Chapter IV

Tablet 29628, Plate 19, Hymn to Tammuz

Obverse

1. _šes-e tuš(KU)-e-na eri êr(A.ŠI)-ra na-nam_ To the brother whose dwelling is the city of weeping, thus:

2. _a-kala šes-e tab An-na_ The mightiness of the brother, the companion of Anu!

3. _a-kala à(ID)-ba en ^dimmer Dumu(TUR)-zi_ The mightiness of his power, the lord Tammuz!

4. _dumu(TUR) è(BIT)-gal-a-ni nu mu-un-su(SUD,SUG)-ga-mu_ The son whose temple is not far away!

5. _azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ge(KIT) è(BIT) An-na-ka im-me_ The shining one of Ištar, who is in the house of Anu!

6. _mulu ú-sun-na-ge(KIT) nu mu-un-su-ga-mu_ The one of plant-germination, who is not far away!

7. _azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ge(KIT) za NANNA Unug(UNU)-^ki-ka im-me_ The shining one of Ištar, who is the NANNA-stone of Erech!

8. _mulu zib(KA)-ba-ra-ge(KIT) nu mu-un-su(SUD,SUG)-ga-mu_ The one of speech, who is not far away!

9. _bara-ka azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ge(KIT) te ki-ka im-me_ In the temple, the shining one of Ištar, who is the foundation of the land!

10. _mulu ka-áš-ka-sa-ge(KIT) nu mu-un-su(SUD,SUG)-ga-mu_ The one of much wine, who is not far away!

11. _azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ge(KIT) šà(LIB)-mu ú-sun mu-un-si-mal(IG)_ The shining one of Ištar, whose heart is full of plant-production!

12. _mulu ḥul-mal(IG) nu mu-un-su-ga-mu_ The one enduring evil, who is not far away!

13. _dimmer mutin(GEŠTIN) An-na-ge(KIT) kaš(BI)-ra-bi mu-un-šub(RU)_ The wine-god of Anu, to whom they present their offering!

14. _mulu ú-sun-na-ge(KIT) a-na-ám(A.AN) šú-ba ab-rù(UL)_ The one of plant-germination, what does his hand ordain!

15. _mulu zib(KA)-ba-ra-ge(KIT)_ The one of speech!

16. _mulu ka-áš-ka-sa-ge(KIT)_ The one of much wine!

17. _mulu ḥul-mal(IG) a-na-ám(A.AN) šú-ba ab-gin(DU)_ The one who endures evil, whither does his hand go!

18. _dimmer mutin(GEŠTIN) An-na-ge(KIT) PAḤÂDU sigišše-ra mu-un-šub(RU)-bi_ The wine-god of Anu, to whom they offer the lamb of sacrifice!

19. _nim-me azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ra ì(KA) mu-un-na-ab-e-e_ The lofty one, the shining one of Ištar, to whom they speak!

20. _nim-me ki mu-lu ni ma-ra an-pad-de(NE) a-na mu-un-ba-e-e_ The lofty one of earth who is the abundance of the land, to whom they speak! what do they say?

21. _è(BIT) kaš(BI)-a-ka è(BIT) gurun(KIL)-na-ka dumu(TUR) mu-lu azag zu-ge(KIT) ne-ne mu-un-til-li_ In the house of wine, in the house of fruit, the son, the shining one of wisdom, who indeed lives!

22. _nim-me azag dimmer mutin(GEŠTIN) An-na-ge(KIT) ì(KA) mu-un-na-ab-e-e_ The lofty one, the shining one, the wine-god of Anu, to whom they speak!

23. _nim-me ki šes ma-ra an-pad-de(NE) a-na-ám(A.AN) mu-un-ma-al_ The lofty one of earth, the brother of the land, to whom they speak! what is it (that they say)?

Reverse

24. _è(BIT) kaš(BI)-a-ka è(BIT) gurun(KIL)-na-ka dumu(TUR) mulu azag zu-ge(KIT) sigišše-sag tuk-a-na_ In the house of wine, in the house of fruit, the son, the shining one of wisdom, who has a great sacrifice!

25. _ur-sag ^giš ku-a sag-mal-mal-ge(KIT)_ The hero of great weapons!

26. _dimmer mutin (GEŠTIN) An-na-qe(KIT) ú-sun-na saq-mal-mal-ge(KIT)_ The wine-god of Anu, the great plant-germinator!

27. _ú-sun gurun(KIL)-gurun(KIL) ú-sun gurun(KIL)-gurun(KIL) šes-mu ú-sun gurun(KIL)-gurun(KIL)_ The germinator of many fruits, the germinator of many fruits, my brother, the germinator of many fruits!

28. _ú-sun a-ra-li ú-sun gurun(KIL)-gurun(KIL) šes-mu ú-sun gurun(KIL)-gurun(KIL)_ The germinator of the lower world, the germinator of many fruits, my brother, the germinator of may fruits!

29. _in-nu gíš(UŠ) ^giš gu-ga-ge(KIT) tàl(ÁŠ)-ta-al-ta-al mu-ib-rá (DU)-rá(DU)_ The vegetable-germinator, the only plant-begetter, who goeth forth!

30. _dumu(TUR) zi-ga-na ga-ni šà(LIB)-zi-zi mu-ib-rá(DU)_ The son of life; in his fulness, in the midst of life goeth.

31. _eš diš êr(A.ŠI)-lim(LIB)-ma ^dimmer Dumu-zi-da-kam_ Thirty lines. Hymn to Tammuz.

The salient phases of the rounded out Tammuz story are touched upon in this hymn; viz., his local dwelling in a city where he had a temple; the memorial weeping; his relation to Anu; his lordly power; his specification as “a brother”; his relation to the goddess Ištar; his characteristic and supreme function of plant-germination. Note also that he was the agricultural god of spring vegetation. Offerings of wine were poured out over his bier, he having been humbled to sorrow by banishment to the lower world, where he became a lord over the occult and internal forces inherent beneath the soil of the earth. So he became a god of a new life. The hymn does not seem altogether to confine the germinating work of Tammuz to the vegetation of spring growth, but appears, especially in the Reverse, to include fruit growing which might come later in the season. Possibly this hymn was sung as a dirge at Babylonian anniversaries for the departed Tammuz. The Babylonians at the time of the summer solstice annually commemorated with lamentation the departure of Tammuz to the lower world. He had instructed them that they should gather at his bier and that hired musicians should sing and play and that the people should sacrifice and drink wine.

Obverse

1. _šes-e tuš-e-na eri êr-ra na-nam_ To the brother whose dwelling is the city of weeping, thus:

_šes-e_: _šes_ same as _šis_ (Hymn to Sin, line 2). _e_ equals _ana_, “to” (Br. 5847).

_tuš-e-na_: _tuš_ equals _ašâbu_, “dwell” (Br. 10523). Probably the sign has the same value for _šubtu_, “dwelling” (Br. 10553). We have had the sign (KU) with the value _šù_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 15). _e_, vowel of prolongation. _na_, pronominal suffix (see Hymn to Adad, line 27).

_eri_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 13).

_êr-ra_: _êr_ (Hymn to Bêl, Colophon). _ra_, phonetic complement (Hymn to Bêl, line 3).

_na-nam_ equals _kîam_, “thus” (see Br. 1597 and Hymn to Adad, line 28). The words “O my brother” are represented in legend as being first uttered by the sister of Tammuz and then taken up by other mourners. Probably the custom of weeping for Tammuz originated in the city of Eridu.

2. _a-kala šes-e tab An-na_ The mightiness of the brother, the companion of Anu!

_a-kala_ is an abstract noun like _nam-kala_ which is equal to _dannûtu_ (Br. 6194). _a_ is an abstract prefix, as in A.DU, equal to _a-rá_, “going” (MSL. p. XVII). _kala_ equal _dannu_, “mighty” (Br. 6194).

_šeš-e._ See on _šes_ (line 1). _e_, probably sign of the genitive, if not merely a vowel of prolongation. It can certainly be a postposition (see on line 1).

_tab_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 6).

_An-na_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 3 and Hymn to Bêl, line 18). Tammuz was a companion of Gišzida in the dominion of Anu. Gišzida was also a god of vegetable growth. At a certain period of the year, Tammuz and Gišzida were stationed in companionship as attendants at the gate of heaven. Here the power of Tammuz to cause vegetation to grow began to be effective. He was, in the first days of his existence, a sun-god, and, stationed in heaven, the rays of his power were felt on earth. So, probably every year, at the time of spring growth, he was conceived of as operating from heaven like a sun.

3. _a-kala à-ba en ^dimmer Dumu-zi_ The mightiness of his power, the lord Tammuz!

_a-kala_ (see on line 2).

_à-ba_: _à_ (see Hymn to Bêl, line 14). _ba_ (Hymn to Adad, line 25).

_en_ (see Hymn to Bêl, line 19).

_^dimmer Dumu-zi_. _Dumu-zi_ means “son of life”. _Dumu_ (Hymn to Sin, line 5). _zi_ (see Hymn to Bêl, line 23).

4. _dumu è-gal-a-ni nu mu-un-su-ga-mu_ The son whose temple is not far away!

_dumu_ (see Hymn to Sin, line 5, _ṭu-mu_).

_è-gal-a-ni_: _è-gal_ equals _êkallu_, “temple”, (Br. 6252). È.GAL, “great house”, is the common compound ideogram for “temple”, both in Sumerian and Assyrian. The Assyrian _êkallu_ is evidently the Sumerian _è_, plus _gal_ which is changed to _kal_. The word has passed over into Hebrew, Syriac and Arabic. _è_ (see Hymn to Sin, line 3). _gal_ (see Hymn to Bêl, line 14). _è-gal_ is often followed by _la_; here, however, it is followed by _a_, showing that the phonetic use of _la_ and _a_ is quite similar. _ni_ (see Hymn to Bêl, line 13).

_nu_ (Hymn to Sin, line 27).

_mu-un-su-ga-mu_ is a verb and seems to mean “who is far away”. The clause occurs also in lines 6, 8, 10 and 12, only that in lines 6 and 12 SU is used instead of SUD. _mu-un_ (see Hymn to Sin, line 17). _su_: SUD seems to equal _rûḳu_, “distant”, here. Yet when it is equal to _rûḳu_, it generally has the value _sud_ and is followed by the phonetic complement _da_; here it is followed by _ga_. So the value should be _sug_ or _su_. _mu_ is a relative suffix related to _mu_ of _mu-un_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 16).

5. _azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ge è An-na-ka im-me_ The shining one of Ištar, who is in the house of Anu!

_azag_ (see Hymn to Sin, line 1).

_^dimmer Nanâ-ge_. _Nanâ_, also written _Nanna_, is the Sumerian name of Ištar. NANNU is sometimes written like RI which, when preceded by the god-sign, also equals “Ištar”. _ge_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 4).

_è_ (see Hymn to Sin, line 3).

_An-na-ka_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 4). _ka_ equals _nota genitivi_ (see Br. 551 and Hymn to Bêl, line 1).

_im-me_: _im_ (see Hymn to Sin, line 23). _me_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 16). Tammuz seems to be the shining one. The epithet “shining” is sometimes applied to gods, goddesses, kings, princes and others. The primary relation of Tammuz was that of lover. But in the lower world he made love to another. But each year during the season of vegetable growth he was supposed to be living with Ištar and during the season of vegetable decline he was supposed to be living with the other whom he loved in the regions below. The house of Anu might mean the temple of Anu, but the reference in this line is no doubt to heaven, over which Anu was lord and at whose portals Tammuz sometimes acted as porter.

6. _mulu ú-sun-na-ge nu mu-un-su-ga-mu_ The one of plant-germination, who is not far away!

_mulu_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 16).

_ú-sun-na-ge_: _ú-sun_ seems to be a compound noun meaning “plant-growing”. It occurs eight times in the hymn. _ú_ equals _šammu_, “plant” (Br. 6027). It is sometime a determinative before the name of a plant (Br. 6029). _sun_ means “irrigate” (MSL. 299). It is improbable that this sign is KIB. _ge_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 4).

_nu_ (see Hymn to Sin, line 27).

_mu-un-su-ga-mu_ (see line 4). _su_(SU) and _su_(SUD,SUG) are interchangeable (Br. 7593).

7. _azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ge za NANNA Unug-ka im-me_ The shining one of Ištar, who is the NANNA-stone of Erech!

_azag ^dimmer Nana-ge_ (see on line 5).

_za_: the probable meaning of _za_ here is “stone” (see Hymn to Adad, line 13).

NANNA: there are no citations in Brünnow showing the meaning of NANNA when standing alone. _za_-NANNA-_di_ equals _mammû_, “snow”, and _za_-NANNA may mean “white stone”. If NANNA can equal UŠLANU-GUNÛ, then it can mean _nasâḳu_ (Br. 3019) and _za_-NANNA means “shining stone”. It may be that NANNA stands for UŠLANU-GUNÛ, then ZA.NANNA.UNU.KI could be equal to _Unug-^ki_ (Br. 11749), and the line would read _azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ge Unug-^ki-ka im-me_, “the shining one of Ištar of Erech he is”.

_Unug_: that _Unug_ is the correct value is shown by the phonetic complement _ga_ that often follows UNU. Erech, we know, was the city of Ištar (Br. 3023). _unu_ (see Hymn to Sin, line 2). _ka_ (line 5).

_im-me_ (see on line 5).

8. _mulu zib-ba-ra-ge nu mu-un-su-ga-mu_ The one of speech, who is not far away!

_mulu_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 16).

_zib-ba-ra-ge_: _zib-ba_ (see Hymn to Sin, line 16, _gu_). _ra_ must answer for vowel prolongation (Hymn to Bêl, line 3). _ge_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 4). “One of speech” must mean the god endowed with authoritative utterance on the subject of germination.

_nu mu-un-su-ga-mu_ (see on line 4).

9. _bara-ka azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ge te ki-ka im-me_ In the temple the shining one of Ištar, who is the foundation of the land!

_bara-ka_: _bara_ equals _parakku_, “dwelling room in the temple” (Br. 6878). _ka_ (line 5).

_azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ge_ (line 5).

_te_ equals _temennu_, “foundation” (Br. 7710).

_ki-ka_: _ki_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 9). _ka_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 1).

_im-me_ (line 5).

10. _mulu ka-áš-ka-sa-ge nu mu-un-su-ga-mu_ The one of much wine, who is not far away!

_mulu_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 16).

_ka-áš_ is evidently a phonetic representation of _kaš_(BI), cognate with _geš_ in _geštin_ and equal to _karânu_, “wine” (Br. 5121, 5004 and 5006).

_ka-sa-ge_: _ka-sa_ may be a phonetic form for _kas_ equal to _šinâ_, “two” (Br. 4459). Perhaps it would be better to consider _ka-áš ka-sa_ as a reduplication of _kaš_, as _kaš-kas(š)_ = “much wine”. _ge_ (Hymn to Adad, line 4). One form of the legend makes Tammuz the begetter of autumn vegetation. If so, he is the producer of much wine. More likely the meaning is that, on his account, much wine was offered in the service of lamentation at his departure.

_nu mu-un-su-ga-mu_ (see on line 4).

11. _azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ge šà-mu ú-sun mu-un-si-mal_ The shining one of Ištar, whose heart is full of plant-production!

_azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ge_ (line 5).

_šà-mu_: _šà_ (Hymn to Sin, line 9, _šsag_). Relative _mu_ (see line 4).

_ú-sun_ (line 6).

_mu-un-si-mal._ _mu-un_ (see Hymn to Sin, line 17). _si_ (see Hymn to Bêl, line 22). _mal_ (see Hymn to Bêl, line 18). Plant growth is a matter of intelligent devising on the part of Tammuz.

12. _mulu ḥul-mal nu mu-un-su-ga-mu_ The one enduring evil, who is not far away!

_mulu_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 16).

_ḥul-mal_ equals _limnu_, “evil” (Br. 9508). _ḥul_ equals _limênu_, “be evil”. _mal_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 18).

_nu mu-un-su-ga-mu_ (line 6).

13. _dimmer mutin An-na-ge kaš-ra-bi mu-un-šub_ The wine-god of Anu, to whom they present their offering!

_mutin_ is “wood of life”, _mu_ being ES for _geš_, “wood”, and _tin_ being for _ti_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 16).

_An-na-ge_: _An-na_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 3). _ge_ (Hymn to Adad, line 4).

_kaš-ra-bi_: _kaš_ equals _šikaru_, “strong drink” (Br. 5126). _ra_ answers as a vowel of prolongation (Hymn to Bêl, line 3). If _ra_ were a postposition, it would follow the suffix _bi_ (on which see Hymn to Sin, line 27).

_mu-un-šub_: _mu-un_ (Hymn to Sin, line 17). _šub_ equals _nadû_ “cast down” (Br. 1434). RU signifies “bent down”. The attitude of the mourners may be noted.

14. _mulu ú-sun-na-ge a-na-ám šú-ba ab-rù_ The one of plant-germination, what does his hand ordain!

_mulu ú-sun-na-ge_ (see line 6).

_a-na-ám_ equals _minammi_ (Br. 11436) which is the same as _minû_ “what?” (Br. 11434). Note that _a-ba_ (Hymn to Adad, line 21) equals _mannu_, “who?”

_šú-ba_: _šú_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 25). _ba_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 25).

_ab-rù_: _ab_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 16). _rù_ (Hymn to Sin, line 14).

15. _mulu zib-ba-ra-ge_ The one of speech!

See line 8.

16. _mulu ka-áš-ka-sa-ge_ The one of much wine!

See line 10.

17. _mulu ḥul-mal a-na-ám šú-ba ab-gin_ The one who endures evil, whither does his hand go!

_mulu ḥul-mal_ (line 12).

_a-na-àm šú-ba_ (line 14).

_ab-gin_: _ab_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 16). _gin_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 23).

18. _dimmer mutin An-na-ge PAḤÂDU sigišše-ra mu-un-šub-bi_ The wine-god of Anu, to whom they offer the lamb of sacrifice!

_dimmer mutin An-ua-ge_ (line 13).

PAḤÂDU, Assyrian for “lamb”. The sign is PISANNU enclosing GÊSṬARÛ (Br. 5489). The Sumerian value of the sign is not known. Among the few citations in which the sign appears, a female lamb is mentioned (Br. 10946).

_sigišše-ra_: _sigišše_ equals _nîḳû_, “sacrifice”, and _ra_ answers as a vowel of prolongation which the sign takes (Br. 9092).

_mu-un-šub-bi_: _mu-un-šub_ (line 13). _bi_ is a phonetic complement.

19. _nim-me azag ^dimmer Nanâ-ra ì mu-un-na-ab-e-e_ The lofty one, the shining one of Ištar, to whom they speak.

_nim-me_: _nim_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 20). _me_, phonetic complement.

_azag_ (Hymn to Sin, line 1).

_^dimmer Nanâ-ra_: _^dimmer Nanâ_ (line 5). _ra_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 3).

_ì_ (Hymn to Adad, line 19).

_mu-un-na-ab-e-e_: _mu-un_ (Hymn to Sin, line 17). _na-ab_ is a verbal infix = “to him”, third person here (MSL. p. XXXII). _e-e_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 14).

20. _nim-me ki mu-lu ni ma-ra an-pad-de a-na mu-un-ba-e-e_ The lofty one of the earth who is the abundance of the land, to whom they speak. What doth he say!

_nim-me_ (line 19).

_ki_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 9).

_mu-lu_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 20).

_ni_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 13).

_an-pad-de_: _an_ (Hymn to Adad, line 1). _pad_ (Hymn to Sin, line 10). _de_, phonetic complement.

_a-na_ equals _minû_, “what” (Br. 11434), the same as _a-na-ám_ (line 14).

_mu-un-ba-e-e_: _mu-un_ (Hymn to Sin, line 17). _ba_ may be used as an infix as well as a prefix (MSL. p. XXIV, and Hymn to Bêl, lines 24 and 25). _e-e_ (line 19).

21. _è kaš-a-ka è gurun-na-ka dumu mu-lu azag zu-ge ne-ne mu-un-til-li_ In the house of wine, in the house of fruit, the son, the shining one of wisdom, who indeed liveth!

_kaš-a-ka_: _kaš_ (line 13). _a_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 9). _ka_ (line 5).

_gurun-na-ka_: _gurun_ equals _inbu_, “fruit” (Br. 10179). _na_, phonetic complement. _ka_ (just explained).

_dumu_ (Hymn to Sin, line 5).

_mu-lu_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 20).

_azag_ (Hymn to Sin, line 1).

_zu-ge_: _zu_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 1). _ge_ (Hymn to Adad, line 4).

_ne-ne_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 21).

_mu-un-til-li_: _mu-un_ (Hymn to Sin, line 17). _til_ is probably the longer form of _ti_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 16).

22. _nim-me azag dimmer mutin An-na-ge ì mu-un-na-ab-e-e_ The lofty one, the shining one, the wine-god of Anu, to whom they speak!

_nim-me azag_ (line 19).

_dimmer mutin An-na-ge_ (line 13).

_ì mu-un-na-ab-e-e_ (line 19).

23. _nim-me ki šes ma-ra an-pad-de a-na-ám mu-un-ma-al_ The lofty one of earth, the brother of the land, to whom they speak! What doth his hand effect!

_nim-me ki_ (line 20).

_šes_ (line 1).

_ma-ra_ (Hymn to Sin, line 16).

_an-pad-de_ (line 20).

_a-na-ám_ (line 14).

_mu-un-ma-al_: _mu-un_ (Hymn to Sin, line 17). _ma-al_ is the verb (Hymn to Bêl, line 11).

Reverse

24. _è kaš-a-ka è gurun-na-ka dumu mulu azag zu-ge sigišše sag tuk-a-na_ In the house of wine, in the house of fruit, the son, the shining one of wisdom, who has a great sacrifice!

_è kaš-a-ka è gurun-na-nka dumu mulu azag zu-ge_ (line 21).

_sigišše_ (line 18).

_sag_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 5).

_tuk-a-na_: _tuk_ equals _išû_, “have” (Br. 11237). _a_, vowel of prolongation (Hymn to Bêl, line 9). _na_, suffix of the third person (Hymn to Bêl, line 1).

25. _ur-sag ^giš ku-a sag-mal-mal-ge_ The hero of great weapons!

_ur_ equals _amêlu_, “man” (Br. 11256).

_sag_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 5). _ur-sag_ means “head-man”, and is also equal to _ḳarradu_, “mighty one”.

_^giš ku-a_: _^giš_ equals _i⋅u_, “wood”, and is a determinative before names of things made of wood. _ku_ equals _bêlu_, “weapon”, perhaps sacrificial implements. _a_, vowel of prolongation.

_sag-mal-mal-ge_: _sag_ (just explained). _mal-mal_: PISANNU is dialectic for either MA.AL or IḲU and as a suffix makes an adjective of a noun (see Hymn to Bêl, lines 1 and 18). _ge_ (see Hymn to Adad, line 4).

26. _dimmer mutin An-na-ge ú-sun-na sag-mal-mal-ge_ The wine god of Anu, the great plant-germinator!

_dimmer mutin An-na-ge_ (line 13).

_ú-sun-na_ (line 6).

_sag mal-mal-ge_ (line 25).

27. _ú-sun gurun-gurun ú-sun gurun-gurun šes-mu ú-sun gurun-gurun_ The germinator of many fruits, the germinator of many fruits, my brother, the germinator of many fruits!

_ú-sun_ (line 6).

_gurun-gurun_, plural form of _gurun_ (line 21).

_šes-mu_: _šes_ (line 1). _mu_ (Hymn to Adad, line 16).

28. _ú-sun a-ra-li ú-sun gurun-gurun šes-mu ú-šun gurun-gurun_ The germinator of the lower world, the germinator of many fruits, my brother, the germinator of many fruits!

_ú-sun_ (line 6).

_a-ra-li_ has passed over into Assyrian as _arallû_, “lower world”. _a-ra-li_ is phonetic. There is a sign, URUGAL, translated by _arallû_. URUGAL consists of the “enclosure” sign containing the sign GAL and means “great house”. _è-kur-be_ is also translated by _arallû_ and is equal to _bît mûti_, “house of the dead” (Br. 6259); more literally the meaning is “house of the land of the dead”.

_ú-sun gurun-gurun šes-mu_ (line 27).

29. _in-nu gíš ^giš gu-ga-ge tàl-ta-al-ta-al mu-ib-rá-rá_ The vegetable germinator(?), the only plant begetter, who goeth forth!

_in-nu_ might equal _tibnu_, “straw”, “vegetation” (Br. 4231). Perhaps it would be better to take _in-nu_ as a verb meaning “he is the one who”, _in_ being a verbal prefix and _nu_ the verbal stem in the sense of _zikaru_ (Br. 1964), as in _nu-banda_ (MSL. 264).

_gíš_: UŠ with the value _gíš_ equals _riḥû_, “beget” (Br. 5042).

_^giš gu-ga-ge_: _^giš_ (see line 25). _gu_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 20). _ga_ answers as a vowel of prolongation. _ge_ (Hymn to Adad, line 4).

_tàl-ta-al-ta-al_: _tàl_ is the value of ÁŠ required by the phonetic gloss _ta-al-ta-al_.

_mu-ib-rá-rá_: _mu_ (see Hymn to Bêl, line 18). _ib_ is a modal verbal infix (MSL. p. XXIV). _rá_ is a value of DU (see Hymn to Adad, line 21, _gin_).

30. _dumu zi-ga-na ga-ni šà-zi-zi mu-ib-rá_ The son of life, his fulness in the midst of life goeth forth.

_dumu_ (Hymn to Sin, line 5).

_zi-ga-na_: _zi_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 23). _ga_ serves for vowel prolongation. _na_ is postpositional.

_ga-ni_: _ga_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 12). _ni_ may be taken as the possessive suffix of the third person.

_šà-zi-zi_: _šà_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 22). _zi_ (just explained).

_mu-ib-rá_ (see line 29).

31. _eš diš êr-lim-ma ^dimmer Dumu-zi-da-kam_ Thirty lines. Hymn to Tammuz.

_eš_: GÊŠPÛ with the value _eš_ means “thirty”. _diš_ is frequently a determinative before proper names, but here seems to mean “line”.

_êr lim-ma_ (see Hymn to Bêl, colophon).

_^dimmer Dumu-zi-da-kam_: _^dimmer Dumu-zi_ (line 3). _da_ (Hymn to Bêl, line 4). _kam_ (Hymn to Sin, line 27).

Glossary

A Page _aba_ 66 _abba_ 65 _abgin_ 77 _abdamên_ 35 _abrù_ 76 _azaggi_ 53 _akad_ 37 _akazušù_ 62 _akala_ 73 _ama_ 29 _amânkiga_ 60 _ana_ 77 _ana-ám_ 76 _anzakku_ 58 _Annaka_ 74 _anpadde_ 78 _anšàgga_ 48 _arali_ 79 _Ašsuḥud_ 46 _àba_ 73 _àma_ 62 _àme_ 34 _â_ 26 _âzu_ 47

I _i_ 51 _ibmalla_ 60 _ide_ 28 _izba_ 41 _im_ 42 _iminnabimeš_ 64 _imdasiggi_ 62 _immîndul_ 62 _imsi_ 53 _ir_ 33 _ì_ 65 _ìd_ 53

E _e_ 51 _ebi_ 54 _elum_ 37 _en_ 38 _enab_ 40 _Enzu_ 55 _Enlillá_ 46 _erimna_ 29 _erita_ 69 _éš_ 48 _ègalani_ 73 _Ènernugal_ 45 _èta_ 69 _ê-ani_ 69 _êgâ_ 48 _êrra_ 72

U _u_ 38 _udda_ 61 _Udkibnunnage_ 53 _ukugalla_ 61 _ummešilálá_ 64 _ummešisisi_ 64 _Unugka_ 75 _ursag_ 79 _uršazu_ 62 _úsunnage_ 74 _ùme-ám_ 68 _ùmu-egul_ 68 _ùmu-ese_ 68 _ùmúne_ 26 _ùnêla_ 30 _û_ 64 _ûgalla_ 61 _ûdêš_ 51 _ûsuddu_ 52

B _ba-ediḥuláḥe_ 63 _Babbarêta_ 35 _Babbaršušù_ 35 _bagantallá_ 65 _banîbag_ 41 _banda_ 69 _baraka_ 75 _barru-a_ 61 _bartabba_ 60 _bašînag_ 68 _bišaggazune_ 49 _bur_ 68

G _ga_ 33 _gaba_ 29 _galgale_ 67 _gannu_ 31 _garrani_ 69 _gašân_ 36 _gigga_ 28 _ginnaginna_ 66 _giš_ 79 _gíg_ 67 _gín_ 41 _gíš_ 80 _gešni_ 68 _gugage_ 80 _gurunnaka_ 78 _gúrra_ 39 _gù_ 31

D _da_ 40 _damalra_ 32 _damâlla_ 33 _dizuka_ 65 _dimmer_ 26 _dimmerrine_ 38 _dugdugga_ 68 _Dumuzi_ 73 _dú_ 32 _dù_ 34

Z _za_ 62 _za-egin_ 67 _zada_ 37 _zal_ 32 _zibbarage_ 75 _zigazuni_ 47 _zigi-en_ 66 _zidazu_ 68 _zuge_ 78

Ḥ _ḥa-e_ 39 _ḥadê-a_ 58 _ḥamunîbnene_ 39 _ḥarra_ 69 _ḥàrḥara_ 65 _ḥu-e_ 39 _ḥulmal_ 76 _ḥùlla_ 50

Ṭ _ṭumu_ 46 _ṭúra_ 39

K _ka_ 41 _kalamma_ 61 _kašaka_ 78 _kašrabi_ 76 _kâškasage_ 75 _kibala_ 67 _kika_ 75 _ku-a_ 79 _kurkurra_ 27

L _laḥna_ 32 _láḥe-a_ 54 _lid_ 49 _limma_ 42 _lugalra_ 51 _luḥ_ 66

M _ma_ 30 _maḥ_ 54 _manîbsi_ 40 _mara_ 50 _mámên_ 38 _màgur_ 44 _màdim_ 48 _me-a_ 41 _melamzu_ 38 _Merri_ 64 _mu-ibrárá_ 80 _mu-egin_ 40 _mu-edamal_ 37 _mu-ešînmaš_ 50 _mubi_ 42 _muduru_ 51 _muzu_ 58 _muḥba_ 68 _muḥzušù_ 67 _muḥnašù_ 68 _mulu_ 64 _munîbnene_ 39 _muradûd_ 66 _mutin_ 76 _mûdna_ 32 _Mûllilli_ 40 _Mûllilra_ 47 _mûnê_ 51 _mûnba-e-e_ 78 _mûndânaka_ 63 _mûnmâl_ 78 _mûnnâbe-e_ 77 _mûnsimal_ 76 _mûnsugamu_ 74 _mûnrùrùrù_ 61 _mûnšubbi_ 77 _mûntilli_ 78

N _nanam_ 72 _Nanâra_ 77 _ná_ 67 _nà-a_ 31 _nâmga_ 41 _nâmzuka_ 24 _nâni_ 34 _ni_ 77 _nimgir_ 66 _nimme_ 77 _ninzu_ 37 _Ninlil_ 62 _nišia_ 42 _nì_ 37 _nìkige_ 59 _nìtena_ 25 _nîngú_ 50 _nînru_ 52 _nene_ 78 _nesig_ 31 _nêla_ 41 _nu_ 54 _Nudimmude_ 52 _nunuzám_ 33 _nûmti_ 36

S _sagezi_ 40 _sagmalmalge_ 79 _sagmâl_ 32 _salduggazune_ 50 _salzi_ 50 _siba_ 28 _siba-e_ 40 _sigišše_ 79 _síggazune_ 47 _silimmâni_ 33 _su_ 68 _sug_ 54 _sušišù_ 66

P _padazune_ 48 PAḤÂDU 77

Ḳ _ḳarra_ 31

R _rù_ 66 _rùti-azu_ 49

Š _šá_ 37 _šàzizi_ 80 _šàmu_ 76 _šànì_ 39 _Šisunukima_ 45 _Šiskima_ 54 _še_ 38 _šesmu_ 79 _šêrmal_ 25 _šêrmâllazune_ 47 _šú_ 41 _šú-ummeti_ 67 _šúba_ 77 _šúgil_ 42 _šúza_ 52

T _tàltaltal_ 80 _tišù_ 41 _te_ 75 _tega_ 66 _tuggim_ 62 _tukana_ 79 _turture_ 67 _turturzu_ 68 _tušena_ 72

Footnotes

[1]_^dingir En-lil lugal kur-kur-ra En-šag-kuš-an-na en Ki-en-gi nig_(NI)_-ga Kîš-^ki ḥul-šag a-mu-na-šub_ (OBI. Nos. 90 and 92).

[2]_^dingir Nin-gir-su gud ^dingir En-lil-lá-ra Uru-ka-gi-na lugal Šir-la-pur-^ki-ge è-ni mu-na-ru_ (Clercq II, Pl. viii, Col. I).

[3]_E-an-na-tum pa-te-si Šir-la-^ki-pur-ge mu-pad-da ^dingir En-lil-ge_ (Galet A, Col. I. See Déc. XLIII).

[4]_En-teme-na dumu En-an-na-tum_ (Lines 3 and 10. See Déc. XLVII).

[5]_^dingir En-lil lugal kur-kur-ra ab-ba dingir-dingir-ru-ne-ge_ (Cone of Entemena, Col. I, 1-3. See Déc. XLVII).

[6]_En-teme-na pa-te-si Šir-la-pur-^ki pa sum-ma ^dingir En-lil-lá_ (Cone of Entemena, Col. V, 19-23. See Déc. XLVII).

[7]_Me-silim lugal Kîš-^ki-ge_ (Cone of Entemena, Col. I, 8-9. See Déc. XLVII).

[8]_ka ^dingir En-lil-lá-ta sa-u-gal ne-u má_(SAR)_-dul-tak-bi edin-na ki-ba ni-uš-uš_ (Cone of Entemena, Col. I, 28-31. See RAAO. Vol. IV, Plate II).

[9]_^dingir En-lil lugal kur-kur-ra Lugal-zag-gi-si lugal Unug-^ki-ga nam-lugal kalam-ma e-na-sum-ma-a_ (OBI. No. 87, Col. I, 1-4 and 39-41).

[10]_^dingir Babbar lugal zal sig-ga-ka_ (see Déc. XXXVIII, Fragment D¹, middle of the Fragment).

[11](56b) XVIII _amat ga-ga-ri_ (57) _ú-šap-pi-il-ma te-me-en-na Na-ràm-^ilu Sin_(EŠ) _mâr Šar-ukin_ (58) _šá_ III M II C _šânâte ma-na-ma šarru a-lik maḥ-ri-ia la i-mu-ru_ (59) _^ilu Šamaš belu rabu-ú È-bar-ra_ (60) _ú-kal-lim-an-ni ia-a-ši_ (V R. 64, Col. II).

[12]_^dingir En-lil-li En-li-^ki-ta En-te-me-na-ra mu-na-šub_ (OBI. No. 116).

[13]_En-lil-^ki nu-du È-kur-ra nu-dim Unug-^ki nu-du È-an-na nu-dim zu-ab nu-du Nun-^ki nu-dim_ (CT. XIII, Tablet 82-5-22, 1048. Plate 35, lines 6, 7 and 8).

[14]_^ilu Šar-ga-ni-šar-âli mâr Itti-^ilu Bêl da-num šâr A-ga-de-^ki bân È-kur bît Bêl in Nippur-^ki_ (OBI. No. 2).

[15]_^ilu Naràm-^ilu Sin bâni bît ^ilu Bêl_ (OBI. 4).

[16]_^ilu Bêl_ (EN.LIL) _be-el šá-me-e ù ir-⋅i-tim šá-i-im ši-ma-at mâtim_ (KALAM) (Col. I, 3-7. See CḤ. Plate I).

[17]_^ilu Bêl_ (EN.LIL) _a-bu ilâni ^ilu Bêl_ (EN) _mâtâte_ (KUR.KUR) (I R. 9, Col. I, 3-4).

[18](21b) _a-na šarru-ut_ (22) _mât ^ilu Bêli_ (EN.LIL) _rabi-eš tu-kin-na-šú_ (I R. 9, Col. I).

[19](15) _kur-gal ^dingir En-lil-lá im-ḥar-sag gû-bi an da-ab-di-a zu-ab azag-ga-bi_ (16) _suḥ-bi uš-uš-e apin-apin-e_ (19) _kur-kur-ra ama ban-da ba-da nà-a-dim_ (21) _si še-ir-zi si ^dingir Babbar mul-mul-la-dim_ (23) _mul an-na dil-bad-du i-si-iš lal-a-dim_ (K. 4898. IV R. 27, No. 2).

[20]_be-el mâtâte_ (KUR.KUR) _šumi_(MU)_-šu it-ta-bi a-bi ^ilu Bêl_ (EN.LIL) (K. 8522. Rev. 13. CT. XIII. Plate 27).

[21](17) ... _gi-ši-ma gi-dir i-de-na-a nam-mi-ni-in-kešda ^ilu Marduk a-ma-am ina pa-an me-e ir-ku-us_ (18) _saḥar-ra ni-mù-a ki a-dag nam-mi-in-dub e-pi-ri ib-ni-ma it-ti a-mi iš-pu-uk_ (20) _nam-lù-gišgal-lu ba-ru a-me-lu-ti ib-ta-ni_ (22) _bir-anšu nig-zi-gal edin-na ba-ru bu-ul ⋅êri ši-kin na-piš-ti ina ⋅i-e-ri ib-ta-ni_ (23) _ìd Idigna ìd Puranunu me-dim ki gar-ra-dim Diglat ù Puratta ib-ni-ma ina aš-ri iš-ku-un_ (24) _mu-ne-ne-a nam-duga mi-ni-in-sá-a šum-ši-na ṭa-biš im-bi_ (Tablet 82-5-22, 1048. CT. XIII. Plate 36).

[22](47) _^dimmer Mu-ul-lil-lá-ra id-kal_ (48) _su-zi me-lam gur-ru ud al-tar_ (49) _im-ḥuš ri-a-bi_ (52) _u ^dimmer_ DUN.PA.UD.DU.A_-ra id-kal_ (53) _nam-tar gu-la im-ḥuš ri-a-bi_ (56) _mu-lu lìl a-a damal muḥ-na id-kal_ (58) _sa-šú-uš-gal ki bal-a šu-šu_ (60) _u ur-sag gal-e id-kal_ (61) _è gi gur-ru mulu êrìm-ma šu-šu_ (62) _azag gašan En-lil-ki-a-ra id-kal_ (63) _am ši ka-nag-gà maš-su ki-in-gi-ra_ (K. 4980. IV R. 27, No. 4).

[23](Col. XLI, 99) _a-mâ_(PI)_-tu-ú-a na-aš-ga_ (Col. XLII, 18) _šum-ma a-mè_(PI)_-lum_ (19) _a-mâ_(PI)_-ti-ia_ (22) _la i-gul--ma_ (53) _^ilu Bêl_ (EN.LIL) _be-lum_ (54) _mu-ši-im ši-ma-tim_ (55) _šá ki-bè_(NE)_-zu_ (56) _la ut-ta-ka-ru_ (57) _mu-šar-bu-ù_ (58) _šar-ru-ti-ia_ (62) _i-na šú-ub-ti-šú_ (63) _li-šá-ab-bi-ḥa-aš-šum_ (Col. XLIII, 41) _^ilu Sin_ (EN.ZU) _be-el šá-me-e_ (42) _ilum_(AN) _ba-ni-i_ (43) _šá še-ri-zu_ (44) _i-na ili_(NI.NI) _šú-pa-a-al_ (45) _agâm kussâm šá šar-ru-tim_ (46) _li-te-ir-šú_ (CḤ. Plates LXXVI, LXXVII and LXXIX).

[24](Col. XLII, 18a) _šum-ma a-mè_(PI)_-lum_ (19) _a-mâ_(PI)_-ti-ia_ (22) _la i-gul-ma_ (Col. XLIII, 64) _^ilu Adad be-el ḥêgallim_ (65) _gu-gal šá-me-e_ (66) _ù ir-⋅i-tim_ (67) _ri-zu-ú-a_ (68) _zu-ni i-na šá-me-e_ (69) _mi-lam_ (70) _i-na na-aḳ-bi-im_ (71) _li-te-ir-šú_ (72) _ma-zu_ (73) _i-na ḥu-šá-aḥ-ḥi-im_ (74) _ù bu-bu-tim_ (75) _li-ḥal-li-iḳ_ (76) _e-li ali-šú_ (77) _iz-zi-iš_ (78) _li-is-si-ma_ (79) _ma-zu a-na til a-bu-bi-im_ (80) _li-te-ir_ (CḤ. Plates LXXVI, LXXIX and LXXX).

[25](Col. VII, 75b) _libnâti al-bi-in_ (76) _ḳaḳ-ḳar-su ú-mi-si_ (77) _dan-na-su ak-šud uš-še-e-šú_ (78) _i-na eli ki-⋅ir šadi-i dan-ni ad-di_ (79) _aš-ra šá-a-tu a-na si-ḥir-ti-šú_ (80) _i-na libnâti ki-ma ka-nu-ni aš-pu-uk_ (81) _L ti-ip-ki a-na šú-pa-li_ (82) _ú-ṭi-bi i-na muḥ-ḥi-šú_ (83) _uš-še bît ^ilu A-nim ù ^ilu Ramman_ (84) _šá bu-u-li ad-di_ (85) _iš-tu uš-še-šú a-di taḥ-lu-bi-šú_ (86) _e-bu-uš eli maḥ-ri-e ut-tir_ (87) II _si-ḳur-ra-te rabu-te_ (88) _šá a-na si-mat ilu-ti-šú-nu rabi-te_ (89) _šú-lu-ka lu-ú ab-ni-ma_ (I R. 15).

[26](Col. VIII, 23) _^ilu A-nim ù ^ilu Rammânu (24) ki-niš li-siḥ-ru-ni-ma (25) ni-iš ḳa-ti-ia li-ra-mu (26) te-me-iḳ iḳ-ri-be-ia liš-me-ú (27) zu-ú-ni da-aḥ-du-te šá-na-at (28) nu-uḥ-še ù bar-ri-e a-na pali-ia (29) liš-ru-ku_ (I R. 16).

[27](Col. I, 45) _^ilu Rammânu zunni-šu ú-maš-ši-ra ^ilu È-a û-paṭ-ṭi-ra naḳbu-šu (46) ḥanšu ana ammatu še-am iš-ḳu ina abšeni-šu (47) e-ri-ik šú-bul-tu parab ana ammatu (48a) išir eburu (50) šú-um-mu-ḥa in-bu_ (V R. 1).

[28](38b) _^ilu Rammânu i-na ri-ḥi-i⋅ (39) li-mu-ti li-ir-ḥi-su a-bu-bu (40) šaru limnu sa-aḥ-ma-aš-tu te-šú-ú (41) a-šam-šú-tu su-un-ḳu bu-bu-tu (42) a-ru-ur-tu ḥu-šá-ḥu i-na mâti-šú lu ka-ia-an mâti-šu a-bu-bi-iš lu-uš-ba-i (43) a-na tili u kar-mi lu-ti-ir ^ilu Rammânu i-na be-ri-šú li-mu-ti mâti-šu li-ib-ri_ (IV R. 39, Rev.).

[29](9b) _an mu-un-da-ùr-ùr_ (10) _be-lum ina a-ga-gi-šu ša-mu-ú i-ta-na-ar-ra-ru-šú_ (11) _^dimmer Mer šur-ra-na ki ši-in-ga-bul-bul_ (12) _^ilu Rammânu ina e-zi-zi-šu ir-⋅i-tum i-na-as-su_ (13) _ḥar-sag gal-gal-e šà-ka-a ba-an-na-ḳu-eš_ (14) _ša-du-ú ra-bu-tu su-uḥ-ḥu-pu-šu_ (15) _ib-ba-bi-ta šur-ra-bi-ta_ (16) _a-na a-ga-gi-šu a-na e-zi-zi-šu_ (17) (?)_-ge-bi-ta ḥar-du-bi-ta_ (18) _a-na šá-gi-mi-šu a-na ra-mi-mi-šu_ (19) _dim-me-ir an-na-ge an-na ba-an-dul-du-ne_ (20) _ilâni ša ša-me-e a-na šam-e i-te-lu-u_ (21) _dim-me-ir ki-ge ki-a ba-an-búl-ne-eš_ (22) _ilâni ša ir-⋅i-tim a-na ir-⋅i-tim i-te-ir-bu_ (23) _^dimmer Babbar an úr-ra ba-da-šu-šu-ru_ (24) _ina i-šid šame-e i-te-ru-ub_ (25) _^dimmer Siš-^ki an pa-šù ba-da-kabar_ (26) _ina e-lat šame-e ir-ta-bi_ (IV R. 28, 2).

[30](46) _a-na ^ilu Dumu-zi ḥa-mi-ri ⋅u-_[_uḥ-_]_ri-ti-ki_ (47) _šat-ta a-na šat-ti bi-tak-ka-a tal-ti-miš-šu_ (BN. Tafel VI).

[31](23) _il-lak i-lak ana i-rat ir-⋅i-tim_ (25) _uš-ta-bar-ri ^ilu Šamaš ir-ta-bi-šu ana ir-⋅i-tim mi-tu-ti_ (27) _ni-iz-za-tu ma-li i-na û-um im-ḳu-tu-ma ina i-dir-tim_ (IV R. 30, 2).

[32](49) _tam-ḥa-⋅i-šú-ma kap-pa-šú tal-te-bir_ (50) _iz-za-az ina ḳi-ša-tim i-šis-si_ _kap-pi_ (BN. Tafel VI).

[33](51) _ta-ra-mi-ma nêšu ga-mi-ir e-mu-ki_ (52) 7 _u_ 7 _tu-uḥ-tar-ri-iš-šu šú-ut-ta-a-ti_ (BN. Tafel VI).

[34](47) _a-na ^ilu Dumu-zi ḥa-mir ⋅i-iḥ-ru-ti-ša_ (48) _mê il-lu-ti ra-am-me-ik šamnu ṭâbu_ (from Ištar’s Descent into Hades. K. 162. Reverse. CT. XV, Plate 47. Also IV R. 31).

[35](55) _a-ḥi e-du la ta-ḥab-bil-an-ni_ (from Ištar’s Descent into Hades. K. 162. Reverse. CT. XV, Plate 47. Also IV R. 31).

[36](56) _ina û-me ^ilu Dumu-zi el-la-an-ni malil ^abnu uḳni ^abnu sâmti it-ti-šu el-la-an-ni_ (57) _it-ti-šu el-la-an-ni ^amelu_ ÊR (A.ŠI) _^pl. u ^zinništu_ ÊR (A.ŠI) _^pl._ A.ŠI (58) _mituti li-lu-nim-ma ḳuṭ-ri-in li-i⋅-⋅i-nu_ (from Ištar’s Descent into Hades. K. 162. Reverse. CT. XV, Plate 47. Also IV R. 31).

[37](2) _a-na ša-me-e i-na e-li-šú a-na ba-ab ^ilu A-ni i-na ṭe-ḥe-šú_ (3) _i-na ba-a-bu ^ilu A-ni ^ilu Dumu-zi ^ilu Giš-zi-da iz-za-az-zu_ (from the Legend of Adapa and the South Wind. TEA. Vol. III, 240. Rev.).

Transcriber’s Notes

--This eBook was prepared from a facsimile of the edition published by the AM PRESS, INC., New York, 1966.

--A few typographical errors or inconsistent spellings were corrected.

--An original cover image was produced, for unrestricted distribution with this Distributed-Proofreaders eBook.

--In the text version only, delimited italicized text within _underscores_.

--In the text version only, determinatives (words printed in superscript) are preceded by a caret (^) character.

End of Project Gutenberg's Sumerian Hymns, by Frederick Augustus Vanderburgh