Tiamat Raises Kingu

Then Ea, who knew all that is, went up and he beheld their muttering.

[about 30 illegible lines]

… he spake: … thy… he hath conquered and … he weepeth and sitteth in tribulation. … of fear, … we shall not lie down in peace. … Apsu is laid waste, … and Mummu, who were taken captive, in… … thou didst… … let us lie down in peace. … they will smite…. … let us lie down in peace.

… thou shalt take vengeance for them, … unto the tempest shalt thou…!"

Tiamat harkened unto the word of the bright god, and said: … shalt thou entrust! let us wage war!" … the gods in the midst of… … for the gods did she create.

They banded themselves together and at the side of Tiamat they advanced.

They were furious. They devised mischief without resting night and day.

They prepared for battle, fuming and raging. They joined their forces and made war.

Ummu-Hubur [Tiamat] formed all things including invincible weapons.

She spawned monster-serpents, Sharp of tooth, and merciless of fang;

With poison, instead of blood, she filled their bodies.

Fierce monster-vipers she clothed with terror, With splendor she decked them, she made them of lofty stature.

Whoever beheld them, terror overcame him,

Their bodies reared up and none could withstand their attack.

She set up:

• vipers and dragons
• the monster Lahamu
• hurricanes
• raging hounds
• scorpion-men
• mighty tempests
• fish-men
• rams

They bore cruel weapons, without fear of the fight.

Her commands were mighty, none could resist them.

After this fashion, huge of stature, she made 11 [kinds of] monsters.

Among the gods who were her sons, inasmuch as he had given her support,

She exalted Kingu*. In their midst she raised him to power.

She entrusted him to:

• march before the forces
• lead the host
• give the battle-signal
• advance to the attack
• direct the battle
• control the fight

In costly raiment she made him sit, saying:

“I have uttered your spell. I have raised you to power in the assembly of the gods. The dominion over all the gods have I entrusted unto him. Be thou exalted, my chosen spouse,

May they magnify thy name over all of them the Anunnaki.”

She gave him the Tablets of Destiny, on his breast she laid them, saying:

“Your command shall not be without avail. The word of your mouth shall be established.”

Kingu was thus exalted and received the power of Anu.

He decreed the fate among the gods his sons, saying:

“Let the opening of your mouth quench the Fire-god; Whoso is exalted in the battle, let him display his might!”