Enuma Elish

Introduction

Enuma Elish. This is a modern English reading assembled from historical public domain translations of the Enuma Elish.

The Enuma Elish is the great creation epic of ancient Babylon. Composed in Mesopotamia more than three thousand years ago, it was preserved in cuneiform on a series of clay tablets and takes its name from its opening words, "When on high…"

It tells of the first generations of the gods, the struggle between the younger gods and the primordial sea, Tiamat, and the rise of Marduk, champion of the gods, who defeats chaos and brings order to the cosmos.

It is a story of creation, divine conflict, kingship, and the ordering of the world.

This is the Enuma elish.

Tablet One

When the heavens on high had not been named, and below no dwelling bore a name, primordial Apsu, their begetter, and Tiamat, the mother who bore them all, mingled their waters together. No dark chambers had been built, and no marshland could be seen. None of the gods had yet come into being. No names had been given, no destinies fixed. Then the gods were created in the midst of those waters.

Lahmu and Lahamu came into being and received their names. Through the ages they grew and became lofty. Then Anshar and Kishar were created, surpassing them. The days lengthened and the years increased. Anu, their son, was the equal of his fathers. Anshar made Anu, his firstborn, his own equal, and Anu begot Nudimmud, his equal. Nudimmud was the creator appointed by his fathers, wide of ear, wise, and mighty in strength. He grew even stronger than his father Anshar. Among the gods, his brothers, he had no rival.

The brothers, the gods, gathered together. They rebelled against Tiamat and glorified their defender. Their singing in the midst of Anduruna troubled Tiamat's thoughts. In the abyss their clamor did not lessen. Tiamat fell silent before them. Their deeds offended her. Their ways were no longer good, for they had grown powerful.

Then Apsu, begetter of the great gods, cried out to Mummu, his messenger: 'O Mummu, messenger who gladdens my mind, come. Let us go to Tiamat.' They went and sat before Tiamat. They considered what to do about the gods, their firstborn sons. Apsu opened his mouth and spoke to Tiamat, the pure one.

'Their ways have become grievous to me. By day I find no rest; by night I cannot sleep. I will destroy them and confound their ways. Let peace return, so that we too may sleep.' When Tiamat heard this, she raged and cried out to her husband. In pain she raged alone and conceived an evil plan for herself. 'How can we destroy what we ourselves have made? Let their ways be troublesome, but let us go on happily.'

Mummu answered, offering Apsu counsel. His counsel was wicked and gave the gods no favor. 'Destroy this rebellious affair, O my father. Then you will have rest by day, and by night you will sleep.' Apsu listened, and his face brightened at the harm he planned against the gods, his sons. He embraced Mummu's neck, lifted him onto his knees, and kissed him.

What they had planned in their gathering, they repeated to the gods, their firstborn. The gods wept as they hurried. Silence fell, and they sat whispering. But Ea, exceedingly wise and skilled, who knew all things, perceived their plan.

Ea devised a spell with power over all things and made it sure. With surpassing skill he fashioned his pure incantation. He recited it and laid it upon the waters. He bewitched Apsu as he rested in a cavern and lulled him into enchanted sleep. Mummu's manhood was sorely distressed. Ea loosened his bonds and tore away his crown. He took his splendor from him, and Mummu lay there.

Then Ea bound Apsu and killed him. He locked Mummu up and used violence upon him. Upon Apsu he established his dwelling. He seized Mummu and held him by his rope. Having bound and overpowered the two, Ea secured his victory over his foes. In his chamber he rested, calm and soothed. He named the dwelling Apsu and marked out its holy places. There he founded his secret chamber.

Ea and Damkina, his wife, dwelt there in majesty. In the shrine of destinies, the dwelling of designs, a god was begotten: wisest of the wise, counselor of the gods. In the midst of the deep waters Marduk was born. In the midst of the pure deep waters Marduk was born. Ea, his father, begot him, and Damkina, his mother, bore him and gave him the breasts of goddesses to suck. A nurse tended him and filled him with awe. His form was lovely; the gaze of his eyes was brilliant.

His growth was lofty, and he was endowed from the beginning with the power of generation. Ea, the father who begot him, looked upon him. His heart rejoiced and overflowed with happiness. He perfected his son and gave him a double share of divinity. Marduk grew exceedingly tall, surpassing the others. His dimensions were skillfully fashioned beyond comprehension, difficult to grasp and overwhelming to behold. He had four eyes and four ears. When he moved his lips, fire blazed forth. His four ears grew large, and his eyes saw all things as his father's did. Among the gods he was exalted, surpassing them all in form. His limbs were massive, and his height surpassed theirs.

Sun-god, sun-god of Anu! He was clothed in the splendor of ten gods, mighty beyond measure. Blazing power was laid upon him. Anu brought forth the four winds, which restrained the serpent dragon, commander of the host. Tiamat was troubled. Day and night she wandered in sorrow.

They plotted evil in their minds, and the brothers spoke to Tiamat: 'When they killed Apsu, your husband, you did not go to his side. You sat wailing. Make a scimitar full of terror. Your bowels are torn apart, and we cannot rest. Keep this in your thoughts: Apsu, your husband, and Mummu were bound, and you sit alone. Hurry. You do not love us. Our bowels are poured out; our eyes are dazed. Let us rest without ceasing. Take vengeance for them and deliver them to the whirlwind.'

Tiamat heard the words of the shining god. 'Let us make spirits of wrath. We shall make war against the gods.'

They cursed the day and went out beside Tiamat. They raged and plotted without rest, day and night. They joined battle, fuming and raging. They assembled their forces in hostility. Mother Hubur, designer of all things, added weapons that no one could withstand and gave birth to monsters. Sharp were their teeth, pitiless their fangs. She filled their bodies with poison like blood. She clothed the gruesome monsters in terror. She made them bear dread and gave them the likeness of gods. Whoever looked upon them was overwhelmed with fear. Their bodies reared up, and none could restrain their breasts.

She established the Viper, the Raging Serpent, and Lahamu; the Great Lion, the Gruesome Hound, and the Scorpion Man; the destructive spirits of wrath, the Fish Man, and the Fish Ram. They bore weapons that spared no one and had no fear of battle. Her designs were prodigious and could not be opposed. Eleven in all she brought into being.

Among the gods, her firstborn, who formed her assembly, she raised Kingu high and made him great. She entrusted him with leading the host, directing the assembly, bearing arms, advancing to the attack, commanding in battle, and leading the battle. She seated him in the assembly and said: 'I have spoken your spell. In the assembly of the gods I have made you great. The dominion of all the gods I have placed in your hand. You alone are exalted, my husband. May your names be greater than all the names of the Anunnaki.'

She gave him the Tablets of Destiny and fastened them upon his breast. 'Your command cannot be annulled. Whatever comes from your mouth stands firm.' Exalted now, and invested with Anu's authority, Kingu fixed the destinies among the gods, her sons: 'Open your mouths, and let the fire god be quenched. Let the one who is strong in battle humble even the mighty.'

Tablet Two

Tiamat strengthened her handiwork. She arrayed battle against the gods, her offspring. To avenge Apsu she worked evil. Someone revealed to Ea how she had gathered her hostile forces. Ea heard the news. Painfully his strength failed, and he sat as one struck silent. The days lengthened. When his anger cooled, he went to Anshar, his father. He came before Anshar, the father who begot him, and repeated what Tiamat had planned.

'Tiamat, our mother, has cursed us. She has summoned a host and rages in anger. All the gods have turned toward her. Along with those you created, they go at her side. They have cursed the daylight and advance beside Tiamat. They rage and plot without rest, night and day. They have raised the standard of battle, fuming and raging. They have gathered their forces in hostility.'

'Mother Hubur, designer of all things, has added weapons that no one can withstand and has given birth to monstrous serpents. Sharp are their teeth, pitiless their fangs. She has filled their bodies with poison like blood. She has clothed the gruesome monsters in terror, made them bear dread, and given them the likeness of gods. Whoever looks upon them is overwhelmed with fear. Their bodies rear up, and none can restrain their breasts.'

'She has established the Viper, the Raging Serpent, and Lahamu; the Great Lion, the Gruesome Hound, and the Scorpion Man; the destructive spirits, the Fish Man, and the Fish Ram. They bear weapons that spare no one and have no fear of battle. Her designs are prodigious and cannot be opposed. Eleven in all she has brought into being.'

'Among the gods, her firstborn, who formed her assembly, she has raised Kingu high and made him great. She has entrusted him with leading the host, directing the assembly, bearing arms, advancing to the attack, commanding in battle, and leading the battle. She has seated him in the assembly and said: "I have spoken your spell. In the assembly of the gods I have made you great. The dominion of all the gods I have placed in your hand. You alone are exalted, my husband. May your names be greater than all the names of the Anunnaki."'

'She has given him the Tablets of Destiny and fastened them upon his breast, saying: "Your command cannot be annulled. Whatever comes from your mouth stands firm." Exalted now, and invested with Anu's authority, Kingu has fixed the destinies among the gods, her sons: "Open your mouths, and let the fire god be quenched. Let the one who is strong in battle humble even the mighty."'

Anshar heard that Tiamat was stirring up great confusion. He struck his loins and bit his lips. His heart was dark, his spirit restless, and his crying faltered. He spoke of battle: 'Bear the weapons you have made. You have struck down Mummu and Apsu. But she has raised Kingu, who goes before her.' Nudimmud, counselor of the gods, answered him.

Ea could not go against Tiamat.

Anshar cried out in anger and spoke to Anu, his son: 'This one is harsh, a hero of cruel power. Her strength is supreme, her advance cannot be opposed. Go and stand before Tiamat. Let her spirit rest; let her heart be glad. If she will not listen to your words, speak our words to her, and she will be appeased.'

Anu heard his father Anshar's command. He set his course straight toward her and followed the way. He approached and perceived Tiamat's plan. But he could not withstand her and turned back. He fled in terror to Anshar, the father who begot him. Of Tiamat he said, 'My hand is too weak to bind you by myself.'

Anshar fell silent, staring at the ground. He moaned and shook his head at Ea. All the Anunnaki gathered there. Their lips were closed; they sat moaning. 'No god can go into battle. No one escapes Tiamat's presence alive.' Lord Anshar, father of the gods, sat in majesty. He pondered in his heart, then spoke to the Anunnaki.

'The one whose strength is mighty will avenge his father. He is the scourge of battle, valiant Marduk.' Ea called Marduk to his place of counsel. When he came, Ea spoke from his heart: 'O Marduk, consider a plan and listen to your father. You are my son, the one who gladdens his heart. Approach Anshar with reverence. Speak and stand before him. When he sees you, he will be comforted.'

The lord rejoiced at his father's words. He approached and stood before Anshar. Anshar looked upon him, and his heart filled with happiness. He kissed his lips and banished his fear. Marduk said, 'Anshar, do not remain silent. Open your lips. I will go and fulfill your heart's desire. O Anshar, do not remain silent. Open your lips. I will go and fulfill your heart's desire.'

Anshar said, 'What man has brought battle against you? My son, it is Tiamat, a woman. She will come against you with weapons. Rejoice our hearts and make us glad. You yourself will soon trample upon Tiamat's neck. Rejoice our hearts and make us glad. You yourself will soon trample upon Tiamat's neck.'

'My son, wise in all understanding, bring Tiamat to an end with your pure incantation. Drive the chariot of storms swiftly. Her helpers will not wait for her. Turn her back.' The lord rejoiced at his father's command. His heart exulted, and he spoke to his father.

'Lord of the gods, destiny of the great gods, if I, your avenger, bind Tiamat and keep you alive, convene the assembly and proclaim my destiny anew. In Upshukkinaku, sit together in gladness. When I open my mouth, let me decree destinies as you do. Whatever I create must never be changed. Let the words of my lips never be revoked or made powerless.'

Tablet Three

Anshar opened his mouth and spoke to Gaga, his messenger. “Gaga, messenger who gladdens my mind, I will send you to Lahmu and Lahamu. You know how to seek and understand. Bring the gods, my fathers, to me, and let them bring all the gods with them. Let them talk together and sit at a banquet. Let them eat bread and prepare wine. Let them decree the fate of Marduk, their avenger. Hurry, Gaga. Go and stand before them, and repeat what I tell you.”

“Anshar, your son, sent me. He made me understand the purpose in his heart. Mother Tiamat, who gave us birth, has cursed us. She has gathered an army and rages in anger. All the gods have turned to her. Along with those you created, they go at her side. They have cursed the day and gone over to Tiamat. Night and day, without rest, they rage and plot. Fuming with anger, they have joined battle. They have gathered their forces and made ready for war.”

“Mother Hubur, designer of all things, has added weapons that cannot be resisted and given birth to monstrous serpents. Their teeth are sharp, their fangs unsparing. She has filled their bodies with poison like blood. She has clothed gruesome monsters in terror, made them bear dread, and given them godlike forms. Whoever sees them is overcome with terror. Their bodies rear up, and no one can hold back their breasts.”

“She has brought forth the Viper, the Raging Serpent, and Lahamu; the Great Lion, the Gruesome Hound, and the Scorpion Man; the destructive spirits of wrath, the Fish Man, and the Fish Ram. They carry weapons that spare no one, and they have no fear of battle. Her designs have become prodigious; they cannot be opposed. Eleven in all she has brought into being.”

“Among the gods, her firstborn, who formed her assembly, she has raised Kingu and made him great in their midst. She has entrusted to his hands the leadership of the army and the direction of the assembly: the bearing of arms, the advance to the attack, the conduct of battle, and leadership in the fight. She has seated him in the assembly.”

“She has told him, ‘I have pronounced your spell. In the assembly of the gods, I have made you great. I place the rule of all the gods in your hands. You alone have been raised on high, my husband. May your names be greater than all the names of the Anunnaki.’”

“She has given him the Tablets of Destiny and fastened them to his breast, saying, ‘Your command cannot be annulled. Whatever comes from your mouth stands firm.’”

“Now Kingu, raised on high and given the authority of Anu, has fixed the destinies of the gods, her sons. He said, ‘Open your mouths, and your word will quench the Fire God. Let whoever is strong in battle lay mighty strength low.’”

“Anshar says, ‘I sent Anu, but he could not withstand her. Nudimmud grew afraid and turned back. But Marduk, sage of the gods, your son, came forward. His heart has urged him to go against Tiamat. He opened his mouth and spoke to me.’”

“He said, ‘If I, your avenger, bind Tiamat and keep you alive, convene the assembly and proclaim my fate anew. Sit together joyfully in Upshukkinaku. When I open my mouth, let me decree fates as you do. Whatever I create must not be changed. Let no word from my lips be withdrawn or made powerless.’”

“Hurry and fix your decrees of fate for him without delay. Let him go to meet your mighty enemy.”

Gaga went on his way. Before Lahmu and Lahamu, the gods, his fathers, he knelt and kissed the ground. He bowed, then stood and addressed them. “Anshar, your son, sent me. He made me understand the purpose in his heart.”

“Mother Tiamat, who gave us birth, has cursed us. She has gathered an army and rages in anger. All the gods have turned to her. Along with those you created, they go at her side. They have cursed the day and gone over to Tiamat. Night and day, without rest, they rage and plot. Fuming with anger, they have joined battle. They have gathered their forces and made ready for war.”

“Mother Hubur, designer of all things, has added weapons that cannot be resisted and given birth to monstrous serpents. Their teeth are sharp, their fangs unsparing. She has filled their bodies with poison like blood. She has clothed gruesome monsters in terror, made them bear dread, and given them godlike forms. Whoever sees them is overcome with terror. Their bodies rear up, and no one can hold back their breasts.”

“She has brought forth the Viper, the Raging Serpent, and Lahamu; the Great Lion, the Gruesome Hound, and the Scorpion Man; the destructive spirits of wrath, the Fish Man, and the Fish Ram. They carry weapons that spare no one, and they have no fear of battle. Her designs have become prodigious; they cannot be opposed. Eleven in all she has brought into being.”

“Among the gods, her firstborn, who formed her assembly, she has raised Kingu and made him great in their midst. She has entrusted to his hands the leadership of the army and the direction of the assembly: the bearing of arms, the advance to the attack, the conduct of battle, and leadership in the fight. She has seated him in the assembly.”

“She has told him, ‘I have pronounced your spell. In the assembly of the gods, I have made you great. I place the rule of all the gods in your hands. You alone have been raised on high, my husband. May your names be greater than all the names of the great gods, the Anunnaki.’”

“She has given him the Tablets of Destiny and fastened them to his breast, saying, ‘Your command cannot be annulled. Whatever comes from your mouth stands firm.’”

“Now Kingu, raised on high and given the authority of Anu, has fixed the destinies of the gods, her sons. He said, ‘Open your mouths, and your word will quench the Fire God. Let whoever is strong in battle lay mighty strength low.’”

“Anshar says, ‘I sent Anu, but he could not withstand her. Nudimmud grew afraid and turned back. But Marduk, sage of the gods, your son, came forward. His heart has urged him to go against Tiamat. He opened his mouth and spoke to me.’”

“He said, ‘If I, your avenger, bind Tiamat and keep you alive, convene the assembly and proclaim my fate anew. Sit together joyfully in Upshukkinaku. When I open my mouth, let me decree fates as you do. Whatever I create must not be changed. Let no word from my lips be withdrawn or made powerless.’”

“Hurry and fix your decrees of fate for him without delay. Let him go to meet your mighty enemy.”

When Lahmu and Lahamu heard this, they cried aloud. All the Igigi wailed bitterly. “Why have they become hostile and conceived this scheme? We knew nothing of Tiamat’s deed.”

They assembled and set out, all the great gods who decide fates. They entered Anshar’s presence and filled Upshukkinaku. They kissed one another and came together in assembly.

Seated at the banquet, they talked together. They ate bread and prepared wine. The sweet drink drove their cares away. As they drank the liquor, their bodies grew full. They babbled, and their spirits rose. For Marduk, their avenger, they decreed his fate.

Tablet Four

They built him a princely chamber, and he took his place before his fathers for their deliberation. “You have become honored among the great gods. Your destiny has no equal; your command is like Anu’s. Marduk, you have become honored among the great gods. Your destiny has no equal; your command is like Anu’s. From this day onward, your word must not be changed. To raise up and to bring low is your power. Whatever comes from your mouth stands firm; your command is never uncertain. No god may cross the boundary you set.”

“The chambers of the gods need restoring, and your place is fixed wherever their shrines stand. Marduk, you are our avenger. We have given you kingship and universal power over all things. Sit in the assembly; your word is supreme. May your weapons never retreat, but destroy your enemies. Lord, spare the life of whoever trusts in you. But pour out the breath of life of the god who plots evil.”

They placed a garment in their midst and said to Marduk, their firstborn, “Lord, your fate has been made equal to that of the gods. Command destruction and creation, and both shall be fulfilled. Speak your word and let the garment be destroyed. Command again and let it become whole.”

He commanded, and at his word the garment was destroyed. He commanded again, and the garment was made anew. When the gods, his fathers, saw what came from his mouth, they rejoiced and bowed in homage. “The king is Marduk!”

They gave him a scepter, a throne, and a hatchet. They gave him the irresistible weapon that overwhelms the hated foe. “Go and cut off Tiamat’s breath of life. May the winds carry her blood away to a hidden place.” The gods, his fathers, determined the fate of Bel and sent him on a journey toward success and accomplishment.

He made a bow ready and appointed it as his weapon. He set an arrow upon it and fixed the bowstring. He lifted the toothed sickle and grasped it in his right hand. He hung the bow and quiver at his side, set lightning before him, and filled his body with a burning flame.

He made a net to enfold Tiamat’s belly. He brought the four winds under his control, so that no part of her could escape: the South Wind, the North Wind, the East Wind, and the West Wind. He kept the net close at his side, the gift of his father Anu.

He created Imhullu, the Evil Wind; the Tempest and the Hurricane; the Fourfold Wind, the Sevenfold Wind, the Devastating Wind, and the Unrivaled Wind. He sent out the winds he had created, all seven of them. They rose behind him to trouble Tiamat’s inward parts.

The lord took up the Cyclone, his great weapon. He drove the chariot of the storm, irresistible and terrible.

He harnessed a team of four to the chariot: the Destroyer, the Merciless, the Stormer, and the Swift Pacer. Their teeth were sharp and carried poison. They knew how to devour and had learned to trample down. They struck, blazing in battle.

He wore a fleece-like coat as a terrifying suit of armor. A sheen of flames clothed his head. The lord moved swiftly along his way, turning toward the place of the enraged Tiamat. He held red paste between his lips and grasped in his hand the Plant of Extinguishing Poison.

Then the gods hurried to him; the gods hurried to him. The gods, his fathers, hurried to him; the gods hurried to him.

The lord drew near, peering into Tiamat’s inward parts. He saw the open jaws of Kingu, her husband. As Marduk gazed, Kingu’s self-control faltered. His will was distracted, his actions thrown into disorder. The gods who helped him and went at his side saw their hero, their champion, and their sight grew faint.

Tiamat cast her curse without turning her neck away. Her wordy lips sustained her rebellion. “You have been raised to the place of lord of the gods who rise up for you. They have left their own places and assembled in yours.”

The lord took up the Cyclone, his great weapon, and spoke to the raging Tiamat. “You have become great and been raised on high. Your heart has urged you to summon a battle.”

“You have raised Kingu to be your husband. You have made his decree greater than Anu’s. You seek evil deeds and have established your wickedness against the gods, my fathers.”

“Equip your army and bind on your weapons. Stand ready. You and I, let us do battle!”

When Tiamat heard this, she became like one in a frenzy; her will lost its balance. She cried aloud in rage. Her limbs trembled all the way to her foundations as she recited an incantation and uttered a curse. The gods of battle sharpened their weapons. Tiamat and the counselor of the gods clashed. They went up to battle and closed in combat.

The lord spread his net and enmeshed her. He let Imhullu, who followed behind him, loose in her face. Tiamat opened her mouth to devour him. He drove Imhullu inside, so that she could not close her lips. The raging winds filled her belly. Her heart was seized, and she stretched her mouth wide.

He let an arrow fly. It tore her belly, cut through her inward parts, and split her heart. He bound her and extinguished her breath of life. He cast her corpse down and stood upon it.

After he had killed Tiamat, their leader, her troops were dispersed and her army scattered. The gods who had helped her and marched at her side trembled in fear and turned their backs. They tried to break free and save their lives, but they were hemmed in. Escape was impossible.

He bound them and broke their weapons. They were thrown into a net and sat caught in the snare. They stood in hidden chambers, filled with lamentation. They bore his punishment, bound in prison.

As for the eleven creatures she had equipped with terror, the army of demons that charged before her, he laid cords upon their hands. He trampled them, and all their opposition, underfoot.

He bound Kingu, who had become their chief, and counted him with the god Diggu. He took from him the Tablets of Destiny, which were not rightfully his. He sealed them with a seal and fastened them to his own breast.

The valiant Marduk had bound or killed his enemies and overpowered the arrogant foe like a bull. He had fully established Anshar’s victory over the enemy and fulfilled Nudimmud’s desire. He tightened his hold upon the captive gods.

He returned to Tiamat, whom he had bound. The lord trod on her hindquarters and split her scalp with his toothed sickle. He severed the arteries of her blood, and the North Wind carried it away to hidden places. His fathers saw and rejoiced, shouting for joy. They brought him gifts and presents.

The lord rested and looked upon the corpse. As he divided the monster, he devised cunning works. He split her into two parts, like an oyster. He raised one half and made it a covering for the heavens. He slid the bolt and posted watchmen, commanding them not to let her waters escape.

He explored the heavens and paced their spaces. Opposite them, on the face of the Deep, he set the dwelling of Nudimmud.

The lord measured the dimensions of Apsu. He established a vast dwelling to match it: Esharra.

The vast dwelling Esharra, which he built, was heaven.

He caused Anu, Enlil, and Ea to occupy their dwellings.

Tablet Five

He established stations for the great gods. He fixed the stars, their likenesses, as constellations. He ordered the year and marked out its divisions; for each of the twelve months he appointed three stars. After defining the days of the year by their signs, he established the station of Nibiru to determine their bounds, so that none would transgress or wander. Beside it he appointed the stations of Enlil and Ea.

He opened gates on both sides and strengthened their bolts on the left and right. Within her he established the heights. He made the moon shine and entrusted the night to it, appointing it to mark the days. Month after month, without ceasing, he crowned it with light.

"At the beginning of the month, when you shine over the land, show your horns to mark six days. On the seventh day, show half your crown. At the full moon, stand opposite the sun each month. When the sun overtakes you at the foundation of heaven, keep to your backward course and shine. In the time of darkness, draw near the path of the sun; on the twenty-ninth day, stand opposite the sun once more. Approach and render judgment, whether to honor or to disgrace."

Marduk continued to order the world, shaping its weather, waters, and mountains. The gods honored his kingship, and he turned toward Babylon as their sacred meeting place. They praised the son who had preserved their lives.

Tablet Six

When Marduk heard the words of the gods, his heart urged him to devise a skillful work. He opened his mouth and told Ea what he had conceived, offering him counsel. "I will form blood and bring bone into being. I will cause a human to stand forth; human shall be his name. I will create humankind. Let the service of the gods be laid upon them, so that the gods may rest. I will also skillfully arrange the ways of the gods. Let them all be honored, and let them be divided into two groups."

Ea answered him, offering counsel to bring the gods relief. "Let one of their brothers be given up. Let him perish, so that humans may be fashioned. Assemble the great gods. Let the guilty one be given up, and let them be certain."

Marduk assembled the great gods and kindly gave them instructions. He opened his mouth and charged the gods; the king spoke to the Anunnaki. "What we told you before has come true. You have sworn a truthful oath with me. Who was it that made war, caused Tiamat to revolt, and joined the battle? Give up the one who made war. I will make him bear his transgression, while you dwell in peace."

The Igigi, the great gods, answered the king of the gods of heaven and earth, their counselor and lord. "It was Kingu who made war, caused Tiamat to revolt, and joined the battle." Marduk bound him and brought him before Ea. They imposed his punishment and severed the vessels of his blood. From his blood Ea made humankind, laid the service of the gods upon them, and set the gods free. After Ea had created humankind and imposed the gods’ service upon them, the work surpassed understanding, accomplished through Marduk’s skill and Nudimmud’s wisdom.

Marduk, king of the gods, apportioned among the Anunnaki the rule of the regions above and below. He appointed a watch for Anu and set three hundred gods in heaven to keep watch. He skillfully arranged the ways of the lower world. The gods of heaven and earth numbered six hundred. After Marduk the king had issued the laws for all the gods and decreed the laws of the Anunnaki of heaven and earth, the Anunnaki opened their mouths.

They spoke to Marduk, their lord. "O lord, you have brought about our deliverance. What sign of gratitude can we offer you? Come, let us make a shrine, a chamber for our rest at night. Let us rest there. Come, let us establish a shrine as your dwelling. When we arrive, we will rest within it."

When Marduk heard this, his face shone like the sun. "Let it be Babylon, whose building you have desired. Let a city be built; let a well-protected shrine be raised." The Anunnaki took up their pickaxes. For a year they made its bricks. When the second year came, they raised the summit of Esagila, an image of the deep. They built its lofty tower and established there the temple of Marduk, who is Enlil and Ea, as his dwelling.

It rose before them in splendor; they beheld the horns of Esagila from its base upward. When they had finished the work of Esagila, the Anunnaki built chapels for themselves. They assembled in Esagila, the bowl of the deep, in the great chapel they had made as his dwelling. Marduk seated the gods, his fathers, there. "This Babylon is your dwelling place. Make joyful sounds within it." The great gods sat down and held a feast. They made music and drank beer in Esagila, and then the table was cleared. They established laws and devised plans.

The stations of heaven and earth were allotted among all the gods. The fifty great gods sat down; the seven gods of destiny fixed the destinies. Enlil raised his toothed sickle and laid it before them. The gods, Marduk's fathers, looked upon the net he had made. They saw the bow and the skill of its construction, and they praised the deed he had accomplished.

Anu lifted his voice and spoke in the assembly of the gods. He kissed the bow and bestowed its names: Long Wood was its first name, and its third was the Bow Star in Heaven. He fixed its station in the heavens.

He established his throne, and the great gods assembled. They exalted the heroic son and made his heavenly authority supreme.

"May he shepherd the dark-headed peoples. Forever, without forgetting, may they rehearse his deeds. May he establish the great offerings for his fathers; may the people provide their upkeep and appoint their festivals. May he smell incense and receive their food offerings. On earth let him fashion the counterpart of what he made in heaven, and let the dark-headed peoples dwell there. Let humankind remember their god. When he gives a command, may the goddess lift her head. Let offerings be brought to their god and goddess. May the people never forget their god, but sustain him. May they adorn their land and build their shrines. Let the dark-headed peoples stand before the gods in prayer."

"By all the names we have bestowed upon him, he is our god. Let us proclaim his fifty names. His triumph is glorious, and his deeds are worthy of praise. Marduk, whom his father Anu named from his beginning, provides pasture and drink and enriches their storehouse. With his weapon, the Cyclone, he bound the oppressors and saved the gods, his fathers, from distress."

"He is the sun-child, named among the gods. May we always walk in the bright light of his rays. Upon the people he created, the living beings he fashioned, he laid the service of the gods, and the gods were given rest. He contrives plans and grants merciful release. His favor has been proved; he is their compassion. Marukka is the divine creator of all, who gladdens the hearts of the Anunnaki and brings rest. Marutukku is the help of his land and his people. May the peoples praise him."

"As Barasagkusu, he stood forth. His heart is broad, his compassion warm. He is lord of the gods of heaven and earth; let us proclaim his name in our assembly. We have exalted the commands of his mouth above those of the gods, his fathers. He is lord of all the gods of heaven and earth. His name is Nari-dimmer-anki, the musterer of all the gods. In our distress, he appointed our dwelling places in heaven and earth. He allotted stations to the Igigi and the Anunnaki. At his titles, may the gods tremble and quake in their dwellings."

"Asarludug is the name his father Anu gave him. He is the light of the gods, the mighty champion. As a consoling and protecting guardian of the gods and the land, he saved our dwelling in distress through mighty combat. The six hundred gods, each one, named Asarludug a second time as Namtilaku: he restored the destroyed gods as though they were his own creation. By his holy incantation the lord brought the dying gods to life. He destroys those who plot evil. Asarludug’s third name is Namru, the bright god who brightens our way."

Anshar, Lahmu, and Lahamu spoke. "We have proclaimed his names." The gods rejoiced when they heard their words. In Upshukkinaku, he assigned their portions. "We have exalted the name of the heroic son, our avenger and caretaker." They sat in their assembly and proclaimed his names, each speaking them in the sanctuary.

Tablet Seven

Asaru, giver of cultivation, who fixed the boundaries of estates; creator of grain and plants, who makes the grass spring up. Asaru-alim, powerful in the house of counsel, excellent in counsel: the gods waited for him when sorrow fell upon them. Asaru-alim-nunna, intercessor and light of the father who begot him, directs the ordinances of Anu, Enlil, and Ea. He is their caretaker, who determines their dwellings; from his storehouse abundance goes out to them all.

He is Tutu, who renews their life. Let him purify their sanctuaries and let them be at peace. Let him make his incantation, and the gods will be calmed. They rose in anger, then turned back. He was exalted in the assembly of the gods. Among all the gods, none can equal him.

Tutu is Zi-ukkin, life of the host of gods, who established the pure heavens for them and ordered their paths, fixing their courses. May none of his deeds ever be forgotten among humankind.

Third, they named Tutu Zi-kug, who maintains purification, the god of sweet breath, lord of grace and mercy. He brings treasures and riches into being and establishes plenty. He turns what is lacking into abundance. In our deep distress, we felt his sweet breath. Let people speak his praise, honor him, and sing his praises.

Fourth, may all humankind glorify Tutu as Aga-kug, lord of the pure incantation, who restores the dying to life. He had mercy on the captive gods and removed the yoke laid upon the gods who were his enemies. He created humankind to redeem them, the merciful one who has the power to give life. May his words endure and never be forgotten in the mouths of the dark-headed peoples his hands created.

Fifth, Tutu is Mukug. May they meditate upon his holy incantation, by which he removed the evil ones.

He is Sagzu, who knows the thoughts of the gods and perceives their plans. He does not let evildoers escape him. He restored confidence to the assembly of the gods and gladdened their hearts. He subdues the disobedient and administers justice.

Sagzu is Zisi, conqueror of oppressors, who dispels misery. Third, Sagzu is Suhhab, who annihilates enemies, confounds their plots, and puts an end to the wicked. Fourth, Sagzu is Suhguhab, destroyer of all the wicked.

Agilma, uprooter of the proud, organizer of victory, lord of the crown; creator of the earth, director of the beings on high, who fixes the heavens. Zulum, who marks out the fields, bestows portions, and establishes offerings for the gods, his fathers. Mummu, creator of all things and giver of food, who cleanses heaven.

They named him Gishnumun-abba, who overthrew the evil gods; Lugal-es-dubur; Pagalguenna, great hero among all lords, whose strength is exalted among the gods, his brothers. Lugaldurmah, leader of the gods and lord of the far-famed band, exalted in the abode of kingship, preeminent among the gods.

Adununna, counselor of Ea, creator of the gods, his fathers: no god equals the path of his princely power. Dumu-du-kug, whom Ea ordained in the holy chamber, in the chamber of destinies, his sacred dwelling.

He overthrows battle. In the four quarters he created the dark-headed peoples, and for humankind he decreed the plan of the day of the gods. They named him Gibil.

E-zur, who dwells in the house of sacrifices, the god who receives gifts when he enters it.

God of the Crossing, the star glorious in heaven, who holds the beginning and the end. They look to him, saying, "He bound the inward parts of Tiamat without growing weary. His name is Nibiru, who holds her middle. May he uphold the paths of the stars of heaven. May he shepherd all the gods like sheep. He bound Tiamat, troubled her life, and brought it to an end. In days to come, when time has grown old, may the peoples proclaim without ceasing: Let him rule forever."

Because he created the heavenly places and fashioned the firm earth, father Enlil named him Lord of the Lands. Ea heard all the titles the Igigi proclaimed, and his spirit rejoiced. He said, "The one whose titles his fathers have made glorious shall be even as I am. Ea shall be his name. He shall direct all my decrees, every one of them. He shall carry out all my laws."

The great gods proclaimed his fifty names, by his fifty titles, and made his way preeminent. May they be held in remembrance, as an elder taught them. May the wise and the learned consider them together. May a father repeat them and teach them to his son. Let the ears of the shepherd and the herdsman be opened, and let them rejoice in Marduk, Enlil of the gods.

May his land thrive, and may he prosper. His word is sure; his command does not change. No god annuls the utterance of his mouth. When he looks upon a thing, he does not turn his face away. In his anger, no god can withstand his rage. His heart is beyond searching, his mind proven. Transgression and frivolity are abhorrent to him. Let the instruction that an elder conceived in former times be written down and made accessible, to teach the days to come.