palace he had built; as he, the shepherd, could no longer protect (?) his household; as he could no longer bring pleasure to his wife with his embrace; as he could not bring up his sons on his knees; as he would never see in their prime the beauty of their little sisters, who are yet to grow up, the trustworthy shepherd uttered a heart-rending lament for himself: "I, who have experienced, who have experienced fear, …… for the great gods, I have set up chapels for them. I have created evident abundance for the Anuna gods. I have …… treasures to their …… shining thrones. …… a favourable portent for me, was …… as the nether world or the heavens ……. (1 line fragmentary) (approx. 7 lines missing)" |
| A 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 "I am Nunamnir, 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 "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 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 I am the creature of Nanna! I am the older brother of Gilgameš! I am the son borne by Ninsumun, a princely seed! For me, kingship came down from heaven! Sweet is the praise of me, the shepherd Ur-Namma! |
| A šir-namšub to Nanna for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma F): c.2.4.1.6 House, your great divine power is the shackle of the gods put on the Land. Your gate is named by your god, the beautiful god; only when it is is open does Utu illuminate from the horizon. Your platform, the place where the fates are determined by the gods, in order to make just decisions, is where the Anuna, the gods of heaven and earth, take counsel. |
| A 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 praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi A): c.2.4.2.01 Then I arose like an owl (?), like a falcon to return to Nibru in my vigour. But a storm shrieked, and the west wind whirled around. The north wind and the south wind howled at each other. Lightning together with the seven winds vied with each other in the heavens. Thundering storms made the earth quake, and Iškur roared in the broad heavens. { The rains of heaven mingled with the waters of the earth. } { (1 ms. has instead:) The rains of heaven competed with the waters of the earth. } Small and large hailstones drummed on my back. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi A): c.2.4.2.01 I drank beer in the palace founded by An with my brother and companion, the hero Utu. My singers praised me with songs accompanied by seven tigi drums. My spouse, the maiden Inana, the lady, the joy of heaven and earth, sat with me at the banquet. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi A): c.2.4.2.01 Truly I am not boasting! Wherever I look to, there I go; wherever my heart desires, I reach. { (1 ms. adds at least 10 lines:) By the life of my father holy Lugalbanda, and Nanna the king of heaven and earth, I swear that the words written on my tablet are ……. (at least 4 lines missing or unclear) …… since the days of yore, since ………, no king of Sumer as great as I has existed for the people. } An placed a { legitimate and lofty } { (some mss. have:) golden } { (1 ms. has:) good silver } { (1 ms. has:) silver } crown firmly on my head. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi A): c.2.4.2.01 In the lustrous E-kur, I seized the holy sceptre and I lifted my head towards heaven on a shining dais, a throne with firm foundation. I consolidated my kingship, subdued the foreign lands, fortified the Land. May my name be proclaimed among the well-guarded people of the four regions! May they praise it in holy hymns about me! May they glorify my majesty, saying: |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi A): c.2.4.2.01 "The one provided with lofty royal power; the one given heroism, power and happy life by Suen of the E-kiš-nu-ĝal; the one endowed with superior strength by Nunamnir; Šulgi, the destroyer of foreign lands, the fortifier of the Land, the purification priest of heaven and earth, who has no rival; { Šulgi, who is cared for by the respected child of An! }" |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 I am Šulgi, god of manliness, the foremost of the troops. When I stretch the bowstring on the bow, when I fit a perfect arrow to it, I shoot the bow's arrow with the full strength of my arms. The great wild bull, the bull of heaven, the wild cow and the bison bellow. As they pass across the foothills of the mountains, I shoot barbed arrows at them with my powerful strength. (1 line unclear)As they collapse (?) on the plain, I topple them like old towers. I make their heads plunge to the ground like crushing pestles. For the wild asses I set no snares, dig no pits, shoot no arrows against them. But I race after them as against my own rivals; I do not try to surround them to kill their young, as people kill slim ass foals. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 When a burly wild boar (?) is running across the plain, I pierce its lungs with an arrow. With only one shot of mine I bring it to the ground; no single clansman from my regiments can surpass me in archery. I am a man with sharp eyes. When I lead the …… of the crack troops, I know best of all how to cast the throw-stick, running as quick as light radiating from heaven. What I hit no longer rises from its place. (1 line unclear)I can throw a ball (?) as high in the air as if it were a rag. I can bring down quadrupeds lightning-quick with the sling. I, Šulgi, can catch a goat with a quick pace; nothing checks my power. …… has been given to me. Wherever I direct my steps, I always achieve something; when I return from the desert, I always bring something more for her -- for Ninsumun, my own mother, I am her son of five things, of 10 things (= of everything). |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 Before Utu son of Ningal, I, Šulgi, declare that in my long life in which I have achieved great things since the day that my kingly destiny was determined, in my life in which everything was richly provided in contentment, I have never lacked anything. Until the distant future may this song bless the name of me, the king, with a life of long days. As I am musical, as I am eloquent, I am a heavenly star of steadfastness. It is an awe-inspiring brow that establishes palaces, just as a peg and a measuring cord are the builders of cities. With the awesomeness that radiates from my forehead, which I make the foreign lands wear like a nose-rope, and the fear-inspiring lustre, my personal weapon, which I impose on the Land like a neck-stock, I am able to root out and undo crime. I have the ability to reconcile great matters with one word. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 I am no fool as regards the knowledge acquired since the time that mankind was, from heaven above, set on its path: when I have discovered tigi and zamzam hymns from past days, old ones from ancient times, I have never declared them to be false, and have never contradicted their contents. I have conserved these antiquities, never abandoning them to oblivion. Wherever the tigi and the zamzam sounded, I have recovered all that knowledge, and I have had those šir-gida songs brilliantly performed in my own good house. So that they should never fall into disuse, I have added them to the singers' repertoire, and thereby I have set the heart of the Land on fire and aflame. |
| 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 But if his heart devises treason against me, and he commits violence against anything of mine, may Nanna then adjudicate against this rebel, and let Utu the torch catch him. Wherever that king's path may lead, his word shall be wiped out. Until he has completed the days of his life, he shall do everything in his power to keep the hymns in their proper form. Through becoming familiar thereby with me, the king, he will speak of me in awed amazement. Because of my extraordinary wisdom and my ancient fame as a master, he should choose my hymns as examples, and himself beget heavenly writings. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi B): c.2.4.2.02 Now, I swear by Utu on this very day -- and my younger brothers shall be witnesses of it in foreign lands where the sons of Sumer are not known, where people do not have the use of paved (?) roads, where they have no access to the written word -- that the firstborn son is a fashioner of words, a composer of songs, a composer of words, and that they will recite my songs as heavenly writings, and that they will bow down before my words as a …… (8 lines fragmentary) |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 I am the king, a wild bull of acknowledged strength, a lion with wide-open jaws! I am Šulgi, a wild bull of acknowledged strength, a lion with wide-open jaws! I am a great storm let loose from heaven, sending its splendour far and wide! I am good stock, with brindled body, engendered by a breed-bull! I am a king born from a cow, resting amid butter and milk! I am the calf of a thick-necked white cow, reared in the cow-pen! Dressed in a …… royal robe and holding out a sceptre, I am perfect for ……. I am also the good shepherd who takes joy in justice, the scourge and stick of all evil! Strength of lions, hero of battle -- I have no rivals! Handsome of limb, ferocious lion, I am perfection in warfare! Grasping a lapis-lazuli mace and a battle-axe, with long fingers I sharpen a tin knife to untie knots. In the turbulent affray of battle, in the conflict, I shoot out my tongue, a mušḫuš darting out its tongue at the foreign lands, a dragon raging (?) at men. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 I am a hero! Let them appropriately acknowledge my fame! I am a shepherd! Let them repeatedly bless me in prayer according to the heavenly stars! Let them tell in song a perfect recital of all my praiseworthy deeds! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 I am a hero! Let them appropriately acknowledge my fame! I am a shepherd! Let them repeatedly bless me in prayer according to the heavenly stars! Let them tell in song a perfect recital of all my praiseworthy deeds! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 I am a hero! Let them appropriately acknowledge my fame! I am a shepherd! Let them repeatedly bless me in prayer according to the heavenly stars! Let them tell in song a perfect recital of all my praiseworthy deeds! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 I am a hero! Let them appropriately acknowledge my fame! I am a shepherd! Let them repeatedly bless me in prayer according to the heavenly stars! Let them tell in song a perfect recital of all my praiseworthy deeds! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 I am a hero! Let them appropriately acknowledge my fame! I am a shepherd! Let them repeatedly bless me in prayer according to the heavenly stars! Let them tell in song a perfect recital of all my praiseworthy deeds! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 I am a hero! Let them appropriately acknowledge my fame! I am a shepherd! Let them repeatedly bless me in prayer according to the heavenly stars! Let them tell in song a perfect recital of all my praiseworthy deeds! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 Lion, feline …… (5 lines fragmentary or unclear) May its glory cover the cities, and its battle-cry smother the foreign lands! May the people be terrified at its roaring, as at a storm in the heavens! I am Šulgi, the good shepherd of Sumer! May he bring me the muscles of a lion, the sinews of a lion! May he receive (?) my spear! (3 lines unclear)The black-headed will look on in amazement, and …… in my city. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 I am a hero! Let them appropriately acknowledge my fame! I am a shepherd! Let them repeatedly bless me in prayer according to the heavenly stars! Let them tell in song a perfect recital of all my praiseworthy deeds! |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 Where I stand, I destroy foreign lands; where I sit, I plunder cities. At my command, ……. Where my weapons strike, ……. (7 lines fragmentary or unclear) Their bricks are dug up from the footings ……. The city which I smash shall not be restored; the houses which I destroy shall be counted as ruin mounds; the walls proudly rising to heaven shall not open ……. (1 line unclear) …… I have been given great strength. (1 line fragmentary) …… arrows of my quiver …… a flying bird. As if ……; …… like a wild bull in a meadow. My spear goes straight. My great emblems are raised at the edge of the mountains. When day breaks and Utu comes forth and looks upon the hills, I shall marvel at them. (2 lines unclear) …… may they be terrified, and may his troops be frightened. (1 line fragmentary) Since I am a king who puts the Land on track, (4 lines fragmentary) Night falls, (2 lines unclear) The rebel lands ……. They are scattered by force, like sheep that have no shepherd. (7 lines fragmentary or unclear) May concord be promoted in the Land. May my attack cause them to collapse, like a wild bull going to its resting place. (1 line unclear)May the numerous people in their well-established dwelling be avenged. |
| A praise poem of Šulgi (Šulgi C): c.2.4.2.03 I am a hero! Let them appropriately acknowledge my fame! I am a shepherd! Let them repeatedly bless me in prayer according to the heavenly stars! Let them tell in song a perfect recital of all my praiseworthy deeds! |
| 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 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 The king of the holy heavens, adorned with a wide crown, the lord, the bright luminary of the gods, Father Nanna, …… by him on his right side; and he walks along the road together with Šulgi, the good shepherd of Sumer. |
| 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 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 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 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! |
| 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! |
| An adab (?) to Utu for Šulgi (Šulgi Q): c.2.4.2.17 Youthful Utu ……, …… from Uraš; brilliant light, great lion, ……, hero emerging from the holy interior of heaven, storm whose splendour covers the Land and is laden with great awesomeness; Utu, king of justice that befits the true offspring, made Šulgi, the trustworthy shepherd, glorious in the battle. The great wild bull, youthful Utu, who like a torch illuminates the Land from the holy heavens; the wise one of all the countries, the fearsome radiance of (?) Uraš, the just god among the Anuna gods, the long (?), holy dragon, the first-born son cherished by Suen, the lord born to command -- Utu bestowed the kingship of the Land on Šulgi. |
| An adab (?) to Utu for Šulgi (Šulgi Q): c.2.4.2.17 Šulgi …… Utu ……. …… a fragrant cedar forest. O king, the lord who covers the heavens with awesomeness ……. …… the heavenly august dais from the holy place. The lord …… august radiance on all the lands from the holy heavens. Because of your purity, youthful Utu has made everything abundant for you; may a sweet life be your lot, son of Ninsumun. |
| Šulgi and Ninlil's barge: a tigi (?) to Ninlil (Šulgi R): c.2.4.2.18 Your rudder is a large kiĝ fish in the broad waters at the mouth of the Kisala canal. Your …… are a bison, inspiring terror on the great earth. Your tow-rope is the gliding Niraḫ extended over the land. Your mooring pole is the heavenly bond, which ……. Your longside beams are a warrior striking straight against another warrior. Your prow is Nanna …… fair sky. Your stern is Utu …… at the horizon. Your canopy (?) is ……. |
| A tigi to Ninurta for Šulgi (Šulgi T): c.2.4.2.20 Lord, perfect warrior, beloved by ……. Ninurta, meš tree with a broad shining canopy, ……. Weapon striding into battle, …… foreign countries. A dragon with a terrifying face, venomous snake who …… its venom against the rebel lands. …… overpowering ……, foremost lion ……. Ninurta, who …… with the great prince Enki. My king, in your city, shrine Nibru, ……. E-šu-me-ša, where …… for you. Lord, the kingship is perfect with you ……. Adviser, the dragon of the Land, ……. Ninurta, the great wall of Nibru, ……. My king, whose divine powers cannot be scattered, warrior ……. Forceful lion, ……. King with the broad wisdom of heaven and earth, ……. Exalted sceptre rising above the Land, ……. Ninurta, who …… the enemy, ……. |
| An adab (?) to Nergal for Šulgi (?) (Šulgi U): c.2.4.2.21 Nergal who ……, …… great awe, who …… the underworld -- its awesome radiance …… the battle-net, its awesomeness has filled heaven and earth. |
| 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 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 The lady, the light of heaven, the delight of the black-headed, the youthful woman who excels her mother, who was granted divine powers by her father, Inana, the daughter of Suen, decreed a destiny for Šulgi, the son of Ninsumun: |
| 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!" |
| An adab (?) to Suen for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen F): c.2.4.4.6 …… from the distant radiance, …… in heaven, (1 line fragmentary)Suen, ……, …… Šu-Suen. Nanna has elevated ……. |
| An adab (?) to Suen for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen F): c.2.4.4.6 The beauty of heaven, the prince of earth, youthful Suen, the immense, the light of heaven and earth, who makes years of prosperity and good …… last permanently, Nanna, the lord who is born each month, sired my Šu-Suen. |
| An adab (?) to Suen for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen F): c.2.4.4.6 The light which sweetens the night and structures the year, Nanna, the crown of the holy heavens, …… my Šu-Suen, (2 lines fragmentary) |
| An adab (?) to Suen for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen F): c.2.4.4.6 …… Nanna is the great lord of heaven and earth. …… has made manifest ……. …… is spreading ……. (2 lines fragmentary) (approx. 1 line missing) (2 lines fragmentary)……, the just crown …… in heaven, …… on his head, he has given guidance. My Šu-Suen is the prince of the Land. |
| An adab (?) to Suen for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen F): c.2.4.4.6 ……, lengthen the days (?) for my Šu-Suen, my Šu-Suen who has grown as high as the heavens. |
| An adab (?) to Suen for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen F): c.2.4.4.6 The lord, the son of An, ……, …… with shining horns, renowned Nanna, ……, whose commands ……, the light of the firmament, the light of the earth, whose luminosity speeds to the people, Lord Ašimbabbar, a viper made visible, the youth Suen whose holy countenance approaches the earth, Nanna -- just as he appears elevated (?) in heaven and above earth, so he has elevated Šu-Suen over the Land. |
| 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! |
| An adab (?) to Suen for Šu-Suen (Šu-Suen F): c.2.4.4.6 May (?) the lord of heaven, the well-disposed one, …… the earth, youthful Suen, the lord of heaven, ……, …… Šu-Suen. |
| 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 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 In the corners of heaven and earth, in the beautiful land …… beneath his feet, Nanna has …… his divine powers in all lands; he has …… widely in heaven and earth. An …… Ašimbabbar ……. Nanna has …… him in his youthfulness; he has …… the divine powers of his lifetime forever. May he …… my Ibbi-Suen. Nanna's command is a great …… which cannot be dispersed. Ibbi-Suen has grasped his august hand; he has acted truthfully for him, and so is named with a good name. |
| A šir-namgala to Mešlamta-ea and Lugal-era for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen B): c.2.4.5.2 You are superlative, my master, you are superlative! Your power reaches to the outer limits of heaven. Lord Lugal-era, you are superlative, your power reaches to the outer limits of heaven. Your divine powers are artfully fashioned divine powers, incomparable divine powers! Sea with high waves, you are imbued with terrible fearsomeness! Mighty god who dwells in the Land, your great awesomeness covers heaven and earth! |
| A šir-namgala to Mešlamta-ea and Lugal-era for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen B): c.2.4.5.2 I will praise your greatness! You are superlative, my master, you are superlative! Your power reaches to the outer limits of heaven. |
| A šir-namgala to Mešlamta-ea and Lugal-era for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen B): c.2.4.5.2 Trustworthy warrior, I will praise you! Lord Lugal-era, I will praise you! You are the great and august neck-stock of the gods, you are a great awesomeness resting heavily upon the Land, a heavy flood-wave covering the foreign land. Your river is a mighty river, the river which determines destinies, an august river where the sun rises, which nobody can bear to look upon. Great barge riding on the flood waters, Lord Lugal-era: when you set foot in the place where all mankind is gathered, the princes of the underworld bow down before you; in the abyss you emit a bright light to them. …… has been placed in your hands. Lord Lugal-era, your greatness extends to the outer limits of heaven. |
| A šir-namgala to Mešlamta-ea and Lugal-era for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen B): c.2.4.5.2 My king, let me tell of your greatness! Lord Lugal-era, I will praise your greatness! You are august, you alone are august! Mighty god surpassing all the gods, elevated king reaching up to the heavens, mighty god, trustworthy lord by himself, River of the Ordeal, heart of the gods, decision-making lord who hates evil, who like Suen loves justice. |
| 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 Its divine powers ……. The seven divine powers, …… grandly established, adorned with the divine powers by the prince in the abzu, the prince …… adorned ……. The warrior qualities of Mešlamta-ea and Lord Lugal-era …… in the foreign lands; their greatness shines forth to the outer limits of heaven and earth, to the outer limits of heaven and earth. |
| An adab to Suen for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen C): c.2.4.5.3 …… of heaven and earth, renewing his light, …… just prince who comes forth, Suen, whom the Great Mountain engendered to be a princely lord, (1 line fragmentary)He is forceful, he is the king of heaven and earth! Lord Ašimbabbar, renewing his light! Suen, renewing his light! ……, renewing his light! The god of light, renewing his light! He is forceful, he is the king of heaven and earth! He …… in the pure sky, he shines forth towards the earth. On the basis of the decisions of great An, he gives important advice. He brings forth all the divine powers, to keep …… in good order. Youth elevated to be prince, my Ibbi-Suen! He calls him to a long and prosperous reign. |
| An adab to Suen for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen C): c.2.4.5.3 Lord Ašimbabbar shines forth towards the earth. On the basis of the decisions of great An, he gives important advice. He brings forth all the divine powers, to keep …… in good order. Youth elevated to be prince, my Ibbi-Suen, whom he calls to a long prosperous reign! He comes forth majestically as far as the highlands and the outer limits of the mountains; their holy divine powers are pure, and he has perfected the divine plans. He directs his far-seeing gaze over everything in all its complexity. He has a perfect crown and divine powers of eternal days; his command cannot be overthrown. He prolongs the life of my Ibbi-Suen. Lord Ašimbabbar comes forth majestically. Their holy divine powers are pure, and he has perfected the divine plans. He directs his far-seeing gaze over everything in all its complexity. He has a perfect crown and divine powers of eternal days; his command cannot be overthrown. He prolongs the life of my Ibbi-Suen. The lord, the light of heaven and earth, ……. He is the ornament of the heights (?) of the firmament. (1 line unclear) He has …… all its divine powers ……. My Ibbi-Suen ……. Lord Ašimbabbar is its crown ……. …… of the heights (?) of the firmament. (1 line unclear)…… all its divine powers …… My Ibbi-Suen ……. |
| 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 adab to Suen for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen C): c.2.4.5.3 …… youthful Suen, has bestowed …… on him, the king of heaven. |
| An ululumama to Suen for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen D): c.2.4.5.4 Great lord, light holding his head high in the vault of the sky, …… brilliance, Suen, powerful dragon from the high mountains shedding light on the people, light of the remote heavens, crown ……, joy of the father who begot him! Impressive son born of Ninlil, respected in the E-kur, visible even at noontime, youthful Suen, …… light of heaven, whose majestic radiance is visible even at noontime, light who illuminates the black-headed people, Father Nanna, emerging from the remote (?) ……, understanding well how to make the night pleasant! Respected prince who, when he appears, is the glorious radiance of the heavens! |
| An ululumama to Suen for Ibbi-Suen (Ibbi-Suen D): c.2.4.5.4 At the foundations of heaven and earth, Father Nanna appears in the night time over Urim, the city that is the cosmic bond for Sumer, whose divine powers can never be altered. He has called the name, he has filled the heart with joy, my Ibbi-Suen! At the shrine Nibru, whose interior is a mountain of abundance, the dwelling-place of the Ki-ur, he spreads his majestic light from above over the land in princely style, in the august courtyard, the unceasing …… of its majestic light determining great destinies. Suen offers a prayer in the Ubšu-unkena to the father who begot him, the great …… of heaven and earth, Lord Nunamnir: |
| 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 With the city ……. …… Marḫaši ……. …… the foreign lands ……. From Bašimi by the edge of the sea …… to the edge of Zabšali ……, and from Arawa, the bolt of Elam …… to the edge of Marḫaši ……. Kindattu, the man of Elam, ……. …… Isin, the great spindle of heaven and earth. The king's battle did not ……. The battle of Elam …… Sumer. …… by the edge of the sea. …… the land of Ḫuḫnuri. …… the wild animals and four-footed ……. The king …… in the battle. |
| An adab to Nergal for Šu-ilīšu (Šu-ilīšu A): c.2.5.2.1 Lord, furiously raging storm, confusing the enemies and unleashing (?) great terror over the Land, Nergal, mighty quay of heaven and earth, who …… all living things, lord who guards (?) the teeming people when he looks up furiously, turning (?) his weapons against the wicked: Nergal, powerful in heaven and earth, who …… the people in heaps! |
| An adab to Nergal for Šu-ilīšu (Šu-ilīšu A): c.2.5.2.1 Lord, mighty storm, raging with your great powers, south storm which covers the Land, Nergal, who smites the enemy whom he has cursed ……, exalted lord, strong one with a powerful wrist, whom no one can withstand, Nergal, rising broadly, full of furious might, great one praised for his accomplishments, pre-eminent among the great youthful gods, whose valour is …… of valour, Nergal, whose greatness covers heaven and earth to their uttermost limits! |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 I shall greet her who ascends above, her who ascends above, I shall greet the Mistress who ascends above, I shall greet the great lady of heaven, Inana! I shall greet the holy torch who fills the heavens, the light, Inana, her who shines like daylight, the great lady of heaven, Inana! I shall greet the Mistress, the most awesome lady among the Anuna gods; the respected one who fills heaven and earth with her huge brilliance; the eldest daughter of Suen, Inana! For the young lady I shall sing a song about her grandeur, about her greatness, about her exalted dignity; about her radiantly ascending at evening; about her filling the heaven like a holy torch; about her stance in the heavens, as noticeable by all lands, from the south to the highlands, as that of Nanna or of Utu; about the greatness of the mistress of heaven! |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 When standing in the heavens she is the good wild cow of An, on earth she instils respect; she is the lady of all the lands. She received the divine powers in the abzu, in Eridug; her father Enki presented them to her. He placed the lordship and kingship in her hands. She takes her seat on the great dais with An; she determines the fates in her Land with Enlil. Monthly, at the new moon, the gods of the Land gather around her so that the divine powers are perfected. The great Anuna gods, having bowed before them, stand there with prayers and supplications and utter prayers on behalf of all the lands. My lady decrees judgments in due order for the Land. { (2 mss. add the line:) Inana decides verdicts for the Land together with Enlil. } Her black-headed people parade before her. |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 Making silver alĝar instruments sound for her, they parade before her, holy Inana. I shall greet the great lady of heaven, Inana! Making holy ub and holy lilis drums sound for her, they parade before her, holy Inana. I shall greet the great lady of heaven, Inana! Beating (?) holy balaĝ and holy lilis drums for her, they parade before her, holy Inana. I shall greet { (1 ms. adds:) in (?) her grandeur, in (?) her greatness, in (?) her exalted dignity as she ascends radiantly at evening, } { the eldest daughter of Suen } { (some mss. have instead:) the great lady of heaven }, Inana! |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 Dressed with men's clothing on the right side, they parade before her, holy Inana. I shall greet the great lady of heaven, Inana! Adorned (?) with women's clothing on the left side, they parade before her, holy Inana. I shall greet the great lady of heaven, Inana! Competing with skipping ropes of (?) coloured cords for her, they parade before her, holy Inana. I shall greet { the eldest daughter of Suen } { (1 ms. has instead:) the great lady of heaven }, Inana! |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 The Mistress stands alone in the pure heavens. From the midst of heaven my lady looks with joy at all the lands and the black headed people, who are as numerous as { sheep } { (1 ms. has instead:) ewes }. { (some mss. add the line:) They parade before her, holy Inana. } I praise the lady of the evening, Inana, the august one, the young lady, Inana. { The lady of the evening reaches the borders of heaven! } { (1 ms. has instead:) The lady exalted as high as the heaven, Inana, is august! } |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 When at evening, the radiant star, the Venus star, the great light which fills the holy heavens, the lady of the evening, ascends above like a warrior, the people in all the lands lift their gaze to her. The men purify themselves, the woman cleanse themselves. The oxen toss (?) their heads in their yoke. The sheep stir up dust in their pens. Because of my lady, the numerous beasts of Šakkan, the creatures of the plain, the four-legged animals { under the broad heavens } { (1 ms. has instead:) of the broad high (?) plain }, the orchards and gardens, the plots, the green reedbeds, the fish of the deep, the birds of heaven, all hasten to their sleeping places. All the living creatures and the numerous people bend the knee before her. When called for (?) by my lady, the matriarchs plentifully provide food and drink, and my lady refreshes herself in her Land. There is play in the Land, which is made festive. The young men take pleasure in their spouses. |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 From the midst of heaven my lady looks down with joy. They parade before her, holy Inana. The lady of the evening, Inana, is august; I praise the young lady, Inana. The lady of the evening, her grandeur reaches the borders of heaven! |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 At night the skilled and beautiful one (?), the joy of An, the ornament of broad heaven, appears like moonlight; in the heat of the noon she appears like sunlight. After the storehouses of the Land have been filled with fine food, and all the lands and the black-headed people have assembled, { (1 ms. adds:) and the storehouses of the Land have been made full (?), } those who sleep on the roofs and those who sleep by the walls step up before her with …… and bring her their cases. Then she makes her orders known, and identifies the evil. She judges the evil as evil and destroys the wicked. She looks with favour on the just and determines a good fate for them. |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 From the midst of heaven my lady looks down with joy. They parade before her, holy Inana. The lady exalted as high as the heaven, Inana, is august! I praise the young woman, Inana. The lady exalted as high as the heaven, her grandeur reaches the borders of heaven. |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 The beautiful lady, the joy of An, has ascended above like a warrior. She carries there what befits the …… of heaven. She takes counsel with An in his lofty place. Among { youths and heroes } { (some mss. have instead:) heroic youths }, may she be alone chosen! |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 As the lady, admired by the Land, the lone star, the Venus star, the lady elevated as high as the heaven, ascends above like a warrior, all the lands tremble before her ……. The faithful black-headed people bow to her. The young man travelling on the road directs himself by her. The oxen raise their heads in their yoke to her. { (2 mss. add:) The melody of the song of those tending the cattle resounds …… on the plain. The farmer …… the cattle …… their yoke in the Land. } With her the storehouses of the Land prosper. |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 Everybody hastens to holy Inana. For my lady in the midst of heaven the best of everything is prepared (?). In the pure places of the plain, at its good places, on the roofs, on the rooftops, the rooftops of the dwellings (?), in the sanctuaries (?) of mankind, incense offerings like a forest of aromatic cedars are transmitted to her. They sacrifice alum sheep, long-haired sheep, and fattened sheep for her. They purify the earth for the Mistress, they { carry out purification rites for her } { (some mss. have instead:) celebrate her in songs }. |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 From the midst of heaven my lady looks down with joy. They parade before her, holy Inana. Inana, the lady exalted as high as the heaven is august! I praise the young lady, Inana. The lady exalted as high as the heaven, her grandeur reaches the borders of heaven! |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 They praise my lady on my behalf (?) with the hymns of heaven and earth." You are the Mistress born together with heaven and earth." In the holy place, the pure place, they celebrate the Mistress in songs: "Joy of the black-headed people, ornament of the assembly, Inana, eldest daughter of Suen, lady of the evening, your praise is good." |
| A šir-namursaĝa to Ninsiana for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan A): c.2.5.3.1 From the midst of heaven my lady looks down with joy. They parade before her, holy Inana. { Inana, the lady elevated as high as the heavens, is august! } { (some mss. have instead:) The lady of the evening, her grandeur reaches the borders of heaven! } |
| A praise poem of Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan B): c.2.5.3.2 You have put the highways and roads in order, made the Land content, placed justice in every mouth, made propriety resplendent. You have marked the borders (?) and fixed the boundaries, made Sumer and Akkad raise their necks. Iddin-Dagan, you have restored the purification rituals of the deities which you have organised. What you order ……. Your word reaches holy heaven, your utterances cover the heavens. |
| 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. |
| An adab to Ningublaga for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan C): c.2.5.3.3 Hero, roaring in the rebel-lands, you have angrily piled up skulls. You have terrified their brick buildings and scattered their chaff heavenward. Vigorous wild bull, roaring in the rebel-lands you have angrily piled up skulls. You have terrified their brick buildings and scattered their chaff heavenward. |
| A šir-namerima (?) for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan D): c.2.5.3.4 Lady whose tempest, like a raging storm, …… the interior of heaven and the trembling earth, whose upraised fierce face, like a fire, rips the bodies of the enemy; who, like a dragon, does not bring up venom in her place where ……, paws of a lion, sharpened knives, claws constantly dripping blood, …… which prick the body with fear! When you draw through the flesh the scalpel and the lancet, knives like lion's claws -- the bodies of the black-headed people tremble because of you! |
| A šir-namerima (?) for Iddin-Dagan (Iddin-Dagan D): c.2.5.3.4 Lady, life-creator of the Land, your name is its great standard. Lady of the majestic divine powers who rivals great An, mistress of all the great gods, lady, you have instilled fear of you in heaven and on earth. Your face is awesome, your cry is majestic, your forehead ……, your mouth ……; your arm, …… the evil-doer like a net, has cut off ……. |
| 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 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 Inana, the lady of heaven and earth ……, chose me as her beloved spouse. She put attractiveness in my waist-belt (?), looking at me with her life-giving look, as she lifted her radiant forehead to me, to make me step onto the flowery bed. She has uttered her unalterable holy word for me to spend long, long days in the ĝipar, combining the priestly office of en with the kingship and caring unceasingly for E-ana, and for my neck to become thick like a wild bull's in Unug as my splendour covers Kulaba. |
| 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 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 Išme-Dagan, born for heaven, chosen by the heart -- I am kind like a father, attentive (?) like a mother. I am a lofty wall, the encouragement of the Land. I am a tall meš tree with thick roots, and broad shining branches. I am the canopy of Sumer, a pleasant shade; I am a place which even a tall person cannot reach. I am the helper of the troops, the focal point of the Land. I am a warrior on the way to battle, I am a powerful runner who goes like the north wind. I am wise …… superior in every respect. I am a belligerent wild bull, kicking up the dust everywhere; I am a battering ram, ……. I stand in the forefront of the shields. I am the hero of heroes, with the strength of a battle-mace, as I smite the rebel lands right and left. |
| 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 (1 line fragmentary) Utu ……; the black-headed people ……. Enki, Iškur, Ezina, …… the god of abundance, ……; …… abundance in heaven and earth. Again, let there be a chief singer; let there be a scholar and a songsmith; let there be a composer of odes and a performer of songs; let there be a sweet-voiced singer of the king; let there be a joyful-hearted (?) alternating singer; let there be a calm-voiced singer in the bedchamber; let there be a singer with answering voice …… (approx. 31 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 Lady, imbued with fearsomeness, whose greatness is recognised in heaven and on earth, perfect in nobility! Mother Bau, foremost among ladies, warrior ……! Powerful goddess, who perfectly controls the august divine powers, proud one, …… great intelligence! ……, true woman, wise lady who has been made knowledgeable from birth! Daughter of An, expert, eloquent, who holds everything in her hand! Lady, great doctor of the black-headed people, who keeps people alive, and brings them to birth. Šu-ḫalbi, incantation priestess of the numerous people, ……! Merciful, compassionate one of the Land, lady of justice! |
| 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 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 ……. |
| 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, 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 ……. |
| Išme-Dagan and Enlil's chariot: a tigi to Enlil (Išme-Dagan I): c.2.5.4.09 Your two …… are something to be marvelled at. Your furnishings are most outstanding, like a forest of aromatic cedars. Your pole is a field with open furrows, an abundance of dappled grain. Your …… is a thick cloud covering the …… of heaven all over. Your yoke is a huge neck-stock from which there is no escape, which clamps down the evildoer. Your rope-fastened pegs are laid down as a huge net spanning heaven and earth. (1 line fragmentary) (1 line missing) (1 line fragmentary) |
| Išme-Dagan and Enlil's chariot: a tigi to Enlil (Išme-Dagan I): c.2.5.4.09 Your mudguard is Utu …… the horizon, ……. The front of your mudguard is the ornament of (?) ……. Your implements are Nanna who fills the midst of heaven with delight. Your axle is …… which …… a flood. Your rope-box is a whip …… which rouses up the donkeys. Your pole-pin is a huge open battle-net which does not let the evildoer escape. Your farings are the exalted princely divine powers sought out with great care. Your platform is warriors fiercely attacking each other. Your side beams are strong breeding bulls carrying a heavy load. Your cross-beams are urgent young men embracing each other. Your side-boards are ……. Your foot-board is ……. Your seat ……. (21 lines missing) |
| A hymn to Inana for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan K): c.2.5.4.11 Young woman Inana, Suen's daughter, who makes the divine powers of the Land supreme, who achieves everything, who seizes the divine powers in heaven and gathers them up on earth, who proceeds proudly with her head reaching the heavens, whose radiance makes the nighttime secure like a fire which lights up into the distance -- no god can stand up as her opposition, ……. |
| 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. |
| 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 Except you, no god …… in the entirety of heaven and earth. Bright countenance in the holy sky, you …… like daylight. The Land rejoices over the harvest, the great festival that is full of delight, and the black-headed people look to you as to their father. Great lord, you hearken to anyone who approaches you for succour; you are the beloved of the Land. Urim, the great cosmic bond of Sumer, the city that has grown as high as the heavens, joyfully becomes of one accord for you in the sanctuary built with extispicy, in your delightful cattle-pen. …… Išme-Dagan ……, may the breed-bull and the good ox mount holy cows ……, may they multiply vigorously for you. May premium …… and premium milk, the milk of your holy dining room …… become abundant there. (2 lines fragmentary)May he care properly for …… divine plans for you. May he …… for you. …… your …… filled with gold, the lady …… Ningal, on its …… appear as brightly as daylight ……. May he …… Išme-Dagan ……. |
| 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? |
| 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) |
| An adab (?) to Nuska for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan Q): c.2.5.4.17 (1 line fragmentary) The Anuna, the great gods, …… the holy palace, the dwelling-place. Lord Nunamnir has appointed you as his chief minister; he has firmly put the holy sceptre in your hand, and made your name glorious. You are perfectly suited to perform the ordinances of the E-kur in all their complexity, to teach the proper execution of the lustrations and the august rites, to purify and clean, and to make grandly manifest the numerous divine powers, the surpassing divine powers; indeed, to give command with grandeur is now consummately and irrevocably yours. Moreover, you are indeed Nuska, the prince and the counsellor of the E-kur! In the entire extent of heaven and earth, in all the countries, you alone are mighty. |
| An adab (?) to Nuska for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan Q): c.2.5.4.17 The Anuna, the gods of the earth, as many as they are, will gather before you in the Ubšu-unkena where the great verdicts are pronounced and the great commands are given. It is you who …… for them the forceful decisions made by Enlil. They always pay attention to your holy words, which, like the heavens, can never be grasped fully. In (?) the lofty ……, imbued with awesomeness, firmly founded, you announce their lot. |
| A dedication of a statue (Išme-Dagan S): c.2.5.4.19 Then Išme-Dagan erected a statue on his precious dais in the E-ni-guru, depicting him as inspiring terror while running in a storm, and made it iridescent with splendour, so that the great prince of the entire heaven, the lord whose utterance is immutable, should constantly direct his shining forehead and favourable glance at the true shepherd whom he engendered. |
| 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 The lofty lord, …… the divine powers of heaven and the divine powers of the earth; Dagan, the august lord, …… the divine powers of heaven and the divine powers of the earth. He has chosen Išme-Dagan in the Land, he ……. |
| A hymn to Nibru and Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan W): c.2.5.4.23 City whose terrifying splendour extends over heaven and earth, whose towers are exceptionally grand, shrine Nibru! Your power reaches to the edges of the uttermost extent of heaven and earth. Of all the brick buildings erected in the Land, your brickwork is the most excellent. You have allowed all the foreign lands and as many cities as are built to receive excellent divine powers. Your name is as excellent as your excellent divine powers. Your soil is soil as good as your name. City, { your name towers } { (1 ms. has instead:) your divine powers tower } over heaven and earth. |
| A hymn to Nibru and Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan W): c.2.5.4.23 You are the pillar (?) in the south and the uplands, the mooring post of all people. Your divine powers are supreme divine powers with which no divine powers can compare. Your plans are as if rooted in the abzu, endowed with great terrifying splendour. As if it were the lovely earth itself, no one can comprehend your eminence. Your pre-eminent destiny surpasses all praise. You are a lofty hill that no one can reach. Outstanding, with head high, you reach to the heavens. |
| A hymn to Nibru and Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan W): c.2.5.4.23 Your prince, Nunamnir, the steer who has engendered (?) the divine powers, and Mother Ninlil, the great lady of your Ki-ur, the lady who has borne the divine powers -- what god is there living in the Land like these two? They have cultically purified (?) ……. They have settled ……, and taken their seats upon the good, great and praiseworthy divine powers. The Anuna gaze at them as if at their own father and mother, listening attentively when they speak holy and most precious words in the correct manner. Enlil and Ninlil looked at the heavens, while on earth they set bounds (?); and then, once their intention became clear in the great heavens and on the broad earth, the Anuna gods of heaven and earth set to work. The mattock and the earth-basket, tools for founding cities, (2 lines unclear) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A hymn to Nibru and Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan W): c.2.5.4.23 (2 lines unclear) The command for the whole of heaven and earth ……; …… of the king, with wide understanding, who knows all ……. They heed the holy words uttered, as if they were those of their own father and mother. The Anuna in the Ubšu-unkena ……, …… going to Enlil and Ninlil. They direct (?) their gaze to the E-kur, the solemn shrine. The important commands of Enlil and Ninlil ……. They have placed in the hands of the great hero Ninurta the power to make heaven and earth tremble at his solemn utterances. They have covered (?) his mouth with …… like finest oil. They have placed the divine powers of heaven and the divine powers of earth in his hands. Ninurta, the great hero, the strong ……, the youth who subdues the foreign lands, the lord who plunders the cities ……. Father Enlil and the great mother Ninlil …… have …… him into the E-kur. (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A hymn to Enki (?) for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan X): c.2.5.4.24 Lord who among the gods makes the clever decisions, most prominent among them from the south to the uplands; who holding a staff in his hand determines their destinies as the Anuna gods come to him; who possessing all the divine powers is alone surpassing; a great lord who …… the living things; who alone is proclaimed as their god -- you are their ……. You, whose utterances make justice flourish, strengthen the divine powers of heaven and earth. You, who examine the ordinances and carry them out correctly, are proclaimed as their great prince. |
| A hymn to Enki (?) for Išme-Dagan (Išme-Dagan X): c.2.5.4.24 Lord who has made the seed of mankind come forth, who creates good destiny for them, who teaches them the proper practices! He makes august and dignified rites proliferate truly like grass. He assigns the sceptres, he distributes the loyal crowns, and announces their exalted names. He …… their divinity until far and distant times in (?) heaven and earth. Everlasting prince ……. Lord who gives clever counsel, and who is endowed with prudence, outstanding intelligence and profound understanding! Trustworthy god, whose …… wholly surpasses description. Adviser, lord who deliberates only with himself, ……. Deep-hearted prince, whose words are unalterable (?), who disseminates his wisdom widely. Clever and competent, wise lord, ……, who knows everything. |
| A hymn to 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 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 ……. |
| An adab to An for Lipit-Eštar (Lipit-Eštar C): c.2.5.5.3 He has made all the great divine powers manifest; the gods of heaven stand around him. |
| 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." |
| 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 I will perform in song the praise of the mistress, the trustworthy lady, the noble child of the E-maḫ, the spouse of the king, the woman, the goddess who is worth of the ladyship, surpassing heaven and earth. I will pay her due homage. |
| 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 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 "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 tigi to Enki for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta B): c.2.5.6.2 Lord of complex divine powers, who establishes umderstanding, whose intentions are unfathomable, who knows everything! Enki, of broad wisdom, august ruler of the Anuna, wise one who casts spells, who provides words, who attends to decisions, who clarifies verdicts, who dispenses advice from dawn to dusk! Enki, lord of all true words, I will praise you. Your father, An the king, the lord who caused human seed to come forth and who placed all mankind on the earth, has laid upon you the guarding of the divine powers of heaven and earth, and has elevated you to be their prince. An, king of the gods, has instructed you to keep open the holy mouths of the Tigris and Euphrates, to fill them with splendour, to make the dense clouds release plentiful water and make them rain all over the fields, to make Ezina lift her head in the furrows, to make vegetation …… in the desert, and to make orchards and gardens ripe with syrup and vines grow as tall as forests. |
| A tigi to Enki for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta B): c.2.5.6.2 Enlil, the lord who creates everything, has bestowed on you his august, proud and greatly awe-inspiring name: you are the junior Enlil. Throughout heaven and earth he alone is divine, and you are his younger brother. He has placed in your hands the power like him to decide destinies of both the south and the uplands. A good decision that comes forth from your mouth is exceptionally powerful. Sa-bara (a name of Enlil as judge), you concern yourself with the sustenance of the people who are widely settled as far as the borders of the mountains: you are their true father. Lord, all together they praise your greatness like the greatness of their protective deities. |
| A tigi to Enki for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta B): c.2.5.6.2 August lord, you excel in heaven and earth, and you have made your name shine forth. Enki, you have gathered up all the divine powers that there are, and stored them in the abzu. You have made praiseworthy the divine powers, exceeding all other divine powers, of your holy dwelling which you have chosen in your heart -- the abzu, the august shrine …… -- as well as its divine plans. Its shadow covers all lands from east to west, and its terrifying splendour rests upon the holy heavens like dense thunderclouds. It fills with terror E-kur, the holy dwelling of An and Enlil. Therein, equipped with the sceptre, you fashion the numerous seeds (?) …… for the assigned divine powers of the great gods; to create mankind and to preserve them alive is in your power, Father Enki, when you take your seat on the dais where you decide destinies. |
| An adab to Ninurta for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta C): c.2.5.6.3 You who treat as hostile the cities as well as the unsettled areas, the rebel lands -- Ninurta, as you pass by, like a terrifying fierce lion (?) you make heaven and earth tremble from east to west. When in judgment, like a hero possessing great strength, you batter a rebel land, by day you thrust, by night you rear up, and you leave the rebel land lying prone. If you merely lift your gaze, you make the great hills tremble (?) together. |
| An adab to Ninurta for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta C): c.2.5.6.3 Lord trampling underfoot all rulers, the powerful ones, ……, you do not let the evil and wicked escape, ……. The foreign land and the broad territories that you have looked upon with favour spread themselves before you in abundance. You have entrusted the various quarters of heaven and earth, with their settled peoples, to Ur-Ninurta, the youth who is all for you, the good shepherd who is attentive to you. You have made him to whom Enki has given wisdom understand how to …… them. May you be available to make the black-headed, numerous as sheep, follow your path. |
| 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 Ninurta for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta C): c.2.5.6.3 Who like you is a god rising in glory, whose name reaches as far as the limits of heaven? You have given …… to the just youth, who was called from among the widespread people, engendered by the Great Mountain -- Ur-Ninurta, …… joy, to whom you have spoken favourably. On the dais …… you have bestowed on him a lapis lazuli ……. You have added years of joy to Ur-Ninurta's reign. You have built his city amid plenty, a habitation where the people are settled. May the black-headed direct their gaze at you as at the rising Utu. When you have given him the weapon that …… the hostile foreign lands, that makes the earth tremble, ……, you will completely devastate the populations that are disobedient to him. Uta-ulu, let Ur-Ninurta grasp (?) it in his hand. |
| An adab to Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta D): c.2.5.6.4 Goddess who excels the Anuna gods, who has gathered together all the divine powers! Your gaze is lordly as it surveys all the foreign lands in heaven and earth. Inana, lioness shining in the heavens, your divine powers are most complex, your cultic ordinances are unalterable, and your divine plans are influential. |
| An adab to 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 Inana for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta D): c.2.5.6.4 Inana, lady of heaven and of the broad earth, powerful ……, who radiates ……, who shines by night, who …… goes forth from ……, who is diffused wide over heaven and earth. …… may you make eminent …… Ur-Ninurta, …… who is the awe …… and the joy of his mother. …… may he lift his head high, and be their great wild bull. Make …… bow low for him ……, so that he may clamp down upon them. Deliver them into the exalted hands of him created from good seed. Under his rule may the people rest in meadows with him as their herdsman. May Ur-Ninurta make the numerous people follow the just path. |
| An adab to An for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta E): c.2.5.6.5 As he passes, alone, as far as the border of the foreign lands, he is indeed the guardian of the Anuna. He seizes all the great divine powers, and places his feet upon the numerous divine powers. The very wise god, the prince who decides destiny, has truly spoken to him; An has truly spoken to Ur-Ninurta. He has made him the mightiest in the Land; An has made Ur-Ninurta the mightiest in the Land. He has bestowed upon Ur-Ninurta a royal throne on a foundation established forever; the august shepherd's crook, which gathers up the divine powers of the Land; and a just sceptre which directs the numerous people. When holy An determines a destiny, the gods of heaven stand by and the Anuna pay attention. |
| An adab (?) to Iškur for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta F): c.2.5.6.6 Inundation, mighty tempest, raging wind, whose noise ……, …… in heaven and earth ……, Iškur …… wind ……, flashing lightning, …… (1 line fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| An adab (?) to Iškur for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta F): c.2.5.6.6 (1 line fragmentary) A second time he …… a mighty tempest and a raging wind. A third time …… a destructive wind of heaven. A fourth time he addressed (?) the dense clouds in the heavens. Fine barley stood in the fertile fields, and the corn joyously ……. Iškur organised everything; he …… the harvest and the superior barley. He heaped up grain piles and grain stores in the fields for Ur-Ninurta. On a favourable day he sowed the seeds, he …… the wheat. For Ur-Ninurta the son of An he sowed the seeds, ……. Iškur, Inana and …… life for him. |
| An adab (?) to Iškur for Ur-Ninurta (Ur-Ninurta F): c.2.5.6.6 Holy lord of heaven and earth, who gives life to the holy people (?), Father Iškur, holy lord of heaven and earth, who gives life to the holy people (?)! May plenty be provided for Ur-Ninurta, ……. |
| An adab to Ninurta for Būr-Suen (Būr-Suen A): c.2.5.7.1 ……, lord, whom the Great Mountain engendered, whose magnificence has no equal. Ninurta, magnificent in heaven and earth, surpassing among the Anuna gods. ……, foremost among the gods, support of An. …… imbued with ……, who roars like a storm, who growls in battle. ……, who butts like a huge wild bull, who destroys the fortresses of the rebel lands. …… of Enlil: no foreign land can escape from his grasp. …… by Nunamnir, whose words are firmly established. ……, fit for princeship, the counsellor of E-kur. …… cannot be scattered, the neckstock of the gods. (approx. 7 lines missing)…… may …… be his helper. …… the son of Iškur. ……, may he provide …… with good food. May he regulate ……. May he be the constant attendant of the E-šu-me-ša, his beloved residence. May he never cease to …… daily his great offerings. May …… prolong the years of abundance and a pleasant life …… for Būr-Suen, well suited for kingship, beloved of An. |
| An adab to Enlil for Būr-Suen (Būr-Suen B): c.2.5.7.2 …… who alone surpasses heaven and earth, the exalted one, prominent among the Anuna gods, whose utterances cannot be overturned! Nunamnir, whose decisions cannot be altered, proud one imbued with terrifying awesomeness, { who alone is exalted } { (1 ms. has instead:) who alone is eminent, the foremost one } among the Great Princes, has taken his seat in the shrine of Nibru, in Dur-an-ki, in E-kur, the temple where the fates are determined, in the holy shining temple. When Mother Ninlil, who is equal in rank with the Great Mountain, embraces him ……, …… says to ……: "…… chosen in the heart by ……." (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| 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 In the E-ana, Inana has fixed a rejoicing heart to be your lot and has you brought grandly into her holy bedchamber to spend the night there. The mother of the Land, Ninisina, has caused you to lay the foundations with your hands in Isin. Utu, the judge, the king of heaven and earth, has confirmed for you in your hands the sceptre which brings the black-headed to justice. (1 line missing) |
| 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 ……. |
| Sîn-iddinam and Iškur (Sîn-iddinam E): c.2.6.6.5 When Iškur -- the lord, the storm, the …… lion, the great storm of heaven and earth, confident in his majesty, the foremost, the advocate, the son of An, whose head is clothed in power, the fearsome chief lord, the great storm that has no rival ……, who masses the clouds -- rushes within the storm, the earth trembles before him. |
| Sîn-iddinam and Iškur (Sîn-iddinam E): c.2.6.6.5 A majestic wind bellowing in the broad heavens, whose thunder signifies abundance -- when he utters his cries, the Land and the great mountains are fearful. Great hero, holding the shepherd's crook in his hand and clasping authority at his side -- when he roars over the sea and covers the Land with radiance, huge hailstones …… and slanting (?) rain, …… they set up …… for him. |
| Sîn-iddinam and Iškur (Sîn-iddinam E): c.2.6.6.5 Made grandly from …… and refined silver, …… of the beautiful heavens, (approx. 4 lines missing)befitting his size and well-suited to running (?) -- with jubilation he finished the work. |
| 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 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 When Father Enki comes forth from the abzu, he assigns (?) its greatness to you, Ḫaia. You cause the people who are in its midst to lift their necks towards heaven; you make its population pass their days in rejoicing. You keep all its people forever contented. You establish festivals in the houses of the great gods; you spread splendour. |
| 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 An for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn C): c.2.6.9.3 Shepherd, called by name, for whom holy An has determined in heaven a great destiny! Rīm-Sîn, called by name, for whom holy An has determined in heaven a great destiny! Prince who achieved kingship when still in the true womb, you grandly exercise lordship over the numerous people. In Larsam, the …… mountain befitting the princely divine powers, you are truly called to be shepherd of Sumer and Akkad. Great An, august in heaven and earth, lord who is wise in everything, father of the gods, has determined to fix the destinies for that place, never interrupting the uttering of weighty commands, …… in the pure interior of heaven. |
| A prayer to An for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn C): c.2.6.9.3 Prince Rīm-Sîn, you are the shepherd, the desire of his heart. May great An manifest brilliantly his heart's love for you; may he bless you for your justice. May An in his profound heart make the days of your life abundant for you, and give you kingship over the widespread lands until distant days. With his holy words may he determine for you a destiny of life, and with a wholly unalterable command give you long life in addition. May he fix the holy headdress on your head, and seat you grandly on the throne of life. May he hand over to you the sceptre of justice, and suspend by your side the staff which strengthens the Land. May he make you grasp the shepherd's crook that causes the people to multiply. May he open for you the breasts of the brilliant heavens, and cause the rain to rain for you. From the heart of heaven may he assemble for you years of abundance and days of plenty. May he make splendid radiance and heart's joy for your days, and place in your hands an agreeable reign of justice. May the great An forever be the protector of your kingship! Rīm-Sîn, you are my king! |
| A prayer to Nanna for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn E): c.2.6.9.5 May his kingship exist forever in your presence. May he be the first of the Land, called (?) lord and prince. Following your commands he shall be as unshakeable as heaven and earth; may he be …… over the numerous people. May the mother goddesses among the gods attend to his utterances; may they sit in silence before that which he says, and bring restorative life. May he create heart's joy for the population, and be the good provider for their days. May the terrifying splendour that he wears cover like a heavy raincloud the king who is hated by him. May all the best what he has be brought here as their offerings. |
| A prayer to Nanna for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn E): c.2.6.9.5 As his life ……, so may it delight his land. Cast the four quarters at his feet, and let him be their ruler. Reclining in meadows in his own land, may he pass his days joyously with you ……. In the palace, lengthen the days and reign of Rīm-Sîn, your compliant king who is there for you; whose name you, Ašimbabbar, have named, …… life. …… the august good headdress. …… due praise for his life. …… the throne, and may the land be safe. May satisfaction and joy fill his heart. May …… be good for his ……. Place in his hand the sceptre of justice; may the numerous people be bound (?) to it. Shining brightly, the constant …… in his ……. Confer on him the benefit of months of delight and joy, and bestow on him numerous years as infinite in number as the stars in the lapis-lazuli coloured heavens. In his kingship may he enjoy a happy reign forever. |
| A prayer to Nanna for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn E): c.2.6.9.5 May you preserve the king, the good provider. May you preserve Rīm-Sîn, the good provider. May his reign be a source of delight to you. Lengthen the days of his life, and give him kingship over the restored land. For him gladden the heart of the land, for him make the roads of the land passable. For him make the Land speak with a single voice. May you preserve alive Rīm-Sîn, your shepherd with the compliant heart. May his canals bring water for him, and may barley grow for him in the fields. May the orchards and gardens bring forth syrup and wine for him, and may the marshes deliver fish and fowl for him in abundance. May the cattle-pens and sheepfolds teem with animals, and may rain from the heavens, whose waters are sporadic, be regular for him. May the palace be filled with long life. O Rīm-Sîn, you are my king! |
| A prayer to Nanna for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn G): c.2.6.9.7 May Lord Nanna, king of heaven and earth, your good protective deity, accept the holy food offerings that you prepare, and the holy pure drink offerings that you proffer with holy hands; the sacrifices that you bring, what you say in your heart, what you utter out loud, your reverent gestures and your holy hands raised in prayer. May the august queen Ningal, your queen of favourable signs, accept them also. O king, they who have suppressed famine, the great gods Nanna and Ningal, have conferred abundance on you, King Rīm-Sîn, in the temple of the gods. |
| A prayer to Nanna for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn G): c.2.6.9.7 May Nanna, the king of heaven and earth, fit perfectly onto your head the legitimate august headdress of kingship. May the august queen Ningal, who has saved you from famine thanks to her benignity, let you live (?) an agreeable life for these days. As you receive from her holy hands the great splendour of kingship, may she place the august sceptre of heaven and earth in your hands like a ceremonial robe. Rīm-Sîn, king of the Ki-ur, endowed with abundance, constant attendant! O king, may the Tigris bring you abundance, and may the upper (?) Nun canal be filled for you with flowing water in its full flood. May the Nun canal, the good Nun canal, the life-bringing canal of the Land, bring you fish and fowl; from the ocean, the wide sea, from the standing reservoirs, may it bring an unending supply of creatures for your kingship. In the wide open spaces of the wide desert, the four-footed animals ……. May water levels rise for you in the irrigation ditches, with their levees, and the water-channels. |
| A prayer to Nanna for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn G): c.2.6.9.7 May there be life for you, and may there be a favourable response to your prayers. May there be joy for you, and may there be favourable signs for you. May your heart be satisfied, may your body be satisfied; may your mood and your definite signs from the gods be good. May there be favourable omens in the heart of Nanna and Ningal, and a destiny of life be granted for ever. Rīm-Sîn, seemly king, who holds abundance in his hands from the great gods, may the country be stable for you, and may the foundations of the country be secure for you. May Nanna, king of heaven and earth, cause the Land to respond to you with a single voice. Rīm-Sîn, you are my king! |
| An adab to Inana for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn H): c.2.6.9.8 You have been decreed femininity, you are full of charm, Inana, glory of the pure heavens, fitted to be a queen, (4 lines fragmentary or unclear) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| An adab to Inana for Rīm-Sîn (Rīm-Sîn H): c.2.6.9.8 Inana, out of the goodness of your heart make Rīm-Sîn's good (?) renown a long-lasting renown. Mistress, supremely august, sparkling (?) in the heavens! Inana, Mistress, supremely august, sparkling (?) in the heavens! Speaking kindly, extending your charms, …… great mother goddesses, grant life to Rīm-Sîn. |
| A praise poem of Anam (Anam A): c.2.7.1.1 ……, excelling in the Land, you pray justly …… in its fine ……. Standing steadfastly in prayer ……, you determine food offerings. And you, ……, lady, great goddess who goes by one's side, have determined a great destiny until distant times for him who has set up permanent statues in E-ana and E-me-urur, …… for the man whose destiny will not be spoiled, (1 line unclear)The lady, the nurse Nanaya, who stands there like a great wall at the door of E-ana, has decreed throughout heaven and earth that …… and should spend long days in heartfelt joy; and she has fixed life, progeny and luxury as your lot. |
| A prayer to Enki for Ḫammu-rābi (Ḫammu-rābi B): c.2.8.2.2 May Lugal-Šubur place on your head the desert crown of kingship! May Enki, the lord of life, …… life, and in the E-unir, the house of the plans of heaven and earth which rides upon all the divine powers, may he cover your priestly headdress in awe and splendour! May he make the divine powers of kingship resplendent for you, and fit you up forever with the plans appropriate to the rank of en priest! May he gently recite for you live-giving incantations, bestowing in addition a long-lived destiny; may the uttering of your name delight Enki as much as the uttering of his own name! May he reward you with wisdom and intelligence! May your royal name be as something unchangeable! May Father Enki prolong the years of your life, and may he grant you lordship over every one of the foreign lands. O Ḫammu-rābi, my king! |
| A prayer to Asarluḫi for Ḫammu-rābi (Ḫammu-rābi D): c.2.8.2.4 (The great gods speak:) "We name him king in the four quarters of the world ……. Ḫammu-rābi, humble prince acceptable to the gods, …… our word, we grant you authority over the black-headed; may your name …… the limits of heaven ……! …… the inhabitants of the Land, keeping in order ……! May your reign endure ……, may it …… a shining barge! May your shepherding …… be firm, and may the people …… in the pastures! Peerless king, your roar of triumph is like Iškur, covering ……! Your mouth is the fiery god of fire, …… below and in the uplands ……. May youthful Utu be your helper, ……. May he always go at your right side and favour you. …… in your ……, Erra ……. Ḫammu-rābi, you should put your trust in our august commands, ……." |
| 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 Lady who perfects the august divine powers, …… his destiny grandly! O Inana, to whom An has …… manliness in heaven and earth! |
| 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 May your kingship be as stable as heaven and earth! You are king of numerous lands and peoples! You are the people's good shepherd! You are the herdsman of the settled people! When like Utu you impart just verdicts, …… justice, …… you call by name ……, then you, Samsu-iluna, shall be the king of the eloquent words of Utu, and you shall be the foremost of kings. |
| 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 May your headdress sparkle over the Land like Utu! May your sceptre correctly guide the numerous people! May Suen let you control the living beings! With your shepherd's crook may you lead Sumer and Akkad as if you were their mother and father! May the widespread people, the people whom you have united, pray to you as you shine like the Barge of Heaven! May you be the god of the foreign lands that are settled together! |
| A hymn to Enlil for Samsu-iluna (Samsu-iluna F): c.2.8.3.6 O king, foremost one of An, chosen in his holy heart, Samsu-iluna, king, foremost one of An, chosen in his holy heart, …… rites …… august, ……, joyful, supreme, assiduous, with head high on the gold-decorated throne of …… kingship, who sits majestically …… in its midst in heroic strength, Samsu-iluna: An, the mighty king of heaven, the august judge, has assigned you a great destiny, and has made you to pass your life with a secure crown. |
| A hymn to Marduk for Abī-Ešuḫ (Abī-Ešuḫ A): c.2.8.5.1 King who gathers up the divine powers of heaven and earth, foremost son of Enki, Marduk, mighty lord, perfect hero, foremost of the Great Princes (a name for the Igigi gods), strong one of the Anuna, the great gods who have given him justice and judgment! Great prince, descendant of holy An, lord who decides destinies, who has everything in his grasp (?), wise, august knower of hearts, whose divinity is manifest, who shows concern for all that he looks upon! Your ancestor An, king of the gods, has made your lordship effective against the armies of heaven and earth. |
| A hymn to Marduk for Abī-Ešuḫ (Abī-Ešuḫ A): c.2.8.5.1 He has given you the supervision of great august commands of heaven and earth, he has bound to your hand the shepherd's crook that curbs the foreign lands, he has made you excel among the great gods, and in addition has given you, to control them, the royal sceptre and the ritual ordinances of the gods. Enlil has fixed as your destiny kingship over the totality of heaven and earth and has relieved you of any rivals; he has made you eminent among the Anuna, and has bestowed on you the exercise of domination. |
| A hymn to Marduk for Abī-Ešuḫ (Abī-Ešuḫ A): c.2.8.5.1 Marduk, in all quarters of the heavens they have made shine forth like Utu the lordship of prince Abī-Ešuḫ, the beloved son of your heart, and have relieved him of any rivals. |
| A hymn to Marduk for Abī-Ešuḫ (Abī-Ešuḫ A): c.2.8.5.1 The lordship of the hero standing in all his strength upon this august pedestal is indeed eminent in heaven and earth. The lordship of Marduk standing in all his strength upon this august pedestal, is indeed eminent in heaven and earth. |
| A praise poem of Abī-Ešuḫ (Abī-Ešuḫ B): c.2.8.5.a On a shining day may …… for you! On a bright day may your heart ……! The bright day when Utu the judge ……. …… his pleasure, his fulfilment. …… the staff of An, in heaven and earth. …… Marduk ……. (approx. 4 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 Išbi-Erra to Ibbi-Suen about the purchase of grain: c.3.1.17 Urim, your holy city, rivalling heaven and earth, whose great prince you are ……, of which the appearance is precious, which dispenses the divine powers and makes the foundations (?) and the plans firm both in the south and in the uplands, will surely escape from the grasp and will cry ……. |
| Letter from Išbi-Erra to Ibbi-Suen about the purchase of grain: c.3.1.17 Elam, a raging dog, a destroyer, will not defile E-kiš-nu-ĝal, the sanctuary which covers heaven and earth, which has no ……. Its protective spirits shall not be split apart! My lord: the loudest roarer (?), the runner, has taken flight (?)! |
| Letter from Sîn-iddinam to the god Utu: c.3.2.05 Say to Utu my lord, the exalted judge of heaven and earth, who cares for the Land, who renders verdicts; just god, who loves to keep man alive, who heeds entreaty, who extends mercy, who knows …… compassion, who loves justice, who selects honesty, ……: |
| Letter from Sîn-iddinam to the god Utu: c.3.2.05 Repeat to the bearded one, the son of Ningal, …… a lapis-lazuli beard, { who opens the bolts of heaven and earth } { (1 ms. has instead:) who opens the bolts }, who creates brightness in darkness; foremost lord who alone is resplendent, whose greatness is unequalled; warrior, son given birth by Ningal, who guards and gathers together the divine powers; just god, prince who determines all the fates, my lord, father of the black-headed: this is what Sîn-iddinam, king of Larsam, your servant, says: |
| Letter from 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 X to the god Nanna: c.3.3.22 You who are perfect in lordship and wear the legitimate headdress, the one with gleaming appearance and noble countenance, holy form endowed lavishly with beauty: your greatness covers all countries. Your fearsome radiance overwhelms the holy sky. Your great awesomeness is imbued with terror. …… is pre-eminent in the Land. You are indeed glorious from east to west. From the interior of heaven …… has given you ……, and entrusted you with the heavens. You are the king of heaven and earth; it is you who decide their fate. |
| A hymn to Asarluḫi (Asarluḫi A): c.4.01.1 Nourished on the good milk of intelligence, advice and reason, his voice resounds loudly. August sage, firstborn son of Enki, he gives …… to all who are born. Profoundly intelligent, as wise as his father, possessed of understanding, Asarluḫi penetrates everything. Nothing …… him. Lordly son of the abzu, endowed with holy wisdom, he is Marduk, the bringer of counsel. Tall in stature, he can survey all the divine powers of heaven and earth. |
| A hymn to Asarluḫi (Asarluḫi A): c.4.01.1 Son endowed with a broad understanding, whose movement is that of an animal with large horns in the split reeds; Asarluḫi, mighty deluge determining great fates, unleashed and knowing no course whatsoever! When great An shared out the divine powers for heaven and earth, incantations fell to your lot. Scanning all mankind with a glance, god of benign features, with an attractive physique; most skilled metalworker, creating masterpieces; counsellor and judge, whose word in the august sanctuary is unalterable and whose character is sublime: I shall exalt him in song and glorify his name. |
| A hymn to Bau's beneficent protective goddess (Bau A): c.4.02.1 I shall praise the good woman, the Utu of the Land, my goddess. Mother Bau's august minister, who creates life for the king! Holy messenger who brings the tablet of life down from the interior of heaven, who sets rain on its way (?) from heaven, and brings forth abundance! Expeditious, an honour to Bau and an ornament of the holy shrine, protective goddess of those who pray to Bau, …… -- because you love mankind and rejoice at its gifts, let us forever praise (?) you, the beneficent protective goddess of Bau. |
| A 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 The mighty lord, the greatest in heaven and earth, the knowledgeable judge, the wise one of wide-ranging wisdom, has taken his seat in the Dur-an-ki, and made the Ki-ur, the great place, resplendent with majesty. He has taken up residence in Nibru, the lofty bond (?) between heaven and earth. The front of the city is laden with terrible fearsomeness and radiance, its back is such that even the mightiest god dare not attack, and its interior is the blade of a sharp dagger, a blade of catastrophe. For the rebel lands it is a snare, a trap set with a net. |
| 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 He alone is the prince of heaven, the dragon of the earth. The lofty god of the Anuna himself determines the fates. No god can look upon him. His great minister and { commander } { (1 ms. has instead:) chief barber } Nuska learns his commands and his intentions from him, consults with him and then executes his far-reaching instructions on his behalf. He prays to him with holy prayers (?) and divine powers (?). |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 You, Enlil, are lord, god, king. You are a judge who makes decisions about heaven and earth. Your lofty word is as heavy as heaven, and there is no one who can lift it. The Anuna gods …… at your word. Your word is weighty in heaven, a foundation on the earth. In the heavens, it is a great ……, reaching up to the sky. On the earth it is a foundation which cannot be destroyed. When it relates to the heavens, it brings abundance: abundance will pour from the heavens. When it relates to the earth, it brings prosperity: the earth will produce prosperity. Your word means flax, your word means grain. Your word means the early flooding, the life of the lands. It makes the living creatures, the animals (?) which copulate and breathe joyfully in the greenery. You, Enlil, the good shepherd, know their ways (?). …… the sparkling stars. |
| Enlil in the E-kur (Enlil A): c.4.05.1 You married Ninlil, the holy consort, whose words are of the heart, her of noble countenance in a holy ba garment, her of beautiful shape and limbs, the trustworthy lady of your choice. Covered with allure, the lady who knows what is fitting for the E-kur, whose words of advice are perfect, whose words bring comfort like fine oil for the heart, who { shares } { (1 ms. has instead:) sits on } the holy throne, the pure throne with you, she takes counsel and discusses matters with you. You decide the fates together at the place facing the sunrise. Ninlil, the lady of heaven and earth, the lady of all the lands, is honoured in the praise of the Great Mountain. |
| A hymn to Ḫendursaĝa (Ḫendursaĝa A): c.4.06.1 (1 line fragmentary) You are the leader of ……. You are the accountant of the black-headed. You are the chief constable of the dead people who are brought to the underworld. Chief herald, who …… playing in streets and on roofs, …… of the dark houses ……, who peers (?) out from the rooftops (?) of the Land, Lord Ḫendursaĝa: because you were that too, after Enki had had intercourse with ……, he destined the seven sons that she had borne to him -- those seven sons of a crab -- for the starvation of heaven; he placed them by at your behest, for the crushing (?) of the people of earth. |
| A hymn to Ḫendursaĝa (Ḫendursaĝa A): c.4.06.1 But if someone has a personal god from heaven, his good fortune ……. If this man lies, ……. But if he has spoken the truth, ……. If he walks on a road, he will …… its beginning. In the midst of the assembly he will …… bad ……. If he goes down to the river, he will catch fish there. If he goes to the fields, he will take produce from there. If he enters …… the king's palace, he will get beer to drink; if he puts ……, he ……. If he comes running with a message, people will be pleased with him. The god who has looked upon him will give him great strength. The gusting south wind in the marshes will not sink his boat, thanks to the god; and even if it has to struggle against powerful waves on the open sea, thanks to him he will complete his journey as if he were in a carriage. |
| 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 Lady of all the divine powers, resplendent light, righteous woman clothed in radiance, beloved of An and Uraš! Mistress of heaven, with the great diadem, who loves the good headdress befitting the office of en priestess, who has seized all seven of its divine powers! My lady, you are the guardian of the great divine powers! You have taken up the divine powers, you have hung the divine powers from your hand. You have gathered up the divine powers, you have clasped the divine powers to your breast. Like a dragon you have deposited venom on the foreign lands. When like Iškur you roar at the earth, no vegetation can stand up to you. As a flood descending upon (?) those foreign lands, powerful one of heaven and earth, you are their Inana. |
| The exaltation of Inana (Inana B): c.4.07.2 Most precious lady, beloved by An, your holy heart is great; may it be assuaged on my behalf! Beloved spouse of Ušumgal-ana, you are the great lady of the horizon and zenith of the heavens. The Anuna have submitted to you. From birth you were the junior queen: how supreme you are now over the Anuna, the great gods! The Anuna kiss the ground with their lips before you. But my own trial is not yet concluded, although a hostile verdict encloses me as if it were my own verdict. I did not reach out my hands to { the } { (1 ms. has instead:) my } flowered bed. I did not reveal the pronouncements of Ningal to anybody. My lady beloved of An, may your heart be calmed towards me, the brilliant en priestess of Nanna! |
| The exaltation of Inana (Inana B): c.4.07.2 It must be known! It must be known! Nanna has not yet spoken out! He has said," He is yours!" Be it known that you are lofty as the heavens! Be it known that you are broad as the earth! Be it known that you destroy the rebel lands! Be it known that you roar at the foreign lands! Be it known that you crush heads! Be it known that you devour corpses like a dog! Be it known that your gaze is terrible! Be it known that you lift your terrible gaze! Be it known that you have flashing eyes! Be it known that you are unshakeable and unyielding! Be it known that you always stand triumphant! That Nanna has not yet spoken out, and that he has said "He is yours!" has made you greater, my lady; you have become the greatest! My lady beloved by An, I shall tell of all your { rages } { (1 ms. has instead:) daises }! I have heaped up the coals in the censer, and prepared the purification rites. The E-ešdam-kug shrine awaits you. Might your heart not be appeased towards me? |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 The great-hearted mistress, the impetuous lady, proud among the Anuna gods and pre-eminent in all lands, the great daughter of Suen, exalted among the Great Princes (a name of the Igigi gods), the magnificent lady who gathers up the divine powers of heaven and earth and rivals great An, is mightiest among the great gods -- she makes their verdicts final. The Anuna gods crawl before her august word whose course she does not let An know; he dare not proceed against her command. She changes her own action, and no one knows how it will occur. She makes perfect the great divine powers, she holds a shepherd's crook, and she is their magnificent pre-eminent one. She is a huge shackle clamping down upon the gods of the Land. Her great awesomeness covers the great mountain and levels the roads. |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 Humbling huge mountains as if they were piles of litter, she immobilises ……. She brings about the destruction of the mountain lands from east to west. Inana …… wall …… gulgul stones, she obtains victory. She …… the kalaga stone …… as if it were an earthenware bowl, she makes it like sheep's fat. The proud mistress holds a dagger in her hand, a radiance which covers the Land; her suspended net catches fish in the deep, not even leaving the ahan in the subterranean waters. As if she were a clever fowler no bird escapes the mesh of her suspended net. The place ……, …… the divine plans of heaven and earth. The intention of her word does not …… to An. The context of her confusing advice in the great gods' assembly is not known. (2 lines fragmentary) |
| 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 Ezina …… august dais ……. Iškur who roars from the sky ……. His thick clouds ……. When …… the great divine powers of heaven and earth, Inana, your victory is terrifying ……. The Anuna gods bow down in prostration, they abase themselves. You ride on seven great beasts as you come forth from heaven. Great An feared your precinct and was frightened of your dwelling-place. He let you take a seat in the dwelling-place of great An and then feared you no more, saying: "I will hand over to you the august royal rites and the great divine rites." |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 …… the runners, when you open your mouth, …… turns into ……. At your glance a deaf man does not …… to one who can hear. At your anger what is bright darkens; you turn midday into darkness. When the time had come you destroyed the place you had in your thoughts, you made the place tremble. Nothing can be compared to your purposes (?); who can oppose your great deeds? You are the lady of heaven and earth! Inana, in (?) the palace the unbribable judge, among the numerous people …… decisions. The invocation of your name fills the mountains, An (?) cannot compete with your ……. |
| A hymn to Inana (Inana C): c.4.07.3 Your understanding …… all the gods ……. You alone are magnificent. You are the great cow among the gods of heaven and earth, as many as there are. When you raise your eyes they pay heed to you, they wait for your word. The Anuna gods stand praying in the place where you dwell. Great awesomeness, glory ……. May your praise not cease! Where is your name not magnificent? (9 lines missing) |
| A 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 Your divinity shines in the pure heavens like Nanna or Utu. Your torch lights up the corners of heaven, turning darkness into light. The men and women form a row for you and each one's daily status hangs down before you. Your numerous people pass before you, as before Utu, for their inspection. No one can lay a hand on your precious divine powers; all your divine powers ……. You exercise full ladyship over heaven and earth; you hold everything in your hand. Mistress, you are magnificent, no one can walk before you. You dwell with great An in the holy resting-place. Which god is like you in gathering together …… in heaven and earth? You are magnificent, your name is praised, you alone are magnificent! |
| A hymn to Inana as Ninegala (Inana D): c.4.07.4 Great light, heavenly lioness, always speaking words of assent! Inana, great light, lioness of heaven, who always speaks words of assent! Ninegala! As you rise in the morning sky like a flame visible from afar, and at your bright appearance in the evening sky, the shepherd (i.e. the king) entrusts (?) the flocks of Sumer to you. Celestial sign, …… glory of heaven! All the countries are building a house for you as for the risen sun; a shining (?) torch is assigned to you, the light of the Land. |
| A hymn to Inana as Ninegala (Inana D): c.4.07.4 Inana, in heaven you are lightning, on earth you move swiftly …… against the foreign land that you are angry with, ……. When in your precinct and shrine the Ibgal you regulate the divine ordinances like the divine powers of An, when you regulate the heavenly ordinances like the divine powers of Enki and cause awe of you to reach up to the heavens, then your seat is on the …… dais on the terrace by your Gate of Four Faces. Inana, you go into the interior of heaven like your father Suen; Ninegala, you appear like moonlight in your shrine the Ibgal, placing your foot on your ordinances, and dividing them among the …… dogs (?). |
| A hymn to Inana as Ninegala (Inana D): c.4.07.4 In the evening, when the stars return together again and when Utu enters into his chamber, when in heaven, Inana, you diffuse awesomeness like fire, and when on earth, Ninegala, you screech like a falcon, then you …… in play and dancing. (1 line unclear)You go from moonlight to star, you go from star to moonlight. |
| A tigi to Inana (Inana E): c.4.07.5 Goddess, you have provided …… to the hero and made your divine powers excel in heaven. Since your mother's womb, you have wielded the šita mace and the mitum mace. Inana, you have provided …… to the hero and made your divine powers excel in heaven. Since Ningal's womb, you have wielded the šita mace and the mitum mace. |
| A tigi to Inana (Inana E): c.4.07.5 Lady whom no one can withstand in battle, great daughter of Suen who rises in heaven and inspires terror, he who for you stands complete in his manhood rejoices in battle as at a festival, and for you he destroys the rebel lands and houses ……. For you Ama-ušumgal-ana, the mighty hero, kills everyone with his shining šita mace. |
| A tigi to Inana (Inana E): c.4.07.5 Inana, lady whom no one can withstand in battle, great daughter of Suen who rises in heaven and inspires terror, he who for you stands complete in his manhood rejoices in battle as at a festival, and for you he destroys the rebel lands and houses ……. For you Ama-ušumgal-ana, the mighty hero, kills everyone with his shining šita mace. |
| 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 My father gave me the heavens and he gave me the earth. I am Inana! Which god compares with me? |
| 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 heavens are mine and the earth is mine: I am heroic! In Unug the E-ana is mine, in Zabalam the Giguna is mine, in Nibru the Dur-an-ki is mine, in Urim the E-Dilmuna is mine, in Ĝirsu the Ešdam-kug is mine, in Adab the E-šara is mine, in Kiš the Ḫursaĝ-kalama is mine, in Kisiga the Amaš-kuga is mine, in Akšak the Anzagar is mine, in Umma the Ibgal is mine, in Agade the Ulmaš is mine. Which god compares with me? |
| 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 We shall go! We shall go! We shall go in supplication! We shall go for the supplication of the lord! We shall go for the supplication of the king! Those of the supplication of the corner …… at the corner. Those of the supplication of the side …… at the side. Mother Inana of heaven …… with beauty. The Mistress …… with beauty in the shrine. |
| A hymn to Inana: c.4.07.a Holy Inana gazes as she shines (?) down from heaven like a light. Together with her father Suen, the mistress issues commands to the E-kiš-nu-ĝal of Urim. In her hands she holds prosperity for all the lands. The lady ……. Holy Inana ……. |
| A hymn to Inana: c.4.07.a (Inana speaks:) "…… stands ……. Dumuzid stands in beauty like an ildag tree. I will fill my heart with joy. The one who makes food plentiful …… in Du-šuba (?). My heart is filled with joy, …… in heaven and earth. The house of Arali ……." (3 lines fragmentary or unclear) …… the houses in the broad streets. (One blank line on the tablet) |
| A song of Inana and Dumuzid (Dumuzid-Inana J): c.4.08.10 At that time there were seven, there were seven, the song performers of Unug were seven; in Zabalam the lament singers were fifty. They knew the stars of the heavens, and they knew the roads of the earth. In the broad heavens, they carried the first-fruit offerings. They raised songs, and they lowered songs; they did not declare the beginning of the song to them. They were elders not yet assigned to their positions. |
| A balbale (?) to Inana (Dumuzid-Inana P): c.4.08.16 "These genitals, ……, like a horn, …… a great waggon, this moored Boat of Heaven …… of mine, clothed in beauty like the new crescent moon, this waste land abandoned in the desert ……, this field of ducks where my ducks sit, this high well-watered field of mine: my own genitals, the maiden's, a well-watered opened-up mound -- who will be their ploughman? My genitals, the lady's, the moist and well-watered ground -- who will put an ox there?" |
| A song of Inana and Dumuzid (Dumuzid-Inana B1): c.4.08.28 It was in the days of abundance, it was in the nights of plenty; it was in the months of luxuriance, it was in the years of rejoicing. In those days the shepherd, the shepherd Dumuzid decided in his holy heart to make his heart joyful, to go to the cattle-pen, to brighten its mood, to make the holy sheepfold shine like the day. He of decision and resolve spoke to the queen of heaven, the queen of earth. Ama-ušumgal-ana addressed words to her: |
| A song of Inana and Dumuzid (Dumuzid-Inana B1): c.4.08.28 Then the shepherd went out into the desert. The young man Dumuzid …… in the cattle-pen. His sister, the queen of scribes, went to …… heaven and earth. The shepherd and his sister entered there into the holy sheepfold inside which the sheep live. He was living there, the shepherd was living there; and his sister, the singer expert in song, was living in that dwelling. Abundance filled the cattle-pen, plenty flowed in the sheepfold. They ate, they ate pure food -- pressed oil, honey and ghee. They drank emmer beer and strong liquor. |
| A song of Inana and Dumuzid (Dumuzid-Inana C1): c.4.08.29 "My bride, you should not weave cloth for me! ……, you should not spin yarn for me! ……, you should not comb out goat's wool for me! ……, you should not warp threads for me!" (3 lines fragmentary) "You should not (?) …… bread for me!" Ninegala, ……. The wild bull Dumuzid ……. …… holy radiance on the horizon ……, …… radiance in heaven ……, (2 lines fragmentary) (up to 5 lines missing) |
| A song of Inana and Dumuzid (Dumuzid-Inana D1): c.4.08.30 "May high flood-waters flow in the Tigris and Euphrates, may the grasses grow tall on their banks, and may the meadows be covered. May the holy lady Nisaba pile high the grain heaps and mounds. My lady, queen of heaven and earth, queen who encompasses heaven and earth, may he enjoy long days …… embrace." |
| 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 How many there are! How many cows there are! How many cattle of Suen there are! The dark ones are translucent lapis lazuli; the pale cows are the light of the risen moon. The little ones trickle down like barleycorns for you; the large ones throng together like wild bulls for you. The Glory of Heaven (Suen) has undone the halters of the numerous cows in his teeming herd. He has poured out milk from the beautiful cows at the offering table; his bright hands ever pour the milk. After my king has completed the work, Suen …… the shining halter …… the cows, he …… the cows, he …… the cows. He acts as the herder of the cows. |
| 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 "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 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. |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna E): c.4.13.05 Enki purifies the dwelling for you, he makes the dwelling shine for you. He consecrates the heavens for you, he makes the earth shine for you. He makes the E-kiš-nu-ĝal, the house of the cedar forests, tower straight upward for you. He makes your majestic residence into a sacred place for you, the foundation of heaven and earth. |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna E): c.4.13.05 Kusu purifies the oil for the house. It is placed in readiness and the limbs are ……. To ensure the sacred lustration rituals are not neglected, from the majestic marshes, the vast, sacred bathing chamber (?), this destiny emerges: the E-kiš-nu-ĝal, with its majestic, sacred dais, perfects the great, majestic divine powers of heaven and earth. You bathe on the majestic banks by (?) the sacred bathing chamber (?); you put mountain oil on your sacred body; O Nanna, you are placed upon your majestic dais -- wrapped in majestic linen, with raised head, shining horns and the diadem of lordship! |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna E): c.4.13.05 O Suen, sage, majestic lord throughout heaven and earth, your crown is a majestic crown! O Ašimbabbar who puts a terrifying radiance in heaven and earth! May his hands be consecrated for him. May they be consecrated like heaven for him, may they be made to shine like the earth for him. May they be as resplendent as the centre of heaven for him. May he lift his head with its crown (?) of heaven and earth, the sacred crown. |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna E): c.4.13.05 Suen, the sage lord, majestic throughout heaven and earth, who perfects the pure dais, Ašimbabbar who wears (?) the diadem and just crown with majestic, shining horns, lifts his head. |
| The herds of Nanna (Nanna F): c.4.13.06 The lord has burnished (?) the heavens; he has embellished { the night } { (1 ms. has instead:) the earth }. Nanna has burnished the heavens; he has embellished { the night } { (1 ms. has instead:) the earth }. When he comes forth from the turbulent mountains, he stands as Utu stands at noon. When Ašimbabbar comes forth from the turbulent mountains, he stands as Utu stands at noon. |
| 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) |
| An ululumama to Nanna (Nanna J): c.4.13.10 Lord, glory of heaven, suited to ……, Nanna, whose appearance in the high heavens is adorned with radiance! King, glittering light, crown of Urim, Nanna, glittering light, crown of Urim! |
| An ululumama to Nanna (Nanna J): c.4.13.10 Butting …… aggressively, ……, never tiring, …… in heaven and on earth; giving princely commands to ……, …… like a bull, ……, looking down upon his rivers grand and small! Lion uttering hostile words to the enemy, supplying evening light to dark places! Youthful Suen, glorious moonlight, the people gaze at you in wonder. |
| A šir-namšub to Suen (Nanna K): c.4.13.11 As remote as heaven, …… as the earth! Lord Nanna, as remote as heaven, …… as the earth! Lord Ašimbabbar, as remote as heaven, …… as the earth! |
| A šir-namšub to Suen (Nanna K): c.4.13.11 "…… in your brick-built Urim, in your …… of Nanna, in your Dubla-maḫ, the place where judgments are given, in your storehouse of wine and syrup, at your Kar-zida, the quay of the barges, in your house of heaven, in your beloved house, I will live!" |
| A šir-namgala to Nanna (Nanna L): c.4.13.12 Princely son, respected one in heaven spreading amply over the high mountains, rising high as he casts a glowing radiance, majestic ……, his head reaching the sky, fixing the new moon and the months, shining forth, Nanna! Versed in numbers, may you look down graciously! Ašimbabbar, great light of holy An, mighty one (?) spreading wide, you cover (?) the numerous people. |
| A šir-namgala to Nanna (Nanna L): c.4.13.12 Nanna, dragon of heaven and earth, standing ……, fixing the months and the new moon, sets the year in its place. Suen, lord, in heaven you alone are majestic. Lord, light of heaven, you are positioned forever. To prolong years of abundance, causing the early flood and unceasing abundance, to make firm the quays, to regulate the nipples of heaven, to establish celebration, …… to bring speckled grain, to ……, ……, to make firm the lofty dais of E-kiš-nu-ĝal, Nanna, to make firm the seat of kingship of the Land, (3 lines fragmentary) |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna M): c.4.13.13 Princely lord ……, great lord of heaven ……! In the city which like the sea inspires awe! Far-seeing Suen, ruler of Urim! O Suen, princely lord ……, great lord of heaven ……! In the city which like the sea inspires awe! Far-seeing Suen, ruler of Urim! |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna N): c.4.13.14 …… that fills the holy heavens, an adept (?) exuding radiance (?), Nanna, your crown is holy! Unique lord, …… lord who …… the heavens, shining in the high heavens, ……, spreading advice throughout heaven and earth, ……, you are the god who ……, …… the place of creation. (1 line fragmentary) |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna N): c.4.13.14 The sweet-sounding tigi instruments are arranged in the majestic forecourt where your food-offerings are presented. In the heavenly assembly (?), the tigi instruments resound for you. Nanna, the sweet-sounding tigi instruments are arranged in the majestic forecourt where your food-offerings are presented. In the heavenly assembly (?), the tigi instruments resound for you. |
| 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 As you become manifest in the holy heavens, you …… broadly over all the lands. Your light is holy and purifies. Oh, ah, it has come forth for the king like the sunlight! Nanna, as you become manifest in the holy heavens, you …… broadly over all the lands. Your light is holy and purifies. Oh, ah, it has come forth for the king like the sunlight! |
| A hymn to Nanna (Nanna O): c.4.13.15 The abzu has flourished, the abzu is beautiful. The abzu shall establish the lord as its lord. Lord Nanna, Lord Ašimbabbar, to the lord of the courtyard, noble Alamuš, may ……! May ……! May …… Inana of heaven …… in beauty! May the mistress …… in beauty in the shrine! May …… as desired! May ……! May you ……! …… of Ninsumun ……! (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| 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 fragment of a hymn to Nanna: c.4.13.b (2 lines fragmentary) …… puts in order the great cattle pens …… for him. …… the breeding bulls of the teeming cows …… bellow loudly. …… prepares butter, milk and eggs. The …… of his celebration which has been multiplied for you, …… their prince, …… put in order the …… for Suen, the abundance of heaven and earth. ……, the king befitting the holy heavens, …… in the interior of heaven, (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A fragment of a hymn to Nanna: c.4.13.b (4 lines fragmentary) The foremost ……, …… in heaven and on earth, …… moonlight. …… radiance. The lord …… dignity ……. Ningal ……. The lord …… splendour. (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| An excerpt from a hymn to Nanna: c.4.13.c God who …… among the gods, coming forth on high, perfecting the divine powers of heaven! Outstanding crown, radiance, ……, prince, …… of heaven, justly cherished by An and Uraš! Born in Dur-an-ki! Light, radiance and crown of Urim! |
| An excerpt from a hymn to Nanna: c.4.13.c No one should escape the grasp of Father Nanna, him of most just words! Princely lord, princely lord, great princeliness among the gods! In the temple that, like the heavens, inspires terror and fear, you are awesome. |
| Nanše and the birds (Nanše C): c.4.14.3 She herself …… upon the water like a large pelican (?). Stepping onto earth from heaven, she …… in the water like a holy cow. A holy pelican (?), a white cow, she drank by the water's side. With the towering flood ……. Nanše, shining …… of the Anuna, the great gods! Mistress, Mother Nanše, good woman, ……! Nanše, sister praised by the Anuna! Mother, beautiful matriarch of Enlil! { Nanše } { (1 ms. has instead:) My lady }, delighting in her pelican (?), erected a lapis lazuli shrine, and set the holy pelican (?) by her feet. |
| Nanše and the birds (Nanše C): c.4.14.3 "I am the mistress, so let my birds assemble for me where the sheaves are gathered! I am Nanše, so let my birds assemble for me where the sheaves are gathered! Let the birds of heaven and earth stand at my service! Let every bird without a name bring offerings! Let every bird not caught in nets ……!" |
| Nanše and the birds (Nanše C): c.4.14.3 The voiceless bat ……, a bird that darts by in the heavens. The Anzud bird decides the fates with (?) the Anuna gods. |
| A hymn to Nergal (Nergal B): c.4.15.2 Raising his head, authoritative with a ringing voice, knowing the divine powers of the gods, …… of the Land, he travels through heaven and organises everything. |
| A tigi to Nergal (Nergal C): c.4.15.3 Lord who inspires awe in heaven and on earth, who is resplendent in the Land, engendered for kingship by your father, your awesomeness weighs upon the black-headed. The Anuna, the great gods, cower together before your awesomeness and radiance. Nergal, lord who inspires awe in heaven and on earth, who is resplendent in the Land, engendered for kingship by your father, your awesomeness weighs upon the black-headed. The Anuna, the great gods, cower together before your awesomeness and radiance. |
| A 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 Lady coloured like the stars of heaven, { holding } { (3 mss. have instead:) perfectly endowed with } a lapis-lazuli tablet! Nisaba, great wild cow born by Uraš, wild sheep nourished on good milk among holy alkaline plants, opening the mouth for seven …… reeds! Perfectly endowed with fifty great divine powers, my lady, most powerful in E-kur! |
| A hymn to Nisaba (Nisaba A): c.4.16.1 He (Enki (?)) approaches the maiden Nisaba in prayer. He has organised pure food-offerings; he has opened up Nisaba's house of learning, and has placed the lapis-lazuli tablet on her knees, for her to consult the holy tablet of the heavenly stars. In Aratta he has placed E-zagin at her disposal. You have built up Ereš in abundance, founded from little …… bricks, you who are granted the most complex wisdom! |
| A balbale to Ninazu (Ninazu A): c.4.17.1 Lord Ninazu, may Nanna rejoice over you that the earth was created. Powerful and of great intelligence, you were engendered by Nanna. May Ašimbabbar make the shining branches of your sceptre radiant in your grasp. He has strengthened the foundations of the throne which An gave you. May he make the way straight for you as far as the ends of heaven and earth, may he make it as straight for you as the sunlight. My lord Ninazu, may he make it as straight for you as the sunlight, may he make it as straight for you as the sunlight. Suen has perfected your lordly staff, the lofty sceptre which shines over all the foreign countries, and guides the people. Your protective goddess has …… great power for you in E-kiš-nu-ĝal. |
| A balbale to Ninĝišzida (Ninĝišzida A): c.4.19.1 The king who is the lord of broad understanding (i.e. Enki) has determined a good destiny for you on your elevated throne-dais; the god who loves justice (probably Utu) has spoken these favourable words: "Foremost one, leader of the assembly, glory of ……, king endowed with awesomeness, sun of the masses, advancing in front of them! Who can rival you in the highest heaven? What can equal you?" Hero who, after surveying the battle, goes up to the high mountains! Ninĝišzida, who, after surveying the battle, goes up to the high mountains! King, you who carry out commands in the great underworld, you who carry out the underworld's business! Any youth who has a personal god is at your disposal, there where your commands are issued. O king, honeyed mouth of the gods! Praise be to Enki. Ninĝišzida, son of Ninazu! Praise be to Father Enki. |
| 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 šir-gida to Ninisina (Ninisina A): c.4.22.1 My lady searched intensively on her own (?), concerned herself with things that otherwise one does not bother with, directed her attention to things that otherwise one does not do. Proudly she …… the rank of Mistress, and my lady took away all the divine powers established for it. At that time, the jewellery of šuba stones did not exist; no jewellery of šuba stones was worn on the neck. Ninisina invented it: it was she who ploughed with the šuba stones, she who made them into seeds. For (?) the goddess, the great mistress of heaven, she invented the jewellery of šuba stones. Radiating terrifying splendour as she grasped it, she placed it joyously on her head. |
| 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 "I am the lady who sits upon terrifying divine powers! I am she who is endowed from holy heaven with the office of incantation priestess! I am she who withdraws the first fruits from the palace, I am she who has received the divine powers from the most elevated dais. I am mighty, I am the forceful one of An and Uraš, I am the great lady of the gods! My terror is fearsome as it weighs on the Land; my terrifying splendour burdens all the foreign lands. No man anticipates my commands. I am the lady, I am heroic, I am youthful, I am the powerful one of the Land! The heavens fold themselves in my presence like a mourning garment; the earth is more and more submerged as if by the water of a flood when I am present. I am the neck-stock of the Land which grips mankind. I am she who hastens like a north wind storm into the midst of the people! I am she who hears prayer and pleading!"Praise be to holy Ninisina. |
| A šir-namšub to Ninisina (Ninisina B): c.4.22.2 Softened with the finest oils, softened with the finest oils -- for her let the finest oils be brought! So that she can be softened with the finest oils, let flowing oil be brought for her. For my beautiful ……, who is luxuriance, for my lady Ninsirsir, Ama-ugu-kuku, for my lady sitting in wine, for Ninisina sitting in wine, to make the fire blaze in the sky; for my lady bathing like a swallow, let cedar oil and cypress oil, and cedar oil, the aromatic which is beloved of the gods, and šimgig oil, and …… oil, and holy cow's butter and dairy cow's milk, and ghee brought from the holy cattle-pen and milk brought from (?) the sheepfold, oils wafting up into the heart of heaven like aromatic resins, and ligidba plant oil and white cedar oil -- let them all glisten on her! |
| Ninisina and the gods (Ninisina F): c.4.22.6 …… she is indeed ……. In ……, the …… of An, …… she is indeed Ĝatumdug. In ……, her …… that reaches the heavens, she is indeed ……, the firstborn child. In …… Ĝirsu, the shrine which first brought forth the seed of mankind, my lady is indeed Mother Bau. In …… Umma, in the Šeg-kuršaga, …… she is indeed ……. In …… (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 Good woman, Mother Ninlil, you ride across heaven and earth. |
| An adab to Ninlil (Ninlil A): c.4.24.1 My lady, unique and outstanding goddess throughout heaven and earth! Mother Ninlil, majestic lady, unique and outstanding goddess throughout heaven and earth! In his heart filled with pleasure at your joyous divine powers you are his beloved, …… into the future. |
| 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 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 šir-gida to Ninurta (Ninurta A): c.4.27.01 Like the new moon he comes forth over the people. Like Nanna he is …… in heaven and earth. He holds in his hand a sceptre of shining precious metal, and the true crown of An is placed on his head. Like Utu he comes forth over the cypresses; like Nanna he stands over the high mountains. { The lord in the courtyard } { (1 ms. has instead:) The lord, the king }, ……, the king who was born in the women's chambers in the mountains, second in rank …… (at least 6 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 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) |
| 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 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 šir-namšub to Ninurta (Ninurta G): c.4.27.07 King, your headdress hangs loose upon your neck, your kingship is gloriously manifest! Hero Ninurta, your headress hangs loose upon your neck! Hero Pabilsaĝ, your headress hangs loose upon your neck! Hero Ninĝirsu, your headdress hangs loose upon your neck; your kingship is manifest! Your kingship exists in the heavens, exists on the earth. You sit with Enki upon the holy throne-dais. |
| A hymn to Nungal (Nungal A): c.4.28.1 House, furious storm of heaven and earth, battering its enemies; prison, jail of the gods, august neck-stock of heaven and earth! Its interior is evening light, dusk spreading wide; its awesomeness is frightening. Raging sea which mounts high, no one knows where its rising waves flow. House, a pitfall waiting for the evil one; it makes the wicked tremble! House, a net whose fine meshes are skillfully woven, which gathers up people as its booty! House, which keeps an eye on the just and on evildoers; no one wicked can escape from its grasp. House, river of the ordeal which leaves the just ones alive, and chooses the evil ones! House, with a great name, nether world, mountain where Utu rises; no one can learn its interior! Big house, prison, house of capital offences, which imposes punishment! House, which chooses the righteous and the wicked; An has made its name great! |
| A hymn to Nungal (Nungal A): c.4.28.1 House whose foundations are laden with great awesomeness! Its gate is the yellow evening light, exuding radiance. Its stairs are a great open-mouthed dragon, lying in wait for men. Its door jamb is a great dagger whose two edges …… the evil man. Its architrave is a scorpion which quickly dashes from the dust; it overpowers everything. Its projecting pilasters are lions; no one dare rush into their grasp. Its vault is the rainbow, imbued with terrible awe. Its hinges are an eagle whose claws grasp everything. Its door is a great mountain which does not open for the wicked, but does open for the righteous man who was not brought in through its power. Its bars are fierce lions locked in stalwart embrace. Its latch is a python, sticking out its tongue and hissing. Its bolt is a horned viper, slithering in a wild place. House, surveying heaven and earth, a net spread out! No evildoer can escape its grasp, as it drags the enemy around. |
| A hymn to Nungal (Nungal A): c.4.28.1 Nungal, its lady, the powerful goddess whose aura covers heaven and earth, resides on its great and lofty dais. Having taken a seat in the precinct of the house, she controls the Land from there. She listens to the king in the assembly and clamps down on his enemies; her vigilance never ends. |
| A hymn to Nungal (Nungal A): c.4.28.1 Great house! For the enemy it is a trap laying in wait, but giving good advice to the Land; fearsome waves, onrush of a flood { that overflows the river banks } { (1 ms. has instead:) which never stops raging, huge and overflowing (?) }. When an individual is brought in, he cannot resist its aura. The gods of heaven and earth bow down before its place where judgments are made. Ninegala takes her seat high on its lapis-lazuli dais. She keeps an eye on the judgments and decisions, distinguishing true and false. Her battle-net of fine mesh is indeed cast over the land for her; the evildoer who does not follow her path will not escape her arm. |
| 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 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 A): c.4.29.1 (2 lines fragmentary) Your verdicts are great verdicts, ……. Important lord, wise ……. My god, …… like the rainbow ……, in Ubšu-unkena, ……, the great gods of heaven and earth …… (3 lines fragmentary) Hero, you have the …… sceptre …… (3 lines fragmnetary) …… has declared a name for you. (9 lines fragmentary) (approx. 4 lines missing) |
| A šir-gida to Nuska (Nuska A): c.4.29.1 You make truly perfect your divine powers which are bound to the foreign lands, and you make very great your divine powers of enormous importance, Nuska, great lord, son of An. May you be praised appropriately. You who make the holy princely šita vessels look especially fine, who search out decisions, august in heaven and earth, protective deity of E-kur, glory of E-kur, who make great verdicts, decision maker in heaven and earth, lord who identifies the great claims, arms wielding a battle net over the enemy but which lead the just correctly! Hero who bears all the great terrifying divine powers, who covers the earth with awesome splendour like a mighty storm -- An be praised for your very great eminence! Your own father has declared your fame: immensely complex lord who has taken his seat, who perfects the divine powers, lion of the far distance, lion standing by, leader of the assembly, Nuska, it is sweet to praise you. |
| A šir-gida to Nuska (Nuska B): c.4.29.2 (4 lines fragmentary) You make pleasing the offering table of Nintur. You issue orders for Ennugi. You …… life for the king. You …… over the single path of heaven and earth. |
| A hymn to Šul-pa-e (Šul-pa-e A): c.4.31.1 Lordly with weapons in the thick of battle! Owner of the rebel lands, lordly in the rebel lands, my king, you are an august god! You are an august god, and your wife is an august queen. You are beloved by Ninḫursaĝa. You are a hero before whom the gods are very fearful. Hero Šul-pa-e, lordly in heaven and on earth, my ……, may your name be truly called upon in all the foreign lands! My king, may your greatness be truly called upon in all the foreign lands! |
| A hymn to Šul-pa-e (Šul-pa-e A): c.4.31.1 August ……, rising flood, storm which approaches mankind! People tremble (?) in prayer before you like frightened birds. Rising ……, imbued with awesomeness, no one …… you. Of terrifying appearance, endowed with fearsome splendour, you are imbued with great awesomeness. You are a hurricane that approaches mankind, a great …… that sweeps men down, …… that …… mankind! In the mountains you measure the fields like a ……. …… emitted from heaven, without compare, ……, who brings daylight to the mountains, ……, battering ……, ……, who flashes like lightning. |
| A hymn to Utu (Utu B): c.4.32.2 Then, as my king comes forth, the heavens tremble before him and the earth shakes before him. After he has left the palace he ……. The heavens ……. May the bolt of heaven ……. The stars …… are awe-struck. His mother …… in the streets. She spreads her protection towards Utu. He has raised his head over the mountains; he is indeed their king! |
| A šir-namšub to Utu (Utu E): c.4.32.e The beer for the bur-gia offerings has been filled to overflowing. Among the offerings of the house, at the place where the huge bowls have been stood under the heavens, where bread has been offered by pure hands, at the house where the righteous man has offered prayers, where the most righteous of men has offered prayers, where the god of the man has offered prayers, where Lord Enki has offered prayers, there the righteous man has filled to overflowing the beer for the bur-gia offerings. |
| A šir-namšub to Utu (Utu F): c.4.32.f (Inana speaks:) "My brother, awe-inspiring lord, let me ride with you to the mountains! Lord of heaven, awe-inspiring lord, lord, let me ride with you to the mountains; to the mountains of herbs, to the mountains of cedars, to the mountains; to the mountains of cedars, the mountains of cypresses, to the mountains; to the mountains of silver, the mountains of lapis lazuli, to the mountains; to the mountains where the gakkul plants grow, to the mountains; to the distant source of the rolling rivers, to the mountains." |
| A hymn to Sadarnuna (Sadarnuna A): c.4.33.1 In his E-melem-ḫuš conveying great awesomeness, …… fear, serving the great gods of heaven and earth, her spouse, the assembly leader Nuska, ……. (4 lines fragmentary) (unknown no. of lines missing) |
| A hymn to Kusu (Kusu A): c.4.33.2 Destiny, prosperity -- the wood of destiny, wood of prosperity, and the reeds of destiny, reeds of prosperity, adorn the holy cattle-pen. Through the wool from a fair lamb and the wool from a fair kid, Gibil, the foremost, the right arm, lifting his head to heaven receives water from the holy teats of heaven. |
| A hymn to Kusu (Kusu A): c.4.33.2 This water consecrates the heavens, it purifies the earth. It purifies the cattle in their pen. It purifies the sheep in their fold. It purifies Utu at the horizon. It purifies Nanna at the zenith of heaven. Thus may it cleanse, may it cleanse the …… of the house. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O E-unir (House which is a ziqqurat), grown together with heaven and earth, foundation of heaven and earth, great banqueting hall of Eridug! Abzu, shrine erected for its prince, E-du-kug (House which is the holy mound) where pure food is eaten, watered by the prince's pure canal, mountain, pure place cleansed with the potash plant, Abzu, your tigi drums belong to the divine powers. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 At your place of calling upon Utu, at your oven bringing bread to eat, on your ziqqurat, a magnificent shrine stretching toward heaven, at your great oven rivalling the great banqueting hall, your prince, the prince of heaven and earth …… can never be changed, the ……, the creator, the ……, the wise one, the ……, Lord Nudimmud, has erected a house in your precinct, O E-engura (House of the subterranean waters), and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| 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 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 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 mighty Keš, form of heaven and earth, arousing terror like a great horned viper, house of Ninḫursaĝa, built in a terrifying place! Respected Keš, your interior is a deep interior while your exterior is tall. Great lion …… on the high plain and roving about on the plain, great hill established by incantations, twilit interior in which moonlight does not shine, Nintur has made you beautiful -- O house Keš, your brickwork and your moulding of it! Your terrace! Your exterior, a lustrous suḫ crown, and your building of it! |
| 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 O Urim, bull standing in the wet reeds, E-kiš-nu-ĝal (House sending light to the earth (?)), calf of a great cow, …… light of holy heaven, ……, trap laid in a nest, Urim, container feeding all lands, you are a shrine in a pure place, earth of An -- O house of Suen, at your front a prince, at your back a ruler, your dining hall with adab songs, your great, holy banqueting hall with šem and ala drums! The light coming from you and your true lordship is a precious destiny. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 Ĝipar, princely shrine of the holy divine powers, shining like the …… sun, E-kiš-nu-ĝal, beaming moonlight which comes forth in the Land, broad light of midday which fills all lands, house, your platform is a great snake, a marsh of snakes. Your foundation is the abzu, fifty in number, and the engur, seven in number, a shrine which looks into the heart of the gods. Your prince, the prince who makes decisions, the crown of the wide heaven, the sovereign of heaven, Ašimbabbar, has erected a house in your precinct, O shrine Urim, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O E-mu-maḫ (House with a magnificent name), rising mountain of heaven, your holy sides and your great foundation are a precious destiny. Interior full with princely divine powers, a beaming light which shines, shrine with your back to the blue sky and your prominent front to all people, in the Land it represents a binding agreement and a single track. Magnificent river with open mouth gathering together your …… divine powers, your base is great in awesomeness, a righteous hill grown in a broad place. Your lofty dwelling-place of magnificence with all the divine powers of princeship, ……, shouting ……; house of celebration, your platform gladdens the settlements. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O shrine, great sanctuary founded at a cattle-pen, small shining city of Suen, Kar-zida (Pure quay), your interior is a mighty place, your foundation is holy and clean. Shrine, your ĝipar is founded in purity. Your door is of strong copper set up at a great place. Lowing cattle-pen, you raise your horns like a bull. Your prince, the lord of heaven standing in joy, …… at midday and ……, Ašimbabbar, has erected a house in your precinct, O Kar-zida, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O house which comes forth from heaven, resplendent in Kulaba, shrine E-babbar (Shining house), shining bull, lift your neck to Utu who …… in the sky! Your shining horns are aggressive, holy and lustrous. Bearing a beard of shining lapis lazuli, ……, your prince, the mighty sunlight, the lord who …… the true word, who lightens the horizon, who lightens the sky's …… vault, Utu, the sovereign of E-babbar, has erected a house in your precinct, O house Larsam, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O primeval place, deep mountain founded in an artful fashion, shrine, terrifying place lying in a pasture, a dread whose lofty ways none can fathom, Ĝišbanda, neck-stock, meshed net, shackles of the great underworld from which none can escape, your exterior is raised up, prominent like a snare, your interior is where the sun rises, endowed with wide-spreading plenty. Your prince is the prince who stretches out his pure hand, the holy one of heaven, with luxuriant and abundant hair hanging at his back, Lord Ninĝišzida. Ninĝišzida has erected a house in your precinct, O Ĝišbanda, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O house with the great divine powers of Kulaba, ……, its platform has made the great shrine flourish. Green fresh fruit, marvellous, filled with ripeness, descending from the centre of heaven, shrine built for the bull, E-ana (House of heaven), house with seven corners, with seven fires lifted at night-time, surveying seven pleasures (?), your princess is on the pure horizon. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 Your lady Inana who ……, who adorns the woman and covers the man's head with a cloth, the one with a lustrous …… suḫ crown, the dragon of Niĝin-ĝar, the queen of heaven and earth, Inana, has erected a house in your precinct, O E-ana, and taken her seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O E-igizu-uru (House, your face is mighty), with plenty coming from within, your well-stocked chamber is a mountain of abundance. House, your fragrance is a mound of vines. Your true minister is a leader in heaven. House, your princess is prominent among the gods, the true minister of E-ana who holds a holy sceptre in her hand. Ninšubur, the true minister of E-ana, has erected a house in your precinct, O E-akkil (House of lamentation), and taken her seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O city, founded upon a dais in the abzu, established for the rites of išib priests, house where incantations of heaven and earth are recited, (4 lines fragmentary) |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 …… lustration water in the holy heaven and on the pure earth. Ningirim, the lady of the shining lustration water, has erected a house in your precinct, O house Murum, and taken her seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O E-bur-sigsig (House with beautiful bowls) set up under heaven, mighty banqueting hall, fulfilling (?) the commands, abundance of the midst of the sea in ……, at whose holy …… there is entreaty and joy. The faithful man has enlarged E-maḫ (Magnificent house), the house of Šara, for you in plenty. Your house E-maḫ -- whose prince is the princely son of the Mistress -- continues (?) in good fortune, an area of abundance and well-being. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O house inspiring terror like a great lion, making as clear as day the decisions for those on the high plain, house of Iškur, at your front is abundance, at your rear is celebration. Your foundation is a horned bull, a lion. Holy staff, teat of heaven with rain for fine barley, the pilasters of your house are a wild bull with outspread horns, your ……, foundation and wall rising high, ……, thick cloud, …… snake, …… moonlight, …… Iškur, a sweeping flood, …… a storm and seven raging winds, ……, blowing raging winds, …… running from the ……, splits the …… hillside, diorite, stones and ……. (2 lines missing) (1 line fragmentary) |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 The ……, the seed of the Land, the ……, the …… prince, the canal inspector of heaven and earth, the …… living, the numerous people, the ……, Iškur, has erected a house in your precinct, O house Karkara, and taken his 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 Kazallu, your crown reaches to the centre of heaven, shining, …… an object of admiration. Your prince is the seed of a bull, engendered by a wild bull in ……, a magnificent …… with sparkling eyes, a lord with the teeth of a lion, who snatches the calf with his claws, who snatches ……. …… who snatches ……, the …… who gives strength to the ……, the great lord Numušda, has erected a house in your precinct, O Kun-satu (Threshold of the mountain), O Kazallu, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O Dēr (Akkadian name; a Sumerian name is unknown), taking extreme care of decisions, ……, on your awesome and radiant gate a decoration displays a horned viper and a mušḫuš embracing. Your prince, a leader of the gods, fit for giving counsel and grand speech, the son of Uraš who knows thoroughly the true divine powers of princeship, Ištaran, the …… sovereign of heaven, has erected a house in your precinct, O E-dim-gal-kalama (House which is the great pole of the Land), and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O E-ĝiškešda-kalama (House which is the bond of the Land), bull …… great strength among the gods, terrifying wild cow, wild bull which causes lament, Gudua, your quay is a low quay which bestows water, your interior is artfully built, your mace is a …… mace released from heaven, your platform is a lustrous platform spreading over Mešlam. Your prince, the mighty god, the sovereign of Mešlam, the fierce god of the underworld, the sovereign of Ud-šuš (Sunset), Nergal, Mešlamta-ea, has erected a house in your precinct, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O mighty Urum where Suen pronounces judgment, E-ab-lua (House with teeming cattle), wide cattle-yard, Ašimbabbar acts as your shepherd. House, my sovereign, your sceptre reaches to heaven, …… to the earth, moonlight ……, celebration, your …… may …… the light. Your prince, the prince of holy celebration, ……, who appears in the lapis lazuli coloured sky, a celebration, to whom the hero pays homage ……, who brightens the Land, …… Suen, has erected a house in your precinct, O house Urum, and taken his seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O Zimbir, dais upon which Utu sits daily, E-nun-ana (House of the prince of heaven), star of heaven, crown given birth by Ningal, house of Utu, your prince, the …… of the universe, fills heaven and earth. When the lord sleeps, the people sleep; when he rises, the people rise. The bull …… and the people prostrate themselves. Before Utu the herds pasture ……. The black-headed have bathed before him, the Land has …… before him. He measures out the divine powers -- your shrine is a flood. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 Mother Nintur, the lady of creation, performs her task within your dark place, binding the true suḫ crown on the new-born king, setting the crown on the new-born lord who is secure in her hand. The midwife of heaven and earth, Ninḫursaĝa, has erected a house in your precinct, O house ……, and taken her seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 Arrayed in battle, jubilantly (?) beautiful, ready with the seven maces, washing her tools for battle, opening the door of battle and ……, the extremely wise one of heaven, Inana, has erected a house in your precinct, O house Ulmaš, and taken her seat upon your dais. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 O house of stars, bright E-zagin (Lapis lazuli house), reaching into all lands, establishing …… in the shrine, Ereš! The primeval lords raise their heads to you every month. …… the potash plant, great Nanibgal, Nisaba, has brought divine powers from heaven and added to your divine powers. |
| The temple hymns: c.4.80.1 Sanctuary established for ……! To the true woman who possesses exceeding wisdom, soothing …… and opening the mouth, always consulting a tablet of lapis lazuli, giving advice to all lands, the true woman, the holy potash plant, born of the stylus reed, applies the measure to heaven and places the measuring-rope on the earth -- to Nisaba be praise! |
| 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 Nisaba was its decision-maker (?); with its words she wove it intricately like a net. Written on tablets it was held in her hands: House, platform of the Land, important fierce bull! House Keš, platform of the Land, important fierce bull! Growing as high as the hills, embracing the heavens, growing as high as E-kur, lifting its head among the mountains! { Rooted in the abzu } { (2 mss. have instead:) Colourful as the abzu }, verdant like the mountains! 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 Good house, built in a good location, house Keš, { (some mss. add here:) good house, } built in a good location, floating in the heavens like a princely barge, like a holy barge furnished with a …… gate, like the boat of heaven, the platform of all the lands! …… from the riverbank like a …… boat cabin! House roaring like an ox, bellowing loudly like a breed-bull! House in whose interior is the power of the Land, and behind which is the life of Sumer! |
| 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? } |
| The Keš temple hymn: c.4.80.2 House positioned over its foundations like a storm, like white bulls standing about on the plain; house founded by the prince, in praise on the tigi instrument! House in whose interior is the power of the Land, and behind which { is the life of Sumer } { (some mss. have instead:) it is filled with life }; at whose gate is a lion reclining on its paws, at whose gate is the ruler who decides cases (?)! House at whose door is the Great Mountain without adversary; { at whose bolt } { (some mss. have here instead:) at whose bar } is a great frisking wild bull { (some mss. add here the line:), at whose bolt is a beast …… a man } { (1 ms. adds here instead the line:), at whose …… is an awe-inspiring lion } ! { Whose well-founded storehouse is a corner of heaven, a corner of earth } { (1 ms. has here instead:) Whose storehouse established as a household is a lance (?) }; whose terrace is supported by laḫama deities; whose princely { (1 ms. adds:) great } wall …… the shrine of Urim! 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. (which uses a different numbering of the sections) adds here the following lines:) House imbued with radiance, …… excellence! House ……! Lord Nudimmud in heaven and earth …… brickwork of the Land, brickwork …… grandly in the abzu. Terrace, relaxing abode, …… holy splendour rising over the people! House which is seemly for the foreign lands! 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 He declares: "Heavenward (?)!" |
| The poem of early rulers: c.5.2.5 (up to 5 lines missing) …… is not made ……. …… those men were overthrown. …… the king? He reigned 36,000 years! …… the king, the one who ascended to heaven? …… he who, like Zi-ud-sura, tried to find life? …… he who was honoured and then seized? …… was not rivalled in the Land? …… the kings, the leaders of former days? ……, have they not been born? …… can my hand reach them? …… no one knows it. |
| 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 Grain and Sheep: c.5.3.2 When, upon the hill of heaven and earth, An spawned the Anuna gods, since he neither spawned nor created grain with them, and since in the Land he neither fashioned the yarn of Uttu (the goddess of weaving) nor pegged out the loom for Uttu -- with no sheep appearing, there were no numerous lambs, and with no goats, there were no numerous kids, the sheep did not give birth to her twin lambs, and the goat did not give birth to her triplet kids --, the Anuna, the great gods, did not even know the names Ezina-Kusu (Grain) or Sheep. |
| The debate between Grain and Sheep: c.5.3.2 Sheep being fenced in by her sheepfold, they gave her green plants generously. For Grain they made her field and gave her the plough, yoke and team. Sheep standing in her sheepfold was a shepherd of the sheepfolds brimming with charm. Grain standing in her furrow was a beautiful girl radiating charm; lifting her raised head up from the field she was suffused with the bounty of heaven. Sheep and Grain had a radiant appearance. |
| The debate between Grain and Sheep: c.5.3.2 Again Sheep answered Grain: "You, like holy Inana of heaven, love horses. When a banished enemy, a slave from the mountains or a labourer with a poor wife and small children comes, bound with his rope of one cubit, to the threshing-floor or is taken away from (?) the threshing-floor, when his cudgel pounds your face, pounds your mouth, like crushed …… your ears (?) ……, and you are …… around by the south wind and the north wind. The mortar ……. As if it were pumice (?) it makes your body into flour." |
| 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 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 Consequently Winter was overcome by anger and he started a quarrel with Summer: "Summer, my brother, you should not praise yourself; whatever harvest produce you bring as gifts to the palace has not been made by your toil: you should not brag. As if you were the one who had done the hard work, as if you had done the farming, as if you had taken care of irrigation control during the spring floods, as if you had brought forth the …… grain in the arable tracts with the dew from heaven -- how much through my toil is it that you enter the palace!" |
| The debate between Winter and Summer: c.5.3.3 "Summer, my brother, as long as you go with my term of duty, great and small order you about and your string is not cut. Although you have gathered all things in the Land and filled the storehouses, in all my strength I am their owner when your limbs become tired. When the clouds have brought down the abundance of heaven, and the water of the first greening has descended from the hills, and the new grain has been put in the granary to be added to the old grain, the good farmer, having seen to his fields, shouts for joy, the carrier donkeys stand ready and he sets out confidently for the city." |
| 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 Thereupon Fish conceived a plot against Bird. Silently, furtively, it slithered alongside. When Bird rose up from her nest to fetch food for her young, Fish searched for the most discreet of silent places. It turned her well-built nest of brushwood into a haunted house. It destroyed her well-built house, and tore down her storeroom. It smashed the eggs she had laid and threw them into the sea. Thus Fish struck at Bird, and then fled into the waters. Then Bird came, lion-faced and with an eagle's talons, flapping its wings towards its nest. It stopped in mid-flight. Like a hurricane whirling in the midst of heaven, it circled in the sky. Bird, looking about for its nest, spread wide its limbs. It trampled over the broad plain after its well-built nest of brushwood. Its voice shrieked into the interior of heaven like the Mistress's. |
| The debate between Bird and Fish: c.5.3.5 "You are like a watchman living on the walls (?), ……! Fish, you kindled fire against me, you planted henbane. In your stupidity you caused devastation; you have spattered your hands with blood! Your arrogant heart will destroy itself by its own deeds! But I am Bird, flying in the heavens and walking on the earth. Wherever I travel to, I am there for the joy of its …… named. ……, O Fish, …… bestowed by the Great Princes (a name for the Igigi). I am of first-class seed, and my young are first-born young! …… went with uplifted head …… to the lustrous E-kur. …… until distant days. …… the numerous people say. How can you not recognise my pre-eminence? Bow your neck to the ground." |
| 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 Then Strong Copper, the warrior of heaven (?), kept his body firm, and did not take ……; he did not show hate, but kept quiet (?). He kept his neck firm, and did not ……. He …… his rejoicing face to the gods. |
| 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 Then the days passed, the year grew long, the silos filled up and flax was beaten ……. The year, the faraway days, ……. The heavens …… stars and lengthening shadows. …… the shadows ……. The stars of heaven …… did not ……. The records, to be found in the sacred tablets of the stars, ……. The heavens, ……, having been separated from the earth ……. (8 lines fragmentary) (1 line missing) |
| The message of Lu-diĝira to his mother: c.5.5.1 Let me give you a third description of my mother: My mother is { rain from heaven } { (1 ms. has instead:) timely rain }, water for the finest seeds. She is a bountiful harvest of { fully-grown fine barley } { (1 ms. has instead:) ripe, exceedingly fine barley } { (1 ms. has instead:) heavenly …… } { (1 ms. has instead:) ripe maturity (?) …… }. She is a garden of { …… } { (1 ms. has instead:) delights }, { full of laughter } { (1 ms. has instead:) filled with rejoicing }. She is a well-irrigated pine tree, { an adorned juniper } { (1 ms. has instead:) adorned with pine-cones }. She is early fruit, the { products } { (1 ms. has instead:) garden's yield } of the first month. She is an irrigation ditch bringing fertilising water to the garden plots. She is a sweet Dilmun date, a prime date much sought after. |
| 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 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 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 instructions of Šuruppag: c.5.6.1 Heaven is far, earth is most precious, but it is with heaven that you multiply your goods, and all foreign lands breathe under it. |
| 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. |
| The heron and the turtle: c.5.9.2 The prince called to his minister, Isimud: "My minister, Isimud, my Sweet Name of Heaven!" "I stand at Enki's service! What is your wish?" "First …… is filtered on the left side, then a copper box is made, so that …… is covered. Then you tie ……, and you tie the top with string ……; then you …… with a piece of dough, and you irrigate the outer enclosure (?); and you put …… (?) Enki's interconnecting (?) lagoons. Then let him sit …… (1 line missing) (1 line fragmentary)" |
| Proverbs: collection 1: c.6.1.01 Across the heavens (an bal), across the earth, litter (anba) is distributed (anba) over the earth.(based on puns) |
| Proverbs: collection 3: c.6.1.03 The heavens were destroyed, the earth was shaken. After the heavens were destroyed and the earth was shaken, the people were still standing there on their own. |
| Proverbs: collection 5: c.6.1.05 The dog { wags his tongue (?) at a millstone } { (1 ms. has instead:) …… licks his tongue }, and says to his companion: "{ (1 ms. adds:) It is an omen from heaven! } Let me clothe you in the lid of a measuring bowl!" |
| Proverbs: collection 9: c.6.1.09 …… rain from the heavens; …… what is its support beam? |
| Proverbs: collection 12: c.6.1.12 (= Alster 1997 12 Sec. C 5)A man who can lift the heavens -- and he does not fart. |
| Proverbs: collection 17: c.6.1.17 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 19: c.6.1.19 (cf. |
| Proverbs: collection 22: c.6.1.22 (cf. |
| Proverbs: from Nibru: c.6.2.1 It went up to heaven, it rose to heaven. |
| Proverbs: from Urim: c.6.2.3 Let the standard that raises itself protect it like the heavens. |
| Proverbs: from Urim: c.6.2.3 (cf. |
| Proverbs: from Urim: c.6.2.3 (1 line fragmentary) …… ascends to heaven. (1 line unclear)When battle approaches, when war arises, the plans of the gods, beloved by the gods, are destroyed. You cause fire to devour the Land. May my god know that my hand is suited to the stylus. |
| Proverbs: from Urim: c.6.2.3 A dog sitting in a garden, a dog …… growing …… a dog …… demon of heaven and earth. |
| Proverbs: from Urim: c.6.2.3 Earth is greater than heaven. Who can destroy it? |
| Proverbs: from Urim: c.6.2.3 When …… answers ……, it is a good omen from heaven. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 My king, the lord perfect in heaven, built a house in the barren marshes. |
| Proverbs: of unknown provenance: c.6.2.5 The lady found the bull calf of heaven -- but has not yet found it. |
|
© Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 The ETCSL project, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford |
|