CDLI Literary 000343 (Inanna's Descent) composite (P468903)
Literary artifact excavated in Nippur (mod. Nuffar), dated to the Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC) periodMetadata / catalogue
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As TTL As JSON-LD As RDF/JSON As RDF/XMLMuseum Collection(s)
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Nippur (mod. Nuffar)Artifact Type
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Literary (ETCSL 1.04.01 Inanna's Descent (composite))Language(s)
SumerianMeasurements
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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.
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.
Consult previous versions and their differences
Consult sign list of Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
Consult word list of Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
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Artifact type:
Artifact type comments:
composite text
- Material:
- Measurements (mm):
- Weight:
- Artifact Preservation:
- Condition Description:
- Join Information:
- Seal no.:
- Seal information:
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Artifact comments:
composite text
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history: Attinger, Pascal (s. PDF version at ‟View commentary”)
[AttingerViewCommentary] Attinger, Pascal. n.d.
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history: ETCSL, 1.4.1 Inanna's Descent
[BlackETCSL] Black, Jeremy A. 1998-2006. “Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature.” https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk. 1998-2006.
- Composite No.: Q000343
- Museum No.:
- Accession No.:
- Provenience: Nippur (mod. Nuffar)
- Elevation:
- Stratigraphic Level:
- Excavation No:
- Findspot Square:
- Findspot Comments:
- Period: Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC)
- Dates Referenced:
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- Date Comments:
- Accounting Period: 0
Created | Creator | Type | Authors | Project | Reviewer | Status | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024-07-15 at 13:33:04 | Firth, Richard | Artifact, Other Entity | Firth, Richard | Firth, Richard | approved | ||
2024-06-07 at 13:32:34 | Firth, Richard | Artifact | Firth, Richard | Firth, Richard | approved | ||
2024-06-07 at 13:24:18 | Firth, Richard | Artifact, Other Entity | Firth, Richard | Firth, Richard | approved | ||
2017-09-22 at 08:06:47 | Englund, Robert K. | Atf | Englund, Robert K. | CDLI | approved | ||
2016-04-23 at 16:27:09 | Englund, Robert K. | Atf | Englund, Robert K. | CDLI | approved | ||
2015-02-26 at 09:00:09 | Englund, Robert K. | Atf | Englund, Robert K. | CDLI | approved | ||
2014-12-05 at 19:25:39 | Heinle, Michael | Atf | Heinle, Michael | CDLI | approved | ||
2014-10-20 at 09:01:24 | Englund, Robert K. | Atf | Englund, Robert K. | CDLI | approved | ||
2014-10-19 at 09:43:16 | Englund, Robert K. | Atf | Englund, Robert K. | CDLI | approved | ||
2014-10-13 at 16:35:02 | Englund, Robert K. | Atf | Englund, Robert K. | CDLI | approved | ||
2014-08-27 at 21:38:18 | Englund, Robert K. | Atf | Englund, Robert K. | CDLI | approved | ||
2014-08-27 at 18:11:07 | Englund, Robert K. | Atf | Heinle, Michael | CDLI | approved | ||
2014-08-27 at 00:00:00 | CDLI | Artifact | CDLI | CDLI | approved |
Consult this artifact as presented on the website of collections and projects:
This artifact is a composite text. View the score of CDLI Literary 000343 (Inanna's Descent) composite. See below for a list of its witness(es):