Composite
Composite No.: Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: —
Museum no.: —
Provenience: Nippur (mod. Nuffar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: —
Material: —
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
object composite text
surface a
1. an gal-ta ki gal-sze3 gesztu2-ga-ni na-an-gub
en: From the great heaven she set her mind on the great below.
2. dingir an gal-ta ki gal-sze3 gesztu2-ga-ni na-an-gub
en: From the great heaven the goddess set her mind on the great below.
3. {d}inanna an gal-ta ki gal-sze3 gesztu2-ga-ni na-an-gub
en: From the great heaven Inana set her mind on the great below.
4. nin-gu10 an mu-un-szub ki mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: My mistress abandoned heaven, abandoned earth, and descended to the underworld.
5. {d}inanna an mu-un-szub ki mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: Inana abandoned heaven, abandoned earth, and descended to the underworld.
6. nam-en mu-un-szub nam-lagar mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the office of en, abandoned the office of lagar, and descended to the underworld.
7. unu{ki}-ga e2-an-na mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the Eanna in Uruk, and descended to the underworld.
8. bad3-tibira{ki}-a e2-musz3-kalam-ma mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the E-muš-kalam in Bad-tibira, and descended to the underworld.
9. zabala{ki}-a gi-gun4{ki}-na mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the Giguna in zabala, and descended to the underworld.
10. adab{ki}-a e2-szar-ra mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the E-šara in Adab, and descended to the underworld.
11. nibru{ki}-a bara2-dur2-gar-ra mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the Bara-dur-gara in Nibru, and descended to the underworld.
12. kisz{ki}-a hur-sag-kalam-ma mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the Hursag-kalama in Kiš, and descended to the underworld.
13. a-ga-de3{ki}-a e2-ul-masz{ki} mu-un-szub kur-a ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the E-Ulmaš in Agade, and descended to the underworld.
13.a. umma{ki}-a eb-gal mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the Ebgal in Umma, and descended to the underworld.
13.b. uri2{ki}-ma e2-dilmun-na mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the E-Dilmuna in Ur, and descended to the underworld.
13.c. kisig2{ki}-a amasz-e2-ku3 mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the Amaš-e-ku in Kisiga, and descended to the underworld.
13.d. gir2-su{ki}-a e2-esz2-dam-ku3 mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the E-ešdam-ku in Girsu, and descended to the underworld.
13.e. i3-si-in-na{ki} e2-szeg12-mu-sze3-du7 mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the E-sig-meše-du in Isin, and descended to the underworld.
13.f. akszak{ki}-a an-za-gar3 mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the Anzagar in Akšak, and descended to the underworld.
13.g. szuruppak{ki}-e nigin3-gar-ku3 mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the Nigin-gar-ku in Šuruppak, and descended to the underworld.
13.h. ka-zal-lu{ki} e2-sza3-hul2-la mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She abandoned the E-cag-hula in Kazallu, and descended to the underworld.
14. me 7(disz)-bi za3 mu-ni-in-kesz2
en: She took the seven divine powers.
15. me mu-un-ur4-ur4 szu-ni-sze3 mu-un-la2
en: She collected the divine powers and grasped them in her hand.
16. me du10 giri3 gub-ba i-im-gen
en: With the good divine powers, she went on her way.
17. tug2-szu-gur-ra men edin-na sag-ga2-na mu-un-gal2
en: She put a turban, headgear for the open country, on her head.
18. hi-li sag-ki-na szu ba-ni-in-ti
en: She took a wig for her forehead.
19. {na4}za-gin3 di4-di4-la2 gu2-na ba-an-la2
en: She hung small lapis-lazuli beads around her neck.
20. na4-nunuz tab-ba gaba-na ba-ni-in-si
en: She placed twin egg-shaped beads on her breast.
21. {tug2}pala3 tug2 nam-nin-a bar-ra-na ba-an-dul
en: She covered her body with a pala dress, the garment of ladyship.
22. szembi lu2 he2-em-du he2-em-du igi-na ba-ni-in-gar
en: She placed mascara “Let a man come, let him come” on her eyes.
23. tu-di-da lu2 ga2-nu ga2-nu gaba-na ba-an-gid2
en: She pulled the pectoral “Come, man, come” over her breast.
24. har ku3-sig17 szu-na ba-an-du8
en: She placed a golden ring on her hand.
25. gi-1(disz)-ninda2 esz2-GAN2 za-gin3 szu ba-ni-in-du8
en: She held the lapis-lazuli measuring rod and measuring line in her hand.
26. {d}inanna kur-sze3 i-im-gen
en: Inanna traveled towards the underworld.
27. sukkal-a-ni {d}ga-sza-an-szubur-ra egir-a-na i-im-gen
en: Her minister Ninšubur traveled behind her.
28. ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 {d}nin-szubur-ra gu3 mu-na-de2-e
en: Holy Inanna says to Ninšubur:
29. ga2-nu sukkal zi e2-an-na-gu10
en: “Come my faithful minister of Eanna,
30. sukkal e-ne-ag2 sa6-sa6-ga-gu10
en: my minister who speaks fair words,
31. ra-gaba e-ne-ag2 ge-en-ge-na-gu10
en: my escort who speaks trustworthy words
32. u4-da kur-sze3 e11-de3-en
en: “On this day I will descend to the underworld.
33. u4-da kur-sze3 gen-na-gu10-ne
en: When I have arrived in the underworld,
34. er2 du6-du6-dam mar-mar-ma-ni-ib
en: make a lament for me on the ruin mounds.
35. szem3 gu2-en-na du12-du12-a-ma-ni-ib
en: Beat the drum for me in the sanctuary.
36. e2 dingir-re-e-ne nigin2-nigin2-na-ma-ni-ib
en: Make the rounds of the houses of the gods for me.
37. i-bi2-zu hur-ma-ab giri17-zu hur-ma-ab
en: “Lacerate your eyes for me, lacerate your nose for me.
1 ms. adds the line: Lacerate your ears for me, in public.
38. ki mu-lu-da nu-di hasz4-gal-zu hur-ma-ab
en: In private, lacerate your buttocks for me.
39. mu-lu nu-tuku-gin7 tug2 dili-a mu4-ma-ab
en: Like a pauper, clothe yourself in a single garment
40. e2-kur-re e2 {d}mu-ul-lil2-la2-sze3 me-re-zu dili gub-mu-un
en: and all alone set your foot in the E-kur, the house of Enlil.
41. e2-kur-re e2 {d}mu-ul-lil2-la2-sze3 ku4-ku4-da-zu-ne
en: “When you have entered the E-kur, the house of Enlil,
42. i-bi2 {d}mu-ul-lil2-la2-sze3 er2 szesz2-a
en: lament before Enlil:
43. a-a {d}mu-ul-lil2 du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: “Father Enlil, don’t let anyone kill your daughter in the underworld.
44. ku3 sa6-ga-zu sahar kur-ra-ka nam-ba-da-ab-szar2-re
en: Don’t let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the underworld.
45. za-gin3 sa6-ga-zu za zadim-ma-ka nam-ba-da-an-di-il-si-il
en: Don’t let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason’s stone.
46. {gesz}taszkarin-zu gesz nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-an-dar-dar-e
en: Don’t let your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter’s wood.
47. ki-sikil {d}ga-sza-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: Don’t let young lady Inanna be killed in the underworld.”
48. u4-da {d}mu-ul-lil2 e-ne-eg3-ba nu-ri-gub uri2{ki}-sze3 gen-na
en: “If Enlil does not help you in this matter, go to Ur.
49. uri2{ki} e2-mu12-kur-ra-ka
en: In the E-mukura at Ur,
50. e2-kisz-nu-gal2 {d}nanna-sze3 ku4-ku4-da-zu-ne
en: when you have entered the E-kišnugal toward Nanna,
51. i-bi2 {d}nanna-sze3 er2 szesz2-a
en: lament before Nanna:
52. a-a {d}nanna du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: “Father Nanna, don’t let anyone kill your daughter in the underworld.
53. ku3 sa6-ga-zu sahar kur-ra-ka nam-ba-da-ab-szar2-re
en: Don’t let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the underworld.
54. za-gin3 sa6-ga-zu za zadim-ma-ka nam-ba-da-an-di-il-si-il
en: Don’t let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason’s stone.
55. {gesz}taszkarin-zu gesz nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-an-dar-dar-e
en: Don’t let your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter’s wood.
56. ki-sikil {d}ga-sza-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: Don’t let young lady Inanna be killed in the underworld.”
57. u4-da {d}nanna e-ne-ag2-ba nu-ri-gub uru2-ze2-eb{ki}-sze3 gen-na
en: “And if Nanna does not help you in this matter, go to Eridu.
58. uru2-ze-eb{ki} e2 {d}am-an-ki-ka3-sze3 ku4-ku4-da-zu-ne
en: In Eridu, when you have entered the house of Enki,
59. i-bi2 {d}am-an-ki-ka3-sze3 er2 szesz2-am3
en: lament before Enki:
60. a-a {d}am-an-ki du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: “Father Enki, don’t let anyone kill your daughter in the underworld.
61. ku3 sa6-ga-zu sahar kur-ra-ka nam-ba-da-ab-szar2-re
en: Don’t let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the underworld.
62. za-gin3 sa6-ga-zu za zadim-ma-ka nam-ba-da-an-di-il-si-il
en: Don’t let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason’s stone.
63. {gesz}taszkarin-zu gesz nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-an-dar-dar-e
en: Don’t let your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter’s wood.
64. ki-sikil {d}ga-sza-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: Don’t let young lady Inanna be killed in the underworld.”
65. a-a {d}am-an-ki u3-mu-un mu-usz-gesz-tug2 da-ma-al-la-ke4
en: “Father Enki, the lord of great wisdom,
66. u2 nam-ti-la mu-un-zu a nam-ti-la mu-un-zu
en: knows about the life-giving plant and the life-giving water.
67. e-ne ma-ra hu-mu-un-ti-le-en
en: He is the one who will restore me to life.”
68. {d}inanna kur-sze3 gen-na-ni-ta
en: When Inanna traveled on towards the underworld,
69. sukkal-a-ni {d}nin-szubur-ra-ke4 egir-a-ni i3-im-gen
en: her minister Ninšubur traveled on behind her.
70. sukkal-a-ni {d}nin-szubur-ra gu3 mu-na-de2-e
en: She says to her minister Ninšubur:
71. gen-na {d}ga-sza-an-szubur-gu10 sag kesz2 he2-ak
en: “Go now, my Ninšubur, and pay attention.
72. e-ne a-ra-du11-ga-gu10 gu2-zu la-ba-szi-szub
en: Don’t neglect the instructions I gave you.”
73. {d}inanna e2-gal ganzer-sze3 um-ma-te
en: When Inanna arrived at the palace Ganzer,
74. {gesz}ig kur-ra-ka szu hul ba-an-us2
en: she pushed aggressively on the door of the underworld.
75. abul kur-ra-ka gu3 hul ba-an-de2
en: She shouted aggressively at the gate of the underworld:
76. e2 gal2-u3 i3-du8 e2 gal2-u3
en: “Open up, doorman, open up.
77. e2 gal2-u3 {d}ne-ti e2 gal2-u3 dili-gu10-sze3 ga-ku4
en: Open up, Neti, open up. I am all alone and I want to come in.”
78. {d}ne-ti i3-du8 gal kur-ra-ke4
en: Neti, the chief doorman of the underworld,
79. ku3 {d}inanna inim mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4
en: answers holy Inanna:
80. a-ba-me-en za-e
en: “Who are you?”
81. me-e {d}ga-sza-an na-na ki {d}utu e3-a-asz
en: “I am Inanna going to the east.”
82. tukum-bi za-e {d}inanna ki {d}utu e3-a-asz
en: “If you are Inanna going to the east,
83. a-na-am3 ba-du-un kur nu-gi4-sze3
en: why have you traveled to the land of no return?
84. har-ra-an lu2 du-bi nu-gi4-gi4-de3 sza3-zu a-gin7 tum2-mu-un
en: How did you set your heart on the road whose traveller never returns?”
85. ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 mu-na-ni-ib2-gi4-gi4
en: Holy Inanna answers him:
86. nin9 gal-gu10 ku3 {d}ga-sza-an-ki-gal-la-ke4
en: “Because lord Gud-gal-ana,
87. mu dam-a-ni u3-mu-un gu4-gal-an-na ba-an-ug5-ga
en: the husband of my elder sister holy Ereškigal, has died;
88. ki-se3-ga-na i-bi2 du8-u3-de3
en: in order to have his funeral rites observed,
89. kasz ki-se3-ga-na gu-ul ba-ni-in-de2 ur5 he2-na-nam-ma
en: she offers generous libations at his wake; that is the reason.”
90. {d}ne-ti i3-du8 gal-kur-ra-ke4
en: Neti, the chief doorman of the underworld,
91. ku3 {d}inanna-ra mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4
en: answers holy Inanna:
92. gub-ba-a {d}inanna nin-ga2 ga-an-na-ab-du11
en: “Stay here, Inanna. I will speak to my mistress.
93. nin-gu10 {d}eresz-ki-gal-la-ra ga-an-na-du11 inim-zu ga-an-na-ab-du11
en: I will speak to my mistress Ereškigal and tell her what you have said.”
94. {d}ne-ti i3-du8 gal kur-ra-ke4
en: Neti, the chief doorman of the underworld,
95. nin-a-ni {d}eresz-ki-gal-la-ra
en: to his mistress Ereškigal
96. e2-a-ni-sze3 ba-szi-in-ku4 gu3 mu-na-de2
en: entered the house and said:
97. nin-gu10 ki-sikil 1(disz)-am3
en: “My mistress, there is a lone girl outside.
98. {d}inanna nin9-zu e2-gal ganzer-sze3 um-ma-te
en: It is Inanna, your sister, and she has arrived at the palace Ganzer.
99. {gesz}ig kur-ra-ka szu hul ba-an-us2
en: She pushed aggressively on the door of the underworld.
100. abul kur-ra-ka gu3 hul ba-an-de2
en: She shouted aggressively at the gate of the underworld.
101. e2-an-na mu-un-szub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11
en: She has abandoned Eanna and has descended to the underworld.
102. me 7(disz)-bi za3 mu-ni-in-kesz2
en: “She has taken the 7 divine powers.
103. me mu-un-ur4-ur4 szu-ni-sze3 mu-un-la2
en: She has collected the divine powers and grasped them in her hand.
104. me du10 giri3 gub-ba i-im-gen
en: She has come on her way with all the good divine powers.
105. tug2-szu-gur-ra men edin-na sag-ga2-na mu-un-gal2
en: She has put a turban, headgear for the open country, on her head.
106. hi-li sag-ki-na szu ba-ni-in-ti
en: She has taken a wig for her forehead.
107. {na4}za-gin3 di4-di4-la2 gu2-na i-im-la2
en: She has hung small lapis-lazuli beads around her neck.
108. na4-nunuz tab-ba gaba-na i-im-si
en: “She has placed twin egg-shaped beads on her breast.
109. {tug2}pala3 nam-nin-a bar-ra-na i-im-dul
en: She has covered her body with the pala dress of ladyship.
110. szembi lu2 he2-em-du igi-ni i-im-gar
en: She has placed mascara “Let a man come” on her eyes.
111. tu-di-da lu2 ga2-nu ga2-nu gaba-na i-im-gid2
en: She has pulled the pectoral “Come, man, come” over her breast.
112. har ku3-sig17 szu-na i-im-la2
en: She has placed a golden ring on her hand.
113. gi-1(disz)-ninda esz2-GAN2 za-gin3 szu-na i-im-du8
en: She is holding the lapis-lazuli ‘reed-1-ninda’ measuring rod and measuring line in her hand.”
114. u4-ba {d}eresz-ki-gal-la-ke4 hasz2 bar-bi bi2-in-ra
en: When she heard this, Ereškigal slapped the side of her thigh.
115. nundum zu2 bi2-in-gub inim sza3-sze3 ba-ti
en: She bit her lip and took the words to heart.
116. {d}ne-ti i3-du8 gal-ni-ir gu3 mu-na-de2-e
en: She says to Neti, her chief doorman:
117. ga2-nu {d}ne-ti i3-du8 gal kur-ra-gu10
en: “Come Neti, my chief doorman of the underworld,
118. inim a-ra-du11-ga-gu10 gu2-zu la-ba-an-szub-be2-en
en: don’t neglect the instructions I will give you.
119. abul kur-ra 7(disz)-bi {gesz}si-gar-bi he2-eb-us2
en: Let the seven gates of the underworld be bolted.
120. e2-gal ganzer dili-bi {gesz}ig-bi szu ha-ba-an us2
en: Then let each door of the palace Ganzer be opened separately.
121. e-ne ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: As for her, after she has entered,
122. gam-gam-ma-ni tug2 zil-zil-la-ni-ta lu2 ba-an-de6
en: and crouched down and had her clothes removed, they will be carried away.”
123. {d}ne-ti i3-du8 gal kur-ra-ke4
en: Neti, the chief doorman of the underworld,
124. inim nin-a-na-sze3 sag kesz2 ba-szi-in-ak
en: paid attention to the instructions of his mistress.
125. abul kur-ra 7(disz)-bi {gesz}si-gar-bi bi2-ib2-us2
en: He bolted the 7 gates of the underworld.
126. e2-gal ganzer dili-bi {gesz}ig-bi szu ba-an-us2
en: Then he opened each of the doors of the palace Ganzer separately.
127. ku3 {d}inanna-ra gu3 mu-na-de2-e
en: He says to holy Inanna:
128. ga2-nu {d}inanna ku4-um-ma-ni
en: “Come on, Inanna, and enter.”
129. {d}inanna ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: And when Inanna entered,
1 ms. adds 2 lines: the lapis-lazuli measuring rod and measuring line were removed from her hand, when she entered the first gate,
130. tug2-szu-gur-ra men edin-na sag-ga2-na lu2 ba-da-an-ze2-er
en: the turban, headgear for the open country, was removed from her head.
131. ta-am3 ne-e
en: “What is this?”
132. si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra-ke4 szu al-du7-du7
en: “Be satisfied, Inanna, a divine power of the underworld has been fulfilled.
133. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu na-an-ba-e
en: Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the rites of the underworld.”
134. abul 2(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: When she entered the 2nd gate,
135. {na4}za-gin3 di4-di4-la2 gu2-na lu2 ba-da-an-ze2-er
en: the small lapis-lazuli beads were removed from her neck.
136. ta-am3 ne-e
en: “What is this?”
137. si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra-ke4 szu al-du7-du7
en: “Be satisfied, Inanna, a divine power of the underworld has been fulfilled.
138. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu na-an-ba-e
en: Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the rites of the underworld.”
139. abul 3(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: When she entered the 3rd gate,
140. na4-nunuz tab-ba gaba-na lu2 ba-da-an-ze2-er
en: the twin egg-shaped beads were removed from her breast.
141. ta-am3 ne-e
en: “What is this?”
142. si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra-ke4 szu al-du7-du7
en: “Be satisfied, Inanna, a divine power of the underworld has been fulfilled.
143. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-za na-an-ba-e
en: Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the rites of the underworld.”
144. abul 4(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: When she entered the 4th gate,
145. tu-di-da lu2 ga2-nu ga2-nu gaba-na lu2 ba-da-an-ze2-er
en: the pectoral “Come, man, come” was removed from her breast.
146. ta-am3 ne-e
en: “What is this?”
147. si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra-ke4 szu al-du7-du7
en: “Be satisfied, Inanna, a divine power of the underworld has been fulfilled.
148. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu na-an-ba-e
en: Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the rites of the underworld.”
149. abul 5(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: When she entered the 5th gate,
150. har ku3-sig17 szu-na lu2 ba-da-an-ze2-er
en: the golden ring was removed from her hand.
151. ta-am3 ne-e
en: “What is this?”
152. si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra-ke4 szu al-du7-du7
en: “Be satisfied, Inanna, a divine power of the underworld has been fulfilled.
153. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu na-an-ba-e
en: Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the rites of the underworld.”
154. abul 6(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: When she entered the 6th gate,
155. gi-1(disz)-ninda esz2-GAN2 za-gin3 szu-na lu2 ba-da-an-ze2-er
en: the lapis-lazuli measuring rod and measuring line were removed from her hand.
156. ta-am3 ne-e
en: “What is this?”
157. si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra-ke4 szu al-du7-du7
en: “Be satisfied, Inanna, a divine power of the underworld has been fulfilled.
158. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu na-an-ba-e
en: Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the rites of the underworld.”
159. abul 7(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: When she entered the 7th gate,
160. {tug2}pala3 tug2 nam-nin-a bar-ra-na lu2 ba-da-an-ze2-er
en: the pala dress, the garment of ladyship, was removed from her body.
161. ta-am3 ne-e
en: “What is this?”
162. si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra-ke4 szu al-du7-du7
en: “Be satisfied, Inanna, a divine power of the underworld has been fulfilled.
163. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu na-an-ba-e
en: Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the rites of the underworld.”
164. gam-gam-ma-ni tug2 zil-zil-la-ni-ta lu2 ma-an-de6
en: After she had crouched down and had her clothes removed, they were carried away.
165. nin9-a-ni {gesz}gu-za-ni-ta im-ma-da-an-zi
en: Then she made her sister Ereškigal rise from her throne,
166. e-ne {gesz}gu-za-ni-ta dur2 im-mi-in-gar
en: and instead she sat on her throne.
167. {d}a-nun-na di-ku5 7(disz)-bi igi-ni-sze3 di mu-un-da-ku5-ru-ne
en: The Anuna, the seven judges, rendered their decision against her.
168. igi mu-szi-in-bar i-bi2 usz2-a-kam
en: They looked at her—it was the look of death!
169. inim i-ne-ne inim lipisz gig-ga-am3
en: They spoke to her—it was the speech of anger!
170. gu3 i-ne-de2 gu3 nam-tag-tag-ga-am3
en: They shouted at her—it was the shout of heavy guilt!
171. munus tu-ra uzu nig2 sag3-ga-sze3 ba-an-ku4
en: The afflicted woman was turned into a corpse!
172. uzu nig2 sag3-ga {gesz}gag-ta lu2 ba-da-an-la2
en: And the corpse was hung on a hook.
173. u4 3(disz) ge6 3(disz)-am3 um-ta-zal-la-ta
en: After 3 days and 3 nights had passed,
174. sukkal-a-ni {d}nin-szubur-ra-ke4
en: her minister Ninšubur
2 mss. add 2 lines: her minister who speaks fair words, her escort who speaks trustworthy words,
175. inim nin-a-na-sze3 gesztu2 ba-szi-in-gub
en: carried out the instructions of her mistress.
176. er2 du6-du6-dam mu-un-na-ga2-ga2
en: She made a lament for her in her ruined (houses).
177. szem3 gu2-en-ne mu-un-du12-a
en: She beat the drum for her in the sanctuaries.
178. e2 dingir-re-e-ne-ke4 mu-un-na-nigin2-nigin2
en: She made the rounds of the houses of the gods for her.
179. igi-ni mu-un-na-hur giri17-ni mu-un-hur
en: She lacerated her eyes for her, she lacerated her nose.
180. ki lu2-da nu-u6-di hasz4-gal-a-ni mu-un-na-hur
en: In private she lacerated her buttocks for her.
181. mu-lu nu-tuku-gin7 tug2 dili-a im-ma-an-mur10
en: Like a pauper, she clothed herself in a single garment,
182. e2-kur e2 {d}en-lil2-la2-sze3 giri3-ni dili mu-un-gub
en: and all alone she set her foot in the E-kur, the house of Enlil.
183. e2-kur e2 {d}en-lil2-la2-sze3 ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: When she had entered the E-kur, the house of Enlil,
184. igi {d}en-lil2-la2-sze3 er2 im-ma-sze8-sze8
en: she laments before Enlil:
185. a-a {d}mu-ul-lil2 du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: “Father Enlil, don’t let anyone kill your daughter in the underworld.
186. ku3 sa6-ga-zu sahar kur-ra-ka nam-ba-da-ab-szar2-e
en: Don’t let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the underworld.
187. {na4}za-gin3 sa6-ga-zu za zadim-ka nam-ba-da-an-si-il-si-il
en: Don’t let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason’s stone.
188. {gesz}taszkarin-zu gesz nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-dar-dar-re
en: Don’t let your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter’s wood.
189. ki-sikil {d}ga-sza-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: Don’t let young lady Inanna be killed in the underworld.”
190. a-a {d}en-lil2 lipisz bala-a-ni {d}nin-szubur-ra-ke4 mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4
en: In his rage father Enlil answers Ninšubur:
191. dumu-gu10 an gal al bi2-in-du11 ki gal al bi2-in-du11
en: “My daughter craved the great heaven and she craved the great below as well.
192. {d}inanna an gal al bi2-in-du11 ki gal al bi2-in-du11
en: Inanna craved the great heaven and she craved the great below as well.
193. me kur-ra me al nu-di-da sa2 bi2-in-du11-ga-bi kur-re he2-eb-us2
en: The divine powers of the underworld are divine powers which should not be craved, for whoever gets them must remain in the underworld.
194. a-ba-am3 ki-bi sa2 in-na-an-du11-e11-de3 al mu-ni-in-du11
en: Who, having got to that place, could then expect to come up again?”
195. a-a {d}en-lil2 inim-bi nu-mu-na-gub uri2{ki}-sze3 ba-gen
en: Thus father Enlil did not help in this matter, so she went to Ur.
196. uri2{ki} e2-mu12-kur-ra-ka
en: In the E-mud-kura at Ur,
197. e2-kisz-nu-gal2 e2 {d}nanna-sze ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: when she had entered the E-kišnugal, the house of Nanna,
198. igi {d}nanna-sze3 er2 im-ma-sze8-sze8
en: she laments before Nanna:
199. a-a {d}nanna du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: “Father Nanna, don’t let your daughter be killed in the underworld.
200. ku3 sa6-ga-zu sahar kur-ra-ka nam-ba-da-ab-szar2-e
en: Don’t let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the underworld.
201. {na4}za-gin3 sa6-ga-zu za zadim-ka nam-ba-da-an-si-il-si-il-i
en: Don’t let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason’s stone.
202. {gesz}taszkarin-zu gesz nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-dar-dar-re
en: Don’t let your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter’s wood.
203. ki-sikil {d}ga-sza-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: Don’t let young lady Inanna be killed in the underworld.”
204. a-a {d}nanna lipisz bala-a-ni {d}nin-szubur-ra-ke4 mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4
en: In his rage father Nanna answers Ninšubur:
205. dumu-gu10 an gal al bi2-in-du11 ki gal al bi2-in-du11
en: “My daughter craved the great heaven and she craved the great below as well.
206. {d}inanna an gal al bi2-in-du11 ki gal al bi2-in-du11
en: Inanna craved the great heaven and she craved the great below as well.
207. me kur-ra me al nu-di-da sa2 bi2-in-du11-ga-bi kur-re he2-eb-us2
en: The divine powers of the underworld are divine powers which should not be craved, for whoever gets them must remain in the underworld.
208. a-ba-am3 ki-bi sa2 in-na-an-du11-e11-de3 al mu-ni-in-du11
en: Who, having got to that place, could then expect to come up again?”
209. a-a {d}nanna inim-bi nu-mu-na-gub uru2-ze2-eb{ki}-sze3 ba-gen
en: Thus father Nanna did not help her in this matter, so she went to Eridu.
210. uru2-ze2-eb{ki} e2 {d}en-ki-ka3-sze3 ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: In Eridu, when she had entered the house of Enki,
211. igi {d}en-ki-ka3-sze3 er2 im-ma-sze8-sze8
en: xshe laments before Enki:xx
212. a-a {d}en-ki du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: “Father Enki, don’t let anyone kill your daughter in the underworld.
213. ku3 sa6-ga-zu sahar-ka nam-ba-da-ab-szar2-e
en: Don’t let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the underworld.
214. {na4}za-gin3 sa6-ga-zu za zadim-ka nam-ba-da-an-si-il-si-il-i
en: Don’t let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason’s stone.
215. {gesz}taszkarin-zu gesz nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-dar-dar-re
en: Don’t let your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter’s wood.
216. ki-sikil {d}ga-sza-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e
en: Don’t let young lady Inanna be killed in the underworld.”
217. a-a {d}en-ki {d}nin-szubur-ra-ke4 mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4
en: Father Enki answered Ninšubur:
218. dumu-gu10 a-na bi2-in-ak ge26-e mu-un-kusz2-u
en: “What has my daughter done? She has me worried.
219. {d}inanna a-na bi2-in-ak ge26-e mu-un-kusz2-u
en: What has Inanna done? She has me worried.
220. nin kur-kur-ra-ke4 a-na bi2-in-ak ge26-e mu-un-kusz2-u
en: What has the mistress of all the lands done? She has me worried.
221. nu-u8-gig an-na-ke4 a-na bi2-in-ak ge26-e mu-un-kusz2-u
en: What has the hierodule of An done? She has me worried.”
1 ms. adds 1 line: Thus father Enki helped her in this matter.
222. umbin-si-in mu-dur7 ba-ra-an-de6 kur-gar-ra-asz ba-an-dim2
en: He removed some dirt from the tip of his fingernail and created the kur-gar.
223. umbin-si 2(disz)-kam-ma mu-dur7 ba-ra-an-de6 gala-tur-ra-asz ba-an-dim2
en: He removed some dirt from the tip of his 2nd fingernail and created the gala-tur.
224. kur-gar-ra u2 nam-ti-la ba-an-szum2
en: To the kur-gar he gave the life-giving plant.
225. gala-tur-ra a nam-ti-la ba-an-szum2
en: To the gala-tura he gave the life-giving water.
226. a-a {d}en-ki gala-tur-ra kur-gar-ra gu3 mu-na-de2-e
en: Then father Enki speaks out to the gala-tura and the kur-gar:
227. gen-na-an-ze2-en giri3 kur-sze3 nu2-ba-an-ze2-en
en: Go and direct your steps to the underworld.
228. {gesz}ig nim-gin7 dal-dal-e-de3-en-ze2-en
en: Flit past the door like flies.
229. za-re lil2-gin7 gur-gur-re-de3-en-ze2-en
en: Slip through the door pivots like phantoms.
230. ama-gan-e nam dumu-ne-ne-sze3
en: The birth-mother, on account of her children,
231. eresz-ki-gal-la-ke4 i-nu2-nu2-ra-am3
en: Ereškigal, is lying there.
232. mur ku3-ga-na gada nu-um-bur2
en: Her holy shoulders are not covered by a linen cloth.
233. gaba-ni bur szagan-gin7 nu-um-gid2
en: Her breasts are not full like a cagan vessel.
234. szu-si-ni {uruda}lub-bi-gin7 am3-da-gal2
en: Her nails are like a pickaxe (?) upon her.
235. siki-ni ga-rasz{sar}-gin7 sag-ga2-na mu-un-ur4-ur4-re
en: The hair on her head is bunched up as if it were leeks.
236. u-u8-a sza3-gu10 du11-ga-ni
en: “When she says “Oh my heart,”
237. kusz2-u3-me-en nin-me a sza3-zu du11-ga-zu-ne-ne
en: you are to say “You are troubled, our mistress, oh your heart.”
238. u-u8-a bar-gu10 du11-ga-ni
en: When she says “Oh my liver,”
239. kusz2-u3-me-en nin-me a bar-zu du11-ga-zu-ne-ne
en: you are to say “You are troubled, our mistress, oh your liver.”
240. a-ba-am3 za-e-me-en-ze2-en
en: (She will then ask:) “Who are you?
241. sza3-gu10-ta sza3-zu-sze3 bar-gu10-ta bar-zu-sze3 du11-ga-na-ab-ze2-en
en: Speaking to you from my heart to your heart, from my liver to your liver—
242. dingir he2-me-en-ze2-en inim ga-mu-ra-an-du11
en: if you are gods, let me talk with you;
243. lu2-ulu3 he2-me-en-ze2-en nam-zu-ne he2-eb-tar-re
en: if you are mortals, may a destiny be decreed for you.”
244. zi an-na zi ki-a pa3-de2-ne-ze2-na-am3
en: Make her swear this by heaven and earth.
245. e11-[...]-ab-ze2-en
en: Go on out,
246. a i7-bi ma-ra-ba-e-ne szu nam-ba-gid2-i-en-ze2-en
en: They will offer you a riverful of water—don’t accept it.
247. a-sza3 sze-ba ma-ra-ba-e-ne szu nam-ba-gid2-i-en-ze2-en
en: They will offer you a field with its grain—don’t accept it.
248. uzu nig2 sag3-ga {gesz}gag-ta la2 szum2-me-ab du11-ga-na-ab-ze2-en
en: But say to her: “Give us the corpse hanging on the hook.”
249. uzu nig2 sag3-ga ga-sza-an-zu-ne-ne
en: (She will answer:) “That is the corpse of your queen.”
250. nig2 lugal-me en he2-a nig2 nin-bi he2-a szum2-ma-ze2-en du11-ga-na-ab-ze2-en
en: Say to her: “Whether it is that of our king, whether it is that of our queen, give it to us.”
251. uzu nig2 sag3-ga {gesz}gag-ta la2-a im-ma-da-ab-szum2-mu-ze2-en
en: She will give you the corpse hanging on the hook.
252. 1(disz)-am3 u2 nam-ti-la 1(disz)-am3 a nam-ti-la ugu-na szub-bu-de3-en-ze2-en
en: 1 of you sprinkle on it the life-giving plant and 1 the life-giving water.
253. {d}inanna ha-ba-gub
en: Thus let Inanna rise up.”
254. gala-tur kur-gar-ra inim {d}en-ki-ka3-sze3 sag kesz2 ba-szi-in-ak-esz
en: The gala-tura and the kur-gar paid attention to the instructions of Enki.
255. {gesz}ig nim-gin7 mu-un-dal-dal
en: They flitted through the door like flies.
256. za-ra lil2-gin7 mu-un-gur-gur
en: They slipped through the door pivots like phantoms.
257. ama gan-e nam dumu-ne-ne-sze3
en: The birth-mother, because of her children,
258. {d}eresz-ki-gal-la-ke4 i-nu2-nu2-re-am3
en: Ereškigal, was lying there.
259. mur ku3-ga-na gada nu-un-bur2
en: Her holy shoulders were not covered by a linen cloth.
260. gaba-ni bur szagan-na nu-un-gid2
en: Her breasts were not full like a cagan vessel.
261. szu-si-ni {uruda}lub-bi-gin7 an-da-gal2
en: Her nails were like a pickaxe (?) upon her.
262. siki-ni ga-rasz{sar}-gin7 sag-ga2-na mu-un-ur4-ur4
en: The hair on her head was bunched up as if it were leeks.
263. u3-u8-a sza3-gu10 du11-ga-ni
en: When she said “Oh my heart,”
264. kusz2-u3-me-en nim-me a sza3-zu in-na-ne-esz
en: they said to her “You are troubled, our mistress, oh your heart.”
265. u3-u8-a bar-gu10 du11-ga-ni
en: When she said “Oh my liver,”
266. kusz2-u3-me-en nin-me a bar-zu in-na-ne-esz
en: they said to her “You are troubled, our mistress, oh your liver.”
267. a-ba-am3 za-e-me-en-ze2-en
en: (Then she asked:) “Who are you?
268. sza3-gu10-ta sza3-zu-sze3 bar-gu10-ta bar-zu-sze3 ba-e-de3-en-ze2-en
en: I tell you from my heart to your heart, from my liver to your liver—
269. dingir he2-me-en-ze2-en inim ga-mu-ra-an-du11
en: if you are gods, I will talk with you;
270. lu2-ulu3 he2-me-en-ze2-en nam-zu-ne ga-mu-re-eb-tar
en: if you are mortals, may a destiny be decreed for you.”
271. zi an-na zi ki-a mu-ni-in-pa3-de3-esz
en: They made her swear this by heaven and earth.
272. [...]-e11-de3-de3-esz
en: they went on out,
273. i7 a-ba mu-ne-ba-e szu nu-um-ma-gid2-de3
en: they were offered a river with its water—they did not accept it.
274. a-sza3 sze-ba mu-ne-ba-e szu nu-um-ma-gid2-de3
en: They were offered a field with its grain—they did not accept it.
275. uzu nig2 sag3-ga {gesz}gag-ta la2 szum2-me-eb in-na-an-ne-esz
en: They said to her: “Give us the corpse hanging on the hook.”
276. ku3 {d}eresz-ki-gal-la-ke4 gala-tur kur-garza mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4
en: Holy Ereškigal answers the gala-tura and the kur-gar:
277. uzu nig2 sag3-ga nig2 ga-sza-an-zu-ne-ne-kam
en: “The corpse is that of your queen.”
278. nig2 lugal-me nig2 nin-me he2-a szum2-me-eb in-na-an-ne-esz
en: They said to her: “Whether it is that of our king or that of our queen, give it to us.”
279. uzu nig2 sag3-ga {gesz}gag-ta la2 im-me-ne-szum2-usz
en: They were given the corpse hanging on the hook.
280. 1(disz)-am3 u2 nam-ti-la 1(disz)-am3 a nam-ti-la ugu-a bi2-in-szub-bu-usz
en: 1 of them sprinkled on it the life-giving plant and 1 the life-giving water.
281. {d}inanna ba-gub
en: And thus Inanna rose up.
282. {d}eresz-ki-gal-la gala-tur kur-gar-ra gu3 mu-na-de2-e
en: Ereškigal says to the gala-tura and the kur-gar:
283. tum2-mu-un-ze2-en ga-sza-an-zu-ne-ne [...]-zu-ne-ne ba-dab5
en: “Bring your queen ..., your ... has been seized.”
284. {d}inanna inim {d}en-ki-ka3-ta kur-ta e11
en: Inanna, because of Enki’s instructions, was about to ascend from the underworld.
285. {d}inanna kur-ta e11-da-ni
en: But as Inanna was about to ascend from the underworld,
286. {d}a-nun-na-ke4-e-ne ba-ab-ha-za-asz
en: the Anuna seized her:
287. a-ba-am3 lu2 kur-ta im-ta-e11-de3 kur-ta silim-ma-ni bi2-in-e11-de3
en: “Who has ever ascended from the underworld, has ascended unscathed from the underworld?
288. u4-da {d}inanna kur-ta-ba-e11-de3
en: If Inanna is to ascend from the underworld,
289. sag-dili sag-ga2-na ha-ba-ab-szum2-mu
en: let her provide a substitute for herself.”
290. {d}inanna kur-ta ba-e11-de3
en: So when Inanna left the underworld,
291. lu2 igi-na sukkal nu-me-a {gesz}gidri szu bi2-in-du8
en: the one in front of her, though not a minister, held a sceptre in his hand;
292. bar-ra-na ra-gaba nu-me-a {gesz}tukul ur2-ra bi2-in-la2
en: the one behind her, though not an escort, carried a mace at his hip,
293. gal5-la2 tur-tur gi-szukur-gin7
en: while the small demons, like a reed enclosure,
294. gal5-la2 gal-gal gi dub-ba-an-na-gin7 za3-ga-na ba-an-dab5-be-esz
en: and the big demons, like the reeds of a fence, restrained her on all sides.
295. lu2 e-ne-ra in-szi-re7-esz-am3
en: Those who accompanied her,
296. lu2 {d}inanna-ra in-szi-re7-esz-am3
en: those who accompanied Inanna,
297. u2 nu-zu-me-esz a nu-zu-me-esz
en: know no food, know no drink,
298. zi3 dub-dub-ba nu-gu7-me-esz
en: eat no flour offering
299. a bala-bala-a nu-na8-na8-me-esz
en: and drink no libation.
300. kadra nig2 du10-ge szu nu-gid2-me-esz
en: They accept no pleasant gifts.
301. ubur ummeda{da} la2-ka dumu szu ti-a-me-esz
en: They take away the child hanging on a wet-nurse’s breasts.
305.a. szum2{sar} nig2-ses-a nu-gum-e-me-esz
en: They crush no bitter garlic.
305.b. lu2 ku6 nu-gu7-me-esz lu2 ga-rasz{sar} nu-gu7-me-esz
en: They eat no fish, they eat no leeks.
305.c. lu2 {d}inanna mu-un-szi-re7-esz-am3
en: They, it was, who accompanied Inanna.
306. {d}inanna kur-ta e11-da-ni
en: After Inanna had ascended from the underworld,
307. {d}nin-szubur-ra-ke4 kan4 ganzer-ra-ka giri3-ni-sze3 ba-an-szub
en: Ninšubur threw herself at her feet at the door of the Ganzer.
308. sahar-ra ba-da-an-tusz tug2-mu-dur7-ra ba-an-mu12
en: She had sat in the dust and clothed herself in a filthy garment.
309. gal5-la2-e-ne ku3 {d}inanna-ra gu3 mu-un-na-de2-e
en: The demons said to holy Inanna:
310. {d}inanna iri-zu-sze3 gen-ba e-ne ga-ba-ab-tum2-mu-de3-en
en: “Inanna, proceed to your city, we will take her back.”
311. ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 gal5-la2-e-ne mu-un-ne-ni-gi4-gi4
en: Holy Inanna answers the demons:
312. sukkal e-ne-ag2 sa6-sa6-ga-gu10
en: “This is my minister of fair words,
313. ra-gaba e-ne-ag2 ge-en-gi-na-gu10
en: my escort of trustworthy words.
314. na de5-ga-gu10 szu nu-un-bar-re
en: She did not forget my instructions.
315. e-ne-ag2 ma-ra-ab-du11-ga-gu10-usz gu2-ni la-ba-da-an-szi-szub
en: She did not neglect the orders I gave her.
316. er2 du6-du6-dam ma-an-ga2-ga2
en: She made a lament for me on the ruin mounds.
317. szem3 gu2-en-na ma-an-du12-am3
en: She beat the drum for me in the sanctuaries.
318. e2 dingir-re-e-ne ma-an-nigin2-nigin2
en: She made the rounds of the gods’ houses for me.
319. i-bi2-ni ma-an-hur giri17-ni ma-an-hur
en: She lacerated her eyes for me, lacerated her nose for me.
1 ms. adds 1 line: She lacerated her ears for me in public.
320. ki mu-lu-da nu-di hasz4-gal-a-ni ma-an-hur
en: In private, she lacerated her buttocks for me.
321. mu-lu nu-tuku-gin7 tug2 dili-a im-ma-an-mu12
en: Like a pauper, she clothed herself in a single garment.
322. e2-kur-re e2 {d}mu-ul-lil2-la2-sze3
en: “To the house of Enlil,
323. uri5{ki}-ma e2 {d}nanna-sze3
en: and to Ur, to the house of Nanna,
324. uru2-ze2-eb{ki} e2 {d}am-an-ki-ka3-sze3
en: and to Eridu, to the house of Enki,
325. giri3-ni dili mu-un-gub
en: all alone she directed her steps.
1 ms. adds 1 line: She wept before Enki.
326. e-ne ma-a-ra mu-un-ti-le-en
en: She brought me back to life.
327. e-ne ta-gin7 nam-ma-ra-ab-ze2-eg3-en-ze-en
en: How could I turn her over to you?
328. ga-an-szi-re7-de3-en umma{ki}-a szeg12-kur-sza3-ga-sze3 ga-am3-szi-re7-de3-en
en: Let us go on. Let us go on to the Šegkuršaga in Umma.”
329. umma{ki}-a szeg12-kur-sza3-ga-ta
en: At the Šegkuršaga in Umma,
330. {d}szara2 iri-ni-a giri3-ni-sze3 ba-an-szub
en: Šara, in his own city, threw himself at her feet.
331. sahar-ra ba-da-an-tusz tug2-mu-dur7-ra ba-an-mu12
en: He had sat in the dust and dressed himself in a filthy garment.
332. gal5-la2-e-ne ku3 {d}inanna-ra gu3 mu-na-de2-e
en: The demons say to holy Inanna:
333. {d}inanna iri-zu-sze3 gen-ba e-ne ga-ba-ab-tum2-mu-de3
en: “Inanna, proceed to your city, we will take him back.”
334. ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 gal5-la2-e-ne mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4
en: Holy Inanna answered the demons:
335. en3-du du {d}szara2-gu10
en: “Šara is my singer,
336. umbin ku5-ku5-ra-gu10 gu2-tar la2-gu10
en: my manicurist and my hairdresser.
337. en3 ta-gin7 nam-ma-ra-ni-ib-ze2-eg3-gen
en: How could I turn him over to you?
338. ga-e-re7-en-de3-en ba3-tibira{ki}-a e2-musz3-kalam-ma-sze3 ga-an-szi-re7-en-de3-en
en: Let us go on. Let us go on to the E-muškalama in Bad-tibira.”
339. bad3-tibira{ki}-a e2-musz3-kalam-ma-ta
en: At the E-muškalama in Bad-tibira,
340. {d}lu2-lal3-e iri-ni-a giri3-ni-sze3 ba-an-szub
en: Lulal, in his own city, threw himself at her feet.
341. sahar-a im-da-an-tusz tug2-mu-dur7-ra ba-an-mu12
en: He had sat in the dust and clothed himself in a filthy garment.
342. gal5-la2-e-ne ku3 {d}inanna-ra gu3 mu-na-de2-e
en: The demons said to holy Inanna:
343. {d}inanna iri-zu-sze3 gen-ba e-ne ga-ba-ab-tum2-mu-ub-de3-en
en: “Inanna, proceed to your city, we will take him back.”
344. ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 gal5-la2-e-ne mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4
en: Holy Inanna answers the demons:
345. {d}lu2-lal3 za3 e3-a a2 zi-da gab2-ba-gu10 us2-sa
en: “Outstanding Lulal follows me at my right and my left.
346. e-ne ta-gin7 nam-ma-ra-ab-ze2-eg3-en-ze2-en
en: How could I turn him over to you?
347. ga-e-re7-de3-en {gesz}haszhur gul-la edin kul-aba4{ki}-sze3 ga-an-szi-re7-en-de3-en
en: Let us go on. Let us go on to the great apple tree in the plain of Kulaba.”
348. {gesz}haszhur gul-la edin kul-aba4{ki}-sze3 giri3-ni-sze3 ba-e-re7{re}-esz
en: They followed her to the great apple tree in the plain of Kulaba.
349. {d}dumu-zi tug2 mah-a i-im-mu12 mah-a dur2-a dur2 im-ma-gar
en: There was Dumuzi clothed in a magnificent garment and seated magnificently on a throne.
350. gal5-la2-e-ne hasz4-a-na i-im-dab5-be2-esz
en: The demons seized him there by his thighs.
351. {dug}szakir 7(disz)-e ga mu-un-de2-esz-am3
en: The 7 of them poured the milk from his churns.
352. 7(disz)-am3 x-TU-ra-gin7 sag mu-un-da-sag3-ge-ne
en: The seven of them shook their heads like ...
353. sipa-de3 gi-gid2 gi-di-da igi-ni szu nu-mu-un-tag-ge-ne
en: They would not let the shepherd play the pipe and flute before her (?).
354. igi mu-un-szi-in-bar igi us2-a-ka
en: She looked at him, it was the look of death.
355. inim i-ne-ne inim lipisz gig-ga
en: She spoke to him (?), it was the speech of anger.
356. gu3 i-ne-de2 gu3 nam-tag-tag-ga
en: She shouted at him (?), it was the shout of heavy guilt:
357. en3-sze3 tum3-mu-an-ze2-en
en: “How much longer? Take him away.”
358. ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 su8-ba {d}dumu-zi-da szu-ne-ne-a in-na-szum2
en: Holy Inanna gave Dumuzi the shepherd into their hands.
359. lu2 e-ne lu2 mu-un-ne-re7-esz-am3
en: Those who had accompanied her,
360. lu2 {d}dumu-zi mu-un-szi-re7-esz-am3
en: who had come for Dumuzi,
361. u2 nu-zu-me-esz a nu-zu-me-esz
en: know no food, know no drink,
362. zi3 dub-dub-ba nu-gu7-me-esz
en: eat no flour offering,
363. a bala-bala-a nu-na8-na8-me-esz
en: drink no libation.
364. ur2 dam nig2 du10-ge-esz2 nu-sig9-ge-esz
en: They never enjoy the pleasures of the marital embrace,
365. dumu nig2-ku7-ku7-da ne nu-su-ub-me-esz
en: never have any sweet children to kiss.
366. dumu lu2 du10-ub-ta ba-ra-an-zi-ge-esz
en: They snatch the son from a man’s knee.
367. e2-gi4-a e2 uszbar-ra-ka um-ta-an-e3-esz
en: They make the bride leave the house of her father-in-law.
368. {d}dumu-zi-de3 er2 im-da-pa4 szex(SIG7)-szex(SIG7) i3-ga2-ga2
en: Dumuzi let out a wail and turned very pale.
369. gurusz-e {d}utu-ra an-sze3 szu-ni ba-an-na-zi
en: The lad raised his hands to heaven, to Utu:
370. {d}utu murum5-gu10-me-en ge26-e mussa-zu-me-en
en: “Utu, you are my brother-in-law.
371. e2 ama-zu-sze3 i3 gur3-ru-me-en
en: I am your relation by marriage. I brought butter oil to your mother’s house
372. e2 {d}nin-gal-sze3 ga gur3-ru-me-en
en: I brought cheese to Ningal’s house.
373. szu-gu10 szu musz-a u3-mu-ni-in-szum2
en: Turn my hands into snake’s hands
374. giri3-gu10 giri3 musz-a u3-mu-ni-in-szum2
en: and turn my feet into snake’s feet,
375. gal5-la2-gu10 ga-ba-da-kar nam-mu-un-ha-za-ne
en: so I can escape my demons, let them not keep hold of me.”
376. {d}utu er2-na szu ba-an-szi-in-ti
en: Utu accepted his tears.
1 ms.adds 1 line: Dumuzi’s demons could not keep hold of him.)
377. szu-ni szu musz-a mu-e-ni-szum2
en: Utu turned Dumuzi’s hands into snake’s hands.
378. giri3-ni giri3 musz-a mu-e-ni-szum2
en: He turned his feet into snake’s feet.
379. gal5-la2-e-ne ba-ni-kar
en: Dumuzi escaped his demons.
1 ms. adds 1 line: Like a sagkal snake he ...
380. [...] ba-ni-in-dab5-be2-esz-a
en: having seized ...,
381. [...]-be2
en: ...
382. [...]-esz
en: ...
383. ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 [...]-ni sza3-ga-ni nam-DU
en: Holy Inanna ... her heart.
384. ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 mu-ud-na-ni er2 gig i3-sze8-sze8
en: Holy Inanna wept bitterly for her husband.
385. ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 [...] {d}dumu-zi-de3 [...] sza3-ga-ni nam-DU
en: Holy Inanna ... Dumuzi ... her heart ...
386. [...] dam-ni [...] a2-na [...]
en: ... her husband ... by force ...
387. [...] NI [...] x [...]
en: ...
388. [...]-gin7 im-mu-[...] im-mi-x-[...]
en: ... like ...
389. {u2}numun2 i3-bur12-re {u2}numun2 i3-ze2-e
en: She tore at her hair like esparto grass, she ripped it out like esparto grass.
390. dam lu2 ur2-zu-ne-ne nu2-a me dam kal-la-gu10
en: “You wives who lie in your men’s embrace, where is my precious husband?
391. dumu lu2 ur2-zu-ne-ne nu2-a me dumu kal-la-gu10
en: You children who lie in your men’s embrace, where is my precious child?
392. me-am3 mu-lu-gu10 me-am3 mu-un-x-e
en: Where is my man? Where ...?
393. me-am3 mu-lu-gu10 mu-am3 mu-un-TAG-TAG-x-e
en: Where is my man? Where ...?”
394. nim-e-ku3 {d}inanna-ra gu3 mu-na-de2-e
en: A fly speaks to holy Inanna:
395. ge26-e ki lu2-zu ga-mu-re-pa4 a-na-am3 nig2-ba-gu10-um
en: “If I show you where your man is, what will be my reward?”
396. ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 nim-e mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4
en: Holy Inanna answers the fly:
397. za-e ki mu-lu-gu10 ba-ab-pa4-de3-en nig2-ba a-ra-ba-e
en: “If you show me where my man is, I will give you this gift:
398. [...] ga-mu-un-dul-dul
en: I will cover ... .”
399. nim-e ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 im-ma-an-[...]
en: The fly helped (?) holy Inanna.
400. ki-sikil {d}inanna-ke4 nim-e nam mu-ni-ib2-tar-re
en: The young lady Inanna decreed the destiny of the fly:
401. e2 kasz-a-ka zabar GIR3 nag-a-ke4 hu-mu-ra-[...]-a-ze2-[...]
en: “In the beer-house and the tavern (?), may there ... for you.
402. du5-mu lu2 ku3-zu-ke4-ne-gin7 nam x [...]
en: You will live (?) like the sons of the wise.”
403. i3-ne-esz2 nam-tar-ra {d}inanna-ke4 ur5 he2-en-ne-nam-ma-am3
en: Now Inanna decreed this fate and thus it came to be.
404. [...] er2 im-sze8-sze8
en: ... was weeping.
405. nin9 im-ma-gen szu-sze3 mu-da-ab-si
en: She came up to the sister (?) and ... by the hand:
406. i3-ne-esz2 me-le-e-a x-gu10
en: “Now, alas, my ...
407. za-e mu ba7-am3 nin9-zu mu ba7-am3
en: You for half the year and your sister for half the year:
408. u4 za-e al di-di-e u4-bi he2-tusz-e
en: when you are demanded, on that day you will stay,
409. u4 nin9-zu al di-di-e u4-bi he2-gur2-e
en: when your sister is demanded, on that day you will be released.”
410. ku3 {d}inanna-ke4 {d}dumu-zi sag-bi-sze3 x x bi2-in-szum2-szum2-mu
en: Thus holy Inanna gave Dumuzi as a substitute ...
411. ku3 {d}eresz-ki-gal-la-ke4
en: Holy Ereškigal:
412. za3-mi2-zu du10-ga-am3
en: sweet is your praise.
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM 080094
Provenience: Sippar-Yahrurum (mod. Tell Abu Habbah)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Date: 00.00.00.00
Transliteration:
atf lang sux
obverse
column 1
beginning broken
1'. [...] x ka-e [...]
2'. [...] gu3# mu-un-na-de2#-[...]
3'. [...] i3-du8 gal [...]
4'. [...] ka mu gesztu dagal# [...]
5'. [...]-bi# si-gar-bi bi2#-in-us2
6'. [...]-gal# ganzer 7(disz)-bi si-gar-bi bar-bi bi2-in-[...]
7'. [...]-ne# ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta#
8'. gurum#-ma-ni KA-KA-asz-a-ni u-ga mu-sze3 DU x x
9'. [...] bi2#-ti i3-du8 gal kur-ra-ke4
10'. nin#-a#-ni#-sze3# ka-kesz2 ba-szi-in-ak
11'. [...] 7(disz)-bi si-gar-bi bi2-ib2-us2
12'. [...] 7(disz)-bi si-gar-bi me-bi bi2-ib2-us2
13'. [...] mu#-gal kur-ra-ke4
14'. [...] gu3 mu-un-na-an-de2-e
15'. [...] inanna ku4-me-en
16'. [...] ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta#
17'. gi# 1(disz)-ninda esz2-GAN2 lu2 ba-da-[...]
18'. ta#-am3 me-[...]
19'. [...] {d}inanna me kur-ra-ke4 szu mu#-[...]
20'. [... {d}]inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu ka#-[...]
21'. abul# 2(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4#-[...]
22'. [...]-gin3 di4#-x-[...]
rest broken
reverse
beginning broken
1'. [...] x [...]
2'. [...] sahar# kur-ra#-ke4# [...]
3'. [...] sa6#-ga-zu lu2-za-gin2-na-ak-de3# [...]
4'. [...] gesz#-nagar-ke4 nam-ba-x-x-[...]
5'. [...]-sza-an-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-ab#-[...]
6'. [...] en-lil2 inim-bi nu-mu-ni-in-DU uri2{ki} x [...]
7'. [...]-x-sze3 e2 {d}suen-na-sze3 ku4-ku4-da-ni-[...]
8'. [...] suen-sze3 er sze8-sze8#
9'. [...]-na du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-ab-gam-me#
10'. [...]-ga#-zu sahar kur-ra-ke4 nam-ba-da-ab-szar2-re#-en#
11'. [...]-zu lu2-za-gin3-na-ak-da nam-ba-da-ab-si-il-le
12'. [...]-zu# nagar-ra nam-ba-da-ab-dar-dar-ra#
13'. [...]-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-ab#-[...]-me
14'. [...]-bi {d}suen inim-bi nu#-mu-ni-DU NUN# [...]
15'. [...] {d}am-an-ki ku4-ku4-da-[...]
16'. [...]-an#-ki er2 sze8-sze8#
17'. [...]-an-ki en gesztu dagal-la
18'. [...]-zu kur-ra nam-ba-da-ab-gam-me#
19'. [...]-zu# sahar kur-ra-ke4 nam-ba-da-ab-szar2#-[...]
20'. [...] lu2#-za-gin3-na-ak-de3 nam-ba-da-ab-si#-[...]
21'. [...] nam-ba-da-ab-dar-dar#-[...]
22'. [...]-ra# nam-ba-da-ab-[...]
23'. [...]en#?-ki? {d#}nin#-[...]
rest broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: Arkeoloji Müzeleri, Istanbul, Turkey
Museum no.: Ist Ni 09776
Provenience: Nippur (mod. Nuffar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf lang sux
tablet
obverse
broken
reverse
column 1
beginning broken
1'. e2# [...]
2'. uri5#[{ki} ...]
3'. uru2!-ze2-eb# [...]
4'. e-ne ma#-[...]
5'. e-ne ta#-[...]
6'. [...]
7'. [...]
rest broken
column 2
beginning broken
1'. [...]-ha# mu-un-x-[...]
2'. [...] x ba-an-szi-in#-ti
3'. [...] x-a mu-e-ne2-szum2
4'. [...] x musz-a mu-e-ne2-szum2
5'. [...]-e-ne ba-ni-kar
6'. [...]-KA-ke4 1(disz)-gin7
7'. [...]-in#-dab5#-be2-esz-a
8'. [...] NI la-am3
9'. [...]-NE KA x [...]
10'. [...] x PA
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM 029628
Provenience: uncertain (mod. uncertain)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
(incomplete transliteration)
19. nim-me ku3 {d}inanna-ra gu3 mu-un-na-de2-e
20. nim-me ki mu-lu-ni ma-ra-an-pa3-de3 a-na mu-un-ba-e-e
21. e2-kasz-a-ka e2-girin-na-ka
22. dumu{mu} lu-ku3-zu e2-ne-ne mu-un-ti-en3
23. nim-me ku3 {d}gesztin-an-na-ke4 gu3 mu-un-na-de2#-[e]
24. nim-me ki szesz ma-ra-an-pa3-de3 a-na-am3 mu-un-ba-al
reverse
1. e2-kasz-a-ka e2-girin-na-ka
(incomplete transliteration)
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: Hilprecht Collection, University of Jena, Jena, Germany
Museum no.: HS 1480 + HS 1580 + HS 2505
Provenience: Nippur (mod. Nuffar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf lang sux
tablet
obverse
column 1
beginning broken
1'. [...]-szub# x x x [...]
2'. [...]-un-szub kur-ra mu-[...] x [...]
3'. [...]-ga e2#-[...]-un#-szub
4'. zabala2#{ki} gi#-[...]-un#-szub
5'. umma{ki}-a ib-gal mu#-un-szub
6'. uri2{ki}-ma e2-dilmun#-na# mu-un-szub
7'. kisig{ki}-a amasz-e2-ku3 mu-un-szub
8'. gir2-su{ki}-a e2-esz2-dam-ku3 mu-un-szub
9'. adab{ki}-a e2-szar2-ra mu-un-szub
10'. nibru{ki}-a bara2#-dur2-gar-ra mu-un-szub
11'. i3-si-i-na{ki} e2-sig4-me-sze3-du7 mu-un-szub
12'. kisz{ki}-a hur-sag-kalam-ma mu-un-szub
13'. akszak{ki}-a an!-za-gar3 mu-un-szub
14'. szuruppak{ki}-e nigar{gar}-ku3 mu-un-szub
15'. ka-zal-lu{ki} e2-sza3-hul2-la mu-un#-szub#
16'. a-ga-de3{ki}-a e2 ul-masz mu-un-szub
17'. me 7(disz)-bi za3 mu-ni-in-kesz2
18'. me mu-un-ur4!-ur4 szu-ni-sze3 mu-un-la2
19'. me du10 giri3 gub-ba i-im#-gen#
20'. {tug2}szu-gur-ra men edin-na sag-ga2-na mu-un-gal2
21'. hi-li sag-ki-na szu ba-szi-in-ti
22'. {na4}za di4-di4 gu2-na ba-ni-in-la2
23'. {na4}nunuz tab-ba gaba-na ba-ni-im-si
24'. {tug2}pala3 nam-nin-a bar-ra-na bi2-in-dul
25'. szimbi lu2 he2-du igi-ni x-NI-ba!-gar
26'. tu-di-da lu2 ga2-nu ga2-nu [...]
27'. har ku3-sig17 szu-na ba-ni-in-la2#
28'. gi 1(disz) ninda esz2-GAN2 za-gin3 szu ba-ni-in-du8
29'. sukkal-a-ni {d}x-ra
30'. ga2-nu sukkal zi e2-an-na-mu
31'. sukkal e-ne-eg3 sa6-sa6-ga-mu
32'. ra-gaba e-ne-eg3 ge-en-ge#
33'. u4-da kur-sze3 am3# e11-de3-en-na
34'. ud-da ki gub-ba-asz ba-du-en#-na-ta
35'. er2 du6-du6-da mar-mar-ma-ni-[...]
36'. szem# gu2#-en-na du12-du12-a-ma-ni-[...]
37'. [...]-x-e-ne [...]
38'. [...] hur#-ma-ab giri17-zu# hur-ma-ab
39'. [...] u6 di-zu [...]
40'. [...] x nu-di [...]
n lines broken
41'. [...] hur-ma-ab
42'. [...] hasz4?-gal-zu! hur-ma-ab
43'. [...] x tug2 dili-a mu4?-ma-ab
44'. [...] mu-ul-lil2-la2-sze3 me-ri-zu dili u3-mu-un-gub
45'. [...] mu-ul-lil2-la2-sze3 er2
46'. [...] x x mu-lu mu-lu kur-ra nam-x-[...]
47'. [...]
48'. [...]
rest broken
column 2
beginning broken
1'. x [...]
2'. ki-x [...]
3'. u4-da# [...]
4'. i-[...]
5'. IGI-a
6'. ku3 [...]
7'. {na4}za-gin3
8'. {gesz}taszkarin-zu# gesz nagar-ra [...]
9'. ki-sikil ga-sza-an-na x [...]
10'. a-a-mu {d}am!-an-ki-ra [...]
11'. a-a {d}am-an-ki u3-[...]
12'. u2 nam-ti-la a nam-ti-la# [...]
13'. {d}inanna kur-sze3 [...]
14'. {d}nin-szubur?-ra-ke4 [...]
15'. x x x
16'. x x x
17'. {d}inanna
18'. {gesz}ig# kur-ra x szu x [...]
19'. abul kur-ra-ke4 gu3 x-x-[...]
20'. e2 gal2-u3 i3-du8 e2# [...]
21'. e2 gal2-u3 {d}bi2-ti dili-mu-sze3 x-[...]
22'. {d}bi2-ti i3-du8 gal kur# [...]
23'. ku3 {d}inanna-ra inim mu-na#-[...]
24'. a-ba-me-en za-[...]
25'. me-e ga-sza-an#-na ki {d}utu [...]
26'. tukumbi za-e {d}inanna ki {d}utu e3-[...]
27'. a-na ba-du-un kur nu-gi4# [...]
28'. kaskal lu2# ib! lu2# nu-gi4-gi4-de3 sza3-zu a-[...]
29'. nin9 gu-la-mu ga-sza-an-ki-gal-[...]
30'. nin-a-ni u3-mu-un gu4-gal-an-na ba-an-ug5#-[...]
31'. NIG2-se3-ga-ni i-bi2 du8-u8
32'. kasz ki-se3-ga-ni gal x?-bi2 ur5 he2-en-na-[...]
33'. {d}bi2-ti i3-du8 gal kur-ra [...]
34'. ku3 {d}inanna-ra mu-na-ni-ib-[...]
35'. gub#-ba-a nin-mu [...] x x [...]
36'. nin-ga2! {d}x [...] x [...]
37'. {d}bi2-ti# [...]
38'. nin x [...]
rest broken
reverse
column 1
beginning broken
1'. inim [...]
2'. abul kur-ra# [...]
3'. e2-gal ganzer [...]
4'. ku3 {d}inanna-ra [...]
5'. ga2-nu {d}inanna# [...]
6'. {d}inanna ku4-ku4-da-[...]
7'. {tug2}szu-gur-ra men edin x [...]
8'. ta-am3 ne-e si-a {d}inanna [...]
9'. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu [...]
10'. abul 2(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da#-[...]
11'. {na4}za-gin3 [...] gu2-na lu2# [...]
12'. ta-am3 ne-e si-a {d}inanna [...]
13'. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu [...]
14'. abul 3(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4#-[...]
15'. {na4}nunuz tab-ba gaba-na x [...]
16'. ta-am3 ne-e si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra#-ke4# [...]
17'. {d}inanna garza kur-ta-ke4 ka-zu# na-an-[...]
18'. abul 4(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta#
19'. tu-di-da lu2 ga2-nu ga2-nu gaba-na lu2 ba-[...]
20'. ta-am3 ne-e si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra-ke4# szu# [...]
21'. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu na-[...]
22'. abul 5(disz)-kam#-ma ku4-ku4-ta-[...]
23'. x x [...] x ba-da#-[...]
24'. ta-am3 ne-e si-a {d}inanna [...]
25'. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu na-an#-[...]
26'. KA2 6(disz)-kam-ma kur-ra-da-ni#-[...]
27'. gi 1(disz) ninda esz2-GAN2 za-gin3 szu#-[...] lu2 x-[...]
28'. ta-am3 ne-e si-a {d}inanna me kur-[...]
29'. abul 7(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4#-[...]
30'. gam-gam-ma-ni tug2 zil#-zil#-la#-ni-[...]
31'. nin-a-ni {gesz}gu-za# [...]
32'. e-ne {gesz}gu-za-ni-ta [...]
33'. {d}a-nun-na di-ku5 7(disz)-bi [...]
34'. igi mu-un-szi-in-bar x [...]
35'. inim mu-un-x-x-[...]
36'. x x [...]
37'. x [...]
38'. x [...]
rest broken
column 2
beginning broken
1'. [...] x [...]
2'. [...] zu# x [...]
3'. [...] sa6#-ga-zu za-dim# [...]
4'. [...] gesz# nagar-ra-ka nam#-[...]
5'. [...] ga#-sza-an-na# kur-ra nam-[...]
6'. [...] en-lil2 lipisz bala-a-ni {d}nin-[...] mu-un#-[...]
7'. [...] an
8'. [...] an gal al bi2-in-du11 ki gal x [...]-in-du11
9'. [...]-ra me al nu-di-da sa2 bi2-in-[...]-x he2-eb-us2
10'. a-a {d}en-lil2 inim-bi nu-mu-na!-an-DU# [...] ba-gen
11'. igi {d}suen-na-sze3 er2# [...] sze8-sze8
12'. a-a {d}x mu mu-lu kur# [...]-da-an-gam-e
13'. ku3 sa6-ga-zu sahar kur-ra-ka nam#-[...]-szar2-re
14'. {na4}za-gin3 sa6-ga-zu za-dim# [...]-si-il-si-il-le [...]
15'. {gisz}taszkarin gisz nagar-ra-ka [...]-dar#-re
16'. ki-sikil ga-sza#-an-na kur-ra [...]-gam-e
17'. a-a {d}x [...]
18'. dumu-mu an gal al bi2-in-du11 [...]-in#-du11
19'. {d}inanna an gal al bi2-in-du11# [...]-in#-du11
20'. [...] x me al nu-di-da sa2# x [...]-eb-us2
21'. [...]
22'. igi# {d}en-ki-sze3 [...]
23'. a-a {d}en-ki du5-mu-zu mu-[...]-x-an-gam-e
24'. ku3 sa6-ga-zu sahar kur-ra-ke4 nam-[...]-x-x-re
25'. {na4}za-gin3 sa6-ga-zu za zadim-e nam-[...]-x-x-[...]-il-i
26'. {gesz}taszkarin-zu gisz nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-da-dar-[...]-re
27'. ki-sikil ga-sza-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-U-e
28'. a#-a {d}en-ki inim-bi ba-e-de3-gub
29'. umbin si-ni mu-sir2 ba-ra-an-de6 kur-gar#-ra-asz ba#-an#-dim2#
30'. umbin 3(disz)-kam-ma mu-sir2 ba-ra-an-de6 gala-tur-ra-asz ba-[...]
31'. {d}en-ki-ke4 gala-tur-ra kur-gar-ra gu3 mu-na-[...]
32'. gen-na-an-ze2-en giri3 kur-sze3 nu2-ba-an-[...]-en#
33'. {gesz}ig nim-gin7 u3-mu-un-dal-dal-ze2-en
34'. za-ra x-gin7 u3-mu-un-gur-gur-re-en-ze2-en
35'. ama gan-e nam-x-dumu-ne-ne-sze3
36'. {d}eresz-ki-gal-la-ke4 i3-nu2 tu-ra-am3
37'. mur-ku3-ga-ni gada nu-un-bur2
38'. gaba-ni bur szagan-gin7 nu-un-gid2
39'. x-si-ni {uruda}lul-bi-gin7 an-da-gal2
40'. x-ni ga-rasz{sar}-gin7 sag-ga2-na mu-un-ur4-ur4
41'. u3-u8-a sza3-mu du11-ga-ni
rest broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM 096680
Provenience: uncertain (mod. uncertain)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
beginning broken
column 1'
1. [...]-du3
en: ...
2. [...] x-SI?
en: ...
3. [...] bi2#-in-ra
en: At that time, Ereškigal slapped her thigh
4. [...]-x sza3-sze3 ba-an-gid2
en: She bit her lip and considered the news
5. [...] gu3# mu-na-de2?-e#
en: She was speaking to Biti, her chief gatekeeper
6. [... {d}bi2]-ti# i3-du8 gal-gu10
en: Come, Biti, my chief gatekeeper
7. [...]-gu10#-usz gesztux(|GISZ.TUG2|)-zu
en: Pay attention to what I have said to you
8. [...] he2-eb2?-ta-an#-ur3
en: She(?) shall drag the bolts of the seven gates of the netherworld from (their lock?)
9. [...]-bi? [...]-us2#?
en: She(?) shall push the single door of the palace of Ganzer push (open)
rest broken
column 2'
1. kusz sil2-sil2#?-la#?-ni lu2 ma#-[...]
en: The man took away her split apart skin(?)
2. ta-am3 [...]
en: What (is going on/is this/he (doing))(?)?
3. si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra-ke4# szu#? [...]
en: Be satisfied, Inanna! This is the rite of the netherworld that is being completed
4. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka#?-[...]-ba#?-e#
en: Inanna! This is the procedure of the netherworld, you should not speak aloud
5. gurum-gurum-ma-a-ni im-ma-da-an-x-x-e
en: When she bent down/died, ... her
6. nin9-a-ni {gesz}gu-za-ni-ta im-ma-da-an-zi
en: Her sister raised her up from her throne
7. e-ne {gesz}gu-za-ni-ta dur2 im-mi-in-gar
en: She sat down apart from her throne
8. {d}a-nun-na di-ku5 imin-bi di mu-na-ku5-de3
en: The seven judges of the Anuna were judging her
9. inim-ne-ne# lipisz gig-ga-am3
en: Their decision(?) was one of embittered anger
10. gu3# bi2-in-x-x# lipisz gig-ga-am3
en: ..., it was embittered anger
11. [...]-ni-in-ra uzu nig2 sag3-ga-sze3 ba-an-ku4
en: ... struck her and turned her into a smitten piece of meat
12. [...]-ta igi-ni lu2 mu-un-da-la2
en: The man hung her face/front(?) from(!) a crossbeam(?)
13. mu# imin iti imin u4 imin ba-zal-la-ta
en: After seven years, seven months, and seven days elapsed
14. sukkal#-a-ni {d}nin-szubur-ra inim nin-a-na gesztu2 ba-szi-in-gub
en: Her vizier Ninšubur paid attention to the word of her lady
15. [er2] du6#!?-du6-dam mu-un-na-gar-gar
en: She repeatedly made “the lament of ruin heaps” for her
16. [...] gu2#?-en-na mu-un-na-du12
en: She played the šem drum of the assembly/throne room for her
17. [...]-re#-e#-ne mu-na-nigin#
en: She circled the temples of the gods for her
18. [...]-un#-hur giri17-ni mu-un-hur
en: She scratched her face, she scratched her nose
19. [...] x-esz hasz4 gal-a-ni mu-un-hur
en: The place unseen (when) with a man, she scratched her (inner) thigh
20. [...] x-ra#?-a-na#? x [...]
en: ...
rest broken
reverse
column 1
beginning broken
1'. [...]-x
en: ...
2'. [...]-x
en: ...
3'. [...]-gal2#?
en: Her fingernails were lodged (in her flesh)(?) like lubi axes/agricultural implements
4'. [...]-ga2#?-na# [...]-x-gur5
en: She trimmedthe hair on her head like leeks
5'. [...]-a-ni
en: When she says “alas, my (heart/liver)”
6'. [...]-zu# mu-na-an-esz
en: They said to her “you are weary, our lady (is the reason for?) your 'alas, (my) liver'"(?)
7'. [...]-ze2-en
en: Who are you?
8'. [...]-ta bar-gu10 [...]-x-be2-en#-ze2-en
en: From my heart to your heart, from my liver(?) to your liver(?), ...
9'. [...]-ze2#?-en inim# ga-mu-ri-ib-<<x>>-du11
en: If you are a god, I shall speak to you(?)
10'. [...]-en-ze2-en nam ga-mu-ri-ib-tar
en: If you are human, I shall decree a fate (of death) for you
11'. [...] ki mu-ni-in-pa3-de3
en: They swore by the life of heaven and earth (that they were gods)
12'. [...]-x-DU-de3-de3-esz
en: ... were to go/bring out/up(?)
13'. [...]-ba# mu-ne-ba-e szu nu-um-ma-gid2-de3
en: Water of the river was offered to them but not accepted
14'. [...]-ba# mu-ne-ba-e szu nu-um-ma-gid2-de3
en: Barley of the field was offered to them but not accepted
15'. [...] nig2 sag3-ga gesz-dal-ta <<ri>> la2-a szum2-me-eb in-na-an-ne-esz
en: They were saying to her “give us the beaten meat hanging from the beam”
16'. [...] uzu# nig2 sag3-ga nig2 ga-sza-an-ne-ne-kam
en: ... the meat that was beaten was that of their(!) lady
17'. [nig2] lugal#?-me he2?-a? nig2 nin-me he2-me-a szum2-me-eb in-na-ne-esz
en: They were saying “give it, whether it pertains to our king or our lady”
rest broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
1. abul# 5(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta#
en: As Inanna was entering the5th gate
2. tu-di-tum lu2 ga2-nu ga2-nu lu2 ba-da-an-zi
en: The man removed the toggle pin/pectoral (that says) “Come, man, come!”
3. a-na-am3 e-ne
en: What? How?
4. si-a {d}inanna me! kur-ra-ke4 szu al-du7-du7#
en: Be satisfied, Inanna! This is the rite of the netherworld that is being completed
5. [{d}]inanna# garza kur-ra-ke4 inim-zu na-be2-e
en: Inanna! This is the procedure of the netherworld, you should not speak aloud (to anyone to interrupt it)
6. [abul] 6(disz)#-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: As Inanna was entering the 6th gate
7. [...] sag-ki-na lu2 ba-da-an-zi
en: The man removed the allure(?) from upon her forehead
8. [a-na]-am3# e-ne
en: What? How?
9. [si-a {d}]inanna# me kur-ra#-ke4 szu al-du7-du7#
en: Be satisfied, Inanna! This is the rite of the netherworld that is being completed
10. {d#}inanna# garza# kur-ra-ke4 inim-zu na-be2-e
en: Inanna! This is the procedure of the netherworld, you should not speak aloud (to interrupt it)
11. abul 7(disz)-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta
en: As Inanna was entering the 7th gate
12. tug2 palax(|NAM.EN.NA|) tug2 nam-eresz-a lu2 ba-da-an-zi#
en: The man removed the pala garment, the garment of queenship
13. a-na-am3 e-ne
en: What? How?
14. si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra-ke4 szu al-du7-du7
en: Be satisfied, Inanna! This is the rite of the netherworld that is being completed
15. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 inim-zu na-be2-e
en: Inanna! This is the procedure of the netherworld, you should not speak aloud (to interrupt it)
16. gir-gir-ma-ni ugu za3-ga?-sze3#
en: When she bent over, upon the shoulder(?) ...
17. ze2-ze2-la#?-ni lu2 ma-an-de6
en: When she split apart(?), the man brought ... away
18. nin9-x-[...]-za#-ta im-ma-an-zi-ga
en: He sister raised her up from her throne
19. [...] nin9?-a-ni dur2 bi2-in-gar#
en: She sat upon the throne of her sister
reverse
1. [...] imin#-bi di mu-un-da-ku5-ru-ne
en: The seven judges of the Anuna were judging her
2. x [...]-in#-e3-a inim gig-ga in-e#?
en: The one who brought out .../appeared in ... was speaking a bitter word(?)
3. gu3 mu-un-na-de2-e gu3 nam-tag-ga-ka
en: They(?) shouted at her, it was a(n accusatory) cry of wrongdoing
4. nig2-lil2? dal-la2#-gin7 dal-la2 lu2#? [...]-ta#? ba-ni-in#-[...]
en: The man(?) ... her from ... as something ... hung(!?) like ...
5. iti imin-kam zal-la-ta#?
en: After seven months had passed
6.a. sukkal-a-ni {d}nin-szubur-ra
en: Her vizier Ninšubur
6.b. inim ga-sza-an-na-ke4 gesztux(|GISZ.TUG2|)# [...]-szi-in-[...]
en: paid attention to the word of the lady
7. er2 du11-du11-dam ba-gar-ra-x
en: She made “the lament of ruin heaps” for her(?)
8. szem3#!? gu3-en-na ma#?-x-x
en: She played(?) the šem drum of the assembly/throne room for her
9. e2# dingir-re-e#-ne# x-x-nigin#?
en: She circled(?) the temples of the gods for her
10. igi mu-un-hur#? giri17#? mu#-un#-hur#
en: She scratched her face, she scratched her nose
11. ki lu2-da nu-u6?-di# hasz2#? gal#? mu#?-un#?-hur#?
en: The place unseen (when) with a man, she scratched her (inner) thigh
blank space
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
beginning broken
1.a'. [...]
1.b'. [...] gada nu-x-[...]
en: Linen does not spread over her holy knees
2'. [...] {dug}szagan nu-um-[...]
en: Her chest does not protrude like a flask
3.a'. umbin#?-si-ni {uruda#}lub#-bi-gin7 am-da-gal2
en: Her fingernails are lodged (in her flesh?) like lubi axes,
3.b'. siki#?-ni ga-rasz{sar#}-[gin7 ...]-ur4#?-re
en: her hair is plucked like leeks upon her head
4.a'. u4-a sza3-gu10 bi2-in#-du11#-<<x>>-ga-am3
en: When she cries “alas, my heart,”
4.b'. kusz2#-u3-me-en nin#?-me# x x x [...]-ga#?-ne#?-[...]
en: say “you are exhausted, our lady, (from saying) “alas, my heart"(!?)
5.a'. u4-a bar-gu10 bi2-in-du11-ga-am3
en: When she cries “alas, my liver,”
5.b'. [kusz2]-u3#-me-en a# x-[...]-ga#?-ne-[...]
en: say “you are exhausted, (from saying) “alas, my liver"(!?)
6.a'. a-ba-am3 za-e-me-en-ze2-en
en: (She will say) Who are you?
6.b'. sza3-gu10# sza3#-gu10#-sze3!? bar-gu10 bar-gu10-sze3!? du11#?-ga-na#?-ab?-ze2-[...]
en: Speak, to my heart, my heart(!?), to my liver, my liver(?)
7.a'. dingir he2-me-en-ze2-en inim ga-mu-ra-an-du11
en: If you are gods, I will speak a word to you,
7.b'. lu2-lu7 he2-me-en-ze2-en nam-zu? bi2-ib2#-x-x
en: if you are humans, I will(?) determine your fate (of death)
8.a'. zi an-na zi ki#-[...] pa3-de3-de3-ze2-na-za-na
en: Invoke the life of heaven and earth (in an oath)
8.b'. [...]
en: ...
9.a'. a i7-bi ma-ra-ba#-NE#? szu#!? nu#!?-um#?-gid2-de3
en: The river water will be offered to you but not accepted,
9.b'. a-sza3 sze-ba ma-ra-ba szu nu-um-gid2-de3#!?
en: the barley of the field will be offered to you but not accepted
10'. uzu nig2 sag3-ga {gesz}gag#-ta# la2 szum2-ma-ab-ze2-en du11-ga-ma-ab-de6-ze2-en
en: Say “Give the beaten meat that hangs from the peg”
11'. uzu nig2 sag3-ga ga-sza-an-ne-ne
en: The beaten meat (was) their lady
12'. nig2 lugal <<me-en>> he2-a nig2 nin-bi he2-a szum2-ma-ze2-en du11-ga-ma-ab-de6-ze2-en
en: Say “that, whether it is the king or the queen"(!?) give it to us”
13'. uzu nig2 sag3-ga {gesz}gag-ta# la2-a im-ma-da-ab-szum2-mu-ze2-en
en: You will give the beaten meat hanging from the peg
14.a'. 1(disz)-am3 u2# nam-ti-la 1(disz)-am3 a nam#-ti#-la#? ugu#!-ni# ba#?-an-szub-bu-esz
en: They(!?) will have cast upon her, it was one (with the) food of life, it was one (with the) water of life,
14.b'. {d}inanna ba-gub
en: and Inanna will stand (alive again)
15'. {d}eresz-ki-gal gala# kur-gar-ra# [...]-ke4
en: Ereškigala ... the lamentation singer and the kurgara priest
16'. tum2#?-mu-un-en-ze2-en ga-sza-an-ne-ne#? [...] ba NE NE x KU?
en: "Bring their lady ...”
17'. {d}inanna inim {d}en-ki-[...] kur#-ta e11!
en: Inanna, brought from the netherworld by the orders of Enki
18'. {d}inanna kur-ta e11-da-bi#? {d}a-nun-na-ke4-ne#? [...]-x-ha?-za-an
en: When Inanna ascended from the netherworld, Anuna seized her
19'. a#-ba#?-am3#? lu2#? kur-ta im-x-e11#-de3 kur-ta silim#-ma#-ni bi2-in-e11-de3
en: (Saying) “Who is it that ascends from the netherworld, who is brought up from the netherworld intact?”
20.a'. [... {d}]inanna#? kur-ta bi2-e11-de3#
en: If Inanna is to be brought up(?) from the netherworld,
20.b'. sag-dili sag-ga2-na ba-ab-szum2-mu-de3
en: she is to give an able-bodied (replacement) on her own head
21.a'. [...]
en: ...
21.b'. [...]-x sukkal? nu-me-a {gesz}tukul#? szu#?-na bi2-in-duh
en: The one before her, although he was not a vizier, held a weapon(?)
22'. [...]-x ra#-gaba# nu#-me-a {gesz}x-ra bi2-in-duh
en: The one behind her, although he was not a vizier, ...
23.a'. [...] x
en: ...
23.b'. [...] gal#? {gi#}dub#-ba#-an-na za3-ga-na x x [...]
en: The small galla demons, as a šukur enclosure, the large galla demons, (as) a dubban fence, held fast at her side
24'. [...]-szi#?-re7#-[...]
en: They came for her
25'. lu2#? [...]
en: They came for Inanna
26'. zi3 dub-[...]-na8#?-na8#? [...]
en: They were not consumers of heaped flour, they were not drinkers of drawn water
27'. dumu# x [...] x x x x x [...] x lu2-ka ba-ra-si-il-le#-[...]
en: They lifted the child from the lap of a man(?), they tore away the spouse from the lap(?) of a man
28'. x x [...] ama5?-na-ka? im-ma-ta-an-e3#?-[...]
en: They drove out ... from her quarters(?)
29'. szum2#{sar} nig2 ses-a nu-gaz2-e-me-esz lu2 ku6 nu-gu7#-me-esz lu2 ga-rasz!{sar} nu#-gu7!(NAG)-[...]
en: They did not crush bitter garlic, they were people who did not eat fish, they were people who did not eat(!) leeks
30'. x {d}inanna mu-un-szi-re7{+re}-[...]
en: ... went towards Inanna(?)
31'. u4# [{d}]inanna-ke4 kur-ta e11#-da-ni-ta {d}nin!-szubur#-ra-ke4 ka2 ganzer# [...]
en: After Inanna came up from the netherworld, Ninšubur fell at her feet before her at(?) the gate of Ganzer
32'. sahar#-ra# ba#-tusz# tug2#!? mudra6#-ra [...]-mur10#?
en: She sat in the dirt, she wore a filthy garment
33'. galla#-e-ne#? ku3# {d}inanna-ke4 gu3 mu-na-de2#-[...] iri#?-zu-sze3#? [...]-x ga-ba-[...]
en: The galla demons spoke to holy Inanna, “Inanna, go towards your city, we shall take him away (as a corpse)
34'. ku3# {d#}inanna-ke4#? galla-e-ne mu-na-ni-ib-gi4#?-gi4#? [...] x x-ra?-gu10
en: Holy Inanna replied to the galla demons, “My ...
35'. sukkal#? inim sa6-sa6#-ga#-gu10# ra#-gaba e-ne-eg3# ge-en#?-[...]-gu10
en: My flattering vizier, my rider of the verified word
36'. e#-ne#-eg3 x x x [...]-ga x x x SZE3 x x-gu10#!?
en: My(?) ... the word
37'. er2# du6#?-du6-dam! mar-mar#!?-ra#-ni x [...]-en#-na tuku#?-ma-[...]
en: When she initiates the lament of the ruin heaps, play the šem drum of the assembly/throne room
38'. e2#? [dingir]-re#?-e-ne nigin2-nigin2#-x-a#?-ni i#-bi2#-[ni ma]-hur#? giri17?-ni ma#-hur#
en: When she circled the temples of the gods, she scratched her face for me, she scratched her nose(!?) for me
39'. gesztux(|GISZ.TUG2|)#-ni ki? u6#?-di# ma#-hur# ki# lu2#?-[...] hasz4#?-gal-la-ni ma-hur#?
en: She scratched her ear, a visible place, for me, she scratched a place unseen with a man(?), her (inner) thigh, for me
40'. x-[...] e2 {d}en-lil2-la2-sze3 uri2#{ki#}-[...]-sze3!?
en: To the Ekur(?), the temple of Enlil, to Urim and the temple of Nanna
41'. [...]-ze2#-eb{ki} e2 {d#}am#-an-ki-[ga-sze3 ...]-gub
en: To Eridu and the temple of Enki she singularly set out
42'. [...] x ZA? AB? x-e [...]-x
en: ...
43'. [... dam]-an#?-ki#-ga#? er2 bi2-szesz2#-szesz2 dam#?-an#?-ki-[...] x x [...]
en: She wept before(?) Enki, and Enki(?) sustained me(?)
44'. ne ta#-gin7 nam-mu#-ra-ab-ze2-de3-en#? [...]
en: How could I give her to you? ...
45'. umma#{ki#}-a szeg12-kur-sza3-ba-sze3 ga#-am3#-szi-re7-de3-en#?
en: We shall go to Umma and the Ešegkuršaga temple
46'. {d}x igi#?-ni#-sze3# giri3-ni ba#-an-szub x sahar#?-ra#!? ba-tusz x x tug2 mudra6#-[...]
en: Šara! fell at her feet before her(?), ... sat in the dirt, and wore a filthy garment
47'. galla#-e#-[ne ku3] {d#}inanna#-ke4# gu3 mu-na-de2#-e# {d}inanna iri#{ki#?}-zu#?-sze3# DU-[...]
en: The galla demons were speaking to Inanna, “Inanna, go to your city”
48'. me-en-[de3-en ...]-ab-tum4#?-mu-de3#-x-[...]
en: We shall bring him away (as a corpse)
49'. ku3 {d#}inanna#-ke4 galla#-[...]-na#-[...]
en: Holy Inanna replied to the galla demons ...
50'. x al-hur?-re x [...] gu2-la2-gu10#?
en: He is scratching(?) ..., ..., my hairdresser(!?)
51'. ne# ta-gin7 nam-[...]-x-de3-en#?
en: How could I give him (as a corpse) to you?
52'. bad3-tibira#{ki#?}-x e2-[...]
en: We shall go to Badtibira and the Emuškalama temple
53'. {d}lu2-lal3 igi#?-ni-sze3 ba-an#-szub#
en: Lulal fell before(?) her
54'. {d}lu2-lal3 sahar-ra ba-an#-tusz#
en: Lulal sat in the dirt
55'. {d}lu2-lal3 tug2 mudra6-ra# ba-an#-[mur10]
en: Lulal wore a dirty garment
56'. galla-e-ne ku3# {d#}inanna#-ke4 gu3# mu-na-de2-e {d}inanna iri#-zu#-[...]-na#?
en: The galla demons were speaking to Inanna, “Inanna, go to your city
57'. [me]-en#-de3-[en ...]-ab#-tum4-mu-de3#-[en]
en: We shall bring him away (as a corpse)”
58'. ku3 {d}inanna [...]-ne# mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-[gi4]
en: Holy Inanna replied to the galla demons
59'. {d}lu2-lal3 a2 zi-da#-gu10 [...]
en: Lulal, fixed (at) my right side
60'. {d}lu2-lal3 a2 gab2-bu-gu10 [...]
en: Lulal, fixed (at)(?) my left side
61'. {d}lu2-lal3 za3-e3-gu10# [...]
en: Lulal, fixed (at)(?) my outer pillar/as my foremost one(?)
62'. ne# [...]-ab-ze2-eg3-ga2-de3-en
en: ..., why would I give him(!) to you?
63'. {gesz#?}haszhur#? [...] larsa{ki}-ma# [...]
en: The greatest apple tree in the plain(?) of larsa ...
64'. {gesz}haszhur? gu#-la [...] larsa#{ki}-ma# [...]-x-szi-re7-de3-[...]
en: Let us go to the great apple tree in the plain(?) of larsa
65'. {d}dumu-zi# bara2#!? mah [...]-tusz#
en: Dumuzi sat upon the supreme dais(!?)
66'. mah-a x-a [...]-in-gar
en: He sat in splendor in the seat(!?)
67'. kar-kid# hasz2#!?-a-ni [...]-x-dab5
en: A prostitute held his thigh tightly(?)
reverse
beginning broken
1'. [...] mu-na-ra-dub-dub-bu-[...]
en: ... poured out the seven churns(?)
2'. [...] mu-na#-tuku4-tuku4-e#-[...]
en: ... shook the head at him
3'. [...]-mu#-[...]-tag#-tag#-[...]
en: The shepherd(?) was not playing the reed pipe ...(?)
4'. [...] x {na4#?}x [...] za3#-ga-na [...]
en: ... seized/assailed at his side
5'. [...]-in-bar igi usz2-am3#
en: She looked at him, it was the look of death
6'. [...] x-da#?-tuku4-tuku4# sag#? nam-tag dugud [...]
en: She shook her head at(?) him, it was the head(shake that accused one of) grievous sin
7'. [...] galla-e-ne mu-x-x-ib-gi4#-gi4#
en: Holy Inanna was replying to the galla demons
8'. [...] mu#?-[...]-szi#?-re7#?-re-esz-am3#
en: ... who is (one of the ones) who came towards him
9'. [...] szu#? nu-bar-re-ze2-en
en: ..., you will not release him
10'. [...] x x [...]-dab5#-be2#-esz
en: They seized ...
11'. lu2#? nin-e [... mu]-un#-szi-re7#-esz#-am3#
en: He was the man (among those) whom the lady compelled to come towards him(!?)
12'. {d}dumu-zi [mu]-un#-szi-re7-esz
en: They came towards Dumuzi
13'. {d}dumu-zi er2# im#-ma-an-pa3 sig7#-[sig7] i3#?-ga2-ga2#
en: Dumuzi wept, he was emitting sobs
14'. gurusz#-e a-na#-am3# i3#?-ak# [a]-na-am3 bi2-x
en: Thus the youth: “What has been done, what ...”
15'. [...] NUN# ku3#?-ga#? nu-x
en: ... the holy(?) ... not ...
16'. [...] x x nu-KU?
en: ...
17'. [...] x i3#-ug5#?-ga-de3
en: ... who is to die(?)
18'. [...] an#?-sze3 szu ba-szi#-in-zi
en: He raised his hands heavenwards for Utu
19'. [...]-me#-en# lu2 nu-x-me-en
en: I am ..., I am the one who does not ...
20'. [...] i3 gur3-ru-me-en
en: I am the one who brings butter to the temple of your mother
21'. [...]-sze3 gar9 gur3-ru#-me-en
en: I am the one who brings cream to the temple of Ningal
22'. [...]-sze3 x gur3-[ru]-me-en
en: I am the one who brings ... to ...
23'. unu{ki}-[...] ak#-a-me-en
en: I am the one who makes the bridal payment on behalf of Unug
24'. nundum#? ku3#? [...] su#?-x [...]-me#-en#
en: I am the one who kisses the holy lips(?)
25'. dub3#? [...] du11#?-[me-en]
en: I am the one who plays among the holy knees of Inanna(?)
26'. [...]-kam#!? u3-mu-ni-in-si#
en: After you prepare my hands (as those of) a gazelle/snake
27'. [...] u3-mu-ni-in-si#
en: After you prepare my feet (as those of) a gazelle/snake
28'. galla#?-[...]-kar#? nam#?-mu#?-[...]-x-ha#?-[...]-en
en: I shall escape my galla demon, they shall not seize me
29'. [...] x-[...]-ti#
en: Utu accepted his tears
30'. [...]-si#
en: He prepared his hands (as those of) a gazelle/snake
31'. [...]-si#
en: He prepared his feet (as those of) a gazelle/snake
32'. [...] x x x [...] x
en: ...
33'. [...]-e#-ne# ga#-[...] nam#-mu#-ni#-ha#!?-za-[...]-ne#
en: I shall escape my galla demon, they shall not seize me
34'. [...] x [...]-x-esz
en: ...
35'. [...] x
en: ...
36'. [...]
en: ...
37'. [...] x x bi? x [...]
en: ...
38'. [...] x mu-u4-na-ni [...] i3#?-szesz2#?-[...]
en: Holy Inanna wept bitterly for her spouse(?)
39'. [... {d}]dumu#?-zi-de3 [...] x x x nam# [...]
en: ... Dumuzi ...
40'. [...] dam#?-ni [...] x-na [...]
en: ...
41'. [...] dam#?-ni# x [...] x [...]
en: ...
42'. [...] x-gin7 im-mi-x-[...] MI x [...]
en: ...
43'. [...]-re {u2}numun2 i3#-ze2#?-[...]
en: She tore out rushes, she cut rushes
44'. [...]-ne# ur2#?-zu-ne-ne [...]-x dam# [...]
en: Spouses who lie in your (spouse's) lap(!?), where is my precious spouse?
45'. [...]-ne# ur2-zu-ne-[ne ...]
en: Sons who lie in your (father's) lap(!?), where is my precious son(?)
46'. [...] x [...]
en: ...
47'. [...] x [...]
en: ...
48'. [...] x-tag-[...]
en: ...
49'. [...] mu#-na-[...]
en: ...
50'. [...] ta#!?-am3 x [...]
en: ... what ...?
51'. [...] mu-na-x-[...]
en: ...
52'. [...] x x a x [...]
en: ...
53'. x [...]
en: ...
54'. nim-e ku3# {d#}inanna#-ke4# [...] x [...]
en: The fly ... holy Inanna
55'. ki-sikil {d}inanna-ke4 nim# x [...]-ni-x-tar#?-re#?
en: Young woman Inanna was decreeing a fate for the fly(?)
56'. e2-kasz-a-ka#? zabar gesztin? nag#?-a-ke4 hu-mu-ra#?-[...]-a-ze2?-[...]
en: In the tavern may you (pl.) make the bronze vessel of wine drinking(?) flow over for yourself(!?)
57'. du5?-mu lu2? ku3#-zu#?-ke4-ne-gin7 nam-[...]
en: As members of(?) the “wise men” ...
58'. x [...] tar-ra {d}inanna-ke4 ur5 he2#-en#-nam# [...]
en: Thus was the decreed fate of Inanna(?)
59'. [...]-x er2 im#-szesz2#-szesz2#
en: ... Inanna(!?) was weeping
60'. x-gu10 im-ma-gen szu-sze3 mu-da-ab#-x-[...]
en: My(?) ... arrived, and is ... to the hand
61'. x x me-li!?-e#!?-a [...] x x [...]
en: ... alas(?) ...
62'. za-e mu sa9?-am3 nin9#?-zu sa9?-am3#
en: You, (when) the year is half (completed)(?), your sister, (when) the year is half (completed)(?)
63'. u4# za-e al di-di-e u4#-bi he2-KU-[...]
en: The days that you desire/are requested(?), those days shall be (of) captivity(!?)
64'. u4 nin9?-zu# al di-di-e u4#-bi# he2-su3#?-su3#?-[...]
en: The days that your sister desires/is requested(?), those days shall be long(er)(?)
65'. ku3# {d}inanna-ke4 {d#}dumu#-zi sag-bi-sze3# e3#? bi2-in-szum2-mu#
en: Holy Inanna gave Dumuzi, the precedent maker(?) (as a replacement)
66'. ku3 {d}eresz-ki#-gal-la-ke4
en: Holy Ereškigal,
67'. za3-mi2-zu du10-ga-am3
en: your praise is sweet
double ruling
69'. szu-nigin2 gesz2-gesz2-ninnu-esz5
en: Total, one hundred seventy three(!?) lines
70'. im-gid2-da 3(disz)-kam za3 til-la an gal-ta ki gal-sze3!
en: The 3rd (in a series of) single-column extract(s), in its entirety, (text with the incipit) “from great heaven towards great earth”
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
beginning broken
1'. [...] a#?-a#? {d#?}en#?-ki#? dumu#-[...]
en: ... father Enki, no one should bend your child over (dead) in the netherworld
2'. [...] sa6#-ga-zu sahar kur-ra#-[...]
en: No one should be allowed to mix your good quality silver with the unrefined ore of the mountain
3'. [...] za-gin3 sa6-ga-zu [...]
en: No one should be allowed to split apart your good quality lapis lazuli among the beads of the gem cutter
4'. [...]-zu GA2 nagar-ra-ka# [...]
en: No one should be allowed to split apart your boxwood among the wood(!?) of the carpenter
5'. [...] {d#}inanna [...]
en: No one should be allowed to bend over the young woman Inanna (dead) in the netherworld
6'. [...]-ki#? {d}nin-szubur#-[...]
en: Father Enki was replying to Ninšubura
7'. [...]-x-x ga2-[...]
en: What has my child done?(!?) I am exhausted
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
(surface unclear)
beginning broken
1'. [...]
2'. [...]
3'. [...] x [...]
4'. [...]-bi [...]
en: The Ganzer gate, alone before the netherworld, its door was opened(?)
5'. [...] {d#}inanna gu3# mu#-[...]
en: He was shouting to holy Inanna
6'. [...] ku4#-[...]
en: Come, Inanna, enter!
7'. [...] x x [...]
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
(surface uncertain)
column 1'
beginning broken
1'. [...] x
en: ...
2'. [...] x
en: ...
column 2'
beginning broken
1'. ga2-nu [...]
en: Come, Inanna, enter!
2'. {d}inanna [...]
en: As Inanna was entering
3'. gi-disz-[ninda ...]
en: He removed the measuring rod and measuring line from her hand
4'. abul [...]
en: As she was entering the first gate
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
beginning broken
1'. [... esz2]-GAN2# za-gin3 [... 1(disz)]-kam#-ma [...]
en: She held the lapis measuring rod and line
2'. [...]
en: As Inanna was entering the first gate
3'. [...]-ru-da# men# edin#?-[...]
en: The man removed the turban, the crown of the plain, that was upon her head
4'. [...]-am3# [...]
en: What ...?
5'. [si]-a {d}inanna me kur#-ra-ke4# [...]
en: Be satisfied, Inanna! This is the rite of the netherworld that is being completed
6'. [{d}]inanna# garza kur-ra-ke4 [...]
en: Inanna! This is the procedure of the netherworld, you should not speak aloud
7'. abul# 2(disz)-kam-ma [...]
en: As Inanna was entering the 2nd gate
8'. [hi]-li# sag#-ki-na [...]
en: The man removed the wig/allure that was upon her forehead
9'. [...]-am3 [...]
en: What ...?
10'. [...] x x [...]
en: Be satisfied, Inanna! This is the rite of the netherworld that is being completed(?)
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
beginning broken
1'. [...] x x x [...]
en: ...
2'. x x x [...] x-da?-x [...]
en: ...
3'. abul#? 1(disz)#?-kam#?-[ma ...]-ta
en: As Inanna was entering the first gate
4'. {tug2}szu-gur#?-[...] x x x x [...]
en: The man removed the turban, the crown of the plain
5'. ta#-am3#-me-[...]
en: What ...?
6'. si#-a# [...] x x [...] x [...]
en: Be satisfied, Inanna! This is the rite of the netherworld that is being completed
7'. [...] garza# [...]
en: Inanna! This is the procedure of the netherworld, you should not speak aloud
rest broken
reverse
beginning broken
1'. x x [...]
en: ...
2'. ta-am3 [...]
en: What ...?
3'. si-a me! kur-ra-ke4 szu# al#-du7#-[...]
en: Be satisfied, Inanna! This is the rite of the netherworld that is being completed
4'. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu na-an-ba#-e#
en: Inanna! This is the procedure of the netherworld, you should not speak aloud (to interrupt it)
5'. gir-gir gilim-ma#-ni ugu-ni-sze3 lu2 im#?-[...]
en: When she bent down(?), the man ... above her
6'. ze2#-ze2# x-x-ni igi#-ni-sze3 x ba-an-x-[...]
en: When she split apart(?), before her he ...
7'. [...] x x [...]
en: ...
rest broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
beginning broken
1'. [...] ku3#-sig17# szu#-na# x [...]
en: The man removed the gold bracelet from upon her hand (i.e. wrist)
2'. ta#-am3-[...]
en: What ...?
3'. si-a {d}inanna me kur-ra-[ke4 ...]
en: Be satisfied, Inanna! This is the rite of the netherworld that is being completed
4'. {d}inanna garza kur-ra-ke4# [...]
en: Inanna! This is the procedure of the netherworld, you should not speak aloud
5'. abul# 6(disz)-kam-ma [...]
en: As Inanna was entering the 6th gate
6'. {na4#!?}nunuz#-tab-ba nig2 TUR?-TUR#? [...]
en: The man removed the necklace of tiny(?) ovoid beads upon her chest
7'. ta-am3#-[...]
en: What ...?
8'. si#-a# [...]
en: Be satisfied, Inanna! This is the rite of the netherworld that is being completed
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
beginning broken
1'. x x [...]
en: ...
2'. sil2-sil2-la#!?-ni#? [...]
en: When she split apart(?) the man brought ... away
3'. nin-a-ni {gesz}[...]
en: Her sister raised her up from her throne
4'. {gesz}gu-za nin-a-ni# [...]
en: The throne of her sister(!?) ...
5'. {d}a-nun-ke4-e-ne# [...]
en: The seven judges of the Anuna judged her case before her(?)
6'. igi mu-un#?-szi#-[...]
en: She looked at her, it was the look of death
7'. sag# mu#?-x-tuku4-tuku4# [...]
en: She(?) shook her head(?), ...
8'. e#-ne-ra uzu nig2 sag3#?-[...]
en: For her (Ereškigal?), he turned her (Inanna) into a smitten piece of meat
9'. {gesz}gag-ta [...]
en: He hung her from a peg
10'. mu# [...]
en: After seven years, seven months and seven days elapsed(?)
11'. [...] x [...]
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
beginning broken
1'. [...] x [...]
en: ...
2'. [...] giri17-[...]
en: She (Ninšubur) scratched her face, she scratched her nose
3'. [...] giri3-ni#? [...]
en: She took a single path to the Ekur, the temple of Enlil
4'. [...] ba#-da-an#-[...]
en: She entered the Ekur, the temple of Enlil
5'. [...] er2# im-ma-[...]
en: She was weeping before Enlil
6'. [...]-ra#?-ke4 nam-ba-da-an#-[...]
en: No one should be allowed to mix your good quality silver with the unrefined ore of the mountain
7'. [...] nam-ba-da-[an-...]
en: No one should be allowed to split apart your good quality lapis lazuli among the beads of the gem cutter
8'. [...] nam-ba-da-[an-...]
en: No one should be allowed to split apart your boxwood among the wood of the carpenter
9'. [...] nam-ba-da-[an-...]
en: No one should be allowed to kill young woman Inanna in the netherworld
10'. [...] x [...]
en: ...
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
1. [...] {d}en-lil2-la2-sze3 giri3-ni dili mu#-[...]
en: She (Ninšubura) set out by a single path to ... the temple of Enlil
2. [...] lu2 kur-ra na-ba-da-an#-[...]
en: Father Enlil, no one should bend your child over (dead) in the netherworld
3. [...] sahar kur-ra-ka# [...]
en: No one should be allowed to mix your good quality silver with the unrefined ore of the mountain
4. [...]-zu#? <za> zadim-ke4# [...]
en: No one should be allowed to split apart your good quality lapis lazuli among the beads of the gem cutter
5. [...] gesz nagar#-x [...]
en: No one should be allowed to split apart your boxwood among the wood of the carpenter
6. [...] x [...]
en: ...
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
beginning broken
1'. [...]-ke4 [...]
en: No one should be allowed to mix your good quality silver with the unrefined ore of the mountain
2'. [...] za#? zadim-ke4 nam#-[...]
en: No one should be allowed to split apart your good quality lapis lazuli among the beads of the gem cutter
3'. [...]-ka# nam#-[...]
en: No one should be allowed to split apart your boxwood among the wood of the carpenter
4'. [...]-na# nam#-[...]
en: No one should be allowed to bend over the young woman Inanna (dead) in the netherworld
5'. [... {d}nin]-szubur#-ra-ka mu-na-[...]
en: While enraged, Enlil answered Ninšubur
6'. [...] bi2-du11 ki gal-e#? [...]
en: My child wished for great heaven and the great earth
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
beginning broken
1'. x [...]
en: ...
2'. GISZGAL x x [...]
en: ...
3'. igi a-a {d?}EN?-[...]
en: Before father ...
4'. a#-a# x [...]
en: Father ...
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
beginning broken
1'. [...] x x [...]
en: ...
2'. [...]-ne szu#!? [...]-ab-gid2-de3-[...]
en: They will offer the river water to you, you will not accept it
3'. [...]-ne x#? szu [...]-ab-gid2-de3-[...]
en: They will offer the barley of the field to you, you will not accept it
4'. [...] {gesz}gag-ta# la2#-a# szum2#?-[...]-x-en du11-ga-na-ab-[...]
en: You will say “give the beaten meat that hangs from the peg!”
5'. [...]
en: ...
6'. [...] x x AN!?-bi szu [...] mu-na-ab#?-[...]
en: ...
7'. [...] x ki#? x [...] x x NE [...]
en: ...
8'. [...] IM sze3 szub-ba [...]
en: ...
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
Transliteration:
atf: lang sux
tablet
obverse
beginning broken
1'. x [...]
en: ...
2'. tab?-ba x ku3 x [...]
en: The companion ...
3'. {dug}zakir3 [...]
en: The churn ...
4'. gi-di x [...]
en: The flute ...
5'. gi-szukur x [...]
en: The reed enclosure ...
6'. igi mu#-szi#?-[...]
en: She looked at him, it was the look of death(?)
7'. x [...]
en: ...
rest broken
reverse
broken
Witness
Witness to composite(s): Q000343
Primary Publication:
Collection: British Museum, London, UK
Museum no.: BM —
Provenience: Ur (mod. Tell Muqayyar)
Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Object Type: tablet or envelope > tablet
Material: clay
