Text summary
From: Journal article · Samuel Noah Kramer · 1937
Partial Translation, Transliteration
Sumerian ⟶ English a
Line | Transliteration | Translation |
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[1] | [an-gal]-ta [ki-gal-šè] gestug-ga-ni na-an-g[ub] | From [the great heaven] t[o the kig]allu, he (?) ga[ve] ear2 to him (her ?) |
[2] | an a[n-g]al-ta ki-gal-[šè] gestug-ga-ni na-an-g[ub] | Anu(?) from the great heaven to the kigallu, ga[ve] ear2 to him (her ?) |
[3] | dinanna [an-gal-ta ki-gal-šè] gestug-ga-ni na-an-g[ub] | Inanna [from the great heaven to the kigallu], ga[ve] ear2 to him |
[4] | nin-mu an mu-un-šub ki mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-e-a-eu11 3 | My Lady, the heaven she forsook, the earth she forsook, to the nether world she descended |
[5] | dinanna an mu-un-šub ki mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-e-a-en11 | Inanna, the heaven she forsook, the earth she forsook, to the nether world she descended |
[6] | nam-en mu-un-šub nam[n]in mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-e-a-en11 | The lord-ship she forsook, the [la]dy-ship she forsook, to the nether world she descended |
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[7] | unugki-ga é-an-na mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-e-a-en1 | In Uruk, Eanna she forsook, to the nether world she descended |
[8] | ZA.USLAN-UNUki 2 -a gi-gu15 -kina (!) mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-e-a-eu11 | In ZA.USLAN-UNUki,Giguna she forsook, to the nether world she descended |
[9] | [uriki-ma é-dilmun-]na mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11 3 | [In Ur, Edilmun]na she forsook, to the nether world she descended |
[10] | [adabaki] é-šar-ra mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-e-a-eu11 | [In Adab], Ešarra she forsook, to the nether world she descended |
[11] | nibruki -[a dur-an-ki] mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-e-a-en11 | [In] Nippur, [Duranki] she forsook, to the nether world she descended |
[12] | kišiki -a hur-sag-kalam-ma mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11 | In Kiš, Hursagkalamma she forsook, to the nether world she descended |
[13] | a-ga-dèki -a 4 é-UL-maš (!) mu-un-šub kur-ra ba-e-a-e11 | In Agade, EULmaš she forsook, to the nether world she descended |
[14] | me-imin-bi zag-mu-ni-in-kešd | The seven rites she bound to her side |
[15] | me mu-un-kin-kin šu-ni-šè mu-un- 5 -gál | Again and again she sought out the rites (and) placed them in her hand |
[16] | me-DU 6 GIR-gub-ba i-im-DU 7 | The... rites................................................. |
[17] | túgšu-gur-ra men-edin-na sag-gá-na 8 mu-un-gál | The šugurra garment, the crown of the plain, she set upon her head |
[18] | ḫi-LI sag-ki-na šu-ba-ni-in-ti | Radiance (!) she placed upon her countenance |
[19] | gi-ninda-hun-gà-za-gin šu-mi-ni-in-du8 9 | The... measuring rod of lazuli she gripped in her hand |
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[20] | na4za-gìn-tur-tur 1 gû-na ba-an-là 2 | Small lazuli stones she tied about her neck |
[21] | na4nunuz-tab-ba gaba-na ba-ni-in-si 3 | Sparkling (?) 4 erimtu-stones she fastened to her breast |
[22] | HUR-guškin šu-na ba-ni-[in]-du8 5 | A gold ring she gripped in her hand |
[23] | tu-di-tum lú-gà-nu-gà-nu ba-an-BU 6 | A breastplate (?) 7 ................. she .... ed |
[24] | túg-nam-nin-a 8 -túg-nam-nin-a 9 bar-ra-na 10 ba-an-? 11 | Garments of lady-ship she ... ed about her body |
[25] | gi(?)-e-?12 -ḫe-im-DU ḫe-im-DU igi-na 13 ba-ni-in 14 -gar 15 | ............................ she placed in her eyes |
[26] | dinanna ku[r-š]è i-im-DU | Inanna went [tow]ards the nether wor[ld] |
[27] | sukkal-a-ni-dga-ša-an-[šubur] . . . ,-na i-im-DU 16 | Her messenger Nin[šubur] walked(?) at her. . . . |
[28] | kug-dinanna-[ke4] dga-ša-an-šubur-ra 17 gù-mu-na-dé-e | The pure Inanna to Nin-Šubur says : |
[29] | [g]i-en-gi-en-mu 18 | "Oh my ever confirmer |
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[30] | sukkal-e-ne-èm-šag6-sag6-ga-mu | My messenger of favorable words |
[31] | [r]a-gaba-e-ne-ém-gi-en-gi-en 1 -na-mu My carrier of true words | My carrier of true words |
[32] | u4-da kur-šè mu-un-en-dè-en 2 | On the day when I shall descend to the nether world |
[33] | ... kur-šè gin-na-mu-dè 3 | To the... of (?) the nether world, upon my going 4 |
[34] | [uru (?)] dul-dul-da 5 gar-gar-ma-ni-ib6 | [The cities (?)] turn to ruins for me 7 |
[35] | ... gû-en-na tuku-a-ma-ni-ib 7 | ... in the guen take (?) for me9 |
[36] | [é(?)]-dingir-ri-[e-ne-k]e4 (?) PA.GIS-ma-ni-ib 10 | At (?) the house of the gods.. . for me 11 |
[37] | [?-ne-zu] ár-ma-ab KA-zu ár-ma-ab | Thy. . ., ... for me; thy mouth (?), ... for me |
[38] | ?-mu-lu-da U(?)-DI-SU-gal-zu HUR-ma-ab | thy great... smell (?) for me |
[39] | mu-lu-nu-tuku-gim tûg-aš-a mu4-ma-ab | Like a pauper in a single garment dress for me |
[40] | [é]-kur-ri-é-dmu-ul-lil-là-šè me-ri-zu aša(?) tum (?) 12 -mu-un | To the [E]kur, the house of Mullil bring (?) alone (?) thy foot |
[41] | [é]-kur-ri-é-dmu-ul-lil-lá-šè tu-tu-da-zu-dè | The [E]kur, the house of Mullil, upon thy entering |
[42] | [igi]-kug-dmu-ul-lil-là-šè ir šéš-àm | [Before] the pure Mullil weep : |
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[43] | a-ad mu-ul-lil tu-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an[gam]-e | 'Oh Father Mullil, thy daughter let no one in the nether world [ravish] |
[44] | kug-šag5-ga-zu sahar-kur-ra-ka nam-ba-an-da-šàr-ri' | Thy good metal let him not carry off with him into the dust of the nether world |
[45] | za-gìn-šag5-ga-zu za-?-ma-ka nam-ba-an-da-si-il-[li(?)] 2 | Thy good lazuli let him not remove with him into the ...... |
[46] | gišKU-zu giš-nam-nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-da-an-dar-dar-e 3 | Thy URkarinnu-wood(?) let him not tear away(?) with him into the ...... |
[47] | ki(?)-sikil(?)-dga-ša-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e 4 | The virgin(?), the Lady of Heaven, let him not in the nether world ravish ' |
[48] | u4-da dmu-ul-lil e-ne-èm-ba nu5-ri-gub ur[iki-]-šè gin-na 6 | If Mullil does not stand by thee in this matter, go to Ur |
[49] | uriki-ma é-nam-dùg-kalam (?)-ma(?) 7-ka | In Ur, the house of the welfare of the land(?) |
[50] | é-kiš-šir5-gàl-é(?)-dnanna-šè tu-tu-da-[zu]-dè | The Ekišširgal, the house of Nanna, upon [thy] entering |
[51] | [igi]-kug-dnanna-šè ir-šéš-àm | [Before] the pure Nanna weep : |
[52] | a-a-dnanna tu-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-[e] | 'Oh Father Nanna, thy daughter let no one in the nether world ravish |
[53] | [kug]-šag5-ga-zu sahar-kur-ra-ka nam-ba-an-da-šàr-ri | Thy good [metal] let him not carry off with him into the dust of the nether world |
[54] | [za]-gìn-šag5-ga-zu za-?-ma-ka nam-ba-an-da-si-il-li(?) | Thy good [la]zuli let him not remove with him into the ...... |
[55] | [gišKU-zu] giš-nam-nagar-[ra-ka] nam-ba-da-an-dar-dar-e | [Thy URkarinnu-wood(?)] let him not tearaway (?) with him into the ...... |
[56] | [ki(?)-sikil(?)-dg]a-š[a-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-]da-an-gam-e | [The virgin(?)], the La[dy of Heaven, let him not in the nether world] ravish' |
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[57] | [u4-da dnan]na e-[ne-èm-ba nu-ri-gub u]ru-si-ibki-šè(?) gin-na 1 | If Nanna does not stand by thee in this matter], go to Urusib |
[58] | uru-si-ibki é-d[am-an-ki-ga-šè tu-tu-da-zu-dè] | In Urusib, the house of [Amanki, upon thy entering] |
[59] | [igi-kug-d]am-an-ki(!)-ga(!)-še i[r-šéš-àm] | [Before the pure] Amanki [weep] : |
[60] | [a-a]-dam-an-ki tu-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra [nam-ba-da-an-gam-e] | '[Oh Father] Amanki, thy daughter [let no one] in the nether world [ravish] |
[61] | kug-šag5-ga-zu sahar-kur-ra-ka nam-ba-an-da[šar-ri] | Thy good metal let him not [carry ofl] with him into the dust of the nether world |
[62] | na4za-gìn-sag5-ga-zu za-?-ma-ka nam-ba-an-da-[si-il-li(?)] | Thy good lazuli let him not [remove] with him into the ...... |
[63] | gišKU-zu giš(!)-nam(!)-nagar-ra(!)-ka nam-ba-da-an-dar-[dar-e] | Thy URkarinnu-wood(?) let him not [te]ar away(?)with him into the ...... |
[64] | ki(?)-[sik]il(?)-dga-sa-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e | The vir[gi]n(?), the Lady of Heaven, let him not in the nether world ravish' " |
[65] | a-a-[dam]-an-ki-ù-mu-un-mu-uš-túg(!)-da(!)-ma-al-la-k[e4](?) " | Father Amanki, lord of wisdom 2 |
[66] | ú-[nam-t]i-la mu-un-zu a-nam-ti-la mu-un-[zu] | The food of life he knows, the water of life he knows |
[67] | e-ne ma-ra hu-mu-un-ti-li-en | He(?), for me, may he make thee(?) to live " |
[68] | dinanna kur-šè i-im-DU | Inanna went towards the nether world |
[69] | sukkal-a-nidga-ša-an-šubur-ra gù-mu-un-na-d[é-e] | To her messenger Ninšubur she sa[ys] : |
[70] | gin-na dga-ša-an-šubur-ra " | Go Gašanšubur |
[71] | e-ne-a-ra dug4-mu-un gú-zu la-ba-pàd | Unto him(?) speak(?) thy ... has not been(?)...ed " |
[72] | dinanna é-gal-kur-za-gin-šè um-ma-te | Inanna approached the lazuli palace of the nether world |
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[73] | giš ig-kur-ra-ka nig-hul ba-an-g[ál] | On the door of the nether world she se[t up] something evil |
[74] | giš(?) ig-kur-ra-ka gù-hul ba-an-d[é] | At the door (?) of the nether world she utt[ered] an evil cry |
[75] | é-gál-ú ' i-du8 é-gál-ú | " Open the house, gatekeeper, open the house |
[76] | é-gál-ú dNE-ti é-gál-ú aš(!)-mu-šè ga-tu 2 | Open the house, NEti, open the house, alone I would enter 5 |
[77] | dNE-ti-l-du8-gal-kur-ra-ke4 | NEti, the chief gatekeeper of the nether world |
[78] | kug-dinanna-ra mu-un 4 -na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4 | To the pure Inanna answers : |
[79] | a-ba-me-en za-e | " Who, pray, art thou ? " |
[80] | me-e dga-ša-an 5 -na-ki-dutu-è-a-és 6 | " I am the Lady of Heaven, dwelling(?) at the place where the sun rises |
[81] | tukum-bi za-e dinanna7 ki-dutu-è-a-[éš] 6 | " If thou art Inanna, [dwelling(?)] in the place where the |
[82] | a-na-àm 8 ba-du-un kur-nu-gi4-šè | Why hast thou come to the land of no return? |
[83] | har-ra-an-lú-9 du-bi-nu-gi4-gi4-dè šá-zu a-gim tum-mu-un | On the road (which) he who travels it does not return, how hath thy heart led thee? " |
[84] | kug-dinanna-ke4 mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4 | The pure Inanna answers him : |
[85] | SAL+KU-gal-mu-dga-ša-an-ki-gal-la(?) | " My older (?) sister Gašankigal |
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[86] | mu-dam-a-ni-ù-mu-un-gu4-gal-an-na ba-an-ug5-ga | Because(?) her husband, the lord Gugalanna, had been killed |
[87] | ki-sl-ga-na i-bi du8-ù-dè | To witness his funeral rites |
[88] | kàs(?)-sè-ga-na gu-ul-[dè(?) b]a(?)-ni-in-dug4(!) hur-šè he-a | To mult[iply(?)] ...... she commanded ; so be it " |
[89] | dNE-ti i-du8-gal-kur-ra-ke4 | NEti, the chief gatekeeper of the nether world |
[90] | kug-dinanna-ra(!) mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4 | To the pure Inanna answers : |
[91] | ?-?-ma-? dinanna nin-[mu(?)-r]a(?) ga-an-na-a[b-d]ug4 | " ......, Oh Inanna, t[o(?) my] lady let me speak |
[92] | nin-mu dereš-ki-gal-la-ra ga-an-na-dug4 ga-an-na-ab-dug4 | To my lady, Ereškigal, let me speak, let me speak |
[93] | dNE-ti-i-du8-gal-kur-ra-ke5 | NEti, the chief gatekeeper of the nether world |
[94] | nin-a-ni-dereš-ki-gal-la-ra é-[kur-za-gin-šè ba]-ši-in-tu gù-mu-na-dé 1 | To his lady, Ereškigal, [in the lazuli] palace of [the nether world entered (and) says : |
[95] | nin-mu ki-sikil-diš-àm 2 | " My lady, a virgin |
[96] | ........................................................ | ........................................................ |
[97] | ........................................................ | ........................................................ |
[98] | ........................................................ | ........................................................ |
[99] | é-an-na-ka | In Eanna ......................................... |
[100] | me-imin-[bi] zag-mu-[ni-in-kešd] | The seven rites [she bound] to her side |
[101] | me mu-un-kin-kin šu-n[i-šè mu-un-gál] | Again and again she sought out the rites (and) [placed them in h]er hand |
[102] | me-DU GIR-gub ba [i-im-DU] | The...rites..........................[..........] |
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[103] | tùgšu-gur-ra men-edin-n[a sag-gá-na mu-un-gál] | The šugurra garment, the crown of the pla[in, she set upon her head] |
[104] | hi-LI sag-ki-na šu-ba-n[i-in-ti] | Radiance(?) she plafced] upon her countenance |
[105] | gi-ninda-hun-gá-za-gîn šu-[mi-ni-in-du8] | The... measuring rod of lazuli she [gripped] in her and |
[106] | na4za-gin-tur-tur gu-[na ba-an-lá] | Small lazuli stones [she tied about her] neck |
[107] | na4nunuz-tab-ba gaba-na [ba-ni-in-si] | Sparkling(?) 1 mmte-stones [she fastened] to her breast |
[108] | HUR-guškin šu-na [ba-ni-in-du8] | A gold ring she [gripped] in her hand |
[109] | tu-di-tum lú-gá-nu-gá-nu [ba-an-BU] | A breast-plate(?) 2 [she.... ed] |
[110] | [gi(?)]-e-?-[he-im-DU-he-im-DU igi-na ba-ni-in-gar] | [.....].....[........... she placed in her eyes] |
[111] | túg-nam-nin-[a-túg-nani-nin-a bar-ra-na ba-an-?] | Garment[s] of lady-ship [she.. .ed about her body] " |
[112] | u4-ba(?) dereš-ki-gal-la-ke4 | Then(?) Ereškigal |
[113] | dNH-ti-i-du8-gal-ni-ir [mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4] | To NEti, her chief gatekeeper, [she answers] : |
[114] | gá-nu dNE-ti i-du8-[gal-kur-ra] | " Come, NEti, [chief] gatekeeper of [the nether world] |
[115] | ....................................................................................... | ....................................................................................... |
[116] | ká-gal-kur-ra-imin-bi si5[si-gar-bi gál-ú] | Of the seven gátes of the nether world, [open their locks] |
[117] | ká-gal-ganzir-igi-[kur-ra ka-as-bi bar-ra] | ' Of the gáte gan^ir, the face(?) of [the nether world, define its rules] |
[118] | ká(?)-gal(?) tu-tu-da-[ni-ta] | [Upon her] entering the gate |
[119] | gam-gam-ma-ni ni(?)-ta(?) | ....................................................................................... |
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[120] | dNE-ti-i[-du8-gal]-kur-r[a-ke4] | NEti, [the chief gatekeeper] of the nether world |
[121] | inim-nin-a-na-sé sag-KÉS-ba-si-[in-ag]1 | Hono[red] the word of his lady |
[122] | ká-gal-kur-ra-imin-bi gišsi-gar-bi [in-gál] | Of the seven gâtes of the nether world, their locks [he opcned] |
[123] | ká-gal-ganzir-igi-kur-ra ka-aš-bi [in-bar] | Of the gate ganzir, the face(?) of the nether world, [he issued] its decree |
[124] | kug-dinanna-ra gù-mu-na-d[é-e] | To the pure Inanna he sa[ys] : |
[125] | gá-nu dinanna tu-um-[ma-ni]2 | " Corne, Inanna, ent[er]"3 |
[126] | ........4 tu-tu-da-ni-ta | Upon her entering the first gâte |
[127] | tug su-gur-ra men-edin-n[a]-sag-gà-n[a lu ba-da-an-si-ir] | The sugurra garment, the " crown of the plain " of her head, [someone removed] |
[128] | ta-àm me.........-a | " Why...........?" |
[129] | diri dinanna me-kur-ra-ke4(!) su-a[l-du7-du7] | " Extraordinarily, Oh Inanna, have the rites of the nether world been pe[rfected] |
[130] | dinanna garza-kur-ra KA-zu na-a[n-....-e(?)-en] | Oh Inanna, the rites of the nether world, thy mouth(?) let not [.......]" |
[131] | ká-gal-min-kam-ma tu-tu-da-[ni-ta] | [Upon her] entering the second gâte |
[132] | gi-ninda-hun-gà-[za-gïn] lu ba-da-[an-si-ir]6 | The. . .measuring rod of [lazuli] someone rem[oved]7 |
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[133] | ta-àm me . . . . . . . . . -a | " Why. . . . . . . . . . .?" |
[134] | diri dinanna me-kur-ra-ke4(!) su-al-[du7-du7] | " Extraordinarily, Oh Inanna, have the rites of the nether world been perf[ected] |
[135] | dinanna garza-kur-ra KA-zu na-an- [. . . .-e(?)-en] | Oh Inanna, the rites of the nether-world, thy mouth(?) let not [. . . . . . .] " |
[136] | kd-gal-es-kam-ma tu-tu-da-ni-ta | Upon her entering the third gâte |
[137] | [na4za-gln-tur-tur-]gû-na lu [ba-da-an-si-ir]1 | [The small lazuli stones ot] her neck some one [removed]2 |
[138] | ta-àm me . . . . . . . . . -a | " Why . . . . . . . . . . . ?" |
[139] | diri dinanna me-kur-ra-ke4 su-al-[du7-du7] | " Extraordinarily, Oh Inanna, have the rites of the nether world been perf[ected] |
[140] | dinanna garza kur-ra KA-zu na-an- [. . . .-e(?)-en] | Oh Inanna, the rites of the nether world, thy mouth(?) let not [ . . . . . . . ]" |
[141] | ká-gal-lim[mu-kam]-ma tu-tu-da-ni-ta 3 | Upon her entering the fou[rt]h gâte |
[142] | [na4nunuz-tab-ba-gaba-na lu ba-da-an-si-ir] | [The sparkling(?) 4 erimtu-stones of her breast someone removed] |
[143] | [ta-àm] me . . . . . . . . . -a | " [Why] . . . . . . . . . . . ?" |
[144] | [diri dinanna me-kur]-ra-ke4 su-[al-du7-] | " [Extraordinarily,] Oh Inanna, have the rites of the nether w]orld be[en perf]ected |
[145] | [dinanna garza-kur-ra] KA-[zu na-an-]. . . .-e(?)-en | [Oh Inanna, the rites of the nether world], thy [mouth(?) let not] |
[146] | [kà-gal-ia-kam-ma] tu-tu-da-ni-ta | Upon her entering [the fifth gâte] |
[147] | [HUR-guskin-su-na] lu ba-an-si-ir | [The gold ring of her hand] someone removed |
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[148] | [ta-àm] me . . . . . . . . . [ a] | "[Why] . . . . . . . . . . .[•••i]" |
[149] | [diri dinanna me-kur-ra-ke4 su-al-]du7-du7 | " [Extraordinarily, Oh Inanna, have the rites of the nether world been] perfected |
[150] | [dinanna garza-kur-ra KA-zu-na-an-. .. .-e(?)]-en | [Oh Inanna, the rites of the nether world, thy mouth(?) let not . . . . . . . ] " |
[151] | ká-gal-às-kam-ma [tu-tu-da-ni-ta] | [Upon her entering] the sixth gâte |
[152] | [tu-di-tum lu-gà-nu-gà-nu lu ba-da-an-si-ir] | [The breast plate(?) 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . someone removed] |
[153] | ta-dm me. . . . . . . . . [-a] | "Why . . . . . . . . . [....?]" |
[154] | [diri dinanna me-kur-ra-ke4 su-al-du7-du7] | " [Extraordinarily, Oh Inanna, have the rites of perfected] |
[155] | [dinanna garza-kur-ra KA-zu na-an-,.. ,-e(?)-en} | [Oh Inanna, the rites of the nether world, thy mouth(?) let not ....... "] |
[156] | ká-[gal-imin-kam-ma tu-tu-da-ni-ta] | [Upon her entering the seventh] gâte |
[157] | [tug-nam-nin-a-tûg-nam-nin-a-bar-ra-na lu ba-da-an-si-ir] | [The garments of lady-ship of her body someone removed] |
[158] | ta-àm me.........[-a] | "Why..........[....?]" |
[159] | [diri dinanna me-kur-ra-ke4 su-al-du7-du7] | " [Extraordinarily, Oh Inanna, have the rites of the nether world been per- fected] |
[160] | [dinanna garza-kur-ra KA-zu na-an-... ,-e(?)-en] | [Oh Inanna, the rites of the nether world, thy mouth (?) let not ] " |
[161] | ............................-ni-in-.....2 | |
[162] | .....A....................IN NE..... 3 | ........................................ |
[163] | ........................................ | ........................................ |
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[164] | ........NE ....... igi(?)-na(?) ....-àm | ........................................ |
[165] | ...............................-ga(?)-àm | ........................................ |
[166] | ..........igi(?)-ni(?)-sè kug(?)-dinanna(?) | .........before(?) her(?) pure(?) Inanna(?) |
[167] | ..........gišak-ta lu ba-da-an-là | ..........with nails someone fastened |
[168] | u4(?)-da(?) dinanna(?)-?-? um-ta-ni-?-? | On the day(?) when(r) Inanna . . . . . . . was . . . .ed |
[169] | sukkal-a-ni dnin-subur-ra(?)-ke4(?) | Her messenger, Ninsubur |
[170] | sukkal-e-ne-èm-sag6-sag5-ga-ni | Her messenger of favorable words |
[171] | [ra-gaba]-e-ne-èm-gi-en-gi-na-ni | Her [carrier] of true words |
[172] | [uru(?)-dul]-dul-da mu-un-n[a]-gd-gà | Turned [the cities(?)] to [ru]ins for he[r] |
[173] | . . .gû-en-na mu-un-na-tuku-a | Took(?). . . in the guen for her |
[174] | é(?)-dingir-ri-e-ne-ke4(?) mu-unl[na]-PA. GIS | . . . . . ed at(?) the house of the gods for [her] |
[175] | ?-NE-ni mu-un-na-ár KA-ni [mu-]n-na-àr | . . . . . ed his. . . for her, . . .ed his mouth(?) for her |
[176] | ?-lû-da U(?)-DI-SU-gal-ni mu-u[n-n]a-HUR | Smelled(?) his great ... for [h]er |
[177] | mu-lu-nu-tuku-gim tug-as-a [im-ma]-na-mu4 | [Dr]essed like a pauper in a single dress for her |
[178] | [é-kur-r]i é-den-lil-la-sè gir-ni [asa(?) mu-]un-t[um] | [To the Ekur], the house of Enlil, [alone(?), he brought(?)] his foot. |
[179] | [è-kur-r]i é-den-lil-la-sè tu(?)-tu(?)-da(?)-ni(?)-ta(?) | Upon(?) his(?) entering(?) [the Ekur], the house of Enlil |
[180] | [igi-kug-den-lil-lá]-sè ir im-ma-[se8]se8 | [Before the pure Enlil] he weeps : |
[181] | [a-a-dmu-ul-lil tu]-mu-zu mu-lu [kur-ra nam-ba-da-a]n-gam-e | [Oh Eather Mullil], thy [dau]ghter [let no] one [in the nether world ravish |
[182] | [kug-sag5-ga-zu sahar-kur-ra-ka nam-ba-an-da-]sàr-e | [Thy good métal let him not car]ry ofF [with him into the dust of the nether world] |
[183] | [za-gin-sag5-ga-zu za-?-ma-ka nam-ba-an-da-si-il-]li(?) | [Thy good lazuli let him not remove with him into the ......... ] |
[184] | [giš:KU-zu giš-nam-nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-da-]an-dar-dar-ri | [Thy URkarinnti-wood (?) let him not] tear away (?) [with him into the .........] |
[185] | [ki(?)-sikil(?)-dga-sa-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-Jgam-e | [The virgin(?), the Lady ofHeaven, let him not in the nether world ra]vish |
[186] | [a-a-den-li 1-li dnin-subur-ra mu-un-na]-ni-ib-gi4-gi4 | [Father Enlil unto Ninsubur a]nswers : |
[187] | .............................bi-in-dug4 | "...................... he(?) has commanded concerning it |
[188] | [dinanna AN].......................bi-in-dug4 | [Inanna] .......................he(?) has commanded concerning it |
[189] | [me-kur-ra al-].......................bi-in-dug4 | [The rites ofthe nether world].......................he(?) has commanded concerning it |
[190] | [id(?)-a-an-ki-bi]....................... -ni(?)-ib-dug4 | [The river(?), the water(?) of heaven(?) and(?) earth(?)]...... he(?) has commanded concerning it " |
[191] | [a-a-den-lil e-ne-èm-ba nu-na-gub uriki-sè ba-]du-un | [Father Enlil did not stand by him in this matter; to Ur he w]ent |
[192] | [uriki-ma é-nam-dùg]-kur-ra-ka (!) | [In Ur, the house of the welfare] ofthe land |
[193] | [e-kis-sir5-gál e(?)-dnanna-sè tu-tu-da-ni]-ta | [The Ekissirgal, the house of Nanna upon [his entering] |
[194] | [igi-kug-dnanna-sè ir im-ma-se8-se8] | [Before the pure Nanna he weeps :] |
[195] | [a-a-dnanna tu-mu-zu mu-lu] kur-ra nam-[ba-da-an-gam-e] | " [Oh Father Nanna, thy daughter] let no [one] in the nether world [ravish] |
[196] | [kug-sag5-ga-zu sahar-kur-ra-]ka nam-ba-a[n(?)-da-sàr-ri] | [Thy good métal] let him not [carry off with him] into [the dust of the nether world] |
[197] | [za-gin-sag5-ga-zu za- ?-ma(!)-ka nam-ba-[an-da-si-il-li(?)] | [Thy good lazuli] let him not [remove with him] into the [.......] |
[198] | [gišKU-zu giš-nam-nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-]da- [an-dar-dar-e] | [Thy URkarinnti-wood (?) let him not tear away(?)] with him [into the.......] |
[199] | [ki(?)-sikil(?)-dga-sa-an-na kur-ra] nam-ba-da(!)-an-gam-e | The virgin(?), the Lady of Heaven, let him not [in the nether world] ravish " |
[200] | a-a-d[nanna dnin-šubur-ra mu-un-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4] | Father [Nanna unto Ninsubur answers] : |
[201] | ..........................bi(!)-in-dug4 | "..........................he(?) has commanded concerning it |
[202] | dinanna AN..........................[bi-in-dug4] | Inanna ..........................[he(?) has commanded concerning it] |
[203] | me-kur-ra al-..........................[bi-in-dug4] | The rites of the nether world [he(?) has commanded concerning it] |
[204] | id(?)-a-an-ki-bi..........................[-ni(?)-ib-dug4] | The river(?), the water(?) of heaven(?) and(?) earth(?) [he has com manded concerning it] " |
[205] | a-a-dnanna [e-ne-èm-ba nu-na-gub uru-si-ibki-sè ba-du-un] | Father Nanna [did not stand by him in this matter; to Eridu he went] |
[206] | uru-si-ibki é-den(!)-ki(!)-ga-sè(!) [tu-tu]-da-ni-ta | In Urusib, upon his [entering] the house of Enki |
[207] | igi(!)-den-ki-ga-sè [ir im]-ma-se8(!)-se8(!) 1 | Before Enki he [we]eps : |
[208] | [a-a-dam-an-ki tu-mu-zu mu-lu kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e] | [" Oh Father Amanki, thy daughter let no one in the nether world ravish] |
[209] | [kug-sag5-ga-zu sahar-kur-ra-ka nam-ba-an-da-sár-ri] | [Thy good métal let him not carry off with him into the dust of the nether world] |
[210] | [za-gin-sag5-ga-zu za-r-ma-ka nam-ba-an-da-si-il-li(?)] | [Thy good lazuli let him not remove with him into the.......] |
[211] | [gišKU-zu giš-nam-nagar-ra-ka nam-ba-da-an-dar-dar-e] | [Thy URkarinnu-woodQ) let him not tear away(?) with him into the.....] |
[212] | [ki(?)-sikil(?)-dga-sa-an-na kur-ra nam-ba-da-an-gam-e] | [The virgin(?), the Lady of Heaven, let him not in the nether world ravish"] |
(Break of unknown number of lines) | ||
[X1] | ..........giškak-ta.......... ....................2 | ..........with nails.................... |
| ||
[X2] | [k]ug-deres-ki-gal-la-ke4 GIS(?).............mu-na-ni-ib-g[i4(?)-gi4(?)] | The [p]ure Ereskigal..................unto her(?) answers : |
[X3] | uzu-ág-PA(?)-me àg-?-?...................... | " Flesh(?)..........................." |
[X4] | uzu-NIG. . . -a ag-hûl(?)-la(?) ..... sl(?)-?-? in-na.............. | On(?) flesh......... joy(?)........................... |
[X5] | uzu-NIG...... -a ni-me-làm-?-? 1 | On(?) flesh......... the fearfulness of the melammê(?)......... |
[X6] | DIS û-nam-ti-la DIS a-nam-ti-la ugu(?)-[na(?) b]i(?)-in-sub(?)-bu-us(') | . . . .The food of life, .... the water of life, they sprinkled upon(?) [her(?)] |
[X7] | dinanna........ ba-DU | Inanna........ went(?) |
[X8] | dinanna k[ur-t]a ba-en-dè | Inanna from(?) the nether world(?) ascends |
[X9] | da-nun-na-ke4-ne su-?-?-àm | The Anunnaki................ |
[X10] | a-ba-àm lu-kur-ra-ke4(?)-ne kur-ra DI(?).........e11-dé | " Who, pray, of(?)the men of tha nether world in(?)the nether world. . . ? |
[X11] | u4-da dinanna kur-ta ba-en-dè | On the day that Inanna from the nether world ascends |
[X12] | ug5-ga sag-a-na ha-ba-ab-si-mu | May the dead hasten in front ofher |
[X13] | dinanna kur-ta ba-en-dè | Inanna from the nether world ascends |
[X14] | [g]alla-tu[r-tu]r gi-IGI-KAK(?)-?-gim | The s[mal]e [g\allê, like.............reeds |
[X15] | galla(!)-gal-gal gi-dub-ba-na-gim(!) | The large gallê, like tablet styluses |
[X16] | zag-ga-na ba-an-dib(?)-bi-es | Walked (?) at her side |
[X17] | lû-igi-na(?)-?-?-nu-me-a gišdar su-bi-in-du8 | Theone in front ofher, not being, held a scepter |
[X18] | bar-ra-na-P-P-nu-me-aK'Huku^?) ur-ra mu-un......... | At her side, not being.........ed a weapon (?) on the loins |
[X19] | lû-e-ne-ra-in-si-sug-es-àm | They who accompanied her |
| ||
[X20] | lu-dinanna-ra-in-si-sûg-es-àm | They who accompanied Inanna |
[X21] | û nu-zu-me-es a nu-zu-me-es | Were (beings who) do not know food, do not know drink |
[X22] | [zi]-dub-dub-ba nu-ku-me-es | Were (beings who) do not eat sprinkled(?) [flour] |
[X23] | [kas(?)]-bal-bal nu-nag-nag-me-es | Were beings who) do not drink libated [wine?] |
[X24] | [û]r-lû-ka dam su-ti-a-me-es | Were (beings who) take away the wife from the [loins] of a man |
[X25] | ?-um-me-ga(!)-lá-ka dumu su-ti-a-me-es | Were (beings who) take away the child from the [breasts(?)J of the nursing woman |
[X26] | dinanna kur-ta ba-eirdè | Inanna from the nether world ascends |
[X27] | dinanna kur-ta-eirda-ni | Upon Inanna's ascending from the nether world |
[X28] | [sukkal-a-ni] dnin-subur-ke4 gir-ni-sè ba-an-sub | [Her messenger], Ninsubur, threw himself at her feet |
[X29] | [sahar-ra ba]-da-an-tustùgmu-sir-ra ba-an-mu4 | In the dust he sat, sackcloth(?) he put on |
[X30] | [galla] e-ne kug-dinanna-ra gù-mu-na-dé-e | The gallû, to her(?) to the pure Inanna, says : |
[X31] | [dinan]na uru-zu-sè gub-ba e-ne ga-ba-ab-tum-mu-dè | " [Oh Inan]na, at thy city take stand(?), let us bring him(?) in |
[X32] | [kug]-dinanna-ke4 galla e-ne mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4 | [The] pure Inanna, to(?) the gallû, she(?) answers : |
[X33] | sukkal-e-ne-èm-sag5-sag3-ga-mu | " My messenger of favorable words |
[X34] | ra-gaba-e-ne-èm-gi-en-gi-na-mu | My carrier of true words |
[X35] | .................. | .................. |
[X36] | .........ÂG.........GÛ......... | ............................... |
[X37] | [uru(?)] dul-dul-da ma-[an]-gá-gá | Turned [the cities(r)] into ruins for me |
[X38] | . . . . gu-en-na m[a-a]n-tuku-a | Took(?) ... in the guen fo[r m]e |
[X39] | [é(?)]-dingir-ri-e-n[e-k]e4(?) ma-an-PA. GIS | .... ed at(?) [the house] of the gods for me |
[X40] | [?-NE-]ni ma-an-ár KA-ni ma-an-àr | .. .ed his [.. .] for me, . . .ed his mouth(?) for me |
[X41] | [?]-mu-lu-da U(?)-DI-SU-gal-a-ni ma-an-HUR | Smelled(?)........his great...for me |
[X42] | [mu]-lu-nu-tuku-gim tùg-as-a im-ma-an-mu4 | Dressed like a [pjauper in a single dress for me |
[X43] | [é]-kur-raé-dmu-ul-lil-là-sè | To the [E]kurthe house of Mullil |
[X44] | uriki-ma é-dnanna-sè | In Ur to the house of Nanna |
[X45] | uru-si-ibki é-dam-an-ki-ga- sè | In Urusib to the house of Amanki " |
[X46] | e-ne ma-a-ra mu-un-ti-li-en | " He(?), for me, has made thee(?) to live " |
[X47] | ga-an-si-sug-dè-en ummaki-a sig4-kur-ru(!)-ga-sè [ga]-an-si-sûg-dè-en | " Let us accompany her, in Umma to the Sigkurruga [Iet] us accompany her" |
[X48] | um[maki-a] sig4-kur-ru-ga-ta | [In Um]ma from the Sigkurruga |
[X49] | dsara glr-ni-se ba-an-sub | Sara threw himself at her feet |
[X50] | sahar-ra ba-da-an-tustùgmu-sir-ra ba-an-mu4 | In the dust he sat, sackcloth(?) he put on |
[X51] | galla e-ne kug-dinanna-ra gù-mu-na-dé-e | The gaJlû, to her(?), to the pure Inanna says ; |
[X52] | dinanna uru-zu-sè gub-ba e-ne ga-ba-ab-tum-mu-dè | " Oh Inanna, at thy city take thy stand(?) let us bring him(?) in " |
[X53] | [ku]g-dinanna-ke4 galla e-ne mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4 | The pure Inanna, to the gallû, she(?) answers : |
[X54] | ...........................SÈ(?)......... | ......................................... |
[X55] | ?..................gû(?)-TAR-la......... | ........................................ |
[X56] | NE-ta-gim nam.........-as(?) si......... | Like..........................." |
[X57] | ga-an(!)-si(!)-sûg-en-dè-en bà[d-t]ibiraki-a [é-MUS-kalam-ma-sè] ga-an-si-sug en-dè-en(!) | "Let us accompany her, in Ba[dt]ibira [to EMUSkalamma] let us accompa ny her " |
[X58] | bàd-tibiraki-a é-MÛS-kalam-fma-ta] | In Badtibira [from] EMUSkalam[ma] |
[X59] | [d? gir-ni-sé ba-an-sub] | [X (name of deity) threw herself (or himself) at her feet] |
[X60] | [sahar-ra ba-da-an-tustûgmu-sir-ra ba-an-mu4] | [In thedust she (he?) sat, sackcloth(?) she (he?) put on] |
[X61] | [galla e-ne kug-ainanna-ra gu-mu-na-dè-e] | [The gallû to her(?), to pure Inanna says ;] |
[X62] | [dinanna uru-zu-sé gub-ba e-ne ga-ba-ab-tum-mu-dè] | [" Oh Inanna, at thy city take thy stand(?) let us bring her(?) (him(?)) in ".] |
[X64] | [kug dinanna-ke4 galla e-ne mu-na-ni-ib-gi4-gi4] | [The pure Inanna, to the gallû, she answers :] |
"CBS 9800 / Inanna's Descent" is a 1937 translation of the Sumerian "Inanna's Descent" afterlife myth by Samuel Noah Kramer. Kramer not only produced the translation and transliteration, but also provided extensive commentary. Kramer's 1937 version is based on his translation of a newly discovered artifact named CBS 9800, which is the lower half of a large four-column tablet located at the University of Pennsylvania museum at the time of the translation.
The upper half of the tablet (known as Ni 368) was located in the Ottoman Museum and both of these fragments made up roughly half of his translation. This version of "Inanna's Descent" was supplanted by several articles Kramer published in subsequent years whereby he added more lines of translation.
This version of "Inanna's Descent" was the most complete of its time and included major parts of the plot. However, important plot twists in the myth (such as the death of Inanna in the netherworld) were fragmented and thus obscure. This was evident by the fact that there are many gaps and "(?)" inclusions in the translation.
Consolidated tablet fragments discovered in Nippur (Iraq)
During excavations in the late 1800s, a number of clay tablets were found in modern day Iraq (Nippur). Scholars noted that the cuneiform inscriptions were not Akkadian, but Sumerian. Sumer was on the southern side of Iraq (between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers). This was the first major translation of "Inanna's Descent" and included almost 250 lines of text (out of the total 412 lines of "Inanna's Descent"). Kramer relied on the CBS 9800 tablet because it was joined with the Ni 368 tablet, one that Stephen Langdon published in 1914.[1] Kramer emphasized the importance of these artifacts by including images of them and a direct mention:
"The present publication is made possible utilization of CBS 9800, the lower half of a large four-column tablet whose upper half (Ni. 368), located in the Ottoman Muséum, was first published by Langdon and later republished by Chiera." [2]
Kramer also noted that the copying work that Langdon did was full of errors. Kramer spent the next fifty years trying to decipher the myth.
Cite this page
OMNIKA Foundation Contributors. ""CBS 9800 / Inanna's Descent": English Translation by Samuel N. Kramer." OMNIKA – World Mythology Index, OMNIKA Foundation, 22 Apr. 2019, omnika.org/stable/96. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
OMNIKA (2019, April 22). "CBS 9800 / Inanna's Descent": English Translation by Samuel N. Kramer. Retrieved from https://omnika.org/stable/96
OMNIKA Foundation Contributors. ""CBS 9800 / Inanna's Descent": English Translation by Samuel N. Kramer." Las Vegas, NV: OMNIKA Foundation. Created April 22, 2019. Accessed December 3, 2024. https://omnika.org/stable/96.