Two versions: From Tell el-Amarna, mid-2nd millennium BC From Sultantepe and Uruk, 7th c. BC Nergal and Ereshkigal

Amarna Version Ereshkigal is unable to leave Underworld (p. 178, recall p. 156). Sends Namtar to pick up her share of divine banquet Nergal (a.k.a. Erra, god of war, plague, forest fires) treats Namtar with disrespect. Ereshkigal resolves to kill him, but he evades capture Nergal seizes Underworld, accepts Ereshkigal’s offer of marriage and mastery (p. 180)

Sultantepe/Uruk Version Ereshkigal is unable to leave Underworld (p. 178, recall p. 156). Sends Namtar to pick up her share of divine banquet Nergal (a.k.a. Erra, god of war, plague, forest fires) treats Namtar with disrespect, despite Ea’s hints (p. 167)… Nergal going to Underworld. Ea’s instructions.

Sultantepe/Uruk Version Nergal arrives at Underworld, identified by Namtar (p. 169). What happens next? Nergal admitted, says sent by Anu to judge dead (p. 170); hint at future, though avoids ties to Underworld… Until unable to resist Ereshkigal. After 6 nights together, flees on 7th day, tricking Namtar and being welcomed by gods as “son of Ishtar”

Sultantepe/Uruk Version Ereshkigal’s grief (p. 172) Collapse, tears, calls to lover Predicament worse than before (p. 173): Loneliness, abandonment, spiritually impure Ereshkigal’s threat Effect of repetition

“I shall raise up the dead and they will eat the living. “I shall make the dead outnumber the living!” Recall Ishtar on pp. 80 and 155

Sultantepe/Uruk Version Namtar fails to arrest Nergal twice… Namtar(!) advises Nergal on how to force entry into Underworld Nergal seizes Underworld, goes to bed with Ereshkigal for 6 days (p. 176) On 7th day Anu declares Nergal will remain in Underworld, thus becoming lord thereof

The Lovers… Poignancy of setting Contrast to Ishtar’s love affairs - maternal Ereshkigal (recall p. 156) Power of feminine sexuality - Nergal’s reaction Nergal’s laugh - siahu (“to laugh,” but with conceptual link to lovemaking, p. 176)

The Lovers… Loss on both sides? Ereshkigal’s character

Literary techniques: Contradictions “Plagiarism”

Earliest evidence for Etana story, BC

Etana: Summary Gods build a city (Kish) for humans but need a king for it. Ishtar chooses Etana, who builds temple to Adad Serpent and eagle take residence at poplar tree growing in temple, take oath of friendship Eagle devours serpent’s young. Serpent appeals to…

Etana: Summary …Shamash, god of sun, omens, extispicy and justice. He arranges trap for eagle, enabling serpent to hide in body of ox and catch eagle when it feeds Serpent cuts eagle’s wings, plucks it and leaves it to die in pit

Etana: Summary Eagle pleads for mercy. Eventually Shamash promises to send man to save it Etana is unable to produce heir and appeals to Shamash. He tells Etana to save eagle in return for help finding plant of life. Etana nurses eagle back to health, but eagle is unable to find plant on mountain. Suggests a trip to see Ishtar in heaven

Etana: Summary Etana and eagle fly up, but Etana is too scared to go high enough, so return to earth Etana has dreams. Eagle suggests another attempt at trip. They reach heaven and enter… According to Sumerian King List, Etana was succeeded by son Balih