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Enmerkara and Ensukukešdana (Q000370)
Literary, Old Babylonian · c. 1900 BCE–1600 BCE
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| Designation | Enmerkara and Ensukukešdana |
|---|---|
| ID | Q000370 |
| Language | Sumerian |
| Period | Old Babylonian · c. 1900 BCE–1600 BCE |
| Genre | Literary |
Transliteration (ATF)
From Open Richly Annotated Cuneiform Corpus (ORACC) · CC BY-SA 3.0 (ORACC default); per-file JSON license fields say: This data is released under the CC0 license (133618)
Machine draft. The right-hand column is machine English from ixmon/atf-to-english (atf-en-t5base-F, 2026-10-17), generated line by line from the transliteration. It is unreviewed and is not a scholarly translation.
| Line | ATF | Machine English (draft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | šeg₁₂ muš₂ za-gin₃-ta e₃-a | The šēĝ-tree, coming forth from the lapis lazuli snake |
| 2 | kul-aba₄{ki} iri{ki} an ki-da mu₂-a | Kulaba, the city that grows with heaven and earth, |
| 3 | unu{ki}-ga mu-bi {d}ter-an-na-gen₇ | Uruk, this name is Terana |
| 4 | an-ne₂ us₂-sa-bi si muš₃ gunu₃-a | An, whose horns are full of radiance, |
| 5 | an-na gub-ba-bi u₄-šakar gibil na-nam | Its standing in heaven is indeed a new moon |
| 6 | me gal-la nam-nun-na du₃-a | the great mes of princeliness, |
| 7 | kur sikil u₄ du₁₀-ga ki ŋar-ra | Pure mountain, pleasant day, <(goes about)> outside |
| 8 | iti₆-gen₇ kalam-ma e₃-a | like moonlight coming forth from the Land, |
| 9 | u₄ zalag-gen₇ kalam-ma si sa₂ | like a bright day in the land, |
| 10 | ab₂ ur₃ ab₂ šar₉-gen₇ hi-nun-ta e₃-a | The cows of the lap, the cows that have come out like a king from the splendor |
| 11 | unu{ki}-ga ka-tar-ra-bi kur-re ba-te | The enemy approached Uruk’s quay. |
| 12 | me-lim₄-bi ku₃ me-a zi-da | Its splendor, holy, where is it right? |
| 13 | arata{ki}-a tu₉-gen₇ ba-e-dul gada-gen₇ ba-e-bur₂ | In Arata like a garment was covered, like linen was spread out. |
| 14 | u₄-ba u₄ en-na-am₃ ŋe₆ para₁₀-ga-am₃ {d}utu lugal-am₃ | At that time, it was the day of the lord’s death. It was the night of the parapet. Utu was king. |
| 15 | sugal₇ en arata{ki}-ka sugal₇ an-si₁₂-ga-ri-a mu-ni he₂-en-na-nam | The abundance of the lord of Arata, the abundance of Ansiga, is his name. |
| 16 | sugal₇ en-me-er-kara₂ sugal₇ en kul-aba{ki}-ka nam-en-na-tum₂-ma mu-ni he₂-na-nam | The one of Enmerkara, the one of the lord of Kulaba, may his name be en-natum. |
| 17 | en-ri₂ e-ne nun-ri₂ e-ne | The en priestess, the princely one, |
| 18 | en gegge-ri₂ e-ne nun gegge-ri₂ e-ne | The en priestess, he is the prince of the priestesses, |
| 19 | en kukku₂-ri₂ e-ne nun kukku₂-ri₂ e-ne | The lord of the kukkuru, he is the prince of the [kuk]kuru! |
| 20 | lu₂ diŋir-eš₂ du₂-ud e-ne | The one who is a diŋir-eš-demon, he is. |
| 21 | lu₂ diŋir-eš₂ pa e₃ e-ne | The one who makes the diŋiršu-festival resplendent |
| 22 | en unu{ki}-ga en kul-aba₄{ki}-ra ur₅-bi a-da-min₃-na e₃-de₃ | The lord of Uruk, the en-priestess of Kulaba, to bring forth its rivals |
| 23 | en arata en-suku₅-keše₂-an-na-ke₄ | The lord of Arata, Ensukukešana |
| 24 | igi-bi igi unu{ki}-še₃ kiŋ₂-ge₄-a enim mu-na-ni-ib₂-be₂ | Its eyes, before Uruk, spoke to him in the earth. |
| 25 | e-ne ŋa₂-a-ra gu₂ ha-ma-an-ŋa₂-ŋa₂ {ŋeš}dubsig ha-ma-ab-il₂-e | May he raise his neck towards him, may he lift his toes. |
| 26 | u₄-da gu₂ ma-an-ŋar gu₂ na-ma-an-ŋar u₃ e-ne ŋe₂₆-e | “At that time, he was not able to raise a neck, ... |
| 27 | e-ne {d}innana-da e₂-šeg₁₂-a-ka hu-mu-da-an-til₃ | May he live with Innana in the E-veg. |
| 28 | ŋe₂₆-e {d}innana-da e₂ za-gin₃ arata{ki}-ka hu-mu-da-an-til₃-e-en | May I live with Innana in the lapis lazuli temple of Arata! |
| 29 | ŋeš-nu₂ ŋeš-a-ka hu-mu-un-de₃-nu₂ | May he lie down in his bed. |
| 30 | še-er-gan₂-ka u₃ du₁₀ ku-ku-da hu-mu-un-de₃-nu₂ | May he lie down in the šērgan-vessel with sweet perfume. |
| 31 | e-ne {d}innana-da ŋe₆-a ma-mu₂-da igi hu-mu-ni-in-du₈ | When he saw Innana with me, |
| 32 | ŋe₂₆-e {d}innana-da ŋiri₃-babbar₂-ra-na enim mu-da-bala-e | With Innana he was arguing with him in his white robe. |
| 33 | e-ne kur-ge₄{mušen} še he₂-bi₂-ib₂-gu₇-e | may he eat the food of the kurge bird |
| 34 | ŋe₂₆-e kur-ge₄{mušen} še ba-ra-bi₂-ib-gu₇-e | The kurge bird did not eat the barley |
| 35 | ŋa₂-a kur-ge₄{mušen} nunus-bi ŋir₃-lam-ma amar-bi x x-e-en | I am the one who carries the kurge bird, its young, its calf |
| 36 | |TUR.TUR| {dug}utul₂-ŋu₁₀-še₃ gal-gal {uruda}šen mah-ŋu₁₀-še₃ | The small ones, the large ones, (the ones) of the supreme scepter |
| 37 | kur-ge₄{mušen} ki-a ba-ra-ab-taka₄-a-bi | Its kurgēn-birds that were not opened up on earth |
| 38 | ensi₂ kur-ra gu₂ mu-un-ŋar-re-eš-a mu-da-an-gu₇-u₃-ne | The rulers of the foreign lands eat with him. |
| 39 | en-me-er-kara₂-ra ur₅-gen₇ du₁₁-mu-na-ab | Speak to Enmerkara as follows: |
| 40 | kiŋ₂-ge₄-a du-ni šeg₉-bar-ra-am₃ im₂-mi-da-ni sur₂-du₃{mušen}-am₃ | The one who goes to the netherworld is a šegbara-demon, the one who rides the surdu (demon) |
| 41 | u₄-da-am₃ i₃-e₃ {d}u₂-si₄-an-na-am₃ i₃-ge₄-ge₄ | The storm came out, it was Usianna coming out. |
| 42 | bir₅{mušen} u₄ zal-le-da-gen₇ gaba ki za₃ im-DU | Like a raven, when it passes the day, he ... the breasts on the ground. |
| 43 | bir₅{mušen} ŋe₆-ba-gen₇ kur-ša₃-ge im-si | Like a raven, it fills the netherworld. |
| 44 | {ŋeš}RU-gen₇ za₃ im-gub-gub-be₂ | Like an ox, it stands at its side |
| 45 | dur₃ aš-ša₄-e {d}šagan₂-gen₇ hur-saŋ-e i₃-si-il-le | As if it were the sheep of the mountain range, like Šagan, he was filling the mountains |
| 46 | dur₃{ur₃} uru₁₆ gal-gen₇ kušu i₃-ta₃-ta₃-ge | Like a great lion, he has shaved his head |
| 47 | dur₃ šal-la KAŠ₄-e kiŋ₂-ŋa₂ KAŠ₄-e GUNU₃-GUNU₃ | (Sum) The šala demon is the one who pours out beer on the ground (Akk) It is the tavern demon, the one pouring out beer upon the ground |
| 48 | ur-mah a-ša₃-ga u₄ zal-la mur-ma-ra mu-un-ša₄ | The lion in the field, when the daylight passed, sat down in the murma |
| 49 | ur-bar-ra sila₄ šu ti-a-gen₇ ul₄-ul₄-e im-DU | Like a wolf carrying a lamb, he ... |
| 50 | ki |TUR.TUR|-bi mu-un-ŋen-na-a KUŠ₂-a mu-na-ab-si | Its small places he filled with joy, he covered them with a skin. |
| 51 | ki gal-gal-bi mu-un-ŋen-na-a bulug-ga mu-na-ab-ta₃ | He made the great places tremble for him, he made the reed thick for him. |
| 52 | en-ra ki ku₃-ku₃-ga-ni-še₃ im-ma-ši-in-ku₄-ku₄ | For the lord, he brought him into his holy place |
| 52a | en-me-er-kara₂ ki ku₃-ku₃-ga-ni-še₃ im-ma-ši-in-ku₄-ku₄ | Enmerkara entered her holy place |
| 53 | ze₄-e-še₃ lugal-ŋu₁₀ mu-e-ši-in-ge₄-nam | You are the one who has made the king agree |
| 54 | en arata{ki} en-suku₆-keše₂-an-na-ke₄ mu-e-ši-in-ge₄-nam | The lord of Arata, Ensukukešana, has decreed (this). |
| 54a | lugal-zu du₁₁-ga-ni nam-MU tah-a-ni nam-MU | Your king, his command is mine, his brother is mine. |
| 54b | en-suku₆-keše₂-an-na-ke₄ du₁₁-ni nam-MU tah-a-ni nam-MU | Ensukukešwana, his command is my name, his helper is [my name] |
| 54c | lugal-ŋu₁₀ a-na bi₂-in-du₁₁ a-na bi₂-in-tah-am₃ | What did Lugal-bu say, what did he add? |
| 54d | en-suku₆-keše₂-an-na-ke₄ a-na bi₂-in-du₁₁ a-na bi₂-in-tah-am₃ | What did Ensukukeana say, what did he add? |
| 55 | lugal-ŋu₁₀ na-ab-be₂-a | did Lugal-bu’a say: |
| 56 | e-ne ŋa₂-a-ra ha-ma-an-ŋa₂-ŋa₂ {ŋeš}dubsig ha-ma-ab-il₂-e | “Let him bring (them) down for me, let him raise the scepter for me! |
| 57 | u₄-da gu₂ ma-an-ŋar gu₂ na-ma-an-ŋar u₃ e-ne u₃ ŋe₂₆-e | The storm is blowing, the storm is not blowing. Oh, he - woe! |
| 58 | e-ne {d}innana-da e₂ šeg₁₂-a-ka hu-mu-da-an-til₃ | May he live with Innana in the house of the brickwork. |
| 59 | ŋe₂₆-e {d}innana-da e₂ za-gin₃ arata{ki}-ka hu-mu-da-an-til₃-e | May Innana live with me in the lapis lazuli temple of Arata. |
| 60 | ŋeš-nu₂ ŋeš-a-ka hu-mu-un-de₃-nu₂ | May he lie down in his bed. |
| 61 | še-er-gan₂-ka u₃ du₁₀ ku-ku-da hu-mu-un-de₃-nu₂ | May he lie down in the šērgan-vessel with sweet perfume. |
| 62 | e-ne {d}innana-da ŋe₆-a ma-mu₂-da igi hu-mu-ni-in-du₈ | When he saw Innana with me, |
| 63 | ŋe₂₆-e {d}innana-da ŋiri₃-babbar₂-ra-na enim mu-da-ab-bala-en | When I was with Innana in his white biribabbar temple, I was interrogated. |
| 64 | e-ne kur-ge₄{mušen} še he₂-bi₂-ib-gu₇-e | may he eat the food of the kurge bird |
| 65 | ŋe₂₆-e kur-ge₄{mušen} še ba-ra-bi₂-ib-gu₇-e | The kurge bird did not eat the barley |
| 66 | ŋe₂₆-e kur-ge₄{mušen} nunus-bi ŋiri₃-lam amar-bi x la₂-e-en | The kurge bird, its young, its calf ... |
| 67 | |TUR.TUR| {dug}utul₂-ŋu₁₀-še₃ gal-gal {uruda}šen mah-ŋu₁₀-še₃ | The small ones, the large ones, (the ones) of the supreme scepter |
| 68 | kur-ge₄{mušen} ki-a ba-ra-ab-taka₄-a-bi | Its kurgēn-birds that were not opened up on earth |
| 69 | ensi₂ kur-ra gu₂ mu-un-ŋar-re-eš-am₃ mu-da-gu₇-ne | The rulers of the foreign lands eat with him. |
| 70 | en unu{ki}-ga x x MUŠ₂-bi šaŋa-da {ŋeš}zi-gan-bi-im | The lord of Uruk is its ... snake. |
| 71 | x x x x {ŋeš}rab šu RI-bi | ... hand ... |
| 72 | x x x ki us₂-sa-a-ba | where ... is set. |
| 73 | sur₂-du₃{mušen} an-na dal-le-da-bi gu mušen-na-bi | The surdu-bird of heaven, whose horns fly in the sky, its bird of heaven |
| 74 | šeg₁₂ e₂-gal arata{ki}-ka sur-sur mah-bi-im | The brickwork of the palace of Arata is a magnificent roof-beam |
| 75 | x x x gal arata{ki}-a nam-ma-DU-a-aš | The great ... of Arata should not go out |
| 76 | x x x igi i-ni-in-ŋal₂ | he brought before him. |
| 77 | im-e kišeb-gen₇ šu bi₂-in-ra im-gen₇ igi i-ni-in-bar | He looked at the clay as if it were in the netherworld, he looked at it like the clay |
| 78 | e-ne {d}innana-da e₂ za-gin₃ arata-ka hu-mu-da-an-til₃ | May he live with Innana in the lapis lazuli temple of Arata. |
| 79 | ŋe₂₆-e x x an-ta ki-a gub-ba-ni hu-mu-da-an-til₃-e-en | “Let me live with the ... that stands above and below. |
| 80 | še-er-gan₂-na-ka u₃ du₁₀ ku-ku-da hu-mu-un-de₃-nu₂ | In the šeŋargana I will lie down in sweet sleep. |
| 81 | ŋe₂₆-e ŋeš-nu₂ {ge}gerin {d}innana-ka u₂ za-gin₃ bara₃-ga-ba | At the bed of the cedar of Innana with lapis lazuli fragrance |
| 82 | egir-bi-še₃ ug-am₃ saŋ-bi-še₃ piriŋ-am₃ | It is a storm, its horns are a piri |
| 83 | ug-e piriŋ im-sar-re | The people write in their own words |
| 84 | piriŋ-e ug im-sar-re | The piriŋ priestess writes a note. |
| 85 | ug-e piriŋ im-sar-re-da-bi | The people, whose utterances are written down |
| 86 | piriŋ-e ug im-sar-re-da-bi | Its arrows, smashed with a stick |
| 87 | u₄ nu-um-zal ŋe₆-x x nu-ru-gu₂ | The day did not pass, the ... did not ... |
| 88 | ŋe₂₆-e {d}innana-da kaskal dana x-am₃ šu hu-mu-un-da-niŋen₂ | With Innana, may he have a strong road. Incantation: |
| 89 | {d}utu suku₅ ku₃-ŋa₂ igi nu-mu-un-x | Šamaš, the holy fisherman, does not see |
| 90 | {ŋe₆}ŋepar ku₃-ŋa₂ ba-e-ši-in-ku₄-x | He brought in the holy “bepar-shrine"(?) |
| 91 | {d}en-lil₂-le aga zi mu-x | Enlil ... the true crown |
| 92 | {d}nin-urta dumu {d}en-lil₂-la₂-ke₄ | Ninurta, son of Enlil |
| 93 | ŋeš {kuš}ummu₃-da-gen₇ ur₂ mu-un-tal₂-tal₂ | Like a šumû-demon, she stretches out her lap. |
| 94 | {d}a-ru-ru nin₉ {d}en-lil₂-la₂-ke₄ | Aruru, the sister of Enlil |
| 95 | ubur zi-da-ni ma-an-la₂ ubur gabu₂{bu}-ni ma-an-la₂ | He stretched out his right breast, he stretched out her breast. |
| 96 | eš₃-gal-še₃ e₁₁-de₃-da-ŋu₁₀-ne | When they go to the Great Oval |
| 97 | nu-geg-e anzu₂{mušen} amar-ra-gen₇ ur₅ mu-ša₄ | The nugig priestess, like Anzu the calf, cries out. |
| 98 | min₃-kam-ma-še₃ e₁₁-de₃-da-ŋu₁₀-ne | When they go out for the second time |
| 99 | uz{mušen} amar-ra nu-me-en-na še₂₆ mu-da-an-ge₄ | The uzmuš-bird, although I am not a calf, approached me. |
| 100 | iri{ki} du₂-da-ni-gen₇ NE im-ta-an-x | Like a city built for him, ... |
| 101 | iri-ni-gen₇ iri na-me ba-ra-dim₂ | Like her city, no city has been built for her. |
| 102 | {d}innana unu{ki}-ga he₂-en-til₃ arata{ki}-aš a-na me-a | Innana of Uruk, may he live! As for Arata, where is he? |
| 103 | šeg₁₂ kul-aba₄{ki}-ka he₂-en-til₃ kur me sikil-še₃ a-na-am₃ ab-AK-e | May he live in the brickwork of Kulaba, what did the mountain of pure divine powers do? |
| 104 | mu ia₂-am₃ mu u-am₃ arata{ki}-aš ba-ra-ŋen | year: “Ya, year: U, Arata I did not abandon. |
| 105 | u₄ arata{ki}-aš in-ga-an-du-a-ba | when Arata had been built, |
| 106 | ku₃ gal nin e₂-an-na-ke₄ | the great silver, the lady of the Eana |
| 107 | ad-bi mu-da-an-ge₄-a-aš enim-bi nu-mu-un-zu-a-aš arata{ki}-aš ba-ra-du | When he raised his voice, he did not know its words, and Arata was led away. |
| 108 | a-ne nu-tuku-da-am₃ kur-ge₄{mušen} še ba-ra-bi₂-ib₂-gu₇-e | He who does not have water will not eat the kurge bird |
| 109 | ŋe₂₆-e kur-ge₄{mušen} še he₂-bi₂-ib-gu₇-e | May the kurge bird eat its barley |
| 110 | ŋa₂-a kur-ge₄{mušen} nunus-bi KIŠ-LAM-e amar-bi niŋ₂ la₂-e | The kurge bird ... its young, its calf is afraid |
| 111 | |TUR.TUR| {dug}utul₂-ŋu₁₀ gal-gal šen mah-ŋu₁₀-uš | The small ones, the large bowls, the supreme offerings |
| 112 | kur-ge₄{mušen} ki-a ba-ra-ab-taka₄-a-bi | Its kurgēn-birds that were not opened up on earth |
| 113 | ensi₂ ki-en-gi-ra gu₂ ma-an-ŋar-re-eš mu-da-gu₇-u₃-ne | They eat with the ruler of Sumer. |
| 114 | kiŋ₂-ge₄-a en-me-er-kara₂ en-suku₅-keše₂-an-na-ke₄ | Enmerkara, Ensukukešana |
| 115 | {ŋe₆}ŋepar ku₃ ki ku₃-ku₃-ga-ni-še₃ | At the holy Bepar, his holy place |
| 116 | ki ku₃-ku₃-ga ba-da-an-tuš-a enim-bi ba-na-te | He sat down with him in the holy place, his words were uttered |
| 117 | en-suku₆-keše₂-an-na-ke₄ a₂ aŋ₂-ŋa₂ gu₃ ba-an-de₂ enim im-kiŋ₂-kiŋ₂-e | Ensuku-kēna cried out “Woe, woe!’, and he was speaking to the land. |
| 118 | isib lu₂-mah gudu₄ ŋiri₃-si₃-ga {ŋe₆}ŋepar-ra til₃-la | Isib-priest Lu-maḫ, gudu priest of Birisiga, living in the Bepar. |
| 119 | gu₂-ba mu-ni-in-ŋar ša₃ mu-da-ab-kuš₂-u₃ | He shook his neck, he strained his heart |
| 120 | a-na ga-an-na-ab-be₂ a-na ga-an-na-ab-be₂ | What should I say to him, what should I tell him? |
| 121 | en unu{ki}-ga en kul-aba{ki}-ra a-na ga-an-na-ab-be₂ | I want to say to him: “What did the en-priestess of Uruk and the lord of Kulaba say? |
| 122 | gud-da-ni gud-ŋu₁₀-da usu im-da-ab-zi | His oxen, his bulls, have risen in strength. |
| 123 | gud unu{ki}-ga-ke₄ a₂ bi₂-ib-ŋar | the bull of Uruk was able to raise his arms. |
| 124 | lu₂-ni lu₂-ŋu₁₀-da usu im-da-ab-DU | (Sum) His man ... with a bull (Akk) He ... his man with the bull |
| 125 | lu₂ unu{ki}-ga-ke₄ ŋiri₃ x ba-ni-ib-ŋar | The man of Uruk ... the city ... |
| 126 | ur-ra-ni ur-ŋu₁₀-da usu im-da-ab-ra | His dog, Ur-Buda, fought with him. |
| 127 | ur unu{ki}-ga-ke₄ gug₆ ba-ab-ŋar | The dogs of Uruk were slaughtered. |
| 128 | unken ŋar-ra si sa₂-a-na mu-na-ni-ib₂-ge₄-ge₄ | “In the assembly of the kings, he made the righteous decisions for him. |
| 129 | ze₄-e-me-en unu{ki}-ga-še₃ dub-saŋ-ta | You are the one who from the scribal school of Uruk |
| 130 | niŋ₂ gal-gal en-me-er-kara₂-ra kiŋ₂-ge₄-a-aš ba-e-ge₄ | Enmerkara set off with great fearsomeness. |
| 131 | en-me-er-kara₂ la-ba-du₃-e-en ze₄-e-me-en ba-e-du₃-e-en | You did not build Enmerkara, you did it yourself. |
| 132 | zi ge₄-ba ša₃-zu nig₂ na-me na-an-tum₃ en-na ba-zu-zu | Your heart should not carry anything, as long as it knows! |
| 133 | iri-ŋu₁₀ du₆ he₂-a ŋe₂₆-e šika-bi he₂-me-en | “May your city be a mound, may you be its stela! |
| 134 | en unu{ki}-ga en kul-aba{ki}-ra gu₂ ba-ra-na-an-ŋa₂-ŋa₂ | the lord of Uruk and the en priestess of Kulaba did not raise a claim against him. |
| 135 | maš-maš dim₂-ma-ni dumu ha-ma-zu-ke₄ | The incantation priest, the son of Hamazu |
| 136 | ur-alim-nun-na dim₂-ma-ni dumu ha-ma-zu-ke₄ | Ur-alim-nuna, his son Hamazu, |
| 137 | ha-ma-zu hulu-a-ta arata{ki}-aš bala-a | “Ḫamazu, because of the destruction of Arata in the reign |
| 138 | ŋessu e₂ nam-maš-maš-e da-ga-na mu-un-tuš | He sat on the dagan throne of the house of the exorcist |
| 139 | sugal₇ an-si₁₂-ga-ri-a gu₃ ba-an-de₂-e | He shouted at the numerous Ansiga-birds. |
| 140 | lugal-ŋu₁₀ ad-da gal-gal iri-ke₄-ne | the kings, the great fathers of the city |
| 141 | libir-ra uš ki ŋar-ra-ke₄-ne | In the olden days, when the earth quakes |
| 142 | ki-tuš e₂-gal-la-ka a-na-aš-am₃ nu-um-ŋa₂-ŋa₂-ne ad nu-um-ge₄-ge₄-ne | Why are they not occupying the residence of the palace, they are not making a claim? |
| 143 | ŋe₂₆-e i₇ unu{ki}-ga-ke₄ ga-am₃-ba-al | I want to go to the canal of Uruk |
| 144 | AMA arata{ki}-ka gu₂ ga-mu-ni-in-ŋal₂ | I want to raise my neck to the mother of Arata |
| 145 | bad₃ unu{ki}-ga-ke₄ x eme um-mi-in-ta₃ | The wall of Uruk, having uttered a lament |
| 146 | lugal-ŋu₁₀ sig-ta igi-nim-še₃ ab-ta kur {ŋeš}eren-še₃ | Lugal-bu, from the lowlands to the highlands of the cedar mountains |
| 147 | igi-nim-ta kur šem {ŋeš}eren-na-še₃ gu₂ ga-mu-na-ab-ŋar | I want to utter an arazu prayer to him from the east, the mountain of cedar smoke |
| 148 | unu{ki}-ge niŋ₂-gur₁₁ ni₂-ba-ke₄ {ŋeš}ma₂ he₂-em-da-gid₂-de₃ | In Uruk, may the fearsomeness of a boat be extended. |
| 149 | {ŋeš}ma₂ he₂-em-da-la₂-e e₂ za-gin₃ arata{ki}-ke₄ | May the boat sail with him to the lapis lazuli temple of Arata |
| 150 | sugal₇ an-si₁₂-ga-ri-a iri-na mu-ni-zi kiše₄ na-mu-ni-šub-be₂-e | In his city he raised the flock of Ansiga, no one should approach. |
| 151 | maš-maš lu₂ x x nu-um-ma-an-te x x enim-ma ba-an-du₁₁ | The exorcist did not approach ..., he spoke a word |
| 152 | maš-maš ki en-na-še₃ lu₂ mu-ni-in-ku₄-ku₄ | The exorcist enters the place of the lord |
| 153 | ur-alim-nun-na ki en-na-še₃ lu₂ mu-ni-in-ku₄-ku₄ | Uralimnuna entered the place of the en priestess |
| 154 | maš-maš x sugal₇-ŋa₂ an-si₁₂-ga-ri-a na-mu-un-ne-du₁₁-ga | The exorcist spoke to the numerous ... of Ansiga |
| 155 | x-bi šu nu-uš-ma-ab-gi₄-gi₄-in | ... does not return. |
| 156 | lugal-ŋu₁₀ ad-da gal-gal iri{ki}-ke₄-ne | the kings, the great fathers of the cities |
| 157 | libir-ra uš ki ŋar-ra-ke₄-ne | In the olden days, when the earth quakes |
| 158 | ki-tuš e₂-gal-la-ka a-na-aš-am₃ nu-um-ŋa₂-ŋa₂-ne ad nu-um-ge₄-ge₄-ne | Why are they not occupying the residence of the palace, they are not making a claim? |
| 159 | ŋe₂₆-e i₇ unu{ki}-ga-ke₄ ga-am₃-ba-al | I want to go to the canal of Uruk |
| 160 | AMA arata{ki}-ke₄ gu₂ ga-mu-ni-in-ŋal₂ | I want to raise my neck to the mother of Arata |
| 161 | bad₃ unu{ki}-ga-ke₄ eme um-mi-in-ta₃ | The wall of Uruk has uttered a lament. |
| 162 | lugal-ŋu₁₀ sig-ta igi-nim-še₃ ab-ta kur {ŋeš}eren-še₃ | Lugal-bu, from the lowlands to the highlands of the cedar mountains |
| 163 | igi-nim-ta kur šem {ŋeš}eren-na-še₃ gu₂ ga-mu-ni-ib-ŋar | I want to raise my neck from the east to the mountain of cedar smoke |
| 164 | unu{ki}-ga niŋ₂-gur₁₁ ni₂-ba-ke₄ {ŋeš}ma₂ he₂-em-da-gid₂-de₃ | In Uruk, may the fearsomeness of a boat be extended. |
| 165 | {ŋeš}ma₂ he₂-em-ta-la₂-e e₂-za-gin₃ arata{ki}-še₃ | May the boat carry off to the lapis lazuli temple of Arata. |
| 166 | en-ra hul₂-la-gen₇ im-ma-na-ni-ib-ŋar | Like a joyful en priestess, he made it shine forth for her. |
| 167 | ia₂ ma-na ku₃-si₂₂ mu-na-ab-šum₂-mu | he will give him a mina of gold. |
| 168 | ia₂ ma-na ku₃-babbar mu-na-ab-šum₂-mu | he will pay him a mina of silver. |
| 169 | u₂ nir gu₇-ba-ab-bi mu-na-ab-be₂ | She says to him: “Its food that is eaten by a lion’s horn |
| 170 | a nir naŋ-ba-ab-bi mu-na-ab-be₂ | She says to him “Alas, noble one, its praise!" |
| 171 | u₄ nam-ra-aš lu₂ be₂-AK-am₃ | It is a day of abundance that a man has done |
| 172 | zi-zu kadra₂{a}-še₃ šu-zu he₂-ŋal₂ mu-na-ab-be₂ | He said to him: “Your life is a festival, your hand should carry it!’ |
| 173 | maš-maš engar nuŋun saŋ-ŋa₂-ke₄ | The exorcist, the plowman of the netherworld, |
| 174 | ereš₂{ki} iri{ki} {d}nisaba-še₃ ŋiri₃ im-ma-ab-gub-be₂-en | In Ereš, the city of Nisaba, I stand in the city square. |
| 175 | e₂ tur₃-ra e₂ ab₂ dur₂-ru-na-aš ba-te | He approached the cattle pen, the cow-pen where he sat. |
| 176 | ab₂-e tur₃-ra saŋ mu-da-ab-sag₃ | The cow trembles in the cowshed. |
| 177 | ab₂-e enim bi₂-in-du₁₁ lu₂-lu₇-gen₇ enim mu-da-ab-bala-e | (Sum) The cow spoke a word, like a man, he was speaking to him. (Akk) He spoke to the cow, as if it were a human. |
| 178 | ab₂ i₃-zu a-ba-a i₃-gu₇-e ga-zu a-ba-a i₃-na₈-na₈ | Cow, who is eating your oil? Who is drinking your milk? |
| 179 | i₃-ŋu₁₀ i₃-gu₇-e {d}nisaba-ke₄ | Nisaba eats, |
| 180 | ga-ŋu₁₀ i₃-na₈-na₈ {d}nisaba-ke₄ | I want to eat, Nisaba drinks. |
| 181 | ga-ara₃-ŋu₁₀ suku₆ ku₃ galam du₁₁-ga | Ga’arabu, the pure snare, adorned with splendor, |
| 182 | unu₂ gal unu₂ {d}nisaba-še₃ me-te-a-aš im-mi-ib-ŋal₂ | In the great dining hall, in the dining hall of Nisaba, he carried a suitable object. |
| 183 | i₃-ŋu₁₀ tur₃ ku₃-ta en-na ga-mu-DU-a-aš | I want to ... from the holy cowshed |
| 184 | ga-ŋu₁₀ tur₃ ku₃-ta en-na ga-mu-DU-a-aš | I want to ... from the holy cowshed, until when? |
| 185 | u₃-sumun₂ zi {d}nisaba dumu-saŋ {d}en-lil₂-la₂ u₃-a lu₂ nu-um-mi-in-zi-zi | True wild bull Nisaba, the daughter of Enlil, no one can raise it. |
| 186 | ab₂ i₃-zu si muš₃-zu-še₃ ga-zu murgu₂-zu-še₃ | Cow, your oil is the horn of your snake, your milk is the neck of your cow |
| 187 | ab₂ i₃-bi si muš₃-bi-še₃ ba-ab-gid₂ ga-bi murgu₂-bi-še₃ ba-ab-gid₂ | The cow whose oil is poured out in its horns, its milk is stretched out on its back |
| 188 | ŋiri₃ im-gub-be₂ x | “It stands in the steppe ... |
| 189 | amaš ku₃ amaš {d}nisaba-še₃ ba-te | The pure sheepfold approached the sheepfold of Nisaba |
| 190 | ud₅-de₃ amaš-a saŋ mu-da-ab-sag₃ | The goats tremble in the sheepfold |
| 191 | ud₅-de₃ enim bi₂-in-du₁₁ lu₂-lu₇-gen₇ enim mu-un-da-ab-bala-e | The goat spoke a word, like a man, he was speaking to him. |
| 192 | ud₅ i₃-zu a-ba-a i₃-gu₇-e ga-zu a-ba-a i₃-na₈-na₈ | Who will eat your nanny goat, who will drink your milk? |
| 193 | i₃-ŋu₁₀ i₃-gu₇-e {d}nisaba-ke₄ | Nisaba eats, |
| 194 | ga-ŋu₁₀ i₃-na₈-na₈ {d}nisaba-ke₄ | I want to eat, Nisaba drinks. |
| 195 | ga-ara₃-ŋu₁₀ suku₆ ku₃ galam du₁₁-ga | Ga’arabu, the pure snare, adorned with splendor, |
| 196 | unu₇ gal unu₇ {d}nisaba-ke₄ me-te-a-aš im-mi-ib-ŋal₂ | The great banquet, the banquet of Nisaba, was carried away in a fitting fashion. |
| 197 | i₃-ŋu₁₀ tur₃ ku₃-ta en-na ga-mu-un-DU-a-aš | I want to ... from the holy cowshed |
| 198 | ga-ŋu₁₀ amaš ku₃-ta en-na ga-mu-un-DU-a-aš | I want to ... from the pure sheepfold, until when? |
| 199 | u₃-sumun₂ zi {d}nisaba dumu-saŋ {d}en-lil₂-la₂ u₃-a lu₂ nu-um-mi-in-zi-zi | True wild bull Nisaba, the daughter of Enlil, no one can raise it. |
| 200 | ud₅ i₃-zu si muš₃-zu-še₃ ga-zu murgu₂-zu-še₃ | The nanny goat, your oil is the horn of your snake, your milk is the neck of your cow |
| 201 | ud₅ i₃-bi si muš₃-bi-še₃ ba-ab-gid₂ ga-bi murgu₂-bi-še₃ ba-ab-e₁₁ | The nanny goat whose oil is poured out in its horns, its milk is brought out from its trough |
| 202 | u₄-bi-a tur₃ amaš-a e₂ si-ga ba-ab-du₁₁ niŋ₂ ha-lam-ma ba-ab-AK | At that time, in the cattlepen and sheepfold, the house was erected, its sanctuaries were destroyed. |
| 203 | akan ab₂-ka ga nu-un-ŋal₂ amar-e u₄ bi₂-in-šuš₂ | The cow did not carry milk in the pastures, the calf waited for the day |
| 204 | amar tur-bi ša₃ su₃-ga mu-un-ŋal₂ ir₂ ge₁₇ i₃-še₂₂-še₂₂ | Its young calves were carried off in a darkened state, they wept bitterly |
| 205 | akan ud₅-ka ga nu-un-ŋal₂ | In the pastures of the goats milk is not carried. |
| 206 | maš₂ ud₅-da-bi ša₃ ka tab ba-an-nu₂ zi-bi mi-ni-in-x-tum₃ | Its goats lay down in the mouth, its life ... |
| 207 | ab₂-e amar-bi-še₃ gu₃ ge₁₇ im-me ir₂ ge₁₇ i₃-še₂₂-še₂₂ | The cow cries out bitterly to its calf, she weeps bitterly |
| 208 | ud₅-de₃ maš₂-bi mu-na-|NI₁₀.NI₁₀| x-BI nu-mu-x-teŋ₃-ŋe₂₆ | The goat ... its kid, ... does not ... it |
| 209 | {dug}šakir₃ ku₃-ga si-si-ig-ga x x x ša₃ su₃-ga mu-un-ŋal₂ ša₃ ka tab x-zu | In the pure churn ... carried away the empty heart, your ... heart |
| 209a | an-za-am x | Anzam |
| 210 | u₄-bi-a tur₃ amaš-a e₂ si-ga ba-ab-du₁₁ niŋ₂ ha-lam-ma ba-ab-AK | At that time, in the cattlepen and sheepfold, the house was erected, its sanctuaries were destroyed. |
| 211 | unu₃-de₃ {ŋeš}tukul šu-na bi₂-in-šub igi-ni i₃-sag₃-ge | In order to smite him with the weapon in his hand, he struck his face. |
| 212 | sipa-de₃ šibir za₃-ga-na bi₂-in-la₂ ir₂ ge₁₇ i₃-še₂₂-še₂₂ | The shepherd carried off the šibir offering at his side, she wept bitterly |
| 213 | KAB-bar tur amaš tur₃-še₃ la-ba-DU ŋiri₃ kur₂ ba-ra-an-dab₅ | He did not go to the small sheepfold and sheepfold, he seized a foreign city. |
| 214 | ga-IL₂ {dug}ad gal-še₃ nu-mu-e-DU sila kur₂ ba-ra-an-dab₅ | He did not carry milk, he did not go to the great door. He was seized by a strange street. |
| 215 | unu₃ sipa {d}nisaba-ke₄-ne | the cattle herders and shepherds of Nisaba |
| 216 | dumu du₂-da ama AŠ-me-eš | The children born by mother |
| 217 | tur₃ amaš-a e₃-a-me-eš | The cattlepen and sheepfold where they come out |
| 218 | diš-kam-ma maš₂-gu-la mu-ni he₂-en-na-nam | It is the second song, may it be his name. |
| 219 | min-kam-ma ur-edin-na mu-ni he₂-en-na-nam | It is the second song of Ur-edina. May her name be that of her. |
| 220 | min₃-na-ne-ne KA₂ mah igi {d}utu e₃-a ki u₆ di kalam-ma | The two of them, the supreme gate, the face of Utu coming out, the beautiful place of the nation |
| 221 | sahar-tu₁₁-sahar-tu₁₁-ba ba-an-dur₂-ru-ne-eš {d}utu an-ta i-im-ge₄-ge₄-NE | Šamaš will ... the šartu-sahartu. |
| 222 | maš-maš-e lu₂ arata{ki}-ka e₂-tur₃-ra mu-un-ku₄ | The exorcist, the man of Arata, entered the cattlepen. |
| 223 | e₂-tur₃-ra ga ba-an-kal amar tur ba-an-de₅-de₅ | In the cattle pen milk was poured out, young calves were weighed out. |
| 224 | tur₃ amaš-a niŋ₂-ge₁₇-ga bi₂-AK i₃ ga ba-e-ni-kal | In the cattlepen and sheepfold he acted in fear, he consumed butter and milk |
| 225 | tur₃ amaš ad₆-bi i₃-šub-šub niŋ₂ ha-lam-ma ba-ab-AK | The cattle-pen and sheepfold were abandoned, their sanctuaries were destroyed |
| 226 | unu₃ sipa x x enim-bi ba-an-na-te | The cattle-pen of the shepherd ... spoke to her. |
| 227 | x giri₁₇-šu-ŋal₂-la-am₃ igi mu-un-na-|NIGIN₂.NIGIN₂| | ... looked at him with pleasure. |
| 228 | x x ereš{ki} URUDU an-gur | of Ereš copper ... |
| 229 | gu₂ {i₇}buranuna{na} i₇ na mah KA ŋal₂-la i₇ diŋir-re-e-ne | the bank of the Euphrates, the supreme na canal, the intertwined canals |
| 230 | iri{ki} nam-tar-ra an {d}en-lil₂-la₂-bi-še₃ ŋiri₃ bi₂-in-gub | In the city whose fate An and Enlil had decreed, he set up a fortress. |
| 231 | um-ma saŋ-bur-ru šu mu-un-na-an-x | Thus (says) Saburu, his hand ... |
| 232 | min₃-na-ne-ne nun i₇-da i-ni-in-šub-bu-uš | The two of them sat down in the river. |
| 233 | maš-maš-e suhur gal{ku₆}-e a-ta im-ta-an-e₁₁ | The exorcist brought out from the water the tail of the big fish. |
| 234 | um-ma saŋ-bur-ru ŋešnu hu-ri₂-in{mušen} a-ta im-ta-an-e₁₁ | He said thus: “The saburru-demon came out from the water |
| 235 | hu-ri₂-in{mušen} suhur-gal{ku₆}-e in-kar an-na ba-e-e₁₁ | Ḫurinmušen, the suhurgal fish, seized An. |
| 236 | min₃-kam-ma-aš nun i₇-da i-ni-in-šub-bu-uš | The second prince sat down in the river |
| 237 | maš-maš-e u₈ sila₄-bi a-ta im-ta-an-e₁₁ | The exorcist brought out its ewe and lamb from the water |
| 238 | um-ma saŋ-bur-ru ur-bar-ra a-ta im-ta-an-e₁₁ | The saburru-demon went out from the water, |
| 239 | ur-bar-ra u₈ sila₄-bi in-kar edin daŋal-še₃ ba-an-ur₃ | The dogs seized their ewes and lambs, and they were carried off to the steppe. |
| 240 | eš₅-kam-ma-aš nun i₇-da i-ni-in-šub-bu-uš | It is the fifth time that a prince crosses the river |
| 241 | maš-maš-e ab₂ amar-bi a-ta im-ta-an-e₃ | The exorcist brought out the cow and its calf from the water |
| 242 | um-ma saŋ-bur-ru ur-mah-e a-ta im-ta-an-e₃ | The old woman, the lion, came out from the water. |
| 243 | ur-mah-e ab₂ amar-bi in-kar geš-ge-še₃ ba-an-ku₄ | The lion seized the cow and its calf and entered the woods. |
| 244 | limmu₅-kam-ma-aš nun i₇-da i-ni-in-šub-bu-uš | It is the eponym year of Prince of the River. |
| 245 | maš-maš-e šeg₉ šeg₉-bar-e a-ta im-ta-an-e₃ | The exorcist brought out the beautiful, the beautiful one from the water |
| 246 | um-ma saŋ-bur-ru nemur₂ hur-saŋ a-ta im-ta-an-e₃ | The saburru-demon, the nemur-bird of the mountains, came out from the water. |
| 247 | nemur₂ šeg₉ šeg₉-bar-e in-kar hur-saŋ-še₃ ba-an-ku₄ | The beautiful nemur entered the mountains. |
| 248 | ia₂-kam-ma-aš nun i₇-da i-ni-in-šub-bu-uš | It is the yākamaš-demon, the prince who fills the river |
| 249 | maš-maš-e amar mašda-e a-ta im-ta-an-e₃ | The exorcist brought out the calf and the exorcerist from the water |
| 250 | um-ma saŋ-bur-ru ur-GUG₄ ur-nim-e a-ta im-ta-an-e₃ | The saburru-demon, the dog, came out from the water. |
| 251 | ur-GUG₄ ur-nim-ma amar mašda-e in-kar {ŋeš}ter-ter-še₃ ba-an-ku₄ | A dog seized a calf and a gazelle, and brought him into a trap. |
| 252 | maš-maš-e igi-ni ba-kukku₂ dim₂-ma-ni ba-sah₄ | The exorcist has looked at him, he has changed his mind |
| 253 | um-ma saŋ-bur-ru gu₃ mu-na-de₂-e | The old woman spoke to the saburru priestess: |
| 254 | maš-maš nam-maš-maš-zu he₂-ŋal₂ dim₂-ma-zu me-a | May the exorcist carry your extispicy, where is your judgment? |
| 255 | a-na-gen₇-nam ereš₂{ki} iri {d}nisaba-še₃ | Why, in Ereš, the city of Nisaba |
| 256 | iri{ki} nam tar-ra an {d}en-lil₂-la₂ | The city whose fate was determined by An and Enlil |
| 257 | iri{ki} ul iri ki aŋ₂ {d}nin-lil₂-la₂-še₃ | To the city that is not a city, the place of Ninlil’s water |
| 258 | nam-maš-maš AK-de₃ a-gen₇ im-da-ŋen-ne-en | In order to undo the ‘witchcraft’, how will we do it? |
| 259 | maš-maš-e mu-un-na-ni-ib-ge₄-ge₄ | The exorcist approaches him. |
| 260 | nu-zu-a-ŋu₁₀-ne i-im-ŋen-ne-en | When they do not know, they say: |
| 261 | nam-kur₄-ra-zu i₃-zu nam-ba-an-sis-e-de₃-en | You should not change your course, you should not slander me. |
| 262 | šu giri₁₇-na i-ni-in-ŋal₂ šudu₃ mu-un-na-an-ša₄-aš | He carried off the hand of his nose, he gave him the sheep |
| 263 | šu ba-mu-u₈ nin₉-ŋu₁₀ šu ba-mu-u₈ | Hand of a maiden Hand of the maiden |
| 264 | silim-ma-ŋu₁₀ iri-ŋu₁₀-še₃ ga-ŋen | I want to say: “I want to go to the well-being of the city! |
| 265 | arata{ki} kur me sikil-la-še₃ zi-ŋu₁₀ ga-ba-ši-in-tum₃ | I want to bring life to Arata, the mountain of pure divine powers. |
| 266 | nam-mah-zu kur-kur-ra ga-bi₂-ib-zu | I want to proclaim your greatness over all the lands. |
| 267 | arata{ki} kur me sikil-la-ka ka-tar-zu ga-si-il | In Arata, the mountain of pure divine powers, I want to utter your praises. |
| 268 | um-ma saŋ-bur-ru mu-un-na-ni-ib-ge₄-ge₄ | “The saburru priestess was speaking to him. |
| 269 | tur₃ amaš-a niŋ₂-ge₁₇-ga bi₂-AK i₃ ga ba-e-ni-kal | In the cattlepen and sheepfold he acted in fear, he consumed butter and milk |
| 270 | {ŋeš}bansur an-bar₇ {ŋeš}bansur kiŋ₂-sig-a mu-e-sud | The table of heaven, the table of earth, he stretched out. |
| 271 | kiŋ₂-sig unu₂ gal-la i₃ ga ba-e-ku₅ niŋ₂-ge₁₇-ga ba-DU | In the lower courtyard, in the great dining hall, oil and milk were cut, ... |
| 272 | nam-da₆-zu i₃ ga x ki-ba nu-mu-e-tum₃ | Your boating does not bring butter and milk to that place. |
| 273 | {d}nanna lugal tur₃ amaš-ke₄ šu-ŋu₁₀-še₃ ba-e-šum₂-mu | Nanna, king of the cattlepen and sheepfold, has been given over to you |
| 274 | šer₇-da i₃-ŋa₂-ŋa₂ zi nu-mu-ra-ab-šum₂-mu | If he slips in through a hole, he will not be able to breathe |
| 275 | um-ma saŋ-bur-ru maš-maš-e tibir-ra-ni saŋ-ŋa₂ mu-ni-RU | Thus the saburru priestess, the exorcist, ... his tibirranu priesthood |
| 276 | ad₆-a-ni gu₂ {i₇}buranuna{na}-ka i-im-ma-an-šub | his cattle on the bank of the Euphrates he placed. |
| 277 | zi nam-til₃-la ba-da-kar-re iri-ni-še₃ la-ba-an-gur | He took away the life of life and turned it away from his city. |
| 278 | en-suku₅-keše₂-an-na-ke₄ enim-bi ŋeš ba-an-tuku-a-ta | After Ensukukešanna had listened to his words |
| 279 | en-me-er-kara₂-ra lu₂ mu-un-ši-in-ge₄ | For Enmerkara he set out a man |
| 280 | ze₄-e-me-en en ki aŋ₂ {d}innana-me-en AŠ-zu-ne mah-me-en | You are the lord of the earth, father Innana, you are supreme |
| 281 | {d}innana-ke₄ ur₂ ku₃-ga-ni-še₃ zi-de₃-eš mu-un-pa₃-de₃-en ki aŋ₂-ŋa₂-ni-me-en | Innana chose me faithfully in his holy lap, I am the place of his father |
| 282 | sig-ta igi-nim-še₃ en gal-bi ze₄-e-me-en ŋe₂₆-e us₂-sa-zu-me-en | I am the great lord of the lowlands, I am one who knows everything |
| 283 | a ri-ta gaba-ri-zu nu-me-en ses-gal-ŋu₁₀ ze₄-e-me-en | You are not your rival, you are a great hero |
| 284 | ŋe₂₆-e nu-mu-da-sa₂-e-en u₄ da-ri₂-še₃ | I do not know (how) to make it right forever. |
| 285 | en-me-er-kara₂ en-suku₅-keše₂-an-na-da a-da-min₃ du₁₁-ga | With Enmerkara and Ensukukešana, the equalizers of battle, |
| 286 | en-me-er-kara₂ en-suku₅-keše₂-an-na diri-ga-ba | Enmerkara, Ensukukešvana, surpassing |
| 287 | {d}nisaba za₃-mim | Nisaba, praise! |
Sources & licences
- Open Richly Annotated Cuneiform Corpus (ORACC) · CC BY-SA 3.0 (ORACC default); per-file JSON license fields say: This data is released under the CC0 license (133618) · ORACC project editions, https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ ; cite the individual project (see texts.extra_json.project)
Cite the original edition and translator. Page generated by Unread Atlas from the public corpus export of 2026-10-18.