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

2. Motive for marriage of Plough and Earth (p. 279) Importance of burial rites Move from murder to imprisonment (p. 280): hint at eventual conclusion? Intergenerational tensions? Implications for modern readers

3. Dating to 9th or 8th century BC Focus on sufferings of Babylonia at time Prophecy (pp. 308-9): Nabonassar (r. 747-34) Merodach-baladan II (r. 721-10) Erra and Ishum, a.k.a. Poem/Epic of Erra

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?