Interpretation of the Anzu Myth

It is often claimed that Anzu had stolen the Tablet of Destinies from Enlil, which determines the fate of humans throughout the world. However, this is false. At the time when the myth was composed, the Tablet of Destinies did not determine the fate of humans. It determined the rites and destinies of the Igigi gods.

The Igigi were subordinate to the Anunnaki. They took human form in order to perform the rites that were written down on the Tablet of Destinies. They were not real gods, but they were elevated to gods for the people (according to the Etana myth on the Morgan Tablet). This qualified them as leaders of the people. Anzu stole the Tablet of Destinies because he wanted to gain control over the Igigi.

According to the myth “Lugalbanda and the Anzu Bird,” Anzu already had the task of decreeing the destinies of ordinary humans on behalf of Enlil at this time. He did not need the Tablet of Destinies for this.

After Anzu had stolen the Tablet of Destinies, the Anunnaki asked various gods to fight gainst Anzu, but the gods were free to refuse the undertaking. In contrast, the Igigi Ninurta could not refuse the mission. Since he was an Igigi, it was expected of him to do what the gods commanded him. As the myth “Ninurta and the Turtle” explains, Ninurta had been well prepared by Enki for this task: He himself could no longer be directly influenced by the Tablet of Destinies.

After Ninurta had killed Anzu, Anzu’s position had become vacant, so that Ninurta could obtain it. This means that from now on he was allowed to decree the destinies of humans. The Igigi Ninurta thus rises from war god to destiny god. However, it is announced that he will do this in secret: Humans will not know that Ninurta has decreed their destinies, but they will praise whichever god they believe in for it.