Enuma Elish | The Babylonian Epic of Creation | Complete Audiobook | With Commentary

Introduction

This recording is presented by Ancient History Encyclopedia and the YouTube channel The Study of Antiquity and the Middle Ages. It includes a full narration of the Enuma Elish, written by Joshua J. Mark and narrated by DW Draffen.

Introduction

The Enuma Elish, also known as The Seven Tablets of Creation, is the Mesopotamian creation myth derived from the opening lines "When on high...". The tablets containing this myth date back to circa 1200 BCE but are copies of an older version dating before the fall of Sumer in circa 1750 BCE. Marduk, the Babylonian god, plays a prominent role, reflecting the cultural elevation of Babylonian beliefs over the older Sumerian traditions.

Summary of the Story

The tale recounts the birth of the gods and the creation of the universe and humans. Initially, there were only chaotic waters that differentiated into sweet freshwater (Abzu) and salty bitter water (Tiamat). These entities birthed younger gods, who were noisy, prompting Abzu, advised by Mumu, to plot their demise. Ea (or Enki), warned by Tiamat, kills Abzu and establishes his home from Abzu’s remains. Enraged, Tiamat declares war on the younger gods, creating 11 monsters and appointing Kingu as her champion, who carries the Tablets of Destiny.

Marduk emerges as the hero, defeats Tiamat's monsters, kills Tiamat, and fashions the world from her body. From Tiamat's corpse, Marduk creates the heavens and the earth, assigns duties to the gods, and creates humans from Kingu's blood.

Commentary

The Enuma Elish inspired later religious texts, notably the Hebrew Book of Genesis. Excavations in Mesopotamia revealed that many biblical narratives have Mesopotamian origins, including stories like the fall of man and the great flood. While the Enuma Elish and Genesis share thematic elements, they differ significantly. The Babylonian myth underscores the importance of order and the cooperative relationship between humans and gods.

In Babylonian culture, especially during the reign of Hammurabi, Marduk rose to prominence. The epic became central to Babylonian New Year festivities, where Marduk's statue was paraded and hymns from the Enuma Elish were recited.

The Text of Enuma Elish

Tablet One

• The heavens and earth didn't exist. The primordial waters of Abzu (freshwater) and Tiamat (saltwater) mingled, birthing younger gods.
• The young gods’ noise disturbs Abzu, who plots their destruction with Mumu.
• Tiamat warns Ea, who puts Abzu to sleep and kills him. Ea establishes his home from Abzu's remains.
• Tiamat, now angered, creates monsters and gathers her forces, led by Kingu, who wields the Tablets of Destiny.

Tablet Two

• Ea learns of Tiamat’s plans and informs his father, Anshar. Despite multiple attempts, no god can defeat Tiamat.
• Marduk steps forward, promising victory in exchange for supreme leadership.
• Anshar agrees, and the gods bless Marduk.

Tablet Three

• Marduk prepares for battle, creating powerful weapons and harnessing formidable winds.

Tablet Four

• Marduk faces Tiamat, defeating her by utilizing the winds. Tiamat’s body is used to create the cosmos.

Tablet Five

• Marduk establishes order, fixing the celestial bodies and creating the calendar. The heavens and earth are delineated as he solidifies his rule.

Tablet Six

• Marduk decides to create humans from Kingu’s blood to serve the gods. The gods reward Marduk by building Babylon as his divine abode.

Tablet Seven

• Marduk's accomplishments are praised, and he is given fifty names in recognition of his power and contributions to creation and order.

Keywords

• Enuma Elish
• Creation myth
• Marduk
• Tiamat
• Babylonian mythology
• Mesopotamian religion
• Sumerian civilization
• Tablets of Destiny
• New Year Festival

FAQ

Q: What is the Enuma Elish? A: The Enuma Elish is a Mesopotamian creation myth detailing the birth of the gods and the creation of the universe and humans.

Q: Who is Marduk in the Enuma Elish? A: Marduk is the Babylonian god who defeats Tiamat and creates the world from her body, establishing order and hierarchy among the gods.

Q: How does the Enuma Elish compare to the biblical Genesis? A: While both creation myths share thematic elements of order and cosmos creation from chaos, they differ in narrative details and cultural contexts.

Q: What role did the Enuma Elish play in Babylonian culture? A: The Enuma Elish was central to the Babylonian New Year Festival, celebrating Marduk’s victory and reinforcing his supreme leadership among the gods.

Q: What is the significance of the Tablets of Destiny in the myth? A: The Tablets of Destiny legitimize the rule of a god and control the fates, central to the power struggles in the Enuma Elish.

Q: How were humans created according to the Enuma Elish? A: Humans were created from the blood of the slain god Kingu to serve the gods and help maintain order in the universe.