Ninurta and the Turtle

The myth consists of two tablets. The first tablet is barely legible, but with the help of the second tablet, its content, reproduced below, could be partially reconstructed. The second tablet is well preserved, but its condensed style makes it difficult to understand. The translation below prioritizes readability. A word-for-word translation of the Sumerian original text can be found on the interpretation page.

Please note that no turtle actually appears in this myth. The title of the myth is due to a translation error by the first translator. This is an automatic translation of the German page.

See also

    • Interpretation
    • Dating

Those involved

    • Ninurta
    • Enki
    • Ninhursag

Ninurta and the Turtle

Tablet 1

In that distant time, when the Earth was still young, the city of Eridu was the heart of the Sumerian world. There lay the Abzu, the realm of the god Enki. As god of wisdom, Enki taught humans how to build their civilization. At his side stood his consort, the goddess Ninhursag, who also bore the name Ninmena. Her task was to establish the power of the Tablet of Destinies—that mighty object which could direct the fates of the Igigi gods.

While Ninmena dwelt in the heaven of the gods, Enki remained on Earth. The bird Anzu served them as messenger, carrying messages and objects between the worlds. But one fateful day, as Anzu was transporting the Tablet of Destinies between the worlds, he seized the opportunity and stole it. Ninmena despaired at this loss, and so the brave warrior Ninurta, himself an Igigi, was sent to retrieve the tablet.

A mighty battle erupted between Ninurta and Anzu. With the power of the stolen Tablet of Destinies, Anzu deceived the warrior and turned his own weapon against him. But at this critical moment, Enki intervened: He summoned the south wind, which deflected the deadly weapon from its path. Thus Ninurta was able to finally overpower the Anzu bird and brought both the thief and the precious Tablet of Destinies back to the Abzu.

Tablet 2

Prologue

Enki addressed Ninurta with these words:

“Through Anzu’s words, your own weapon was turned against you. But now the divine power that was torn from me has returned to the Abzu. The sacred object that was stolen from me rests again in its place. The Tablet of Destinies has come home, and I once more watch over the divine power.”

Enki continued:

“The young Anzu bird had deceived you with cunning and guile, and the goddess Ninmena lamented without cease: ‘The divine power has slipped from me—I could not establish its dominion. There is no second divine power like it in the sanctuary of the Abzu.'”

But the words that Father Enki spoke to the south wind in the Abzu found hearing. The hero Ninurta brought the young Anzu bird under his control. Together they returned to Enki’s realm, the Abzu. Thanks to the south wind, the young Anzu bird has returned to the Abzu.

The Praise and Ninurta’s New Task

The lord was filled with joy over the hero. Father Enki rejoiced at Ninurta’s deeds. The creator god proclaims true praise:

“Hero, none of your divine brothers has ever accomplished what you achieved. With your mighty weapon you have subdued the bird. From this day forward until the end of all time, your foot shall rest upon his neck, to protect the divine order.”

Ninurta Receives Free Will

Enki spoke further:

“The great gods shall support you in your heroic destiny and employ their divine powers for you. Your father Enlil shall give validity to your word. But Ninmena shall have no more influence over your sacred service. No other [Igigi] god shall equal you in reverence. When you raise your gaze full of power, none shall be your match. For one month I will work in the temple of the Abzu so that the strength of your house may be newly established. At the border of heaven your name shall shine forth.”

Ninurta’s Despair

Thus it came to pass. But the heart of the hero, whose destiny was being newly decreed, could not rejoice. Within him rose the dark waters of night and lingered. The foundation of his being, which is so important, began to change. His entire personality became strange and unfamiliar to him. The inner voice that had always guided him fell silent, while his mouth spoke on restlessly. The great hero Ninurta lowered his gaze to the ground. No one spoke to him anymore, no one gave guidance to his soul.

Ninurta’s True Personality

At that sacred place where the great lord Enki determined Ninurta’s consciousness, the warrior’s nature is revealed: Just as before in Ninurta’s soul, so too in the sanctuary of the Abzu the murky waters of night began to seethe and foam. Minister Isimud rushed hastily to the temple, but Ninurta descended into the depths of his own accord. Meanwhile, Isimud raised his hands pleadingly to the shrine.

The Creation of Šarur

From the clay of the Abzu, Enki formed a mysterious being. Deep below, at the hidden gate of the Abzu, he completed his creation. At that place of unholy deeds, Enki proclaimed with mighty voice:

“Here my work is completed and brought to life. The created being stands ready to fulfill its destiny with body and soul.”

Ninurta’s Terror

The hero Ninurta recoiled in horror. Enki feigned ignorance and called out:

“What manner of being is this? It awakens to life!”

The creature scraped wildly across the earth with its claw, swift as lightning and full of destructive power. As it beheld the light of the world, courage and resolve fled from Ninurta’s heart. The great hero begged for his life and saw no escape from his plight. Impatiently the being scratched at the ground with its claw.

Enki’s Explanation

Then the great lord Enki called to the desperate Ninurta:

“From the netherworld I have summoned a divine power and revealed it to you. This weapon of strength, which serves to secure my power, now stands before your eyes. I have brought about a mighty transformation. I breathed life into it and filled it with power. Your tears show me that you acknowledge its might. This is now your lot: The being will guide you. Together you will walk the paths that destiny shows you. Your warrior power will henceforth serve the divine forces and never perish.”

The Contributions of Those Involved

Ninmena’s Contribution

The old structure of Ninurta’s strength had to be destroyed so that it could arise in a new way. To follow Ninurta’s example means to go out into the world and forge new paths. Ninmena explained her role in this task thus:

“The outer garment [of a soul] is taken apart into its individual pieces, and the desires [of the soul] are immortalized in clay.”

The Contribution of a Dark Power

To bear the heaviest burdens again and again—who gave you this gift? To end human lives—who made you capable of this? He is neither a companion of heaven nor a companion of earth. His true name is: “Devourer of Time, Who Prevents It from Advancing.” [He is Death personified.]

Enki’s Contribution

But that you nevertheless cannot decide over life and death on your own authority—who arranged for that?

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