The First Tablet
1. When in the height heaven was not named,
2. And the earth beneath did not yet bear a name,
3. And the primeval Apsû, who begat them,
4. And chaos, Tiamat, the mother of them both,
5. Their waters were mingled together,
6. And no field was formed, no marsh was to be seen ;
7. When of the gods none had been called into being,
8. And none bore a name, and no destinies [were ordained]" ;
9. Then were created the gods in the midst of [heaven],
10. Laḥmu and Laḥamu were called into being [ . I I . Ages increased, [ . . . . 1,
12. Then Anšar and Kišar were created, and over them [ . . . . 1."
13. Long were the days, then there came forth [ . . ]
14. Anu, their son, [ . . . . . . . . . . I
15. Anšar and Anu [ . . . . . . . . . . 1
16. And the god Anu [ . . . . . . . . . I .
17. Nudimmud, whom his fathers [his] begettersls [ . ]
18. Abounding in all wisdom, [ . . . . . . I
19. He was exceeding strong [ . . . . . . . 1
20. He had no rival [ . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 I . (Thus) were established and [were . . . . .18 the great gods (?)1.
22. But [Tiamat and Apsû] ' were (still) in confusion[ . ], . I
23. They were troubled and [ . . . . . . .
24. In disorder(?) [ . . . . . . . .1
25. A p s i was not diminished in might [ . ] I
26. And Tiamat roared [ . . . . . . . . . ]
27. She smote, and their deeds [ . . . . . . 1
28. Their way was evil . [ . ] . . . .
29. Then Apsû, the begetter of the great gods,
30. Cried unto Mummu, his minister, and said unto him :
31. " O Mummu, thou minister that rejoicest my spirit,
32. " Come, unto Tiamat let us [go] ! "
33. So they went and before Tiamat they lay down,
34. They consulted on a plan with regard to the gods [their son].'
35. Apsû opened his mouth [and spake],
36. And unto Tiamat, the glistening one, he addressed [the word] ' :
37. " [ . . . ]their way [ . . . . 1,
38. " By day I cannot rest, by night [I cannot lie down (in peace)].
39. " But I will destroy their way, I will [ . . . 1,
40. " Let there be lamentation, and let us lie down (again in peace)."
41. When Tiamat [heard] these words,
42. She raged and cried aloud [ . . . . 1.
43. [She . . ] grievously [ . . . . 1,
44. She uttered a curse, and unto [Apsû she spake]" :
45. " What then shall we [do]?
46. " Let their way be made difficult, and let us [lie down (again) in peace] "
47. Mummu answered, and gave counsel unto Apsû,
48. [ . . . ] and" hostile (to the gods) was the counsel Mu[mmu gave] :
49. " Come, their way is strong, but thou shalt destroy [it] ;
50. " Then by day shalt thou have rest, by night shalt thou lie down (in peace)."
51. Apsû [hearkened unto] him and his countenance grew bright, 5 2 . [Since] he (i.e. Mummu) planned evil against the gods his sons.
53. [ . . . . ] he was afraid [ . . . .
54. His knees [became weak(?)], they gave way beneath him,
55. [Because of the evil]' which their first-born had planned.
56. [ . ] their [ . . . 1they altered(?).
57. [ . . . . . . . . ] they [ . 1,
58. Lamentation [ . ] they sat in [sorrow] "
59. [ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60. Then Ea, who knoweth all that [is],' went up and 61.r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62. [ . ]. his pure incantation 63.r. . . . ] . . . . . . . [ . . . I
64. [ .
65. [. . . . . . . . . . ] . . . . . [ .. . . . . I" ] misery
66. [ . . . . . . ]
67. [ . . . . . . I" [Lines 68-82 are wanting.]
85. [ . . . . . . . . . . . ] the god Anu,
86. [ . . . . . . an avenlger.'
87. [ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l 8 . 88. [ ] and he shall confound Tiamat.Io
89. [ . . . . . . . . ] h e . . . . . ,I1
90. [ . . . . . . . . . . . ] for ever.
91. [ . . . . . . . . . . ] the evil, Is
92. [ . . . . . . 1 . . . he spake: '
93. " [ . . . ] thy [ . . ] he hath conquered and . . . 94. " [ ] he [weepeth] and sitteth in tribulation(?).
95. " [ . . . . . . . . . . . ] of fear, . 96. " [ ] we shall not lie down (in peace).
97. " [ . . . . . . ] Apsû is laid waste (?),4 .
98. " [ .] and Mummu, who were taken captive, - inl.. . -1.
99. " [ . ] . thou didst . . . ,7 -
100. " [ . . . . . ] let us lie down (in peace). IOI.
102. [. . . "[ . . . . ]. . . . . they will smite (?)[ . . . 1. ] let us lie down (in peace). . . . 103. " [ ] thou shalt take vengeance for them,
104. " [ . . . ] unto the tempest shalt thou [ . . . ] ! "
105. [And Tiamat hearkened unto]" the word of the bright god, (and said) : TIAMAT PREPARES FOR BATTLE. . .
106. " [ . ] shalt thou entrust ! let us wage [war] ! " '
107. [ . . . . ] the gods in the midst of [ . . . ]
108. [ . . . . . ] for the gods did she create.'
109. [They banded themselves together and] at the side of Tiamat [they] advanced ;
110. [They were furious, they devised mischief without resting] night and [day].
111. [They prepared for battle], fuming and raging ;
112. [They joined their forces] and made war.
113. [Ummu-Hubur, who formed all things,
114. [Made in addition] weapons invincible, she spawned monster-serpents,
115. [Sharp of] tooth, and merciless of fang ;
116. [With poison instead of] blood she filled [their] bodies. "7. Fierce [monster-vipers] she clothed with terror,
118. [With splendour] she decked them, [she made them] of lofty stature.
119. [Whoever beheld] them, terror overcame him,"
120. Their bodies reared up and none could withstand [their attack]. gods." The same variety of reading occurs in a parallel expression in I V R , pl. 60% [67], B, Obv., 1. 31, and C, Ohv., 1. 1 1 , /a-nad a a - t i k r n ' e-lis' (so B ; C, i-12) u-ma;-:il, " I have made the honour of the Iring to be exalted."
121. [She set] up vipers,' and dragons, and the (monster) [Lal?amu],
122. [And hurricanes], and raging hound, and scorpion-men,
123. And mighty [tempests], and fish-men, and [rams] ; - 1 2 4 . [They bore] cruel weapons, without fear of [the fight].
125. Her commands [were mighty], [none] could resist thetn ;
126. After this fashion, huge of stature, [she made] eleven (monsters)."
127. Among the gods who were her1' sons, inasmuch as he had given [her support],
128. She exalted Kingu; in their midst [she raised] him [to power].
129. T o march before the forces, to lead [the host],
130. " To give the battle-signal, to advance to the attack,
131. T o direct the battle, to control the fight,
132. Unto him she entrusted ; in [costly raiment] she made him sit, (saying) :
133. " I have uttered thy spell, in the assembly of the gods I have raised thee to power.
134. " T h e dominion over all the gods [have I entrusted unto him]. -
135. " Be thou exalted, thou my chosen spouse,
136. May they magnify thy name over all [of them . . . the Anunnalri]." 'l
137. She gave him the Tablets of Destiny, on [his] breast she laid them, (saying) :
138. " T h y command shall not be without avail, and [the word of thy mouth shall be establishcd]."
139. Now Kingu, (thus) exalted, having received [the power of Anu],
140. [Decreed] the fate among the gods his sons, (saying) :
141. " Let the opening of your mouth [quench] the Fire-god ;
142. " Whoso is exalted in the battIe, let him [display (his) might] ! "
Mentioned templesApsûTiāmatAnûĒa
The Second Tablet
1. Tiamat made weighty her handiwork,
2. [EvilIZshe wrought against the gods her children.
3. [To avenge] Apsû, Tiamat planned evil,
4. But how she had collected her [forces, the god . . . . ] unto E a divulged.'
5. E a [hearkened to] this thing, and
6. He was [grievous]ly afflicted and he sat in sorrow.
7. [The days] went by, and his anger was appeased,
8. And to [the place ofJ Anšar his father he took [his way].
9. [He went] and standing before Aniar, the father who begat him,
10. [All that] Tiamat had plotted he repeated unto him, 1 1 . [Saying, "Tilamat our mother hath conceived a hatred for us,
12. " With all her force she rag-eth, full of wrath.
13. " All the gods have turned to her,
14. " [With] those, whom ye created, they go at her side.
15. " They are banded together and at the side of Tiamat they advance ;
16. " They are furious, they devise mischief without resting night and day.
17. " They prepare for battle, fuming and raging ;
18. " They have joined their forces and are making war.
19. " Ummu-Hubur, who formed all things,
20. Hath made in addition weapons invincible, she bath spawned monster-serpents,
21. " Sharp of tooth, and merciless of fang.
22. " With poison instead of blood she hath filled their bodies.
23. " Fierce monster-vipers she hath clothed with terror,
24. " With splendour she hath decked them, she hath made them of lofty stature.'"
25. " Whoever beholdeth them is overcome by terror,"
26. " Their bodies rear up and none can withstand their attack.
27. " She hath set up vipers, and dragons, and the (monster) Laḥamu,
28. ' I And hurricanes and raging hounds, and scorpionmen,
29. " And mighty tempests, and fish-men and rams ;
30. " They bear cruel weapons, without fear of the fight.
31. I' Her commands are mighty, none can resist them ;
32. " After this fashion, huge of stature, hath she made eleven (monsters).
33. " Among the gods who are her sons, inasmuch as he hath given her support,
34. " She hath exalted Kingu ; in their midst she hath raised him to power.
35. " T o march before the forces, to lead the host,
36. " T o give the battle-signal, to advance to the attack,
37. " [To direct]' the battle, to control the fight,
38. " U n t o him [hath she entrusted]; in costly raiment she hath made him sit, (saying) :
39. " ' [I have uttered] thy [spell], in the assembly of the gods I have raised thee to power,
40. " ' [The dominion over all] the gods have I entrusted [unto thee].
41. " ' [Be thou exalted], thou [my chosen spouse],
42. " ' [May they magnify thy name over all of them . ] . . .'I
43. " [She hath given him the Tablets of Destiny, on his breast she] laid them, (saying) :
44. " '[Thy command shall not be without avail], and the [word] of thy mouth shall be established.'
45. " [Now Kingu, (thus) exalted], having received the power of Anu,
46. " Decreed the fate [for the gods, her sons], (saying) :
47. " ' Let [the opening of your mouth] quench the Fire-god ;
48. " ' [Whoso is exalted in the battle], let him display (his) might !' "
49. [When An5ar heard how Tiamat was mightily in revolt,
50. [ . . . . . . . . he bit his lips,
51. [ . . . . . 1, hismindwasnotatpeace,
52. His [ . 1, he made a bitter lamentation :
53. " [ . . . . . . . . . . . . ] battle,
54. " [ . . . . . . . ] thou . . . . '
55. " [Mummu and] Apsû thou hast smitten,
56. " [But Tiamat hath exalted Kinlgu, and where is one who can oppose her ? "
57. [ . . . . . . . . . . . ] deliberation
58. [ . . . . the . of ] the gods, N[u]di[mmud] ' [A gap of about ten lines occurs here.]
72. ) [Aniar unto] his son addressed [the word] : (
73. ) " [ . . . . ] . . . my mighty hero, (
74. ) " [Whose] strength [is great] and whose onslaught cannot be withstood, (
75. ) " [Go] and stand before Tiamat, (
76. ) " [That] her spirit [may be appeased], that her heart may be merciful.
77. ) " [But if] she will not hearlien unto thy word, (
78. ) " Our [word] shalt thou speak unto her, that she may be pacified." (
79. ) [He heard the] word of his father Anjar (
80. ) And [he directed] his path to her, towards her he took the way. (
81. ) Anu [drew nigh],= he beheld the muttering' of Tiamat, T h e first part of the line probably contained some such phrase as Zi8-pa-ab-s'ir, as suggested in the translation. The sense of the couplet seems to be that, should Tiamat not listen to Anu, she might perhaps respect the authority of Anšar. (
82. ) [But he could not withstand her], and he turned back. (
83. ) [ . . . . . . . . . . . ] Anšar (
84. ) [ . . . . . . . . ] he spake unto him : (
85. ) " [ . . . . . . . . . . . ] upon me [A gap of about twenty lines occurs here.]
104. )[ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ] (
105. ) [ . . . . . . 1an avenger [ . . . ] (
106. ) [ . . . . . . . . . . . ] vajliant] (
107. ) [ . . . . . 1in the place of his decision (
108. ) [ . . . . . . . ] he spake unto him : (
109. ) " [ . . . . . . . . . . ] thy father (
110. ) " Thou art my son, who maketh merciful his heart.
111. ) " [ . ] to the battle shalt thou draw nigh, (
112. ) " [ . . . ] he that shall behold thee shall have peace." ("3) And the lord rejoiced at the word of his father, (
114. ) And he drew nigh and stood before Angar. ( I I S ) Anšar beheld him and his heart was filled with joy, consenting to become their avenger. This seems to me preferable to my previous translation, " who malreth valiant his heart " (
116. ) He kissed him on the lips and his fear departed from him. ("7) " [O my father],3 let not the word of thy lips be overcome, (
118. ) " Let me go, that I may accotnplish all that is in thy heart. (
119. ) " [0 overcome, let not the word of thy lips be (
120. ) " [Let me] go, that I may accomplish all that is in thy heart." ' (
121. ) " What man is it, who hath brought thee forth to battle ? (
122. ) " [ . . . ] Tiamat, who is a woman, is arnlecl and attaclieth thee." (
123. ) " [ . . . ] . . rejoice and be glad; " (
124. ) " T h e neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot. (
125. ) " [ . . . ] . . rejoice and be glad;
126. ) " [The neck] of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot. (
127. ) " 0 my [son], who knoweth all wisdom, (
128. ) " Pacify [Tiamalt with thy pure incantation. (
129. ) " Speedily set out upon thy way, (?)I (
130. ) " For [thy blood shall not be poured out,4 thou shalt return again." (
131. ) T h e lord rejoiced at the word of his father, (
132. ) His heart exulted, and unto his father he spalre : (
133. ) " O Lord of the gods, Destiny of the great gods, (
134. ) " If I, your avenger, (
135. ) " Conquer Tiamat and give you life, (
136. ) " Appoint an assembly, make my fate preeminent and proclaim it." (
137. ) " In UpSukkinaku seat yourselves joyfully together, (
138. ) " With my word in place of you will I decree fate. (
139. ) " May whatsoever I do remain unaltered, (iqo) " May the word of my lips never be changed nor made of no avail." " 0 . 40,559, dimal*.
Mentioned templesTiāmatApsûAnû
The Third Tablet
1. Anšar opened his mouth,' and
2. [Unto Gaga], his [minister], spake the word :
3. " [O Gaga, thou minis]ter that rejoicest my spirit,
4. " [Unto Labmu and Lahlamu will I send thee.
5. " [ . . . . . . . . ] thou canst attain,
6. " [ . . . . ] thou shalt cause to be brought before thee.4
7. 'I [ . . . . . . let] the gods, all of them,
8. " [Make ready for a feast],' at a banquet let them sit,
9. " [Let them eat bread],' let them mix wine,
10. " [That for Marduk]," their avenger, they may decree the fate.
11. " [Go,] Gaga, stand before them,
12. " [And all that] lo I tell thee, repeat unto them, (and say) :
13. " [Angar],' your son, hath sent me,
14. " [The purpose] of his heart he hath made known unto me.
15. " [He saith that Tia]mat our mother hath conceived a hatred for us,
16. " [With all]' her force she rageth, full of wrath.
17. " All the gods have turned to her,
18. " With those, whom ye created, they g o at her side.
19. " They are banded together, and at the side of Tiamat they advance ; 2 0 . " They are furious, they devise mischief without resting night and day. 2 1 . <'They prepare for battle, fuming and raging ;
22. " They have joined their forces and are making war.
23. " Ummu-uubur, who formed all things,
24. " Hath made in addition weapons invincible, she hath spawned monster-serpents, 2 5 . " Sharp of tooth and merciless of fang.
26. " With poison instead of blood she hath filled their bodies.
27. " Fierce monster - vipers she hath clothed with terror,
28. " With splendour she hath declted them, she hat11 made them of lofty stature.
29. " Whoever beholdeth them, terror overcometh him,
30. " Their bodies rear up and none can withstand their attacli.
31. " She hath set up vipers, and dragons, and the (monster) Laḥamu,
32. " And hurricanes, and raging hounds, and scorpionmen,
33. And mighty tempests, and fish-men, and rams ;
34. " They bear merciless weapons, without fear of the fight.
35. " Her commands are mighty, none can resist them ;
36. " After this fashion, huge of stature, hath she made eleven (monsters).
37. " Among the gods who are her sons, inasmuch as he hat11 given her [support],
38. " She hath exalted Kingu ; in their midst she hath raised [him] to power.
39. " T o march before the forces, [to lead the host],
40. ' I [To] give the battle-signal, to advance [to the attack],
41. " [To direct] the battle, to control the [fight],
42. " Unto him [hath she entrusted ; in costly raiment] she hath made him sit, (saying) :
43. " ' [I have] uttered thy spell, in the assembly of the gods [I have raised thee to power],
44. " ' [The] dominion over all the gods [have I entrusted unto thee].
45. " ' [Be] thou exalted, [thou] my chosen spouse,
46. " ' May they magnify thy name over all of [them . . . . the Anunnalti].'
47. " She hath given him the Tablets of Destiny, on his breast she laid them, (saying) :
48. " ' Thy command shall not be without avail, and ' the word of [thy] mouth shall be established.'
49. " Now Kingu, (thus) exalted, having received [the power of Anu],
50. " Decreed the fate for the gods, her sons, (saying):
51. " ' Let the opening of your mouth quench the Fire-god ;
52. " ' [Whoso is exalted in the battle], let him display (his) might! '
53. " I sent Anu, but he could not withstand her ;
54. " Nudimmud was afraid and turned back.
55. " But Marduk hath set out, the director of the gods, your son ;
56. " T o set out against Tiamat his heart hath prompted (him).
57. " He opened his mouth and spake unto me, (saying) :
58. " ' If I, your avenger,
59. " ' Conquer Tiamat and give you life,
60. " 'Appoint an assembly, make my fate preeminent and proclaim it.
61. " ' In Up5ukkinaliu seat yourselves joyfully together ;
62. " ' With my word in place of you will 1 decree fate.
63. " ' May whatsoever I do remain unaltered,
64. " ' May the word of my lips never be changed nor made of no avail.'
65. " Hasten, therefore, and swiftly decree for him the fate which you bestow, " N o . 42,285, ka-a-tu-un.
66. " That he may go and fight your strong enemy ! "
67. Gaga went, he took his way and
68. Humbly before Labmu and Laḥamu, thc gods, his fathers,
69. He made obeisance, and he kissed the ground at their feet.8
70. He humbled himself ; g then he stood up and spalte unto them, (saying) :
71. " Anšar, your son, hath sent me,
72. T h e purpose of his heart he hath made 1;nown unto me.
73. " He saith that Tiamat our mother hath conceived a hatred for us,
74. " With all her force she rageth, full of wrath.
75. " All the gods have turned to her,
76. " With those, whom ye created, they go at her side.
77. " They are banded together and at the sicle of Tiamat they advance ; ra-an-[nil. " 82-9-18, 1,403, etc., [it-r]i-it libhi-&.
78. " They are furious, they devise mischief without restingnight and day.
79. " They prepare for battle, fuming and raging ;
80. " T h e y have joined their forces and are making war.
81. " Ummu-Hubur, who formed all things,
82. " Hath made in addition weapons invincible, she hath spawned monster-serpents,
83. " Sharp of tooth and merciless of fang.
84. "' With poison instead of blood she hath filled their bodies.
85. " Fierce monster-vipers she hat11 clothed with terror,
86. " With splendour she hath decked them, she hat11 made them of lofty stature."
87. " Whoever beholdeth them, terror overcometh him,
88. " Their bodies rear up and none call withstand their attack.
89. " She hath set up vipers, and dragons, and the (monster) Laḥamu,
90. " And hurricanes, and raging hounds, and scorpionmen,
91. " And mighty tempests, and fish - men, and [rams] ;
92. " They bear merciless weapons, without fear of the fight.
93. " He r commands are mighty, none can resist them ;
94. " After this fashion, huge of stature, hat11 she made eleven (monsters).
95. " Among the gods who are her sons, inasmuch as he hath given her support,
96. " S h e hath exalted Kingu ; in their midst she hath raised him to power.
97. " T o march before the forces, to lead the host,
98. " T o give the battle-signal, to advance to the attack,
99. " T o direct the battle, to control the fight,
100. " Unto him hath she entrusted ; in costly raiment she hath made him sit, (saying) :
101. " ' I have uttered thy spell, in the assembly of the gods I have raised thee to power,
102. " ' T h e dominion over all the gods have I entrusted unto thee,
103. ' Be thou exalted, thou my chosen spouse,
104. " ' May they magnify thy name over all of them . . . . the Anunna[ki].'
105. " She hath given him the Tablets of Destiny, on [his] breast [she laid them], (saying) :
106. " ' Thy command shall not be without avail, [and the word of thy mouth shall be established].' '
107. " Now Kingu, (thus) exalted, [having received the power of Anu],
108. " [Decreed the fate] for the gods, her sons, (saying) :
109. " ' Let the opening of your mouth [quench12 the Fire-god ;
110. " ' Whoso is exalted in the battle, [let him display] (his) might ! '
111. " I sent Anu, but he could not [withstand her] ;
112. " Nudimmud was afraid and [turned bacli].
113. " But Marduk hath set out, the director of the [gods, your son] ;
114. " T o set out against Tiamat [his heart hath prompted (him)].
115. " He opened his mouth [and spake unto me], (saying) :
116. " ' If I, [your avenger],
117. " ' Conquer Tiamai and [give you life], -
118. " 'Appoint an assembly, [make my fate preeminent and proclaim it].
119. " ' I n Upiulikinaku [seat yourselves joyfully together] ;
120. " ' With my word in place of [you will I decree fate]. 1 2 1 . " ' May whatsoever [I] do remain unaltered,
122. " ' May the word of [my lips] never be changed nor made of no avail.' ' Lines 109-1 24 have been rcstored lrom 11. 5 1-66.
Mentioned templesTiāmatAnû
The Fourth Tablet
1. d for him a lordly chamber,
2. Before his fathers as prince he tooli his place.'
3. " Thou art chiefest among the great gods,
4. " Thy fate is unequalled, thy word
5. " O Marduk, thou art chiefest among the great gods,
6. " Thy fate is unequalled, thy word
7. "Henceforth not without avail shall be thy , command,
8. " In thy power shall it be to exalt and to abase.
9. " Established shall be the word of thy mouth, irresistible shall be thy command ;
10. None among the gods shall transgress thy boundary.
11. " Abundance, the desire of the shrines of the gods, 1 2 . " Shall be established in thy sanctuary, even though they lack (offerings).
13. " O Marduk, thou art our avenger !
14. " W e give thee sovereignty over the whole world.. " Sit thou down in night, be exalted in thy command.
15. Anu !
16. " T h y weapon shall never lose its power, it shall crush thy foe.
17. " 0 lord, spare 'the life of him that putteth his trust in thee,
18. " But as for the god who began the rebellion, pour out his life."
19. Then set they in their midst a garment,
20. And unto Marduk their first-born they spake :
21. " May thy fate, 0 lord, be supreme among the gods,
22. " T o destroy and to create ; speak thou the word, and (thy command) shall be fulfilled.
23. " Command now and let the garment vanish ;
24. " And speali the word agxin and let the garment reappear ! "
25. Then he spake with his mouth, and the garment vanished ;
26. Again he commanded it, and the garment reappeared.
27. When the gods, his fathers, beheld (the fulfilment of) his word,
28. They rejoiced, and they did homage (unto him, saying), " Marduk is king! "
29. They bestowed upon him the sceptre, and the throne, and the ring,'
30. They give him an invincible weapon, which overwhelmeth the foe.
31. " Go, and cut off the life of Tiamat,'
32. " And let the wind carry her blood into secret places." Lines 3 1 and 32 contain the final address o l the gods to Mardult before he armed for the fight.
33. After the gods his fathers had decreed for the lord his fate,
34. They caused him to set out on a path of prosperity and success.
35. He made ready the bow, he chose his weapon,
36. He slung a spear upon him and fastencd it . . .
37. He raised theclub, in his right hand hegrasped (it),
38. The bow and the quiver he hung at his side.
39. He set the lightning in front of him,
40. With burning flame he filled his body.
41. Me made a net to enclose the inward parts of Tiamat,
42. The four winds he stationed so that nothing of her might escape ;
43. The South wind and the North wind and the East wind and the West wind
44. He brought near to the net, the gift of his father Anu.
45. He created the evil wind," and the tempest, and the hurricane,
46. And the fourfold wind, and the sevenfold wind, and the whirlwind, and the wind which had no equal ;
47. He sent forth the winds which he had created, the seven of them ;
48. T o disturb the inward parts of Tiamat, they followed after him.
49. Then the lord raised the thunderbolt, his mighty weapon,
50. And mounted the chariot, the storm unequalled for terror,
51. He harnessed and yoked unto it four horses,
52. Destructive, ferocious, overwhelming, and swift of pace ;
53. [ . . . . . ]I6 were their teeth, they were flecked with foam ;
54. They were skilled in [ . . . 1," they had been trained to trample underfoot.
55. [ . . . . . . . ],.mighty in battle,
56. Left and [right . . . . . . .
57. His garment was [ . . . . 1, he was clothed with terror, MAI<DUI<
58. With overpowering brightness his head WJS crowned.
59. T h e n he set out, he toolc his way,
60. And towards the [ragling Tiamat he set his face.
61. O n his lips he held [ . . . 1, . 62. . . . [ . . l 4 he grasped in his hand.
63. T h e n they beheldShim, the gods beheld him,
64. T h e gods his fathers beheld him, the gods bellelcl him.
65. And the lord drew nigh, he gazed upon the inward parts of Tiamat,
66. He perceived the muttering6of Kingu, her 5pouse. 67. -4s (Marduk) gazed, (Kingu) was troubled in his gait,
68. His will was destroyed and his motions ceased.
69. And the gods, his helpers, who marched by his side, I,' . . .
70. Beheld their leader's [ and their sight was troubled.
71. But Tiamat [ . . . 1, she turned not her neclc,
72. With lips that failed not "he uttered rebellious words :lo See above, p. 12, note z.
73. " [ . . . . 1 thy coming as lord of the gods,
74. " From their places have they gathered, in thy place are they ! "
75. Then the lord [raised] the thunderbolt, his mighty weapon,
76. [And againstI4 Tiamat, who was raging, thus he sent (the word) :
77. " [ThouI5 art become great, thou hast exalted thyself on high,
78. " And thy [heart hath prompted]' thee to call to battle.
79. " [ . . . . . . 1 their fathers [ . . . 1,
80. " [ . . . ] their [ . . . ] thou hatest [ . . . 1.
81. " [Thou hast exalted Kinglu to be [thy] spouse,
82. " [Thou hast . . . ] him, that, even as Anu, he should issue decrees.
83. " [ . . . . ] thou hast followed after evil, 84. " k n d [against]' the .gods my fathers thou hast contrived thy wicked plan.
85. " Let then thy host be equipped, let thy weapons be girded on !
86. " Stand ! I and thou, let us join battle ! "
87. When Tiamat heard these words,
88. She was like one possessed, she lost her reason.
89. Tiamat uttered wild, piercing cries,
90. She trembled and shook to her very foundations.
91. She recited an incantation, she pronounced her spell,
92. And the gods of the battle cried out for their weapons.
93. Then advanced Tiamat and Marduk, the counsellor of the gods ;
94. T o the fight they came on, to the battle they drew nigh.
95. The lord spread out his net and caught her,
96. And the evil wind that was behind (him) he let loose in her face.
97. As Tiamat opened her mouth to its full extent,
98. He drove it the evil wind, while as yet she had not shut her lips.
99. T h e terrible winds filled her belly,
100. And her courage was talien from her, and her mouth she opened wide. IOI. He seized the spear and burst her belly,
102. He severed her inward parts, he pierced (her) heart.
103. He overcame her and cut off her life ; OST. 73
104. He cast down her body and stood upon it.
105. When he had slain Tiarnat, the leader,
106. Her might was broken, her host was scattered.
107. And the gods her helpers, who marched by her side,
108. Trembled, and were afraid, and turned back.
109. They took to flight to save their lives ;
110. But they were surrounded, so that they could not escape.
111. He took them captive, he broke their weapons ;
112. In the net they were caught and in the snare they sat down.
113. The [ . . ] . . of the world they filled with cries of grief.
114. They received punishment from him, they were held in bondage.
115. And on the eleven creatures which she had filled with the power of striking terror,
116. Upon the troop of devils, who marched at h e r [ . . . . 1,
117. He brought affliction, their strength [he . . . ] ;
118. Them and their opposition he trampled under his feet.
119. Moreover, Icingu, who had been exalted over them,
120. He conquered, and with the god Dug-ga he counted him. 1 2 1 . He took from him the Tablets of Dcstiny that were not rightly his, 1 2 2 . He sealed them with a seal and in his own breast he laid them. 1 2 3 . Now after the hero Mardulc had conquered and cast down his enemies, . 1 2 4 . And had made the arrogant foe even like . . , 1 2 j . And had fully established Aniar's triumph over the enemy, 1 2 6 . And had attained the purpose of Nudimmud, 1 2 7 . Over the captive gods he strengthened his durance, 1 2 8 . And unto Tiamat, whom he had conquered, he returned. 1 2 9 . And the lord stood upon Tiamat's hinder parts, 3 O And with his merciless club he smashed her skull. 1 3 1 . He cut through the channels of her blood,
132. And he made the North wind bear it away into secret places.
133. His fathers beheld, and they rejoiced and were glad ;
134. Presents and gifts they brought unto him.
135. Then the lord rested, gazing upon her dead body,
136. While he divided the flesh of the . . . ,1 and devised a cunning plan.
137. He split her up like a flat fish into two halves ;
138. One half of her he stablished as a covering for heaven.'
139. He fixed a bolt, he stationed a watchman,
140. And bade them not to let her waters come forth.
141. He passed through the heavens, he surveyed the regions (thereof),
142. And over against the Deep he set the dwelling of Nudimmud.
143. And the lord measured the structure of the Deep,
144. And he founded E-bra, a mansion like unto it.
145. T h e mansion E-iara which he created as heaven,
146. Me caused Anu, B d , and E a in their districts to inhabit. For the reason of this change in the use of the word opsa, in contrast with its personal meaning in the First Tablet, see the Introduction.
Mentioned templesAnûTiāmat
The Fifth Tablet
1. k) made the stations for the great gods ;
2. The stars, their images, as the stars of the Zodiac, he fixed.
3. He ordained the year and into sections he divided it ;
4. For the twelve months he fixed three stars.
5. After he had [ . . . ] the days of the year [ . . . ] images,
6. He founded the station of Nibir to determine their bounds ;
7. That none might err or go astray,
8. He set the station of Bêl and E a along with him.
9. He opened great gates on both sides,
10. He made strong the bolt on the left and on the right.
11. In the midst thereof he fixed the zenith ;
12. T h e Moon-god he caused to shine forth, the night he entrusted to him.
13. He appointed him, a being of the night, to cletermine the days ;
14. Every month without ceasing with the crown he covered(?) him, (saying) : MARDUI<'SCHAKGE
15. " A t the beginning of the month, when thou shinest upon the land,
16. " Thou comrnandestl the horns to determine six days,'
17. " And on the seventh day to [divide] the crown.
18. " On the fourteenth day thou shalt stand opposite, thehalf [ . 1.
19. I' When the Sun-god on the foundation of heaven [. ] thee,
20. " The [ . 1thou shalt cause to . . . , and thou shalt make his [ . . . 1.
21. " [ . . . . ] . . unto the path of the Sun-god shalt thou cause to draw nigh,
22. " [And on the . day] thou shalt stand opposite, and the Sun-god shall . . [ . . . ] .
23. " [ . . ] to traverse her way.
24. " [ . 1 thou shalt cause to draw nigh, and thou shalt judge the right.
25. " [ . . . . . . . . . ] to destroy
26. " [ . . . . . . . . . . . . ]me.
66. ). [ . . . . . . . . . . . . . ] (67). . . [ . . . . . . . . . . . . ] (
68. ) From [ . . . . . . ] (
69. ) In E-sagil [ . . . . . . . . . ] (
70. ) T o establish [ . . .] (
71. ) The station of [ . . . .] (
72. ) The great gods [ . . . .] (
73. ) The gods [ . . . . . . . . . ] (
74. ) He took and [ . . . . . . . . . . I (
75. ) T h e gods [his fathers] beheld the net which he had made, (
76. ) They beheld the bow and how [its work] was accomplished. (
77. ) They praised the worli which he had done [....I. (
78. ) Then Anu raised [the . . . . ] in the assembly of the gods. I! (
79. ) He kissed the bow, (saying), " It is [ . . . . " (
80. ) And thus he named the names of the bow, (saying), (
81. ) " ' Long-wood' shall be one name, and the second name [shall be . . . . 1, (
82. ) And its third name shall be the Bow-star, in heaven [shall it . . . . 1 1 " E GODS. a5 (
83. ) Then he fixed a station for it [ . . . . . 1 (
84. ) Now after the fate of [ . . . . . . . ] (
85. ) [He set] a throne [ . . . . . . . 1 (
86. ) [ . ] in heaven [ . 1 (8j)[ . . . . 1 . . [ . . . . . . . I
Mentioned templesEnlīlAnû
The Sixth Tablet
1. hen Marduk heard the word of the gods,'
2. His heart prompted him and he devised [a cunning plan].3
3. He opened his mouth and unto E a [he spake],
4. [That whichI5 he had conceived in his heart he imparted [unto him] :
5. " My blood will I take and bone will I [fashion],
6. " I will make man, that man may . . [ . . . 1.
7. " I will create man who shall inhabit [the earth],1
8. That the service of the gods may be established, and that [their] shrines ' [may be built].
9. " But I will alter the ways of the gods, and I will change [their paths] ;
10. " Together shall they be oppressed, and unto evil shall [they . . . . ]. "
11. And E a answered him and spalie the word : [ I 2. " . . . . ] the [ . . . . 1 of the gods I have [changed]
13. [ . . . . ] . andone . [ . ]
14. [ . . . shall be deJstroyed and men will I [....I
15. [ . . . . . ] and the gods [ . . . . . ] 1 6 . [ . . . . ] . . and they [ . . . . ]
17. [ . . . ] . . andthegods[ . . . . ].[. . . . . ] . . . . [ . . . . ]
19. [ . . . . . . . ] thegods [ . . . . ]
20. [ . ] the Anunnalri [ . ]
21. [ . . . . . . . I . . . [ . . . . ] .- " Together shall they he honoured!' T h e sense seems to b e that Marduk, by the creation of man, will establish the worship of the THE LAST ASSEMBLY OF THE GODS.
91. [The rest of the text is wanting' with the exception of the last few liner of the tablet, which read as follows.]
140. When [ . . . . . ] . [ . . . . ]
141. They rejoiced [ . ] . [ . . . 1
142. In Upiuklcinnaku they set [their dwelling].
143. Of the heroic son, their avenger, [they cried] :
144. " We, whom he succoured, . . [ . . . ]! "
145. They seated themselves and in the assembly they named [him . . . . 1 1
146. They all [cried aloud (?)I, they exalted [him . . .1.' the Creation Series, but is part of a long composition containing moral precepts. Another fragment which it has been suggested + belongs to one of the later tablets of the Creation Series is
The Seventh Tablet
1. O Asari, " Bestower of planting," "[Founder of sowing],"
2. " Creator of grain and plants," "who caused [the green herb to spring up] ! "
3. O Asaru-alim, "who is revered in the house of counsel," "[who aboundeth in counsel]," *
4. T h e gods paid homage, fear [tooli hold upon them] !
5. O Asaru-alim-nuna, "the mighty one," " the Light of [the father who begat him],'?
6. " Who directeth the decrees of Anu, Bêl, [and E,I. I. " ?
7. He was their patron, he ordained [their . . . . ] ;
8. He, whose provision is abundance, goeth forth [ . . . . I!
9. Tutu [is]
10. Should their wants be pure, then are they [satisfied] ; '
11. Should he make an incantation, then are the gods [appeased] ;
12. Should they attack him in anger, he withstandeth [their onslaught] !
13. Let him therefore be exalted, and in the assembly of the gods [let him . . . . ] ;
14. None among the gods can [rival him] !
15. Zi-ulikina, "the Life of the host [of the gods],"
16. Who established for the gods the bright heavens.
17. He set them on their way, and ordained [their path (?)I ;
18. Never shall his [ . . . . ] deeds be forgotten among men.
19. Tutu as Zi-azag thirdly they named, "the Bringer ' of Purification,"
20. " The God of the Favouring Breeze," " the Lord of Hearing and Mercy,"
21. " T h e Creator of Fulness and Abundance," " t h e Founder of Plenteousness,"
22. " W h o increaseth all that is small."
23. " I n sore distress we felt his favouring breeze,"
24. Let them say, let them pay reverence, let them bow in humility before him !
25. Tutu as Aga-azag may manlcind fourthly magnify!
26. " T h e Lord of the Pure Incantation," " the Quickener of the Dead,"
27. " Who had mercy upon the captive gods,"
28. " Who removed the yoke from upon the gods his enemies," T u f u ) , which is written in small characters on the edge of the tablet.
29. " For their forgiveness ' did he create manlrind,"
30. " T h e Merciful One, with whom it is to bestow life ! "
31. May his deeds endure, may they never be forgotten
32. I n the mouth of mankind whom his hands have made !
33. Tutu as Mu-azag, fifthly, his " Pure Incantation " may their mouth proclaim,
34. " Who through his Pure Incantation hath de- .-."""" stroyed all the evil ones !" "". .. ..""
35. Šag-zu, who knoweth the heart tcf.-&!&t~.c)dsSSS . r! " who seeth through the innernmy gar&!!': " "-1. ' .........:.. " . . wit11 him ! " .. .""." Z"'"" :-:"'".:: *. ".* " - " " - - " " I " " " I " I 1"" *'.:"-
37. " Founder of the assembly of the gods," "[who . . . . ] their heart! " I!"
38. " Subduer of the disobedient," "[ . . . . I,,,
39. " Director of Righteousness," " [ . . . .
40. " Who rebellion and [ . . . . . . . . ] ! "
41. Tutu as Zi-si, " the [ . . . . . . . . 1,
42. " Who put an end to anger," "[who . . . . I ! " "
43. Tutu as Sub-liur, thirdly,' "the [Destroyer of the foe]," I,"
44. " Who put their plans to confusion," "[ . . . . I,"
45. " Who destroyed all the wicked," " [ . . . .
46. [ . . . . . ] let them [ . . . . . . I !
47. [ . . . . . . ] . . [ . . . . . I [The following lines are taken from tlie fragment I<. r2
83. O, but their position in the text is uncertain.]
103. [The following lines are taken from the fragment K. 13,76r.'l [ ............... I (IO)~[ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I " The mighty one [ . . . . . . . . . ] ! " Agijl . . . . . . . . I," " T h e Creator of [the earth . . . . . I ! " Zulummu . [ . . . . . . . . 1 2 " T h e Giver of counsel and of whatsoever [ . . . . ]!" Mummu, " the Creator [of . . . . . . ] i n " Mulil, the heavens [ . . . . . . . . I . " Who for [. . . I!" GiSkul, let [ . . . . . . . . . . . 1, (10) " Who brought the gods to naught [ . . . . ]!" Lugal-ab-[ . . . . . . . . . . . 1, "Whoin[ . . . . . . . . . . . . I!" Pap-[ . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Who in [ . . . . . . . . . . . . I!" [. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I sometimes left blank at the end of the reverse; thus the reverse of the copy of the Seventh Tablet, of which K. 8,519 is a fragment (see p. roq f.), begins at a different point. a I n the margin of the fragment I<. 13,761 every tenth line is "$ [The following lines are taken from the fragment IC. 8,519 and its duplicate I<. 13.337;' this portion of the tent war not separated by much from that preserved by K. 13,761.'] L.. .........I... . [. " the Chief (?)of] all lords," [. supreme] is his might ! [Lugal-durmab, " the King]' of the band of the gods," " the Lord of rulers,"' ' " Who is exalted in a royal habitation," " [Who] a among the gods is gloriously supreme !" [ A d u - n ~ n a ] , ~" the Counsellor of Ea," who created the gods his fathers, Unto the path of whose majesty C.
107. [No] god can ever attain ! 1 . [ . . . in] Dul-azag he made it ltnown, [ . . . . . . ] pure is his dwelling! [ . 1 . . the . ] of those without ulLderstanding is Lugal-dul-azaga ! [. [ ., . ] supreme is his might! ] their [ . ] in the midst of Tiamat, [ . II. . . . . . ] . of the battle !
109. " Let his name be Nibiru, 'the Seizer of the Midst' ! '
110. " For the stars of heaven he upheld the paths,
111. " He shepherded all" the gods like sheep!
112. " He conquered Tiamat, he troubled and ended her life," lS
113. In the future of mankind, when the days grow old,
114. May this be heard without ceasing, may it hold sway lg for ever !
115. Since he created the realm (of heaven) 22 and fashioned the firm earth,24
116. " T h e Lord of the World," the father BE1 hat11 called his name.
117. (This) title, which all the Spirits of Heaven proclaimed,
118. Did E a hear, and his spirit was rejoiced, (and he said) :'
119. " He whose name his fathers have made glorious,
120. " Shall be even as I, his name shall be E a ! I 2 I . " T h e binding of all my decrees shall he control,
121. REV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I. [And . . . . ] opened his mouth and [spake] unto the god' [ . . . . 1: 2 . " Stir up cloud, and storm [and tempest]! 3. " T h e seal of thy life [shalt thou set] before thy face, 4. " Thou shalt grasp it, and thou shalt [slay] the dragon." 5. He stirred up cloud, and storm [and tempest], 6. He [set] the seal of his life before his face, j . He grasped it, and [he slew] the dragon. 8. For three years and three months, one day and [one night] ' 9. T h e blood of the dragon flowed [ . . . . ] .3
122. " All my commands shall he make known! "
123. By the name of "Fifty " did the great gods
124. Proclaim his fifty names, they made his path pre-eminent."
125. Let them20 be held in remembrance, and let the first man proclaim them ;
126. Let the wise and the understanding consider them together !
127. Let the father repeat them and teach them to his son ;
128. Let them be in the ears of the pastor and the shepherd !
129. Let . a man rejoice in Marduk, the Lord of the gods,
130. That he may cause his land to be fruitful, and that he himself may have prosperity !
131. His word standeth fast, his command is unaltered ;
132. T h e utterance of his mouth hath no god ever annulled.
133. He gazed in his anger, he turned not his neck ;
134. When he is wroth, no god can withstand his indignation.
135. Wide is his heart, broad2' is his compassion ; K. 9,267, [ . . . . 1-nu-ta. "'0. 35,506. di-if. . 'TO91.,139, etc., uI-ie-pi-el-l[zr].
136. T h e sinner and evil-doer in his presence [ . . . . I.
137. They received instruction, they spalie before him,
139. [ . . . . . ] of Marduk may the gods [ . . . . I;
140. [May] they [ . . . . his ] name [ . . . . 1!
141. [ . . . . ] they took and [ . . . . I ;
142. [ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ] ! "
Mentioned templesAnûEnlīlĒaTiāmat