Ansar Urges Ea [Enki] to Fight Tiamat

Tiamat made weighty her handiwork,

Evil she wrought against the gods her children.

To avenge Apsu, Tiamat planned evil.

But how she had collected her forces, the god unto Ea [Enki] divulged.

Ea [Enki] harkened to this thing

He was grievously afflicted and he sat in sorrow.

The days went by, and his anger was appeased,

And to the place of Ansar his father he took his way.

He went and, standing before Ansar, the father who begat him.

Ea [Enki] repated Tiamat’s plot to him.

When Ansar heard how Tiamat was mightily in revolt, he bit his lips. His mind was not at peace

…, he made a bitter lamentation: … battle, … thou…

Mummu and Apsu thou hast smitten

But Tiamat hath exalted Kingu, and where is one who can oppose her?

… deliberation … the … of the gods, -Nudimmud.

[A gap of about a dozen lines occurs here.]

Ansar unto his son addressed the word:

“… my mighty hero,

Whose strength is great and whose onslaught can not be withstood, Go and stand before Tiamat,

That her spirit may be appeased, that her heart may be merciful.

But if she will not harken unto thy word, Our word shalt thou speak unto her, that she may be pacified.”

He heard the word of his father Ansar

He directed his path to her, toward her he took the way.

Ann drew nigh, he beheld the muttering of Tiamat, But he could not withstand her, and he turned back. … Ansar … he spake unto him:

[A gap of over twenty lines occurs here.]

an avenger… … valiant … in the place of his decision … he spake unto him: … thy father

" Thou art my son, who maketh merciful his heart. … to the battle shalt thou draw nigh, he that shall behold thee shall have peace." And the lord rejoiced at the word of his father, And he drew nigh and stood before Ansar.

Ansar beheld him and his heart was filled with joy, He kissed him on the lips and his fear departed from him.

“O my father, let not the word of thy lips be overcome, Let me go, that I may accomplish all that is in thy heart. O Ansar, let not the word of thy lips be overcome, Let me go, that I may accomplish all that is in thy heart.”

What man is it, who hath brought thee forth to battle? … Tiamat, who is a woman, is armed and attacketh thee. … rejoice and be glad; The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot. … rejoice and be glad;

The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot.

0 my son, who knoweth all wisdom, Pacify Tiamat with thy pure incantation.

Speedily set out upon thy way, For thy blood shall not be poured out; thou shalt return again." The lord rejoiced at the word of his father, His heart exulted, and unto his father he spake:

“O Lord of the gods, Destiny of the great gods, If I, your avenger, Conquer Tiamat and give you life, Appoint an assembly, make my fate preeminent and proclaim it.

In Upsukkinaku seat yourself joyfully together, With my word in place of you will I decree fate. May whatsoever I do remain unaltered, May the word of my lips never be chanced nor made of no avail.”