Etana OB I-II

Morgan tablet col. i

1       The great Anunna, who determine destiny,

2       sat pondering about its (the destiny’s) decision concerning the land.

3       The creators of the (world’s) boundaries, who set fast the ordinance,

4       the Igigu gods, exalted for the people,

5       ordained a feast for the people.

6       They had not instituted a king among the teeming people,

7       here had been bound neither turban nor tiara,

8       The scepter had not yet been set with lapis.

9       Not yet had the daises been built completely,

10     the seven gates were still barred against the mighty.

11     Scepter, turban, tiara and shepherd's crook

12     were placed before Anum in the heavens.

13     No common counsel existed for its (the land’s) people.

14     Kingship(?) descended from the heavens.

15     [...] Ištar(?) sought a king(?).

Morgan tablet col. ii

(fragmentary)

Susa tablet obv.

1'       “May the path be lost to him, may he not find the way,

2'       may the mountains deny his entrance,

3'       may the errant weapon make straight for him.”

4'       They mutually swore (this) oath.

5'       Together they were pregnant, together they gave birth,

6'       in the shade of the poplar did the serpent give birth,

7'       while the eagle gave birth above him.

8'       The serpent would hunt down a wild bull (or) ram,

9'       (and) the eagle would eat, his young would eat.

10'     The serpent would hunt down a panther, a cheetah,

11'     (and) the eagle would eat, his young would eat.                    

12'     After his young had grown up [and flourished?],

13'     wings ... [...].

14'     But the eagle [plotted wickedness] in his heart:

15'     “My young”, he said, “... [...]

16'     have gone out to seek [...],”

17'     to seek the/a plant [...].

18'     However, I myself would eat the serpent’s young,

19'     I will climb up and [in heaven ...].

20'     I will sit [...]

21'     Who ... [...]”

22'     A fledgling [...]

23'     To the e[agle, his father ...]

24'     “Don’t e[at, my father, ...]

Susa tablet rev.

1'       [The ser]pent’s you[ng ...].

2'       At night [...]

3'       the serpent approached [...].

4'       The meat o[f ...].

5'       The serpent cast (it) down before [...].

6'       He looked but there was nothing [...].

7'       With his claw on the ground [...]

8'       ... the heavens [...].

9'       [The serpent] we[pt... ] ...,

10'     [before Šamaš] his te[ars] flew down:

11'     “I trusted you, o hero Šamaš!

12'     I presented myself to the eagle:

13'     I was worried and respected the oath sworn by you,

14'     I harbored no wickedness for my friend.

15'     But he, his nest is sound, (though) mine is scattered.

16'     The serpent’s nest has turned to wailing.

17'     His fledglings are healthy, while my young are no more.

18'     He descended and ate my brood.

19'     You, Šamaš, well know that he has acted wickedly.

20'     Your net is the wi[de] meadow,

21'     your snare is the di[stant heaven].

22'     From your net may the eagle not escape,

23'     who has committed wickedness [and a]trocity,

24'     harboring wickedness for his friend.”

Morgan tablet col. v

1'–3' (fragmentary)        

4'       The serpent [opened his mou]th [and spoke to the eagle:]

5'       “What! Were I to set [you fr]ee [...],

6'       your punishment [...].”

7'       He spread(?) [...].

8'       He plucked him, [cast him down ...].

9'       Where ... [...]

10'     To rend the ea[gle] asunder(?) [...].

11'     He sunk low ... [...].

12'     Daily [...]:

13'     “O Šamaš, gra[sp] my hand! [...]

14'     Let me, the eagle, live [...].”

15'     Šamaš op[ened] his mouth [and spoke:]

16'     “Wickedness against m[e ...],

17'     an atrocity of the gods [...].”

Morgan tablet col. vi

1'       He grasped his [ha]nd for seven mo[nths? ...].    

2'       In the eighth month he let him pass from his pit.

3'       As the eagle took food like a ravenous lion,

4'       he gained strength.

5'       The eagle opened his mouth and spoke to Etana:

6'       “My friend! Let us become friends, you and I,

7'       say what you want from me and I’ll give it to you.”

8'       Etana opened his mouth and spoke to the eagle:

9'       “My sight is shadow, open up what is hidden from me!”