1. Theogony of Dunnu, a.k.a. Harab Myth
harab = plough
Dating from at least early 2nd millennium BC
Implication of activities of female figures?

2. Motive for marriage of Plough and Earth
Importance of burial rites
Move from murder to imprisonment (p. 280):
hint at eventual conclusion?
Intergenerational tensions?
Implications for modern readers

3. Erra and Ishum, a.k.a. Poem/Epic of Erra
Dating to 9th or 8th century BC
Focus on sufferings of Babylonia
at time
Prophecy (pp ):
Nabonassar (r )
Merodach-baladan II
(r )

4. 36 known copies of work in Assyria and
Babylonia
Frequently appears on amulets

5. Erra and Ishum: Summary
Erra and Ishum (a.k.a. Hendursanga, fire god
and herald of Erra)
Erra considers going to war but prefers to
stay in bed with Mami. Roused from bed
by Sebitti, who urge him to action. Ishum
is concerned but unable to dissuade master
Erra persuades Marduk to vacate throne and
leave him in charge

6. Erra and Ishum: Summary
Erra describes plans to devastate world despite
objections of Ishum and other gods
Erra wreaks havoc in cities of Babylonia,
causing social upheaval and killing both
just and unjust. Marduk is grieved while
some other gods take part in violence
Ishum placates master, destroys enemies of
Babylonia at Erra’s command

7. Erra and Ishum: Summary
Erra defends actions in gods’ assembly. Ishum
soothes master, who returns to Emeslam
in Kutha
Ishum decrees restoration of fortunes of the
people
Conclusion: Erra commands praise. Also get
details of authorship and transmission as
well as of protective function of tablet

8. Structure: mainly speeches
Questions of ascribing speeches
Dramatic function?
Insight into Erra’s mind and how to
manipulate it?