Artifact overview
N 2986 is an artifact (Clay Tablet) related to the mythological story named 'Inanna's Descent to the Netherworld.' The artifact's condition is Poor and it is currently located at University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Philadelphia, United States of America, catalogued as record number N 2986. The language of the text contained is Sumerian (Sumero-Akkadian Cuneiform writing system). Its estimated date is 1900—1600 BCE, which is a range based on available data and scholarship. The mythology associated with this artifact includes the Sumerian belief system and related deities: Inanna.
About this artifact
Basic details
| Type | Tablet Clay material |
| Condition | Poor |
| Date created | 1900—1600 BCE |
| Language | Sumerian |
| Writing system | Sumero-Akkadian Cuneiform (script) |
| Location | Penn Museum University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology · Philadelphia, United States of America |
| Digital access | CDLI No. P275004 Fully digitized |
Provenience
| Discovery | Nippur, Sumer Present-day Al-Qādisiyyah, Iraq |
Museum record data
Penn Museum
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology · Philadelphia, United States of America
Item specifications
| Museum No. | N 2986 |
Mythological contents
Sumerian Religion
The contents of this artifact may depict or reference the following myths and deities associated with this belief system.
Associated myths and deities
| Myths | Inanna's Descent to the Netherworld |
| Deities | Inanna |
Cuneiform Digitial Library Initiative data help_outline
Core CDLI data
| CDLI record No. | P275004 |
| Composite No. | Q000343 |
| Period | Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC) |
| Provenience (origin) | Nippur, Iraq |
| Primary publication | CDLI Literary 000343, ex. 016 & 000736, ex. 059 |
| Author/date | CDLI/2014ff. |
N 2986 is a clay tablet that contains lines 375-380 (reverse side) of "Inanna's Descent to the Netherworld," a Sumerian afterlife myth in cuneiform script. The obverse side of the tablet contains another myth (composition) according to the scholar who initially published the artifact. The artifact was first published by William R. Sladek as part of his 1974 PhD dissertation at Johns Hopkins University as Figure IX. Åke Sjöberg later republished the other side of the artifact in 1977.
The small artifact is in poor condition and only provides a few lines towards the entire myth.
N 2986 was discovered during excavations in Iraq during the 20th century CE. William Sladek was the first scholar to publish the artifact in 1974 and provided sketches, a translation, transliteration, and commentary.[1] In 1977, Åke Sjöberg published a brief article in the Journal of Cuneiform Studies whereby released refined sketches of N 2986 (reverse side as well).[2] It's also worthy to note that Sjöberg mentored Sladek while he was writing his PhD dissertation.
Notes
1.
🡩Sladek, William R. "Inanna's Descent to the Netherworld." Ann Arbor: University Microfilms, 1974. [Page 289, Figure IX]
2.
🡩Sjöberg, Åke. “Miscellaneous Sumerian Texts, II.” Journal of Cuneiform Studies 29, no. 1 (Jan., 1977): 3-45. [See page 33]
Extended artifact data for N 2986
See detailed information about this artifact from the entity that has access to it.
Location description
- Penn Museum Philadelphia, United States of America
Full address: Penn Museum, 3260 South St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States of America
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Record numbers
| No. | Unknown |
| Digitized record | CDLI No. P275004 |
| Artifact access | By request |
Full artifact data
| Museum No. | N 2986 |
| Period | Old Babylonian (ca. 1900-1600 BC) |
| Material | Clay |
| Genre | Literary |
| Usable Lines | ca. 5 |
| Language | Sumerian Cuneiform |
| Provenience (Origin) | Nippur, Iraq |
Record notes
About these data
| Retrieval date | Aug. 11, 2022 |
| Copyright | Penn Museum |
Render
See a rendering of the artifact in images, text, and other form factors. Where available, a translation is included.
Digital scan
OMNIKA Reader
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Full Translation, Collation (full)
Sumerian ⟶ English a
| Line | Transliteration | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| [1] | 1an-gal-ta ki-gal-šè1 geštú-ga-ni na-an-gu[b] | From the "great heaven" she has set her mind on the "great below" |
| [2] | dingir an-gal-ta ki-gal-šè geštú-ga-ni na-an-[gub] | From the "great heaven" the goddess has ([set] Her mind on the "great below" |
| [3] | dinanna an-gal-[ta ki-gal-šè] geštú-ga-ni na-an-[gub] | [From] the "great heaven" Inanna has [set] her mind [on the "great below"] |
| [4] | nin-mu an mu-un-šub ki mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-é-a-e11 | My mistress has abandoned heaven, abandoned earth, and is descending to the netherworld |
| [5] | dinanna an mu-un-šub ki mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-é-a-e11 | Inanna has abandoned heaven, abandoned earth, and is descending to the netherworld |
| [6] | nam-en mu-un-šub nam-lagar mu-un-šub kur-ra ba1-é-a-e11 | She abandoned en-ship, abandoned lagar-ship, and is descending to the netherworld |
| [7] | unuki -ga é-an-na mu-un-šub kur-ra ba2-é-a-e11 | She abandoned (her temple) in Uruk, the Eanna, and is descending to the netherworld |
| ||
| [8] | bad-tib[ira]ki-a é-mus-kalam-ma mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-[e-a]-e11 | She abandoned (her temple) in Bad-Tib[ira], the EmuS'kalamma, and is des[cend]ing to the netherworld. |
| [9] | zabalamki-a2 3gi-gu15ki-na3 mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-é-a4-e11 | She abandoned (her temple) in Zabalam, the Giguna, and is descending to the netherworld |
| [10] | adabki-a é-sar-ra mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-é-a-e11 | She abandoned (her temple) in Adab, the E^arra, and is descending to the net/herworld |
| [11] | nibruki-a bara-dur-gar-ra mu-un-šub [kur-ra ba-é-a-e11] | She abandoned (her temple) in Nippur, the Baradurgarra, and is [^descending to the netherworld] « |
| [12] | kiski-a hur-sag-kalam-ma mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-é-[a-e11] | She abandoned (her temple) in Akkad, the Eulma^, and is descending to the netherworld Ua-lSg.1 |
| [13] | a-ga-deki-a2 é-ul-maski3 mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-é-a-e11 | She abandoned (her temple) in KiS, the Hursagkalamma and is des[cending] to the netherworld |
| [13a-13g1] | ||
| [14] | me-imin-bi za mu-ni-in-kesda | She took the "seven” me's |
| ||
| [15] | me mu-un-ur4-ur4 1 su-ni-šè 2mu-un-la2 | She collected the me's .and grasped them in her hand |
| [16] | me-sar1 giri-gub-ba 2i-im-gen2 | With all (her) me's in (her) possession, she went (on her way) |
| [17] | tugsu-gúr-ra men-denx-na sag-ga-na mu-un-gal | She put a turban, the pure headdress, on her head |
| [18] | hi-li sag-ki-na su ba-ni1-in-ti | She took a wig for her forehead |
| [19] | 2na4za-gin-di4-di4-la2gu-na ba-an-la | She hung small lapis lazuli beads from her neck |
| [20] | na4nunuz-tab-ba gaba2-na 3ba-ni-in-si3 | She placed twin egg-shaped beads on her breast |
| [21] | 2tugpala túg-nam-nin-a2 bar-3ra-na3 4ba-an-dul4 | She covered her body with a nala dress, the garment of ladyship adds the following temples: the Ibgal in Umma; the Edilraunna in Ur; the AMAS.E.KU in Kisiga; the E-e£dam in Girsu; the E.SIG^.ME.KU.DUy in Isin; the Artzakar in Aksak; the NIGIN.NI.kti in uruppak; the Eahulla in Kazallu. |
| ||
| [22] | simbi(SIMxSIG7) 2luhe-em-du he-em-du igi-na3 4ba-ni-in-gar4 | She placed mascara (which is called) "Let a man come, let him come" on her eyes |
| [23] | tu-di-da2 lu ga-nu ga-nu 3gaba-na3 ba-an-gid | She pulled the pectoral (which is called) "Come man, come" over her breast |
| [24] | har-guskin su-na 2ba-an-du82 | She placed a golden ring on her hand |
| [25] | gi-dis-ninda es-gana-za-gin su2 3ba-ni-in-du83 | She held the lapis lazuli measuring rod and measuring line in her hand |
| [26] | dinanna kur-šè i-im-gen | Inanna travelled towards the netherworld |
| [27] | sukkal-a-ni dga-sa-an-subur-ra eger-a-na i-im-gen | Her major-domo, NinSubur, travelled behind her |
| [28] | 1ku-dinanna-ke41 2 3dnin-subur-ra eger-a-na i-im-gen | Inanna the pure said to Nin ubur |
| [29] | 1ga-nu sukkal-zi-é-an-na-mu1 | "Come my faithful major-domo of (my temple) Eanna |
| ||
| [30] | sukkal-é-ne-em-sa6-sa6-ga-mu | My major-domo (who speaks) consoling words |
| [31] | ra-gaba-é-ne-em-ge-en-ge-2-na-mu | My knight (who speaks) trustworthy words |
| [31a-31b] | ||
| [32] | u4-da kur-šè1 2e11-dé-en2 | When I have descended to the netherworld |
| [33] | u4-da 1kur-šè1 2gen-na-mu-de2 | And when I have arrived in the netherworld I am going to give you [instructions]t my instructions must be [followed] I am going to say [something] to you [it must be] observed |
| [34] | ir du6-du6-dam 1mar-mar-ma-ni-ib1 | Make a lament "for me In my ruined (temples) |
| [35] | sem gu-en-na 1tuk-tuk-a-ma-ni-ib1 | Beat the drum for me in the sanctuary |
| [36] | [e]-dingir-re-é-ne 1nigin-na-ma-ni-ib | Make the rounds of the [temples] of the gods for me |
| ||
| [37] | [i-bi-zu] hur-ma-ab kiri4-zu hur-ma-ab | Scratch at [your eyes]j scratch at your nose |
| [37a1] | ||
| [38] | ki mu-lu-da nu-di has4-gal-zu hur-ma-ab | Scratch at your buttocks, the private place |
| [39] | mu-lu-nu-tuk-ginx túg-dili-a mu4-ma-ab | Like a pauper, clothe yourself in a single garment |
| [40] | e-kur-re é-dmu-ul-lil-la'-Se me-ri-zu dili 1[gub-mu-un]1 | And all alone [set] your foot in the Ekur, the temple of Enlil |
| [41] | [e]-kur-re é-dmu-ul-lil-la-šè ku4-ku4-da-zu-de | When you have entered the [E]kur, the temple of Enlil |
| [42] | 1i-bi1-dmu-ul-lil-la-šè ir se8-a2 | Lament before Enlils |
| [43] | [a-a]-dmu-ul-lil du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gurum-e | '[Father] Enlil, don’t let anyone subjugate your daughter in the netherworld |
| [44] | ku-sa6-ga-zu sahar-kur-ra-ka nam-ba-da-ab-sar-re | Don't let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the netherworld |
| ||
| [45] | za-gin-sa6-ga-zu za-zadim-ma1-ka nam-ba-da-2an-si-il-si-il2 | Don't let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason's stone |
| [46] | gistaskarin-zu gis-1-nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-an2 -dar-dar-e | Don't let-your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter's lumber |
| [47] | ki-sikil-dga-[sa]-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gurum!-e | Don't let young lady Inanna be subjugated in the netherworld' |
| [48] | u4-da dmu-ul-lil é-ne-em-ba 1nu-re-gub1 uriki-šè gen-na | When Enlil does not help you in this matter, go to Ur |
| [49] | uriki é-mud-1kur-ra-ka1 | In Ur, when you have entered the 'House of the well being of the land' |
| [50] | [e]-kis-[nux]-gal-dnanna-šè ku4-ku4-da-[zu]-de | The Ekinugal, the temple of Nanna, 1 |
| [51] | [i]-bi-dnanna-šè ir se8-a | Lament before Nannai |
| [52] | [a]-a-dnanna du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra [nam-ba-da]-an-gurum-e | Father Nanna, don't let anyone subjugate your daughter in the netherworld |
| ||
| [53] | [ku-sa6-ga]-zu sahar kur-ra-ka nam-ba-an-da-[sar]-re | Don't let your [precious metal]] be alloyed there with the dirt of the netherworld |
| [54] | [za-gin]-sa6-ga-zu za-zadim-ma-ka nam-ba-da-an- 1si-il-si-il1 | Don't let your precious [lapis lazuli] be split there with the mason's stone |
| [55] | [gistaskarin-zu] gis-nam-nagar-[ra-ka] nam-ba-da-an-dar-dar-[re] | Don't let [your boxwood] be chopped up there with the carpenter's lumber |
| [56] | ki-si[kil-d]ga-[sa-an-na kur-ra nam-ba]-da-an-gurum-e | [Don't] let young lady [inanna] be subjugated [in the netherworld]' |
| [57] | u4-d[a d]nanna é-ne-em-[ba nu-re-gub] uru-ze-ebki-šè gen-na | And if Nanna does not [help you in this] matter, go to Eridu |
| [58] | uru!-ze-ebki é-dam-[an-ki-ga-šè ku4-ku4-da-zu]-de | In firidu, when you [have entered] the temple of [Enki] I*- |
| [59] | 1[i-bi]1-dam-an-ki-ga-šè ir se8-am | Lament [before] Enki: |
| [60] | 2a-a2-dam-an-ki du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gurum-e | 'Father Enki, don't let anyone subjugate your daughter in the netherworld |
| [61] | ku-sa6-ga-zu sahar-kur-ra-ka nam-ba-an-da[sar-re] | Don't let your precious metal be [alloyed] there with the dirt of the netherworld |
| ||
| [62] | 1za-gin-sa6-ga-zu za-zadim-ma-ka nam-ba-an-da- [si-il-si]-il | Don't let your precious lapis lazuli be [split] there with the mason's stone |
| [63] | gistaskarin-zu gis-1-nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-da-an-dar-[dar-re] | Don't let your boxwood be chop[ped up] there with the carpenter's lumber |
| [64] | ki1-sikil-d2 ga-sa-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gurum-e | Don't let young lady Inanna be subjugated in the netherworld' |
| [65] | a-a-dam-am-an-ki-u-mu-un-mu-us-tug!-da!-ma-al-la-ke4 | Father Enki, the lord of great wisdom |
| [66] | u-nam-ti-la 1mu-un-zu1 a-nam-ti-la mu-un-zu | Knows about the life-giving plant and the lifegiving water |
| [67] | e-ne ma-1-ra hu2-mu-un-ti-le-en | He is the one who will restore me to life" |
| [68] | dinanna kur-šè 1gen-n[a-ni-ta]1 | [When] Inanna travelled on towards the netherworld |
| [69] | 2sukkal-a-ni2 dnin-subur-ra-ke4 eger-a-ni i-[im-gen] | Her major-domo, NinSubur, travelled on behind her |
| ||
| [70] | 2sukkal-a-ni2-dnin-subur-ra gu mu-na-[de-e] | So she sa[id] to her major-domo, NiriSubur |
| [71] | 1gen-na dga-sa-an-subur-mu sa-[kesda he-ak]1 | "Go now, my Ninubur, and [obey] orders |
| [72] | 2e-en- -a-ra-du11-ga-mu2 gu-zu la-ba-si-sub | Don't neglect the orders that I gave you" |
| [73] | dinanna1e-gal-ganzir1-šè um-ma-te | When Inanna arrived at the palace Ganzir |
| [74] | gisig-kur-ra-ka2 su3-hul ba-an-us | She pushed aggressively, on the door of the netherworld |
| [75] | ka2-gal3-kur-ra-ka4 gu-hul ba-an-de | She shouted aggressively at the gate of the netherworld |
| [76] | e gal-u1ni-du8 e gal-u2 | "Open up, doorman, open up |
| ||
| [77] | e gal-u2 dne-ti 3e gal-u3 dili-mu-šè ga-ku4 | Open up, Netti open up; I am all alone and I want to come in" |
| [78] | dne-ti ni-du8-gal-kur-ra-ke4 | Neti, the chief doorman of the netherworld |
| [79] | ku-dinanna-ra1 inim2 mu-3-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4 | Answered Inanna the puret |
| [80] | 1a-ba-me-en za-e1 | "Who are you?" |
| [81] | me-e 1dga-sa-na-na1 ki-dutu-é-a-as2 | "I am Inanna, and (I am going) to the east" |
| [82] | tukum-bi za-e 1dinanna1 ki-dutu-é-a-as | "If you are Inanna, and (you are going) to the east |
| [83] | a-na-am1 ba-du-un kur-nu-gi4-šè | Why have you travelled to the Land of No Return? |
| [84] | 1-har-ra-an1 lu-2du-be2 3 nu-gi4-gi4-de sa-zu a-ginx tum-mu-un | What inclination has led you to take the road from which no traveller returns?" |
| ||
| [85] | ku-dinanna-ke4 mu-na-ni-ib2-gi4-gi4 | Inanna the pure answered him: |
| [86] | nin9-gal1-mu ku2-d3ga-sa-an-ki-gal-la-ke44 | "Gugalanna, the husband of my elder sister |
| [87] | mu1 dam-a-ni u-mu-un-gu4-gal-an-na ba-an-ug5-ga | EreSkigal the pure, has died-- |
| [88] | 1ki-si-ga-na1 i-bi du8-u-de | to see his funeral rites |
| [89] | 1kas-ki-si-ga-na gu-ul ba-ni-in-de ur5 he-na-nam-ma1 | and to take partin his lavish wake--that is why (I. have come)" |
| [90] | dne-ti ni-du8-gal-kur-ra-ke4 | Netti, the chief doorman of the netherworld |
| [91] | ku-dinanna-ra1 mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4 | Answered Inanna the pure |
| ||
| [92] | 1gub-ba-a1 dinanna nin-ga2 ga-an3-na-ab-du11 | "Stay here Inanna; I will speak to my mistress |
| [93] | nin-mu1-deres-ki-gal-la-ra2 ga-an-na-du11 [inim-zu] ga-an-na-ab-du11 | I will speak to my mistress EreS’kigal and I will tell her what you said" |
| [94] | dne-ti ni-du8-gal-kur-ra-ke4 | Neti, the chief doorman of the netherworld |
| [95] | nin-a-ni-deres-ki-gal-la-ra | Entered the house of his mistress EreSkigal and |
| [96] | e-[a-ni-šè ba]-si-in-ku4 gu mu-na-de | said to. her; |
| [97] | nin-mu ki-sikil-dis-am | "My lady, there,is a lone girl (outside) |
| [98] | din[anna nin9-zu é-gal-ganzir-šè um-ma-te | It is In[anna, your sister, and she has arrived at the palace Ganzir] |
| [99] | gisig-kur-ra-ka su-hul ba-an-us] | [She pushed aggressively on] the door [of the netherworld] |
| [100] | [ká-gal-kur-ra-ka gu-hul ba-an-de] | [She shouted aggressively at the gate of the netherworld] |
| ||
| [101] | e-an-na [mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-é-a-e11] | [She has abandoned (her temple)] Eanna [and has descended to the netherworld. |
| [102] | me-imin-bi za [mu-ni-in-kesda] | [She has taken] the "seven" me's |
| [103] | me mu-[un-ur4-ur4 su-ni-šè mu-un-la] | [She has collected] the me's [and grasped them in her hand] |
| [104] | me- sar 1 giri-gub-ba-i-im-gen] | [She has come with all] (her) me's [in (her) possession] |
| [105] | tugsu-gúr-ra [men-denx-na sag-ga-na mu-un-gal] | [She has put] a ttirban, [the pure headdress, on her head] |
| [106] | hi-li sag-ki-na [su ba-si-in-ti] | [She has taken] a wig for her forehead |
| [107] | [na4za]-gin-d[i4-di4-la gu-na i-im-la] | [She has hung small lapis] lazuli [beads from her neck] |
| [108] | na4nunuz-tab-ba [gaba-na i-im-si] | [She has placed] twin egg-shaped beads [on her breast] |
| [109] | tug-pala-nam-nin-a [bar-ra-na i-im-dul] | [She has covered her body] with a pala dress, the garment of ladyship |
| ||
| [110] | simbi(SIMxSIG7) lu-he-em-du igi-ni [i-im-gar] | [She has placed] mascara (which is called) 'Let a man come* on her eyes |
| [111] | tu-di-da lu ga-nu ga-nu gaba 2-[na i-im-gid] | [She has pulled] the pectoral (which is called) 'Come man, come' over her breast |
| [112] | har-guskin su-na i-i[m-la] | [She has placed] a golden ring on her hand |
| [113] | gi-dis-ninda es-gana-za-gin su-na i-i[m-du8] | [She is holding] the lapis lazuli measuring rod and measuring line in her hand" |
| [114] | u4-ba deres-ki-gal-la-ke4 has-bar-bi 1bi-in1-ra | When (she heard this), Ereskigal slapped the side of her thigh |
| [115] | nundum zu bi-in-gub ka sa-šè ba-ti | She bit her lip, she . . . |
| [116] | 1dne-ti1 ni-du8-gal-ni-ir gu mu-na-2de-e2 | She said to Neti, her chief doorman* |
| [117] | ga-nu dne-ti ni-du8-gal-1kur-ra1-mu | "Come Neti, my chief doorman of the netherworld |
| [118] | inim-1a-ra-du11-ga-mu1 gu-zu 2la-ba-an-sub-be-e[n]2 | Don't fail to do what I am going to tell you |
| ||
| [119] | ká-gal-kur-ra imin-bi 1gissi-gar-bi1 he-eb2-us | Let all the seven gates of the netherworld be bolted |
| [120] | e-gal-ganzir1 dili-bi gisig-bi su ha-ba-an-us | Then let each door of the palace Ganzir be opened separately |
| [121] | e-ne ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta1 | And as for her: after she enters |
| [122] | gúr-gurum-ma-ni túg-zil-zil-la-ni-ta! lu! ba!- a[n-túm] | When she has been subjugated and her clothes stripped off, they will be [carried away]" |
| [123] | dne-ti ni-du8-gal-kur-ra-[ke4] | Neti, the chief doorman of the netherworld |
| [124] | inim-nin-a-na-šè sag-kesda ba-si-[in-ak] | [was]] attentive to the instructions of his mistress |
| [125] | ká-gal-kur-ra imin-bi gis-gar-bi [bi-ib-us] | [He bolt]ed the seven gates of the netherworld |
| [126] | 1e-gal-ganzir1 dili-bi [gis-ig-bi su ba-an-us] | And then [he opened each of the doors] of the palace Ganzir separately |
| [127] | ku-dinanna-ra gu mu-na-dé-[e] | He said to Inanna the pure |
| ||
| [128] | ga-nu dinanna ku4-um-[ma-ni] | Come on Inanna, and enter |
| [129] | 1dinanna1 ku4-ku4-da-[ni-ta] | And [when] Inanna entered |
| [130] | tugsu-gúr-ra men-eden-na sag-ga-na lu ba-da-an-2zi-ir2 | The turban, the pure headdress, was removed from her head |
| [131] | 1ta-am-ne-e1 | "What's going on here?" |
| [132] | si-a dinanna me-kur-ra-ke41 su al-du7-du7 | "Be satisfied Inanna! The me's of the netherworld are being fulfilled |
| [133] | dinanna garza-kur-ra-ke4 ka-zu 2na-an-ba-e | Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the sacred customs of the netherworld!" |
| ||
| [134] | ká-gal-min-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-[ni-ta] | [When3 she entered the second gate The small lapis lazuli beads were removed from her neck |
| [135] | na4za-gin-di4-di4 gu-na lu ba-da-an-2zi-ir2 | "What's going on here?" |
| [136] | 1ta-am-ne-e1 | "Be satisfied Inanna! The me's of the netherworld are being fulfilled |
| [137] | si-a dinanna me-kur-ra-ke41 su al-du7-du7 | Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the sacred customs of the netherworld!" |
| [138] | dinanna garza-kur-ra-ke41 ka-zu 2na-an-ba-e2 | When she entered the third gate |
| [139] | ká-gal-es5-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta | The twin egg-shaped beads were removed from her breast |
| [140] | na4nunuz-tab-ba gaba-na lu ba-da-an-2zi-ir2 | "What's going on here?" |
| [141] | 1ta-am-ne-e1 | "Be satisfied Inanna! The me's of the netherworld are being fulfilled |
| [142] | si-a dinanna me-kur-ra-ke41 su al-du7-du7 | |
| [143] | dinanna garza-kur-ra-ke41 ka-zu 2na-an-ba-e2 | Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the sacred customs of the netherworld !" |
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| [144] | ká-gal-limmu-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta | When she entered the fourth gate |
| [145] | tu-di-da2 lu ga-nu ga-nu 3gaba-na3 lu ba-da-an- 4zi-ir4 | The pectoral (which was called) "Come man, Come" was removed from her breast |
| [146] | 1ta-am-ne-e1 | "What's going on here?" |
| [147] | si-a dinanna me-kur-ra-ke41 su al-du7-du7 | He satisfied Inanna' The me's of the netherworld are being fulfilled |
| [148] | dinanna garza-kur-ra-ke41 | Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the sacred customs of the netherworld!" |
| [149] | ká-gal-ia-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta | When she entered the fifth gate |
| [150] | har-guskin su-na lu ba-da-an-2zi-ir2 | The golden ring was removed from her hand |
| [151] | 1ta-am-ne-e1 | "What's going on here?" |
| [152] | si-a dinanna me-kur-ra-ke41 ka-zu 2na-an-ba-e2 | "Be satisfied Inanna! The me's of the netherworld are being fulfilled |
| [153] | dinanna garza-kur-ra-ke41 ka-zu 2na-an-ba-e2 | Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the sacred customs of the netherworld!" |
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| [154] | ká-gal1-as-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta | When she entered the sixth gate |
| [155] | gi-dis-ninda es-gana-za-gin 2su-[na]2 lu ba-da-an-3zi-ir3 | The lapis lazuli measuring rod and measuring line were removed from [[her] hand |
| [156] | 1ta-am-ne-e1 | "What's going on here?" |
| [157] | si-a dinanna me kur-ra-ke41 su al-du7-du7 | "Be satisfied Inanna! The me's of the netherworld are being fulfilled |
| [158] | dinanna me kur-ra-ke42 ka-zu 3na-an-ba-e3 | Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the sacred customs, of the netherworld!" |
| [159] | ká-gal-imin-kam-ma ku4-ku4-da-ni-ta | When she entered the seventh gate |
| [160] | 3[tug-pala]-túg-nam-nin-a3 bar-ra-na lu ba-da-an-4zi-ir4 | [The oala dress], the garment of ladyship, was removed from her body |
| [161] | 2ta-ma-ne-e2 | "What's going on here?" |
| [162] | si-a dinanna me-kur-ra-ke42 su al-du7-du7 | "Be satisfied Inanna! The me's of the netherworld are being fulfilled |
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| [163] | dinanna garza-kur-ra-ke42 ka-zu 3na-an-ba-e3 | Inanna, you must not open your mouth against the sacred customs of the netherworld!" |
| [164] | 1gúr-gúr-gurum-ma-ni túg-zil-zil-la-ni-ta lu ma-an-túm1 | When Inanna had been subjugated, the garments that had been removed were carried away |
| [165] | 1nin9-a-ni gisgu-za-ni-ta im-ma-da-an-zi1 | Then her sister (Ere&kigal) rose from her throne |
| [166] | e-ne gisgu-za-ni-ta2 dur 3im-mi3-in-gar | And she (Inanna) took her seat on her (sister's) throne |
| [167] | da-nun-na di-ku5-imin-bi 1igi-ne-šè1 di 2mu-un-da-ku5-ru-ne2 | The Anunnaki, the seven judges (of the netherworld), rendered their decision against her (Inanna) |
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| [168] | igi mu-si-in-bar igi 2-us-a-kam | They looked at her with the look of death |
| [169] | inim 1i-ne-ne1 2inim-libis-gig-ga-am | They spoke to her with the speech of anger |
| [170] | gu 2i-ne-de2 3gu-nam-tag-tag-ga-am3 | They shouted at her with the shout of guilt |
| [171] | 2munus-tu-ra2 uzu-ni-sig-ga3-šè ba-an-ku4 | The afflicted woman was turned into a corpse |
| [172] | uzu-ni-sig-ga2 giskak-ta 3 lu 4ba-da-an-la4 | And the corpse was hung on a hook |
| [173] | 1[u4-e]s5-gi6-es5-am1 2um-ta2-zal-la-ta | After three [days] and three nights had passed |
| [174] | sukkal-a-ni-dnin-subur-ra-ke4 | Her major-domo, Ninsubur |
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| [175] | inim-2nin-a-na-šè2 geštú ba-si-in-gub | carried out the instructions of her mistress |
| [176] | ir 1du6-du61-dam 2mu-un-na-ga-ga2 | She made a lament for her in (her) ruined (temples) |
| [177] | [se]m gu1-en-na 2mu-un-tuk-a2 | She beat the [drum] for her in the sanctuaries |
| [178] | e-dingir-re-é-ne-ke41 mu-un2-na-nigin | She made the rounds of the temples of the gods for her |
| [179] | igi1-ni2 mu-un-[na]-hur kiri4-ni mu-un-hur | She scratched at her eyes [for her]j she scratched at her nose |
| [180] | ki lu-da nu-u6-di1 has4-gal-a-ni mu-un-na2-hur | She scratched at her buttocks, the private place, for her |
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| [181] | mu-lu-nu-tuk-ginx 1tug-dili-a1 i[m-ma]-an-mu4 | Like a pauper, she clothed herself in a single garment |
| [182] | [e-kur]-é-ed en 1-lil-la-šè giri-ni dili mu-un-gub | And all alone she set her foot in the [Ekur], the temple of Enlil |
| [183] | [e-kur]-é-d en 1-lil-la-šè giri-ni dili mu-un-gub | When she had entered the [Ekur], the temple of Enlil |
| [184] | [igi-den-lil-la]-šè ir im-ma-šè8-šè8 | She lamented [before Enlil]* |
| [185] | [a-a-dmu-ul-lil] du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gurum-e | "[Father Enlil], don't let anyone subjugate your daughter in the netherworld |
| [186] | [ku]-sa6-ga-zu [sahar-kur-r]a-ka nam-ba-da-[an-sar-r]-e1 | Don't let your precious [metal] be alloyed there with the [dirt of the netherworld] |
| [187] | [za-gin]-sa6-ga-zu za-zadim-ka nam-[ba-da-an]-1si-il-si-il1 | Don't let your precious [lapis lazuli] be split there with the mason's stone |
| [188] | [gistaskarin-zu] gis-nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-[dar-da]-r-re1 | Don't let [your boxwood be chopped up] there with the carpenter's lumber |
| [189] | [ki-sikil-d]ga-sa-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-[an]-gurum-e | Don't let [young lady] Inanna be subjugated in the netherworld" |
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| [190] | [a-a-d]en-lil-1libis-bal-a-ni1 dnin-subur-ra-ke4 | In his rage [Father] Enlil answered NinSubur* |
| [191] | [dumu-mu] an-gal al bi-1in-du111 ki-gal2 al bi-in-du11 | "[My daughter] craved the great heaven and she craved the great below as well |
| [192] | [dinanna] an-gal al bi-in-du11 ki-gal1 al bi-in-du11 | [Inanna] craved the great heaven and she craved the great below as well |
| [193] | me-kur-ra me al 1nu-di-da1 sa2 bi-in-du11-[ga-bi-kur-r]e he-eb-us | The me's of the netherworld are me's which are not to be coveted, for whoever gets [them] must remain [in the netherworld] |
| [194] | 2a-ba-am ki-bi sa in-na-an-du11 [e11-de] al mu-ni-ib-du112 | Who, having gotten to that place, could then (realistically) want [to come up again]?" |
| [195] | a-a-den-lil inim-bi nu-mu-na!-gub uriki-[se] ba-gen1 | Thus Father Enlil did not help her in this matter, so she went [to] Ur |
| [196] | uriki [e-mud]-kur-ra-ka | In Ur, when she had [entered the "House of the well being] of the land" |
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| [197] | e-kis-nux-gal [e-dnanna-šè ku4-ku4-da-ni]-ta | The Ekisnugal, [the temple of Nanna] |
| [198] | igi-dnanna1-šè ir [im-ma]-šè8-šè8 | She lamented before Nannas |
| [199] | a-a-dnanna du5-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-[ba]-da-an-gurum-e | "Father Nanna, don't let anyone subjugate your daughter in the netherworld |
| [200] | ku-sa6-ga-zu sahar!-kur!-ra-ka nam-ba-1[an-da]1-sar-re | Don't let your precious metal be alloyed there with the dirt of the netherworld |
| [201] | na4za-gin-sa6-ga-zu 1za-zadim-ma-ka1 nam-ba-[da-an]- si-il-si-il-i | Don't let your precious lapis lazuli be split there with the mason's stone |
| [202] | gistaskarin-zu gis-nagar-ra-ka [nam-ba]-da-[an-dar-dar]-re | Don't let your boxwood be [chopped up there] with the carpenter's lumber |
| [203] | ki-sikil-dga-sa-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da!-[an]-gurum-e | Don't let young lady Inanna be subjugated in the netherworld" |
| [204] | a-a-dnanna-libis-bal-a-ni [dnin-subur-ra-ke4 mu-na-ni]-ib-gi4-gi4 | In his rage Father Nanna answered [Ninsubur]» |
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| [205] | dumu-mu an-gal al! bi-in-du11 [ki-gal] al bi-in-du11 | "My daughter craved the great heaven and she craved [the great below] as well |
| [206] | dinanna an-gal al bi-in-du11 [ki-gal] al [bi]-in-du11 | Inaiina craved the great heaven and she craved [the great below] as well |
| [207] | me-kur-ra me al 1 mu-di-da s[a bi-in-du11-ga-bi kur-r]e he-eb!-us | The me's of the netherworld are me's which are not to be coveted, for [whoever gets them] must remain [in the netherworld] |
| [208] | a-ba!-am ki-bi [sa in-na-an-du11 e11-de al mu-ni-ib-du11] | Who, having gotten to that place, [could then (realistically) want to come up again]?" |
| [209] | a-a-dnanna inim-bi nu-m[u-na-gub uru-ze-ebki-šè b]a-gen | Thus Father Nanna did not [help her] in this matter; so she went [to Eridu] |
| [210] | uru-ze-ebki é-den-ki-ga-šè [ku4-ku4]-da-ni-ta | In Eridu, when she had [entered] the temple of Enki [She la]mented before Enki* |
| [211] | igi-den-ki-ga1-šè [ir im-m]a-šè8-šè8 | "Father Enki, don’t let anyone subjugate your daughter [in the netherworld] |
| [212] | a-a-1dam-an1-ki du5-mu-zu mu-lu [kur-ra nam-ba-d] a-an-gurum-e | Don't let your precious metal be [alloyed there ] with the dirt of the netherworld |
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| [213] | ku-sa6-ga-zu sahar-kur-ra-ka1 nam-[ba-an-da-sar]-re | Don't let your precious lapis lazuli be [split] there with the mason's stone |
| [214] | na41-za-gin-sa6-ga-zu 2za-zadim-ka2 nam-ba-da-an-[si-il-si]-il-i | Don't let your boxwood be chopped up there with the carpenter's lumber |
| [216] | ki-sikil-d1ga-sa-2-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gurum-e | Don't let young lady Inanna be subjugated in the netherworld" |
| [217] | a-a-den-ki dnin-subur-ra-ke4 mu-un-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4 | Father Enki answered N insuburi |
| [218] | dumu-mu a-na bi-in-ak ga-e mu-un-kus-u | "My daughter.' What has she done? I am tired (of this) |
| [219] | dinanna [a-na] bi-in-ak ga-e mu-un-kus-u | Inanna! [What] has she done? I am tired (of this) |
| [220] | nin-kur-kur-r[a-ke4] a-na bi-in-ak ga-e mu-un-kus-u | The queen of all the lands! What has she done? I am tired (of this) |
| [221] | nu-u8-gi[g-a]n-na-ke4 a-na bi-in-ak ga-e mu-un-kus-u | The heirodule of An! What has she done? I am tired (of this)" |
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| [222] | umbin-si-ni mu-sir ba-ra-an-túm kur-gar-ra-as1 ba-an-dim | He removed some dirt from the tip of his fingernail and created the kur-aar-ra |
| [223] | umbin-si1-mina2-kam-ma3 mu-sir ba-ra-an-túm gala-tur-ra-as4 ba-an-dim | He removed some dirt from the tip of his other fingernail and created the aala-tur-ra |
| [224] | kur-gar-ra u-nam-ti-la ba-an-sum | To the kur-aar-ra he gave the life-giving plant |
| [225] | gala-tur-ra a-nam-ti-la ba-an-sum | To the aala-tur-ra he gave the life-giving water |
| [226] | 2[a-a]2-den-ki3 gala-tur-ra4 kur-gar-ra gu mu-5-na-[de-e] | Then [Father] Enki spoke [out] to the gala-tur-ra and the kur-aar-rat |
| [227] | gen-na-an-ze-en 1 giri kur-šè na-ba-an-ze-en | "Go and direct your course to the netherworld! |
| [228] | gisig1 nim-ginx dal-dal-é-dé-en-ze-en | Flit about the door like flies! |
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| [229] | za-ra lil1-ginx 2gúr-gúr-re-dé-en-ze-en2 | Slip in through the (cracks by the) door pivots like spirits! |
| [230] | ama-gan-e nam-dumu-ne-ne-šè | |
| [231] | deres-ki-gal-la-ke4 i-na-na-ra-am | A pregnant woman, EreSkigal by name, is lying there in labor (?) |
| [232] | ur5-ku-ga-na1 gada nu-un-bur | Her.pure body is not covered by any cloth |
| [233] | gaba-ni bur-sagan-ginx1 2nu-un-gid2 | Her breasts are not full and developed like a Sagan vessel |
| [234] | X X-ni SID.LUL.BI-ginx an1-da-gal | Hor • # • is • • • like a • • • |
| [235] | sig-ni ga-rasar-ginx sag-ga-na mu-un-ur4-ur4 | She is plucking out the hair of her head like leeks |
| [236] | 1u-u81-a sa-mu 2du11-ga-ni2 | And when she says 'Oh! My belly!' |
| [237] | kus-u-me-en nin-me a-sa-zu 1[du11-ga-na-ab-ze-en]1 | [You say to her]t 'Lady of ours, you are tired! Woe is your belly!' |
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| [238] | 1[u-u8]1-a bar-mu 2du11-ga-ni | And when she says '[p]h! my back!' |
| [239] | kus-u-me-en nin-me a-bar-zu 1du11-ga-na-ab-ze-en1 | You say to her: 'Lady of ours, you are tired! Woe is your back!' |
| [240] | a-ba-am1 za-é-me-en-ze-en | (She will then say to you) 'Who are you? |
| [241] | sa-mu-[ta]1 sa-zu2-šè bar-mu-ta3 bar- zu 4-šè 5ba-é-dé-en-ze-en 5 | (Who) is echoing my cry of pain? |
| [242] | dingir he-me-en-ze-en inim ga-mu-ra-an-du11 | Should you be divine, I will promise you something |
| [243] | lu-ulu he-me-en-ze-en nam-zu-ne he-eb-tar-re | Should you be mortal, I will decree a (good) fate for you' |
| [244] | zi-an-na zo-k[i-a] pa-dé-ne-ze-na-am | Make her swear this by heaven and by earth |
| [245] | e11??-[ X X X X ]-ab-ze-en | • • • |
| [246] | a i7-bi 1[mu-un]-na-ba-é-ne1 su 2nam-[ba]-gid-i-en-ze-en2 | Should they offer you a whole river as a drink, don't accept it |
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| [247] | a-sa se-ba 1mu-un-na-ba-é-ne1 su 2nam-ba-gid-i-en-ze-en2 | Should they offer you a whole field of grain as a meal, don't accept it |
| [248] | uzu-ni-sig-ga1 giskak-ta-la 2sum-me-ab2 3du11-ga-na-ab-ze-en3 | But say to heri 'Give'us that corpse that is hanging on that hook' |
| [249] | uzu-ni-sig-ga ga-sa-an- zu -ne-ne | (She will answer) 'That's the corpse of your mistress!' |
| [250] | ni-lugal-me en he-a ni-nin!-bi he-a sum-ma-ze-en du11-ga-ma-ab-men-ze-en | You say to heri 'Whether it is that of our king or that of our mistress, give it to us anyway |
| [251] | uzu-ni-sig-ga giskak-ta-la-a im-ma-da-ab-sum-mu-ze-en | Then they will give you that corpse that was hanging on the hook |
| [252] | dis-am u-nam-ti-la dis-am a-nam-ti-la ugu-na sub-bu-dé-en-ze-en | Thereupon, one of you sprinkle it with the lifegiving plant, and the other with the life-giving water |
| [253] | dinanna ha-ba-gub | And thus let Inanna arise" |
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| [254] | gala-tur-kur-gar-ra inim-den-ki-ga!-šè! sag-kesda ba-[si-in]-ak-es | The gala-tur-ra and the kur-gar-ra were attentive to the instructions of Enki |
| [255] | gisig nim-ginx 1mu-un-dal-dal- es1 | They flitted about the door like flies |
| [256] | za-ra lil-ginx 1mu-un-gúr-gúr- es1 | They then slipped through the (cracks by the) door pivots like spirits |
| [257] | [ama-gan-e] nam-dumu-ne-ne-šè | |
| [258] | [deres-ki-gal-la-ke4 i-na-na-ra-am | [The pregnant woman, Ere£ki}gal by name, was lying there in labor (?) |
| [259] | [ur5]-ku-[ga]-na gada nu-un-bur | Her pure [body} was not covered by any cloth |
| [260] | [gaba-ni] bur-sagan-na nu-un-gid | Her breasts were not full and developed like a Sagan vessel |
| [261] | [X X]-ni SID.LUL.BI-ginx a[n-da-gal] | Her . . • was . . . like a . . . |
| [262] | [sig]-ni ga-rassar-ginx sag-[ga-na mu-un-ur4-ur4] | [She was plucking out the hair of her} head like leeks |
| [263] | [u-u8-a s]a-mu1 du11-ga-ni | When she said "[Oh!} My belly.”' |
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| [264] | [kus-u-me]-en nin-me a-sa-zu in-na-[ne]-es | They [said} to her* "Lady of ours, you [are tired!] - Woe is your belly!" |
| [265] | [u-u8-a] bar-mu du11-ga-ni | When she said M[0h!] My back!" |
| [266] | [kus-u-me]-en nin-me a-bar-zu 1in-na-ne-es1 | They said to her: "Lady of ours, you [are tired!] Woe is your back!" |
| [267] | [a-ba-am] za-é-me-en-ze-en | (She said to them) "[Who} are You? |
| [268] | [sa-mu-ta] sa-zu-šè bar-mu-ta bar-1zu-šè1 2ba-é-dé-en-ze-en2 | (Who) is echoing my cry of pain? |
| [269] | [dingir he-me-en]-ze-en inim 1ga-mu-ra-an-du111 | [Should you be divine,] I will promise you something |
| [270] | [lu-ulu he-me-e]n-ze-en nam 1ga-mu-ri-ib-tar1 | [Should you be mortal,] I will decree a (good) fate for you" |
| [271] | [zi-an-na zi-ki-a] 1mu-ni-in-pa-dé-es1 | They made her swear this [by heaven and by earth] |
| [272] | 1[. . .DU6 .]DU-dé-de-es1 | They . « . . |
| [273] | i7 a-ba 1mu-ne-ba-e1 su 2nu-um-ma-gid-de | She offered them a whole river as a drink, but they didn't accept it |
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| [274] | a-sa se-ba 1mu-ne-ba-e1 su 2nu-um-ma-gid-de2 | She offered them a whole field of grain as a meal, but they didn't accept it |
| [275] | uzu-ni-1sig-ga1 2giskak-ta-la2 sum-me-eb in-na-an3 -ne-es | They said to her "Give us that corpse that is hanging on that hook" |
| [276] | 2ku-deres-ki-gal-la-ke42 3ga[la-tur-kur-gar-ra]3 | EreSkigal the pure answered the gala-tur-ra and the kur-gar-rai |
| [277] | uzu-ag1-sig-ga2 ag3-ga-sa-an-zu4-ne-ne-kam5 | "That's the corpse of your mistress" |
| [278] | 1[ni-lu]gal-me ni-nin-me he-a sum-me-eb in-na-an-ne-es1 | They said to her "Whether it is [that of our ki]ng or that of our mistress, give it to us anyway" |
| [279] | uzu1-ni-sig-ga2 giskak-ta-la3 4im-me-ne-sum-us4 | So they gave them that corpse that was hanging from the hook |
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| [280] | dis-am1 u-nam-ti-la dis-am2 a-nam-ti-la ugu-na 3bi-in-sub-bu-us3 | Thereupon one of them sprinkled it with the lifegiving plant and the other with the life-giving water |
| [281] | dinann 1ba-gub1 | And thus Inanna arose |
| [282] | deres-ki-gal-la gala- tur -kur-gar-ra [gu mu-na-de]-e | Ereskigal [said] to the gala-tur-ra and the kur-gar-rai |
| [283] | tum-mu-un-ze-en ga-sa-an- zu -ne-[ne X X X X] | "Take your mistress; . . ." |
| [284] | dinanna inim-den-ki-[ga-šè k]ur-ta e11 | Inanna, [because] of the plan of Enki, was rising from the netherworld |
| [285] | dinanna kur-ta 1e11-da-ni1 | However, as she was going up |
| [286] | da-nun-na-ke4-e1-ne ba-ab-2na-za-as2 | The Anunnaki siezed her (saying)i • • -*u |
| [287] | a-ba-am lu kur-ta 1e11-de1 kur-ta2 silim-ma-ni3 4e11-de4 | "Who has ever risen from the Netherworld? Who has ever risen from the netherworld alive? |
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| [288] | u4-da dinanna kur-ta ba1-e11-de | If Inanna wants to rise from the netherworld |
| [289] | sag-dili sag-ga1-na 2ha-ba-ab-sum-mu2 3 | Let her furnish a substitute for herself" |
| [290] | dinanna kur-ta ba-e11-de | So when Inanna left the netherworld |
| [291] | lu igi-na sukkal-nu-me-a gis1gidri2 su3 bi-in-du8 | The one in front of her, though not a major-domo, held a sceptre in his hand |
| [292] | bar-ra-na ra-gaba-nu-1-me-a gistukul ur-ra 2bi-in-la2 | The one behind her, though not a knight, carried a mace on his hips |
| [293] | gal5-la-tur-tur gi-sukur-ginx2 | Small demons like a corral |
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| [294] | gal5-la-gal-gal gi-dub-ba-an2-na-ginx3 za-ga-na 4ba-an-dab5-be-es4 | Big demons like guardhouses, clung to her side |
| [295] | 2lu é-ne-ra2 3in-si-re7-es-am3 | Those who accompanied her |
| [296] | lu dinanna-ra2 3in-si-re7-es-am3 | Those who accompanied Inanna |
| [297] | u nu-zu-me-es a nu-zu-me-es | Know no food; know no drink |
| [298] | zi-dub-dub-ba nu-ku-1-me-es | Eat no grain offering |
| [299] | a-bal-bal-a1 nu-na8-na8-me-es | Drink no libation |
| [300] | kadra ni-du10-ge su nu-gid-me-es | Accept no nice gifts |
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| [301] | ur-dam ni-du10-ge-es nu-si-ge-me-es | Never enjoy the pleasure of sexual intercourse |
| [302] | dumu ni-ku7-ku7-da ne nu-su!-ub-ba-me-es | Never have any sweet children to kiss |
| [303] | dam ur-lu-ka ba-ra-an-si-il-si-il-le-es | But tear the wife away from her husband during intercourse |
| [304] | dumu-lu du10-ub-ta ba-ra-an-zi-ge-es | Carry off children from their father’s knees |
| [305] | e-gi4-a é-usbarx(URxX)-ra-ka im-ta-an-é-es-am | And remove the bride from her marriage chamber |
| [306] | dinanna kur-ta e111-da-ni | As Inanna was rising from the netherworld |
| [307] | 1 dnin-subur-ra2-ke4 giri-ni-šè ba-an3-sub | NinSubur threw herself at her feet 9 |
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| [308] | sahar-ra1 ba2-da-an-tus túg-mu-sir-ra ba-an-mu4 | Clothed in rags, she wallowed in the dust |
| [309] | gal5-la-é-ne ku-dinanna-ra1 gu mu-un2-na-dé-e | The demons cried out to Inanna the pure* |
| [310] | dinanna uru-zu-šè gen-ba 1e-ne1 ga2-ba-ab-túm-mu3-dé-en | "Go home to your city Inanna* we will take this one back" |
| [311] | ku1-dinanna-ke4 gal5-la-é-ne 2mu-un-ne-ni-gi4-gi42 | Inanna the pure answered the demons: |
| [312] | sukkal-é-ne-em-sa6-sa6-ga-mu | "This is my major-domo (who speaks) consoling words |
| [313] | ra-gaba-é-ne-em-ge-en-ge-na-mu | My knight (who speaks) trustworthy words |
| [314] | [na]-di5-ga-mu su nu-un-bar-re | She did not forget my instructions |
| [315] | [e-ne]-em-[du11]-ga-mu-us gu-ni [la]-ba-da-[an-si-sub] | She did not [neglect] the orders I gave her |
| [316] | ir du6-du6-dam1 2ma-an-ga-ga2 | She made a lament for me in my ruined (temples) |
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| [317] | sem gu-en-na ma-an1-tuk-am | She beat the drum for me in the sanctuaries |
| [318] | e-dingir-re-é-ne 1ma-an-nigin1 | She made the rounds of the temples of the gods for me |
| [319] | 1[i]-bi1-ni ma-an-hur kiri4-ni ma-an-hur | She scratched at her eyesj she scratched at her nose |
| [320] | ki 1mu-lu1-da nu-di2 has4-gal-a3-ni ma-an-hur | She scratched at her buttocks, the secret place |
| [321] | 1mu-lu1-nu-tuk-2-ginx túg-dili-a3 4im-ma-an-mu44 | Like a pauper, she clothed herself in a single garment |
| [322] | e-kur-re1 é-d2mu-ul2-lil-la-šè | To the Ekur, to the temple of Enlil |
| [323] | uriki-ma é-dnanna1-šè | To Ur, to the temple of Nanna |
| [324] | uru-ze-eb1ki2 é-dam-an3-ki-ga-šè | To Eridu, to the temple of Enki |
| [325] | giri-ni2 dili mu-un3-gub | All alone she set her foot |
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| [326] | e-ne ma-a-ra mu-un-ti-le-en | She is the one who brought roe back to life |
| [327] | 2e-ne2 ta-ginx 3nam-ma-ra-ab-ze-em-e[n-ze-en]3 | How could I turn her over to you? |
| [328] | 2ga-an-si-re7-dé-en2 ummaki-a3 4sig4-kur-sa-ga-šè4 5ga-an-si-re7-dé-en5 | Let's go on* let’s go to Sigkursaga, the temple of Umma" |
| [329] | um[maki-a] sig4-kur-sa-ga-ta | At the Sigkursaga in Umma |
| [330] | dsara uru-ni-a2 giri-ni-šè ba-an-sub | Sara, in his own city, threw himself at her feet |
| [331] | sahar-ra2 ba3-da-an-tus túg-mu-sir-ra ba-an-mu4 | Clothed in rags, he wallowed in the dust |
| [332] | gal5-la-é-ne ku-dinanna-ra2 gu mu-na-dé-e | The demons cried out to Inanna the purei |
| [333] | dinanna uru-zu-šè gen-ba 2e-ne2 ga-ba-ab-túm-mu-de | "Go home to your city Inanna; we will take this one back |
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| [334] | ku-dinanna-ke4 gal5-la-é-ne mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4 | Inannathe pure answered the demons: |
| [335] | 2en-du-d[u!] dsara-mu2 | "Sara is my singer |
| [336] | umbin-ku5-ku5-ra2-mu gu-TAR-la-mu | My manicurist and my hairdresser |
| [337] | en2 ta-ginx nam-ma-ra-ni-ib-ze-em-men | How could I turn him over to you? |
| [338] | ga-é-re7-en2-dé-en bad-tibiraki-a3 é-mus-kalam-ma-šè 4ga-an-si-re7-dé-en4 | Let's go on; let's go to the EmuSkalamma, the temple of Bad-tibira" |
| [339] | bad-tibiraki-a é-mus-kalam-ma-ta1 2 | At the EmuSkalamma in Bad-tibira |
| [340] | dlu-lal-e1 2uru-ni-a2 giri-ni-šè 3ba-an-sub3 | Lulal, in his own city, threw himself at her feet |
| [341] | sahar-a im-da-an-tus túg-mu-sir-ra ba-an-mu4 | Clothed in rags, he wallowed in the dust |
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| [342] | gal5-la-é-ne ku-dinanna-ra1 gu mu-na-dé-e | The demons cried out to Inanna the pure: |
| [343] | dinanna uru-zu-šè gen-ba 1e-ne1 ga-ba-ab-túm-mu-un2-dé-en3 | "Go home to your city Inanna; we will take this one back" |
| [344] | ku-dinanna-ke4 gal5-la-é-ne 1mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi41 | Inanna the pure answered the demonsi |
| [345] | dlu-lal-za-é-a1 a2-zi-da-gub-bu-mu-us-sa3 | "Lulal Is the one who goes before me at ray right and my left |
| [346] | 1e-ne1 ta-ginx 2nam-ma-ra-ab-ze-em-en-ze-en2 | How could I turn him over to you? |
| [347] | 1ga-é-re7-dé-en1 gishashur-gul-la-eden-kul-aba4ki-šè2 | Let’s go on let's go to the great apples tree in the plain of Kulaba" |
| [348] | gishashur-gul-la-eden-kul-aba4ki-šè1 giri-ni-šè ba-é-re7re-es | They followed her to the great apple tree in the plain of Kulaba |
| [349] | ddumu-zi tug!-mah-a i-im-mu4 mah-a dur-a dur im-ma-gar 2 | And there was Dumuzi clothed in a magnificent garment, sitting on a magnificent throne |
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| [350] | gal5-la-é-ne has4-a-na i-im-dab5-be-es | The demons siezed him by the thighs |
| [351] | dugsakir imin-e1 ga mu-un-dé-es-am | The seven of them poured the milk out of his churns |
| [352] | imin-am X-TU-ra-ginx sag mu-un-da-sig-ge-ne | The seven of them shook their heads like . . . |
| [353] | sipa-de gi-gid gi-di-da igi-ni su[nu]-mu-un-tag-ge-de | The shepherd did not play his flute and pipe before her |
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| [354] | igi mu-un-si-in-bar igi-us-a-ka | She looked at him with the look of death |
| [355] | inim i-ne-ne inim-libis-gig-ga | She spoke to him with the speech of anger |
| [356] | gu -ne-de2 gu-nam-tag-tag-ga3 | She shouted at him with the shout of guilt |
| [357] | en-šè1 tum-mu-an-ze-en | (Inanna said) "As for him, take him away" |
| [358] | ku-dinanna-ke4 su8-ba ddumu-zi-da su-ne-ne-a in-na-sum | And thus Inanna the pure gave Dumuzi the shepherd into their hands |
| [359] | lu é-ne lu mu-un-ne-re7-es-am | Those who accompanied him |
| [360] | lu dumu-zi mu-un-si-re7-es-am | Those who accompanied Dumuzi |
| [361] | u nu-zu-me-es a nu-zu-me-es | Know no food; know no drink |
| [362] | zi-dub-dub-ba nu-ku-me-es | Eat no grain offering |
| [363] | a-bal-bal-a nu-na8-na8-me-es | Drink no libation |
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| [364] | ur-dam ni-du10-ge-es nu-si-ge-es | Never enjoy the pleasure of sexual intercourse |
| [365] | dumu ni-ku7-ku7-da ne nu-su-ub-me-es | Never have any sweet children to kiss |
| [366] | dumu-lu du10-ub-ta ba-ra-an-zi-ge-es | But carry off children from their father’s knees |
| [367] | e-gi4-a é-usbar-ra-ka um-ta-an-é-es | And remove the bride from her marriage chamber |
| [368] | ddumu-zi-de ir im-da-pa sig7-sig7 i-ga-ga | As for Dumuzi, he let out a wail and turned very pale |
| [369] | gurus!-e dutu-ra an-šè su-ni ba-an-na-zi | The lad raisedhis hands to heaven and beseeched Utu: |
| [370] | dutu mi-u4-ru6-mu-me-en ga-e mi-us-sa-zu-me-en | "Oh Utu, you and I are brothers-in-law |
| [371] | e-ama-zu-šè i gúr-ru-me-en | I brought butter to your mother’s house |
| [372] | e-dnin-gal-šè ga gúr-ru-me-en | I brought milk to Ningal's house |
| [373] | su-mu su-mus-a u-mu-ni-in-sum | Change my hand into that of a reptile |
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| [374] | giri-mu giri-mus-a u-mu-ni-in-sum | Change my foot into that of a reptile |
| [375] | gal5-la-mu ga-ba-da-kar 1nam-mu-un-ha-ha-ne1 2 | Let me escape those demons of mine; don't let them keep hold of me" |
| [376] | [dutu a-igi-na s]u! ba-an-si-in-ti | [Utu] answered [his prayer] |
| [377] | [su-ni su]-mus-a mu-é-ni-sum | He changed [his hand into the hand] of a reptile |
| [378] | [giri-ni gi]ri-mus-a mu-é-ni-sum | He changed [his foot into the foot] of a reptile |
| [379] | 1[gal5-la]-é-ne ba-ni-kar1 | He escaped those [demons] |
| [380] | 1[ . . . mus]-SAG.KAL-dis-ginx1 | Like a SAG.KAL [reptile he . . . |
| [381] | [. . . ba-ni]-in-dab5-be-es-a | |
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| [382] | [. . .] zal-la-am | |
| [383] | [. . .] NE X GI4 A | |
| [384] | [. . .] X PA | At this point there is a gap of about 14 lines, in which the galla's search for and find Dumuzi hiding in his sister's sheepfold. The text resumes with the reverse of S which contains the last lines of the myth. |
| [385] | ||
| [386] | ||
| [387] | ||
| [388] | ||
| [389] | ||
| [390] | ||
| [391] | ||
| [392] | ||
| [393] | ||
| [394] | ||
| [395] | ||
| [396] | ||
| [397] | ||
| [398] | nitah? [. . .] | |
| [399] | num-e [. . .] | |
| [400] | ki-sikil dinanna-ke4 nu[m? . . .] NI [. . .] | |
| [401] | e-bi X zabar X X-a-ke4 X X X X-ze-[. . .] | |
| [402] | tes nu?-tuk? X X -ke4-ginx nam-[ma]-ab-[. . .] | |
| [403] | NI [X X nam]-tar-ra dinanna-ke4 [X X X] nam [. . .] | |
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| [404] | [dgestin-an-na-ke4] ir im-[ma-šè8-šè8] | |
| [405] | gurus-mu im-ma-gen su-šè mu-da-ab-si-[. . .] | |
| [406] | NI [X X] me-le-é-a nam-[. . .] | |
| [407] | za-e mu-mas-am nin9-zu mu-mas-am | "You (Dumuzi will spend) one half of the year and your sister (will speud) one half of the year (in the netherworld) |
| [408] | [u4 za-e] al-di-di-e u4-bi ib-t[a-e11-de] | [On the day that you] designate, on that day you [will arise] |
| [409] | u4 nin9-zu al-di-di-e u4-bi ib-t[a-e11-de] | On the day that your-sister designates, on that day she [will arise]” |
| [410] | ku-dinanna-ke4 ddumu-zi sag-bi-šè bi-in-sum-mu | And thus Inanna the pure handed over Dumuzi as her substitute |
| [411] | ku-deres-ki-gal-la-ke4 | |
| [412] | za-mi-zu du10-ga-am | Sweet is the praise of Ereskigal the pure |
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a Sladek, "Ch. IX / Inanna's Descent Translation," 153-181. More info launch
All texts
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Mythological contents
This artifact contains mythological contents associated with Sumerian Religion. The main narrative mentioned may be Inanna's Descent to the Netherworld, a Afterlife myth. The deities depicted or mentioned in the artifact may be: Inanna.
Parent belief system
- Sumerian Religion · PolytheisticHeads up. This Religion belongs to the Mesopotamian collection on the basis of shared myths and deities.
Sumerian religion refers to spiritual beliefs practiced from ca. 4500-1900 BCE in Mesopotamia, or modern-day southern Iraq. Many deities were diffused into other Mesopotamian cultures.
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Associated myth
Inanna's Descent to the Netherworld Afterlife mythNuthsell
Inanna descends from the great above to the great below. She abandons several temples and heads for open country. She gives precise instructions to her companion—Ninsubur: Inanna says "if I don't return in three days, go to the temples and plead on my behalf." At the netherworld she enters and goes through seven gates before she is turned into a corpse. Ninsubur follows the instructions and tells Inanna's father Enkil what happened. He helps her by sending two a-sexual creatures to sneak in and bring her back to life. Once Inanna is alive she ascends while being escorted by demons from the netherworld. The demons allow her to trade her husband Dumuzi in her place.
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Deities depicted
Inanna
CDLI data for P275004
The artifact named N 2986 is listed in the CDLI database as record number P275004. It belongs to composite number Q000343 .
About the CDLI
Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative Est. 1998The Cuneiform Digitial Library Initiative (CDLI) is a collaborative project among the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of Oxford, and the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (Berlin, Germany). The project is funded by various universities and donors in the hopes of cataloging, translating, and digitizing artifacts with text in cuneiform script.
Record numbers
Record notes
About these data
| Retrieval date | Aug. 11, 2022 |
| Copyright | CDLI @ UCLA |
Artifact condition
The artifact named 'N 2986' is appraised as being in Poor condition based on how much reliance is placed on other resources to make it complete and readable.
| Condition | Excellent | Just OK | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| Completeness | More than 80% | 50 - 80% | Less than 50% |
| Fragmentation | Minor | Moderate | Significant |
| Damage | Minor | Moderate | Significant |
| Legibility | Highly readable | Somewhat readable | Unintelligible |
What's a 'joined' artifact?
A joined artifact is one that was originally part of the other and was broken or fragmented at some point in time. Joins are common among clay tablets because they may get broken during discovery and transportation. The join is notated with the + sign. For example, if tablets A000 and Z999 are joined, we would express this relationship by grouping them as A000 + Z999 to indicate they are related.
If the fragments are owned, maintained, and cataloged by separate museums then classifying the join relationship is critical for accurate translations.
Cite this page
MLA Modern Language Association (8th ed.)
OMNIKA Foundation Contributors. "N 2986 (Clay Tablet)." OMNIKA – World Mythology Index, OMNIKA Foundation, 03 May. 2019, omnika.org/stable/130. Accessed 11 May. 2024.
APA American Psychological Association (6th ed.)
OMNIKA (2019, May 03). N 2986 (Clay Tablet). Retrieved from https://omnika.org/stable/130
CMS Chicago Manual of Style (16th ed.)
OMNIKA Foundation Contributors. "N 2986 (Clay Tablet)." Las Vegas, NV: OMNIKA Foundation. Created May 03, 2019. Accessed May 11, 2024. https://omnika.org/stable/130.
Bibliography
Anonymous creator, N 2986, c. 1900–1600 BCE. Clay tablet. Nippur 2986. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dedović, Boban. "'Inanna's Descent to the Netherworld': A centennial survey of scholarship, artifacts, and translations." Undergraduate seminar paper. University of Maryland, College Park, 2019.
Sjöberg, Åke W. "Miscellaneous Sumerian Texts, II." Journal of Cuneiform Studies 29, no. 1 (January 1977): 3–45.
Sladek, William R. "Inanna's Descent to the Netherworld: A dissertation submitted to the Johns Hopkins University in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy." PhD diss., Johns Hopkins University, 1974.
