Tablet I
1 [He who saw the Deep, the] foundation of the country,
2 [who knew all ways], was wise in everything!
3 [Gilgameš, who] saw the Deep, the foundation of the country,
4 [who] knew [all ways], was wise in everything!
5 [He explored] everywhere the seats [of power,]
6 he [knew] the totality of wisdom about everything.
7 He saw the secret and uncovered the hidden,
8 he brought back a message from the antediluvian age.
9 He came a distant road and was weary but granted rest,
10 all (his) labours [were] set down on a tablet of stone.
11 He built the wall of Uruk-the-Sheepfold,
12 of holy Eanna, the pure storehouse.
13 See its wall which is like a strand of wool,
14 view its parapet which nobody can replicate!
15 Take the stairway that has been there since ancient times,
16 and draw near to Eanna, the seat of Ištar,
17 that no later king can ever replicate.
18 Go up on to the wall of Uruk and walk around,
19 survey the foundation platform, inspect the brickwork!
20 (See) if its brickwork is not kiln-fired brick,
21 and if the Seven Sages did not lay its foundations!
22 [One šār is] city, one šār date-grove, one šār is clay-pit, half a šār the temple of Ištar:
23 [three šār] and a half, Uruk, (its) measurement.
24 [Open] the tablet-box of cedar,
25 [release] its clasps of bronze!
26 [Open] the lid of its secret,
27 [lift] up the tablet of lapis lazuli and read out
28 all the misfortunes, all that Gilgameš went through!
29 Surpassing all (other) kings, hero endowed with a superb physique,
30 brave native of Uruk, butting wild bull!
31 Going at the fore he was the leader,
32 going also at the rear, the trust of his brothers!
33 A mighty bank, the protection of his troops,
34 a violent flood-wave that smashes a stone wall!
35 Wild bull of Lugalbanda, Gilgameš, perfect of strength,
36 suckling of the exalted cow, Wild-Cow Ninsun!
37 Gilgameš so tall, perfect and fearsome,
38 who opened passes in the mountains;
39 who dug wells on the hill-flanks,
40 and crossed the ocean, the wide sea, as far as the sunrise;
41 who scoured the world-regions ever searching for life,
42 and reached by his strength Ūta-napišti the Far-Away;
43 who restored the cult-centres that the Deluge destroyed,
44 and established the proper rites for the human race!
45 Who is there that can be compared with him in kingly status,
46 and can say like Gilgameš, ‘It is I am the king’?
47 Gilgameš was his name from the day he was born,
48 two-thirds of him god but a third of him human.
49 Bēlet-ilī drew the shape of his body,
50 Nudimmud brought his form to perfection.
51 [Powerful of] body, majestic of [beauty,]
52 [he was large of] stature, eleven cubits [tall.]
53 [Four] cubits was the width of his chest,
54 A triple cubit was his foot, half a rod his leg.
55 Six cubits was [his] stride,
56 [three] cubits the curls at his [cheeks.]
57 His cheeks were bearded, (dark as [gleaming]) lapis lazuli,
58 the locks of his hair growing [thickly as Nissaba’s.]
59 [As] he grew up he was perfect in [his] beauty,
60 by human standards [he was] very handsome.
61 He goes [about] in the sheepfold of Uruk,
62 lording it like a wild bull, [head] held high.
63 He has not any equal, [his] weapons being ready,
64 [his] companions are kept on their feet by the ball.
65 The young men of Uruk are wrongfully vexed,
66 Gilgameš lets no son go free to [his] father.
67 Day and night he behaves with fierce arrogance,
68 [King] Gilgameš, [who guides the numerous people,]
69 he who is shepherd of Uruk-the-Sheepfold!
70 [Gilgameš] lets no [daughter go free to her] mother,
71 [He is their herdsman,] they are [the] cows;
72 [their] complaint […]
73 ‘[Powerful, pre-eminent], expert, [and mighty,]
74 [Gilgamesh] lets [no] girl go free to [her bride groom.]’
75 The warrior’s daughter, the [young man’s bride,]
76 the goddess Ishtar was listening to their complaint.
77 The gods of heaven, lords of initiative,
78 [called out to the god Anu] …:
79 ‘Have you bred, indeed, a savage wild bull in Uruk-the-Sheepfold?
80 He has not any equal, his weapons being ready,
81 his companions are kept on their feet by the ball.
82 He has wrongfully vexed [the young men of Uruk,]
83 Gilgameš lets no son go free to his father.
84 Day and [night he behaves] with fierce [arrogance,]
85 he who is shepherd of Uruk-the-Sheepfold!
86 Gilgameš, [the herdsman of the] numerous [people,]
87 he is their herdsman and they are … […],
88 powerful, pre-eminent, expert, [and mighty,]
89 Gilgameš lets no girl go free to [her] bride-[groom.]’
90 The warrior’s daughter, the young [man’s] bride,
91 [Anu] was listening to their complaint.
92 They summoned Aruru, the great one:
93 ‘You, O Aruru, created [man:]
94 now create what he suggests!
95 Let him be equal to the storm of his heart,
96 let them rival each other and so let Uruk be rested.’
97 When Aruru heard this,
98 she fashioned Anu’s idea in her heart.
99 [1]Aruru washed her hands,
100 she took a pinch of clay, she threw it down in the wild.
101 In the wild she created Enkidu, the hero,
102 an offspring of silence, knit strong by Ninurta.
103 [2]All his body is matted with hair,
104 he is adorned with tresses like a woman:
105 the locks of his hair grow as thickly as Nissaba’s,
106 he does not know at all a people nor even a country.
107 He was clad in a garment like Šakkan’s,
108 feeding on grass with the very gazelles.
109 Jostling at the water-hole with the herd,
110 he enjoyed the water with the animals.
111 A hunter, a trapper-man,
112 came face to face with him by the water-hole.
113 One day, a second and a third, he came face to face with him by the water-hole.
114 The hunter saw him and his expression froze,
115 [he] and his herds – he went back to his lair.
116 [He was] troubled, he grew still, he grew silent,
117 his mood [was unhappy], his face clouded over.
118 There [was] sorrow in his heart,
119 his face was like [one who has travelled] distant [roads.]
120 The hunter opened [his mouth] to speak, saying [to his father:]
121 ‘My father, [there is a] certain fellow who has come [to us,]
122 Mightiest in the [land, he possesses] strength,
123 [his strength] is as mighty [as a lump of rock] from the sky.
124 [He wanders always] over the hills,
125 [always] with the herd [do I see him.]
126 [Always] his feet [are found] by the water-hole,
127 [I am afraid and so] I do not go up to him.
128 [He has filled in the] pits that I dug,
129 [he has uprooted] my snares that I laid.
130 [He has set free from my grasp] the herd, the animals of the wild,
131 [he will not let] me do the work of the wild.’
132 [His father opened his mouth to speak], saying to the hunter:
133 [Go, my son, to] Gilgamesh, [the offshoot sprung from] Uruk’s [midst!]
134 [Make your way] into his presence,
135 his strength [is as mig]hty [as a lump of rock from the sky.]
136 [Take the road, set] your face [toward Uruk,]
137 […] the strength of a man!
138 [Go, my son], bring [with you Šamhat the prostitute,]
139 [her allure is a match] for even the mighty!
140 [When the herd comes] down [to] the water-hole,
141 [she should strip off] her [clothing to reveal] her charms.
142 [He will see] her and will go up [to] her,
143 his herd will be estranged from him, [though he grew up] in its presence.
144 [Paying heed] to the advice of his father,
145 the hunter went off, [set out on the journey.]
146 He took the road, he [set his face] toward Uruk,
147 [to] the king, Gilgameš, he repeated his instructions:
148 ‘There is a certain fellow who [has come] to us,
149 mightiest in the land, he possesses [strength,]
150 [his strength is] as mighty as a lump of rock from the sky.
151 He wanders always over the hills,
152 Always with the herd do I see him.
153 Always his feet are found by the water-hole,
154 I am afraid and so I do not go up to him.
155 He has filled in the pits that I dug,
156 he has uprooted my snares [that I laid.]
157 He has released from my grasp the herds, the animals [of the] wild,
158 he will not let me do the work [of the] wild.’
159 Gilgameš said to him, to the hunter:
160 ‘Go, O hunter, take with you Šamḫat the prostitute.
161 When the herd comes down to the water-hole,
162 she should strip off her clothing to reveal her charms.
163 He will see her and will go up to her,
164 his herd will be estranged from him, though he grew up in its presence.’
165 Off went the hunter, he took with him Šamḫat the prostitute,
166 they set out on the road, they started the journey.
167 On the third day they arrived at the destination;
168 the hunter and the prostitute sat down to wait.
169 One day, a second day, they sat by the water-hole,
170 (then) the herd arrived to drink at the water-hole.
171 The animals arrived, they enjoyed the water,
172 and also Enkidu himself, whose birth-place was the hills.
173 Feeding on grass with the very gazelles,
174 jostling at the water-hole with the herd,
175 he enjoyed the water with the animals.
176 (Then) Šamḫat saw him, the man-savage,
177 a murderous fellow from the midst of the wild.
178 [3]‘This is he, Šamḫat! Uncover your breasts;
179 bare your sex so he may take in your charms!
180 Do not show fear, take in his scent!
181 He will see you and he will come up to you.
182 Spread your clothing so he may lie on you,
183 treat the man to the work of a woman!
184 his herd will be estranged from him, though he grew up in its presence.
185 His ‘love’ will caress and embrace you,
186 Šamḫat let loose her skirts,
187 she bared her sex and he took in her charms.
188 She showed no fear, she took in his scent:
189 she spread her clothing and he lay upon her.
190 She treated the man to the work of a woman,
191 his ‘love’ caressed and embraced her.
192 For six days and seven nights Enkidu, erect, did couple with Šamḫat.
193 After he was sated with her delights,
194 he turned his face toward his herd.
195 The gazelles saw Enkidu and they started running,
196 the animals of the wild moved away from his person.
197 Enkidu had defiled his body so pure,
198 his legs stood still, though his herd was on the move.
199 Enkidu was diminished, his running was not as before,
200 [4]but he had reason, he [was] wide of understanding.
201 He came back and sat down at the feet of the prostitute,
202 watching the prostitute, (observing) her features.
203 Then his ears heard what the [prostitute] was speaking,
204 [as the prostitute] said to him, to Enkidu:
205 ‘You are handsome, Enkidu, you are just like a god,
206 why with the animals do you range through the wild?
207 Come, I will lead you to Uruk-the-Sheepfold,
208 to the sacred temple, the dwelling of Anu and Ištar!
[…] … into Uruk the sheepfold,
[to] holy [E-anna], the dwelling of Ištar.
209 where Gilgameš is perfect in strength,
210 and lords it over the menfolk like a wild bull!
211 She talked to him and what she said found favour,
212 his heart (now) wise was seeking a friend.
213 Enkidu said to her, to the prostitute:
214 ‘Come, Šamḫat, take me along
215 to the sacred temple, the holy dwelling of Anu and Ištar,
216 where Gilgameš is perfect in strength,
217 and lords it over the menfolk like a wild bull!
218 I will challenge him, for [my strength] is mighty,
219 [I will boast] about myself in Uruk, (saying) “I am the mightiest!”
220 [there] I shall change the way things are ordered,
221 [the one] born in the wild is mighty, he has strength.’
222 ‘Let [the people] see your face,
223 […that] exists I know indeed.
224 Go, Enkidu, to Uruk-the-Sheepfold,
225 where the young men are belted with waistbands.
226 Every day [in Uruk] a festival is held,
227 where the drums are repeatedly beaten,
228 and the prostitutes are beautiful of figure,
229 graced with charm, full of joy.
230 Even the aged they rouse from their beds!
231 O Enkidu, [who do not (yet)] know life –
232 I will show you Gilgameš, the man so merry,
233 look at him, regard his face!
234 He is handsome in manhood, he has dignified bearing,
235 his whole person is graced with charm.
236 He has a strength more mighty than you,
237 he is unsleeping by day and by night.
238 O Enkidu, get rid of your sinful intention,
239 as for Gilgameš Šamaš loves him.
240 Anu, Enlil and Ea broadened his wisdom:
241 even before you came from the uplands,
242 Gilgameš in Uruk was having dreams about you: –
243 Gilgameš arose to reveal a dream, saying to his mother:
244 “O mother, the dream that I saw in the course of this night –
245 the stars of the heavens appeared before me,
246 like a lump of rock from the sky one fell towards me.
247 I picked one up but it was too much for me,
248 I kept trying to roll it but I could not dislodge it.
249 The land of Uruk was standing around [it],
250 [the land was gathered] about it.
251 A crowd [was jostling] before [it],
252 [the menfolk were] thronging around it.
253 They were kissing its feet [like a little] baby’s;
254 [I loved it] like a wife and I caressed and embraced it.
255 [I picked it up and] set it down at [your] feet,
256 [and you, you] made it my equal.”
257 [The mother of Gilgameš] was clever, she was wise, she knew everything, she said to her son;
258 [Wild-Cow] Ninsun was clever, she was wise, she knew everything, she said to Gilgameš:
259 “The stars of heaven [appeared] before you,
260 [like a] lump of rock from the sky one fell toward you.
261 You picked it up but it was too much for you,
262 you kept trying to roll it but you could not dislodge it.
263 You picked it up and set it down at my feet,
264 and I, I made it your equal,
265 you loved it like a wife, caressing and embracing it.
266 A mighty companion will come to you, the saviour of (his) friend:
267 he is the mightiest in the land, he has strength,
268 his strength is as mighty as a lump of rock from the sky,
269 You will love him like a wife, caressing and embracing him,
270 he, being mighty, [will] often save you.
271 He saw a second dream,
272 he arose and entered before the goddess, his mother.
273 Gilgameš said to her, to his mother,
274 “[And a]gain, O mother, I have seen a second dream.
275 [In a street] of Uruk-Main-Street,
276 an axe was lying and people were gathered around it.
277 The land [of Uruk] was standing around it,
278 [the land was] gathered about it.
279 [A crowd] was jostling before it,
280 [the menfolk were] thronging around it.
281 I picked it up and set it down at your feet,
282 [I loved] it like a wife and I caressed and embraced it,
283 [and you], you made it my equal.”
284 The mother of Gilgameš was clever, she was wise, she knew everything, she said to her son;
285 Wild-Cow Ninsun was clever, she was wise, she knew everything, she said to Gilgameš:
286 “My son, the axe you saw is a man,
287 you will love him like a wife, and will caress and embrace him,
288 and I, I shall make him your equal.
289 A mighty companion will come to you, the saviour of (his) friend:
290 he is the mightiest in the land, he has strength,
291 his strength is as mighty as a lump of rock from the sky.”
292 Gilgameš said to her, to his mother,
293 “O mother, by Counsellor Enlil’s command may it befall me!
294 I will acquire a friend, a counsellor,
295 a friend, a counsellor, [I will] acquire!”
296 [(Thus) he has] seen his dreams.’
297 [After] Šamḫat told Enkidu the dreams of Gilgameš,
298 the two of [them were making] love together.
Tablet II
1 [Enkidu] was sitting before her, […] …
2 [Missing text: 2–25.]
26 … […]
27 … […]
28 be b[elted with a waistband …!]
29 Why [do you roam the wild] with the [animals?]
30 Taking his own counsel […]
31 by his own judgement […]
32 his heart (now) wise [was seeking a friend.]
33 of Šamhat […]
34 The first garment [she put on herself,]
35 and with the second garment [she clothed] him.
36 she took him (by the hand), [leading him] like a god,
37 To the shepherd’s camp, the site of the sheep-pen.
38 The band of shepherds was gathered around him
39 of their own will and by himself:
40 ‘This fellow — how similar to Gilgameš he is in build,
41 he is tall in stature, majestic as a battlement
42 For sure he was born in the hills,
43 his strength is as mighty as a lump of rock from the sky.’
44 They put bread before [him]
45 they put ale before him.
46 Enkidu did not eat the bread, he looked intently as he viewed (it):
47 [how to eat bread he had never] even [been taught,]
48 [how to drink ale Enkidu did not] know.
49 [The prostitute said to him, to] Enkidu,
50 ‘[Eat the bread, Enkidu, the staff of the] people,
51 [drink the ale, the destiny of the] land!’
52 […] …
53 [The translation for this passage appears with passage 52.]
54 [Missing text: 54–55.]
56 […] …
57 […] …
58 […] …
59 His heart [now wise…]
60 [he would] massacre wolves and [chase] away [lions.]
61 [As] the senior herdsmen lay sleeping,
62 Enkidu was their herdsman, a [wakeful man.]
63 [A certain] fellow [was invited] to a wedding,
64 [into] Uruk the sheepfold for … […]
65 […] … […]
66 […] … […]
King [of Uruk the sheepfold ...]
husband […]
And […]
… […]
67 [Missing text: 67–98.]
99 […] … […]
100 [He stood] in the street of Uruk [the sheepfold.]
101 […] parted, strength […,]
102 he blocked the path [of Gilgameš.]
103 The land of Uruk was standing [around him,]
104 the land was gathered [about him.]
105 A crowd was jostling before [him,]
106 the menfolk were thronging [around him.]
107 They were [kissing his feet] like a little baby’s;
108 already the man … […] …
109 For Išḫara a bed of […] …
110 for Gilgameš, like a god, a substitute was in place.
111 Enkidu with [his] feet blocked the doorway of the wedding house,
112 not allowing Gilgameš to enter.
113 They took hold of each other in the doorway of the wedding house,
114 they joined combat in the street, the Main-Street-of-the-Land.
115 The door jambs quaked, the wall shook.
116 [Missing text: 116–161.]
162 ‘He is the mightiest [in the land, strength he possesses,]
163 [his strength is as mighty as a] lump of rock from the sky,
164 tall in [stature, majestic as a battlement.]’
165 The mother of Gilgameš [opened her] mouth [to speak,]
166 saying to [her son,]
167 Wild-Cow Ninsun [opened her mouth to speak, saying to Gilgameš:]
168 ‘My son, … […]
169 bitterly you […]
170 … […]
171 […]
172 You hold […]
173 … in his gate […]
174 Bitterly he wails […]
175 Enkidu does not have [kith and kin]
176 Loose-hanging hair…[…]
177 he was born in the wild and [has] no [brother]
178 Enkidu being present, he heard [what she said,]
179 thinking it over, he sat [down weeping.]
180 His eyes filled with [tears,]
181 his arms fell limp, strength […]
182 They took hold of each other and together […]
183 they [linked] their hands and like […]
184 Gilgameš … […]
185 [to] Enkidu he said a word, [saying:]
186 ‘Why, my friend, [did your eyes] fill [with tears,]
187 your arms fall limp, [strength…?]’
188 Enkidu said to him, [to Gilgameš:]
189 My friend, my heart was made to ache…[…]
190 Through sobbing [my legs do] tremble,
191 terror has entered my heart.
192 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
193 Gilgameš opened his mouth to speak, saying to Enkidu:
194 ‘As if, my friend, to…[…]
195 … is imminent […]
196 But as for us, wrestling... […]
197 … him, the days […]
198 … beside you … […]
199 So now, my friend, […]
200 […] in the land we […]
201 […] … Ḫubaba […]
202 […] … […]
203 [Missing text: 203–211.]
212 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
213 let [me cut …]
214 May they smash […]
215 the whirlwinds […]’
216 Enkidu [opened his] mouth [to speak, saying to Gilgameš:]
217 ‘How can we [go, my friend, to the Forest of Cedar?]
218 In order to keep the cedars safe,
That journey [is not one for the making,]
219 Enlil made it his destiny to be the terror of the people:
[that man is not one for the seeing.]
220 He who guards [the Forest of Cedar is mighty, never resting,]
221 Ḫumbaba, his voice is the Deluge,
222 his speech is fire, his breath is death.
223 He hears his forest’s murmur for sixty leagues;
224 who is there that would venture into his forest?
225 Adad is the first, but he is the second!
226 Who is there among the Igigi that would oppose him?
227 In order to keep the cedars safe,
228 Enlil made it his destiny to be the terror of the people.
229 And he who ventures into his forest, feebleness will seize him!’
230 Gilgameš opened his mouth to speak, saying to Enkidu:
231 ‘Come, […]
232 Why, my friend, do you speak like a weakling?
233 With your feeble talk you have vexed my heart!
234 As for man, [his] days are numbered,
235 all that ever he did is but [wind.]
236 … do not exist […]
237 You were born and grew up [in the wild.]
238 Lions attacked you, [you experienced all,]
239 grown men, too, fled [from your presence.]
240 Your heart, well tried, [is tested in] combat;
241 come, my friend, [I will go] to the forge!’
242 [To the] forge [they went, …]
243 […] … […]
244 [Missing text: 244–246.]
247 They [were sitting] down exchanging views, to […]
248 ‘Let us cast axes […]
249 hatchets of seven talents each, […]
250 Their swords of seven talents each,
251 … […] Scribal annotation: [new] break
252 Their belts of one talent apiece,
253 the belt of […]’
254 […] … […] Scribal annotation: new break, new break
255 [Missing text: 255–259.]
260 ‘Listen to me, O young men (of Uruk the sheepfold!) Scribal annotation: five lines skipped
261 O young men of Uruk, who understand [combat!]
262 I have grown so bold as to travel the [distant] path [to where Ḫumbaba is.]
263 I shall face a battle that I do not know,
264 [I shall ride] a road [that I do not know.]
265 Give me your blessing, so that I may go,
266 [so that I may see your] faces [(again) in safety,]
267 and come in through Uruk’s gate [glad at heart!]
268 I will return and [perform] the akītu-festival [twice] in the year,
269 the akītu I will perform [twice] in the year.
270 Let the akītu take place and the merriment begin,
271 let the drums be beaten in [the presence of Wild-Cow] Ninsun!’
272 Enkidu [gave] advice to the elders,
273 and the young men of Uruk, who understand [combat]
274 ‘Tell him that he must not go to the Forest of Cedar,
275 that journey is not one for making.
276 That man [is not one for] the seeing,
277 he who guards the Forest of Cedar is mighty, never resting.
278 Ḫumbaba, [his voice is the Deluge,]
279 [his speech is fire,] his breath is death.
280 [He hears] his forest’s murmur [for sixty leagues;]
281 [who is there that would venture] into his forest?
282 [Adad is the first, but he is] the second!
283 [Who is there] among the Igigi [that would oppose him?]
284 [In order to keep the cedars safe,]
285 Enlil made it his destiny [to be the] terror of the people.
286 [And] he who ventures into his forest, feebleness will seize him!’
287 The senior advisers arose,
288 they expressed in return (their) opinion to Gilgameš:
289 [5]‘You are young, Gilgameš, carried away by enthusiasm,
290 and the thing that you talk of you do not understand.
291 Ḫumbaba, his voice is the Deluge,
292 his speech is fire, his breath is death.
293 He hears his forest’s murmur for sixty leagues;
294 he who ventures into his forest, [feebleness will seize him!]
295 Who is there that would venture into his forest?
296 Who is there among the Igigi that would oppose him?
297 Adad is the first, but he is the second!
298 In order to keep the cedars safe,
299 Enlil made it his destiny to be the terror of the people.
300 Gilgameš heard the words of the senior advisers,
301 he looked and … Enkidu.
302 … […] …
303 [Missing text: 303–321.]
322 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
Tablet III
1 ‘[Come back in safety] to [the quay of] Uruk!
2 Do not trust, O Gilgameš, in the fullness of your strength,
3 let your eyes be satisfied, strike a blow to rely on!
4 “He who goes in front saves (his) comrade,
5 he who knew the road protected his friend.”
6 Let Enkidu go in front of you,
7 he knows the way to the Forest of Cedar!
8 He is tried in battles and experienced in combat,
9 let Enkidu protect (his) friend and keep safe (his) comrade!
10 let him bring his person back to his wives!
11 In this our assembly we hereby give the king into your care:
12 you will ensure (his) return and give the king into our care.’
13 Gilgameš opened his mouth to speak,
14 saying to Enkidu:
15 ‘Come, my friend, let us go to Egal-maḫ,
16 into the presence of the great Queen Ninsun!
17 Ninsun is clever, she is wise, she knows everything,
18 she will set steps of (good) counsel for our feet.’
19 They took each other hand in hand,
20 Gilgameš and Enkidu, as they went to Egal-maḫ.
21 Into the presence of the great Queen Ninsun,
22 Gilgameš arose and entered before [the goddess, his mother.]
23 Gilgameš said to her, to [Ninsun:]
24 ‘O Ninsun, I have grown so bold [as to travel]
25 the distant path to where Ḫumbaba is.
26 I shall face a battle that I do not know,
27 I shall ride a road that I do not know.
28 I hereby beg you, give me your blessing, so that I may go,
29 so that I may see your face (again) in safety,
30 and come in through Uruk’s gate glad at heart!
31 I will return and perform the akītu-festival twice in the year,
32 the akītu I will perform twice in the year.
33 Let the akītu take place and the merriment begin,
34 let the drums be beaten in your presence!’
35 [Wild-Cow] Ninsun was listening in sorrow
36 to the words of Gilgameš, her son, and Enkidu.
37 She went seven times into the bath-house,
38 [she cleansed] herself in water (perfumed with) tamarisk and soapwort.
39 [she dressed in] a fine garment, the adornment of her body,
40 […] … the adornment of her breast.
41 […] was put in place and she was wearing her crown,
42 […] … the prostitutes… the ground.
43 She leapt [up] the staircase, she climbed on to the roof,
44 she climbed on to the roof, she set up a censer before Šamaš,
45 she scattered incense before Šamaš, she lifted her arms:
46 ‘Why did you assign to [my] son Gilgameš, (why) inflict on him a restless spirit?
47 For now you have touched him and he will travel
48 the distant path to the home of Ḫumbaba.
49 He will face a battle that he does not know,
50 he will ride a route that he does not know.
51 During the days that he travels there and back,
52 until he reaches the Forest of Cedar,
53 until he slays ferocious Ḫumbaba,
54 and annihilates from the land the Evil Thing that you hate,
55 by day when [you …] the boundary [of…,]
56 may she not fear you, may Aya the Bride remind you:
57 “As for him, place him in the care of the watches of the night!
58 At evening […] …”
59 […] …,
60 […] to …,
61 […] …,
62 … […] to shine.
63 You have opened, O [Šamaš, … for the going] out of the livestock,
64 for … […] you came forth on the land.
65 The uplands […], the heavens growing [bright,]
66 the herds of the wild […] your ruddy light.
67 […] waited for […] them,
68 the animals […] you.
69 […] I am offering you,
70 the dead man […] life.
71 To the … […] your head,
72 at the coming forth [of your rays the] crowds are gathered.
73 The Anunnaki wait intent [on your light.]
74 May she not fear [you, may Aya the Bride remind you:]
75 “As for him, [place him] in [the care of the watches of the night!]
76 Make for [his feet] a road of [safety,]
77 touch Enkidu, so [he goes] before him!
78 Because he [knows] the way to the [Forest of Cedar,]
79 [he shall throw] open a path, [make] the mountains [passable.]
80 And a torch … for the journey [let him bear] in his hand,
81 while Gilgameš travels to the [Forest] of Cedar,
82 let the days be long, let the nights be short,
83 let his waist be belted, let his stride [be …!]
84 At dusk let him pitch camp for the night,
85 a stay overnight … they will lie down.”
86 May she not fear you, may Aya the Bride remind you!
87 On the day that Gilgameš, Enkidu and Ḫumbaba come face to face,
88 send against Ḫumbaba, O Šamaš, the great stormwinds:
89 South Wind, North Wind, East Wind, West Wind, Blast, Counterblast,
90 Gale, Tempest, Typhoon, Hell-Wind,
91 Icy Blast, Hurricane, Tornado:
92 Let (these) thirteen winds arise so the face of Ḫumbaba darkens,
93 and the weapon of Gilgameš reaches Ḫumbaba!
94 After your own heart has calmed down,
95 at that time, O Šamaš, turn your face to your mules!
96 Your fleet-footed mules shall bring you (in) early,
97 let a restful seat, a bed … (scribal annotation: broken) be laid out for you
a seat of […]
98 The gods, your brothers, shall bring food [to delight] you,
99 may Aya the Bride wipe your face with her clean garment-fringe!’
100 Again Wild-Cow Ninsun repeated (her) request before Šamaš:
101 ‘O Šamaš, will not Gilgameš rank with the gods?
102 Will he not share the heavens with you?
103 Will he not share a sceptre with the moon?
104 Will he not become wise with Ea of the Apsû?
105 Will he not rule the black-headed race with Irnina?
106 [Will he] not dwell in the Land-of-No-Return with Ningišzida?
107 Let me make him, O Šamaš, […] …
108 may he not … may he not […] the [Forest] of [Cedar.]
109 […] … may he not reach […,]
110 […] your [great] divinity.’
111 […] … […]
112 […] … like […]
113 ‘[…] … like the people themselves,
114 […] … you as [you] commanded,
115 to the … of Ḫumbaba you are making him enter.’
116 After Wild-Cow Ninsun had delivered (her) request to Šamaš,
117 [Wild-Cow] Ninsun was clever, [she was wise, she knew everything,]
118 […] Gilgameš … […]
119 she smothered the censer and came [down from the roof]
120 She summoned Enkidu to declare (her) intention:
121 ‘O mighty Enkidu, you are not the offspring of my womb,
122 but now your brood (will be) with the oblates of Gilgameš,
123 the priestesses, hierodules and temple girls.’
124 She placed the symbols on Enkidu’s neck:
125 ‘The priestesses took in the foundling,
126 and the Divine Daughters will bring up the foster-child.
127 I myself hereby adopt Enkidu, whom [I love], as a son,
128 let Gilgameš in [brotherhood] treat Enkidu with favour!
129 Now … […]
130 And […] … […]
131 while [you] travel [together] to the Forest of Cedar,
132 let [the days be] long, let the nights be short!
133 [Let your waist be belted, let] your stride [be long!]
134 [At dusk pitch camp for the] night!
135 [by day may Shamash] protect [you]!’
136 […] …
137 [Missing text: 137–145.]
146 … […]
147 Gilgameš to […]
148 His … […]
149 [To] the Gate of Cedar […]
[…] …
150 Enkidu in the chapel of … […]
[…] …
151 and Gilgameš in the chapel of […]
[…] …
152 juniper, incense […]
[…] …
153 members of the [… were] present […]
[…] …
154 where … […]
[…] …
155 … […]
[…] …
156 … […]
[…] …
157 … […]
[…] …
158 … […]
[…] …
159 […] …
160 […] road
161 […] Gilgameš
162 […] …
163 […] …
164 […] Gilgameš
[and let the] weapon [of Gilgameš reach Ḫumbaba!]
165 [at] that time, [let] Šamaš [turn his face to the reverent one!]
166 ‘By the command of Šamaš you will attain [your desire,]
167 in the Gate of Marduk […]
168 on the surface of the water will go […]
169 The back of people … […]
170 in the Gate of Cedar … […]
171 Gilgameš … […]
172 and Enkidu […]’
173 ‘At twenty leagues [you should break bread!]’
174 [Missing text: 174–201.]
202 ‘[During the days that we travel there and] back,
203 [until we reach the Forest of] Cedar,
204 [until we] slay [ferocious Ḫumbaba,
205 [and annihilate] from [the land the Evil Thing that Šamaš hates.]
206 [Missing text: 206.]
207 May you not acquire […]
208 […] must not assemble the young men in the street.
209 Judge the lawsuit of the weak, seek out …
210 until, like little babies, we attain our desire,
211 until we plant our [weapons] at Ḫumbaba’s gate!’
212 The officers stood there paying him homage,
213 in a crowd the young men of Uruk ran about behind him,
214 and the officers were kissing his feet:
215 ‘Come back in safety to the quay of Uruk!
216 Do not trust, O Gilgameš, in the fullness of your strength,
217 let your eyes be satisfied, strike a blow to rely on!
218 “He who goes in front saves (his) comrade,
219 he who knows the road should [protect] his friend.”
220 Let Enkidu go in front of you,
221 he knows the way to the Forest of Cedar!
222 He is tried in battle and [experienced] in combat,
223 to the mountain passes […]
224 Let Enkidu [protect] (his) friend [and keep safe (his) comrade!]
225 [let him bring his person] back to his wives!
226 In this our assembly [we hereby give the king into your care:]
227 you will ensure (his) return and give [the king into our care.]’
228 Enkidu [opened] his mouth [to speak,]
229 saying [to Gilgameš:]
230 ‘My friend, turn [them back …]
231 a journey not for […]
232 … […]
233 … […]
234 [Missing text: 234–243.]
244 […]
Tablet IV
1 [At twenty] leagues they broke bread,
2 [at] thirty leagues they pitched camp.
3 [Fifty] leagues they travelled in the course of a day,
4 a month and a half’s [march] by the third day, they drew near to Mount Lebanon.
5 [Facing the sun they] dug [a well,]
6 [in their waterskins they put fresh water]
7 [Gilgamesh went up on to the top of the mountain,]
8 [he made his offerings of maṣḫatu-flour to the hill.]
9 ‘[O mountain, bring me a dream, let me see a favourable message from Šamaš!]’
10 [Enkidu made for him a ‘house of Zaqīqu’,]
11 [he fixed a storm-door in its doorway.]
12 [in the circle he had drawn he made him lie down,]
13 [and falling flat like a net lay himself in the doorway]
14 [Gilgamesh rested his chin on his knees,]
15 [the sleep that spills over people fell upon him.]
16 [In the middle watch (of the night) he reached his sleep’s end,]
17 [he arose to talk to his friend:]
18 ‘[My friend, did you not call me? Why am I awake?]
19 [Did you not touch me? Why am I in confusion?]
20 [Did a god not pass by? Why is my flesh numb?]
21 [My friend, I have seen a dream,]
22 [and the] dream that I saw [was completely confused.]
23 [we were standing on] a mountain slope,
24 [the mountain] fell down [between us]
25 [but] we like flies [flew clean over it]
26 [The one who] was born in the [wild was able to give counsel,]
27 Enkidu spoke to his friend, [making his dream meaningful to him:]
28 ‘My friend, [your] dream is favourable, [ … is fine,]
29 the dream is precious [and bodes us well]
30 My friend, the mountain that you saw [was … ,]
31 [we] shall capture Ḫumbaba, we [shall slay him,]
32 and we shall [cast down] his corpse on the field of battle.
33 And in the morning [we shall see a favourable] message [from Šamaš.]’
34 At twenty leagues they broke [bread,]
35 at thirty leagues they pitched [camp.]
36 Fifty leagues they travelled in the course of [a day,]
37 a [month and] a half’s march by the third day, they drew near to Mount [Lebanon.]
38 Facing the sun they dug a well,
39 [in their waterskins they put fresh] water
40 Gilgamesh went up on to the top [of the mountain,]
41 he made his offerings of maṣḫatu-flour [to the hill.]
42 ‘O mountain, bring me a dream, [let me see a favourable message from Šamaš!]’
43 Enkidu made for him [a ‘house of Zaqīqu’,]
44 [he fixed a storm-door in its doorway.]
45 [in the circle he had drawn he made him lie down,]
46 [and falling flat like a net lay himself in the doorway]
47 [Gilgamesh rested his chin on his knees,]
48 [the sleep that spills over people fell upon him.]
49 [In the middle watch (of the night) he reached his sleep’s end,]
50 [he arose to talk to his friend:]
51 ‘[My friend, did you not call me? Why am I awake?]
52 [Did you not touch me? Why am I in confusion?]
53 [Did a god not pass by? Why is my flesh numb?]
54 [My friend, I have seen a second dream,]
55 [and the dream that I saw was completely confused.]’
56 [Missing text: 56–68.]
69 […] …
70 [… was] Ḫumbaba.
71 […] … whose length was short,
72 […] … wide and narrow.
73 […] Ḫumbaba will become like a child,
74 […] … over him.’
75 […] …
76 [Missing text: 76–77.]
78 ‘[And in the morning we will see a favourable message from Šamaš.]’
79 [At twenty leagues they broke bread,]
80 [at thirty leagues they pitched camp.]
81 [Fifty leagues they travelled in the course of a day,]
82 [a month and a half’s march by the third day, they drew near to Mount Lebanon.]
83 [Facing the sun they dug a well,]
84 [in] their [waterskins they put fresh water]
85 [Gilgamesh went up on to the top of] the mountain,
86 [he made his offerings of maṣḫatu-flour to the] hill.
87 ‘[O mountain], bring me a dream, so I may see [a favourable message from Šamaš!]’
88 [Enkidu] made for him [a] ‘house of Zaqīqu’,
89 [he fixed] a storm-door in its doorway.
90 [in the circle he had] drawn he made him lie down,
91 [and falling flat] like a net lay himself in the doorway.
92 Gilgamesh rested his chin on his knees,
93 the sleep that spills over people fell upon him.
94 [In the] middle watch (of the night) he reached his sleep’s end,
95 he arose to talk to his friend:
96 ‘My friend, did you not call me? Why am I awake?
97 Did you not touch me? Why am I in confusion?
98 Did a god not pass by? Why is my flesh numb?
99 My friend, I have seen a third dream,
100 and the dream that I saw was completely confused.
101 The heavens cried aloud, while the earth was rumbling,
102 the day grew still, darkness went forth.
103 Lightning flashed down, fire broke out,
104 [flames] kept flaring up, death kept raining down.
105 The fire so bright dimmed and went out,
106 [the flames] diminished and turned into cinders.
107 [You were] born in the wild, can we take counsel?’
108 Enkidu [heard the words of his friend,] making his dream meaningful to him, he said to Gilgameš:
109 ‘[My friend,] your dream is good, [its message] is lucky.’
[…] … […]
[…] … […]
At twenty leagues they [broke bread,]
at thirty leagues they pitched [camp.]
Fifty leagues they travelled [in the course of a day,]
Where … […]
… […]
… […]
… […]
110 [Missing text: 110–119.]
120 [At twenty] leagues they [broke bread,]
121 [at thirty] leagues they pitched [camp.]
122 [Fifty] leagues they travelled [in the course of a day,]
123 a month and a half’s [march] by the third [day,]
124 they drew near to Mount Lebanon.
125 [Facing] the sun they dug [a well,]
126 In [their waterskins] they put [fresh water.]
127 Gilgamesh [went up] on to the top [of the mountain,]
128 [he made his] offerings of [maṣḫatu-flour] to [the hill.]
129 ‘[O mountain, bring me a] dream, [let me see a favourable message from Šamaš!]’
130 [Enkidu made for him a ‘house of Zaqīqu’,]
131 [he fixed a storm-door in its doorway.]
132 [in the circle he had drawn he made him lie down,]
133 [and falling flat like a net lay himself in the doorway.]
134 [Gilgamesh rested his chin on his knees,]
135 [the sleep that spills over people fell upon him.]
136 [In the middle watch (of the night) he reached his sleep’s end,]
137 [he arose to talk to his friend:]
138 ‘[My friend, did you not call me? Why am I awake?]
139 [Did you not touch me? Why am I in confusion?]
140 [Did a god not pass by? Why is my flesh numb?]
141 [My friend, I have seen a fourth dream,]
142 [and the dream that I saw was completely confused.]’
143 [Missing text: 143–154.]
155 ‘[My friend,] your dream [is favourable, … is fine,]
156 […] this […]
157 […] Ḫumbaba like … […,]
158 [… will] be kindled […] upon [him.]
159 We shall bring about his [defeat, we shall] bind his arms,
160 […] … we shall …
161 His […,] we shall stand there upon [him.]
162 [And in the] morning we shall [see] a favourable message from Šamaš.’
163 [At twenty leagues] they broke bread,
164 [at thirty leagues] they pitched camp:
165 [fifty leagues they] travelled in the course [of a day.]
166 [Facing the sun] they dug a [well,]
167 in [their waterskins] they put [fresh water.]
168 Gilgamesh [went up] on to the top [of the mountain,]
169 [he made his] offerings of [maṣḫatu flour] to [the hill.]
170 ‘[O mountain, bring me] a dream, [let me see a favourable] message [from Šamaš!]’
171 Enkidu [made] for [him a ‘house of Zaqīqu’,]
172 he fixed [a storm-door in its doorway.]
173 In the circle [he had drawn he made him lie down,]
174 [and falling] flat [like a net] lay [himself in the doorway].
175 [Gilgamesh] rested his [chin on his knees,]
176 [the sleep that spills over people fell] upon [him.]
177 [In the middle watch (of the night) he reached his sleep’s end,]
178 [he arose to talk to his friend:]
179 ‘[My friend, did you not call me? Why am I awake?]
180 [Did you not touch me? Why am I in confusion?]
181 [Did a god not pass by? Why is my flesh numb?]
182 [My friend, I have seen a fifth dream,]
183 [and the dream that I saw was completely confused.]’
… […]
‘The one whose mouth […]
The man you saw [was …,]
at that time […]
He will take hold of [its] wings […,]
they will kiss […]
I […]’
184 [Missing text: 184–209.]
210 ‘[…] have been born […]’
211 Gilgameš [opened his] mouth [to speak, saying to Enkidu:]
212 ‘My friend, [have they] not […?]
213 Have they not sired sons […?]
214 Enkidu opened his mouth [to speak, saying to Gilgameš:]
215 My friend, the one to whom we are going, [he is something very strange!]
216 Ḫumbaba, to whom we [are going, he is something very strange!]’
217 Gilgameš opened his mouth [to speak, saying to Enkidu:]
218 ‘My friend, I would [slay …]
219 […] to […’]
… […]
… […]
… […]
Tablet V
1 They stood marvelling at the forest,
2 gazing at the lofty cedars,
3 gazing at the forest’s entrance –
4 Where Ḫumbaba came and went there was a track,
5 the paths were in good order and the way was well trodden.
6 [6]They were gazing at the Cedar Mountain,
7 the dwelling of the gods, the throne-dais of the goddesses,
8 [on the] very face of the mountain the cedar was offering its abundance,
9 sweet was its shade, full of delight.
10 [Thick] tangled was the thorn, the forest a shrouding canopy,
11 cedars and gum trees, [all entwined,] left no way in.
12 For a league on all sides cedars [lifts up] saplings,
13 cypresses [grew thick] for two-thirds of a league.
14 Cedars scabbed with resin grew sixty cubits high,
15 the resin [oozed] forth, drizzling down like rain,
16 [flowing freely] for ravines to bear away.
17 [Through] all the forest a bird began to sing,
18 [hen birds] gave answer, a constant din was the noise.
19 [A solitary] tree-cricket set off a noisy chorus,
20 … sing a song, making the … pipe loud.
21 A wood pigeon moans, a turtle dove calls in answer.
22 [At the call of] the stork, the forest exults,
23 [at the cry of] the francolin, the forest exults amid plenty.
24 [Monkey mothers] sing aloud, a youngster monkey shrieks:
25 [like a band] of musicians and drummers,
26 daily they bash out a rhythm in the presence of Ḫumbaba.
27 As the cedar [cast] its shadow,
28 [terror] fell on Gilgameš.
29 [Stiffness took] a grip on his arms,
30 and tremors beset his legs.
31 [Enkidu] opened his mouth to speak, saying to Gilgameš:
32 ‘[Let us go deep] into the midst of the forest,
33 [let us get] going and raise a loud cry!’
34 [Gilgameš] opened his mouth to speak, saying to Enkidu:
35 ‘[Why,] my friend, do we tremble like cowards,
36 [we who] came across all the mountains?
37 ‘[Shall] … before us?
38 Before we have withdrawn…
39 ‘My [friend] is one who is tested in combat,
40 one who has been in battle has no fear of death.
41 ‘You have been splashed in blood, so you need not fear death:
42 [go] berserk, like a dervish fall into a frenzy.
43 Let [your shout] boom loud [like] a kettle drum,
44 may stiffness leave your arms, the tremors depart from your legs!’
45 ‘Take my hand, friend, and we shall go [on] together,
46 [let] your thoughts dwell on combat!
47 Forget death and [seek] life!
48 [The one who] walks alongside is the prudent man.
49 ‘“[Let him who] goes first be on guard for himself and bring his comrade to safety!”
50 It is they made a name [for days] long in the future!’
51 [At the] distant … they both arrived,
52 [they ceased] their talking and came to a halt.
53 They stood marvelling at the forest,
54 […]
55 At once the swords…,
56 and from the scabbards […].
57 The axes were smeared […],
58 hatchets [and] dirks in […]
59 One […],
60 They crept [into …]
61 Ḫumbaba [talked with himself, speaking a word:]
62 “Did not a … go … […?]
63 Did not go … […]?
64 Why are … perturbed and …?
65 ‘Why are my own … […]?
66 In terror for … […]
67 How indeed, … […]?
68 In my very bed … […]
69 ‘It must be Enkidu … […],
70 in goodwill he … […],
71 If a word to … […]
72 may Enlil curse him …!’
73 Enkidu [opened] his mouth [to speak, saying to Gilgameš:]
74 ‘My friend, Ḫumbaba … […]
75 One friend is one alone, but [two are two!]
76 ‘Though they be weak, two … […],
77 [though one alone cannot climb] a sloping rampart, two [will succeed!]
78 Two triplets … […]
79 a three-ply rope [is not easily broken.]
80 ‘A strong dog’s two pups [will overcome it]
81 Fix firm your stance […]
82 My friend, an arrow’s dart … […],
83 the journey that you are making…
84 ‘When we have departed […]
85 … is borne […]
86 Its … two […]
87 My friend, on the winds that Šamaš […]
88 ‘His rear is a tempest, [his forequarters wind.]
89 Speak to Šamaš, that he [give you his winds!]’
90 Gilgameš lifted his head, [weeping before Šamaš,]
91 [his tears] flowing under the rays of the sun:
92 ‘[Do not forget the day that] you spoke [to me] in Uruk!’
93 Now come to my aid and … […]
94 Upon Gilgameš, offshoot sprung from Uruk’s midst, [place your protection!]’
95 Šamaš heard what he had spoken,
96 straight away [from the sky there cried out] a voice:
97 ‘Fear not, stand against him! Ḫumbaba must not [enter his forest,]
98 he must not go down to the grove, he must not put on his auras.]’
99 ‘He [must not] wrap himself in his seven cloaks…!
100 [One] he is wrapped in, six he has shed.’
101 They […]
102 like a fierce wild bull, ready to charge […]
103 He bellowed once, a bellow full of terror,
104 the guardian of the forests was bellowing,
105 … […]
106 Ḫumbaba was [thundering] like the God of the Storm.
107 [Missing text: 107–114.]
115 Ḫumbaba opened his mouth to speak, saying to Gilgameš:
116 ‘Let fools, Gilgameš, take the advice of an idiot fellow! Why have you come [here] into my presence?
117 Come, Enkidu, (you) spawn of a fish, who did not know his father,
118 hatchling of terrapin and turtle, who did not suck the milk of his mother!
119 When you were young I would watch you but I would not go near you,
120 would your… have sated my belly?
121 ‘[Now in treache]ry you bring before me Gilgameš,
122 and you take your stand here like a hostile enemy?
123 I will [slit] the gullet and throat of Gilgameš,
124 I will feed his flesh to the birds of the forest, ravening eagle and vulture!’
125 Gilgameš opened his mouth to speak, saying to Enkidu:
126 ‘My friend, Ḫumbaba’s features have changed!
127 Boldly we came up here to his lair to defeat him,
128 but the heart that took fright does not grow calm in a moment.’
129 Enkidu opened his mouth to speak, saying [to] Gilgameš:
130 ‘Why, my friend, [do you] speak like a weakling?
131 With your feeble talk you vex my heart!
132 ‘Now, my friend, but one is [our task,]
133 already the copper pours into the mould!
134 To stoke the furnace for an hour? To blow on the coals for an hour?
135 To send the Deluge is to crack the whip!
136 [Do not] pull back your foot, do not make a retreat!
137 Make your blow mighty, [like that of a] lion!
138 Let not … […]
139 […] you.
140 And as for him, let him look […]
141 ‘Be mindful of your god Lugalbanda,
142 keep in your thoughts all the dreams that you had!’
143 Gilgameš went [forward] on the advice of his friend,
144 nine times he struck bedrock, the mountain broke up.
145 He launched like a lion a brutal attack,
146 and Enkidu pounced like a puma.
147 They seized hold of Ḫumbaba in the midst of the forest,
148 his fearsome auras did fill the forest.
149 They grabbed his auras in their hands,
150 Ḫumbaba bellowed, on his own account howling:
151 ‘[I shall] lift them and climb to the sky!
152 [I shall] strike the ground so they fall to the Ocean Below!’
153 He lifted them up but the sky was too far,
154 he struck the ground but the bedrock withstood him.
155 At the heels of their feet the earth was splitting apart,
156 as they whirled around Sirara and Lebanon were split apart.
157 White cloud was turned to black,
158 death raining down upon them like a mist.
159 Šamaš roused against Ḫumbaba the mighty stormwinds:
160 South Wind, North Wind, East Wind, West Wind, Blast,
161 Counterblast, Gale, Tempest, Typhoon,
162 Hell-Wind, Icy Blast, Hurricane, Tornado:
163 Thirteen winds rose up and the face of Ḫumbaba darkened —
164 he cannot charge forwards, he cannot kick backwards —
165 and then the weapons of Gilgameš did catch Ḫumbaba.
166 Pleading for his life, Ḫumbaba said to Gilgameš:
167 ‘You are young, Gilgameš, (as when) your mother bore you,
168 but you are the offspring of [Wild-Cow Ninsun!]
169 By Šamaš’s command you flattened ten mountains,
170 O offshoot sprung from Uruk’s midst, Gilgameš the king!
171 ‘Never, O Gilgameš, did a dead man please a master,
172 [but a slave] alive [brings profit] to his owner.
173 O Gilgameš, be merciful! […]
174 Let me stay here in the forest at your beck and call!
175 ‘Trees I will keep you, as many as you ask for:
176 I will keep your myrtle, cedar and cypress,
177 timber to be the pride of [your] palace […]’
178 Enkidu opened his mouth to speak, saying [to Gilgameš:]
179 Do not listen, my [friend,] to Ḫumbaba’s words of pleading,
180 […] should his pleading ever enter your mind?
181 ‘If he returns to his home, we shall be as unborn!
182 He will bind us fast in the Forest of Cedar,
183 [then] enter the grove and put [on his auras.]’
184 Ḫumbaba [heard how Enkidu] abused [him.]
185 [Ḫumbaba lifted his head, weeping before Šamaš,]
186 [his tears flowing under the rays of the sun:]
187 […]
188 [Missing text: 188–189.]
190 ‘You are experienced in the ways of my forest, the ways […,]
191 also you know all the (best) things to say.
192 Had I only picked you up and hanged you from a sapling at my forest’s entrance,
193 Had I only fed your flesh to the birds of the forest, ravening eagle and vulture.
194 Now, Enkidu, [my] release rests with you:
195 speak to Gilgameš so he spares my life.’
196 Enkidu opened his mouth to speak, saying to Gilgameš:
197 ‘My friend, Ḫumbaba, guardian of the Forest of [Cedar,]
198 finish him, slay him, do away with his power!
199 Ḫumbaba, guardian of the Forest, finish him, slay him, do away with his power,
200 before Enlil the foremost has learned (about it)!
201 The [great] gods could be angry with us,
202 Enlil in Nippur, Šamaš in [Larsa … ]
203 establish for ever [a fame] that endures,
204 how Gilgameš [slew ferocious] Ḫumbaba!’
205 Ḫumbaba heard [how Enkidu abused him.]
206 Ḫumbaba [lifted] his head, [weeping before Šamaš.]
207 [his tears flowing under the rays of the sun:]
208 [Missing text: 208–246.]
247 … […]
248 … […]
249 Enkidu [opened his mouth to speak, saying to Gilgameš:]
250 ‘My friend, [catch a bird,]
251 and where [can its hatchlings go?]
252 Ḫumbaba […]
253 Where will [they go…?]
254 Where will [they go …?]’
255 Ḫumbaba heard [how Enkidu abused him.]
256 Ḫumbaba lifted his head, [weeping before Šamaš,]
257 [his tears flowing] under the rays of the sun:
258 “You did enter, O Enkidu, […]
259 in the clashing of weapons a prince […]
260 and the one who dwells in his house […] hostilities.
261 You sit before [him] like a shepherd,
262 and like one at his beck and call you […]
263 Now, Enkidu, [my release] rests with you, and [ … ,]
264 speak to Gilgameš so he [spares] my life!’
265 Enkidu opened his mouth to speak, saying [to Gilgameš:]
266 ‘My friend, Ḫumbaba, guardian of the Forest of [Cedar,]
267 finish him, slay him, [do away with his power,]
268 ‘Ḫumbaba, guardian of the Forest of Cedar, finish [him, slay him, do away with his power,]
269 before [Enlil] the foremost has learned (about it)!
270 The [great] gods could be angry with us,
271 Enlil in Nippur, Šamaš in [Larsa (…) establi]sh for ever [a fame] that endures,
272 how Gilgameš slew [the fearsome] Ḫumbaba!’
273 Ḫumbaba heard [how Enkidu] abu[sed him.]
274 Ḫumbaba [lifted up] his head, [weeping before Šamaš,]
275 [his tears flowing] under the [rays of the sun:]
276 [“O Šamaš …”]
… […]
277 … […]
278 May they not […]
279 May the pair of them not grow old,
280 apart from his friend Gilgameš, may Enkidu have nobody to bury him!’
281 Enkidu opened his mouth to speak, saying to Gilgameš:
282 ‘My friend, I speak to you but you do not listen to me!
283 Until the curses … […] … […]
284 [let those curses return] to his mouth.’
285 [Gilgameš heard the words] of his friend,
286 he drew forth [the dirk at] his side.
287 Gilgameš [struck him] in the neck,
288 Enkidu cut out [his heart], pulled it forth with the lungs.
289 […] … jumping up,
290 [from] the head he takes the tusks as booty.
291 [blood] in plenty fell on the mountain,
292 [gore] in plenty fell on the mountain.
293 […] …
294 […] …
295 [Missing text: 295–297.]
298 […] …
299 […] … […]
300 Gilgameš went trampling [through the] forest,
301 to take the resin from the cedars [for the table] of Enlil.
302 [Enkidu] opened his mouth to speak, saying to Gilgameš:
303 “[My friend,] we have reduced the forest [to] a wasteland,
304 [how] shall we answer Enlil in Nippur?
305 ‘[In] your might you slew the guardian,
306 what was this wrath of yours that you went trampling the forest?’ ”
307 After they had slain his seven sons,
308 Cricket, Screecher, Typhoon, Screamer, Crafty, …, Storm —
309 Hatchets of two talents each were their axes,
[…] … they cut off,
310 three and a half cubits (long) were the chips made by each stroke.
311 Gilgameš was cutting down the trees,
312 Enkidu was seeking out the best timber.
313 Enkidu opened his mouth to speak, saying to Gilgameš:
314 My friend, we have cut down a lofty cedar,
315 whose top abutted the heavens.
316 I made a door — six rods is its height, two rods its breadth, one cubit its thickness,
317 its pole, its top pivot and its bottom pivot are all of a piece.
318 To the house of Enlil in Nippur the Euphrates shall bear it,
319 [let rejoice] the sanctuary [of Nippur].
320 They fashioned a raft of logs [of cedar and] cypress,
321 they bound together a raft, they laid [cedar on it.]
322 […] … Enkidu […]
323 Enkidu was riding… […]
324 and Gilgameš rode [too, bearing] the head of Ḫumbaba.
Tablet VI
1 He washed his matted hair, he cleaned his equipment,
2 he shook his locks down over his back.
3 He cast aside his dirty things, he clothed himself with his clean things,
4 He wrapped himself in cloaks, tied with a sash.
5 Gilgameš put on his crown.
6 The lady Ištar looked covetously on the beauty of Gilgameš:
7 ‘Come, Gilgameš, you be the bridegroom!
8 Grant me your fruits, I insist!
9 You shall be my husband and I will be your wife!
10 Let me harness for you a chariot of lapis lazuli and gold,
11 whose wheels are gold and whose horns are amber.
12 You shall have in harness “storm-lions”, huge mules.
13 Come into our house with scents of cedar!
14 When you come into our house,
15 doorway and throne shall kiss your feet.
16 Kings, courtiers and nobles shall be bowed down beneath you,
17 Produce of mountain and lowland they shall bring you as tribute!
18 Your nanny goats shall bear triplets and your ewes twins,
19 your donkey foal under load shall outpace a mule.
20 At the chariot your horse shall gallop majestically,
21 at the yoke your ox shall acquire no rival.
22 [Gilgameš] opened his mouth to speak,
23 [saying] to the lady Ištar:
24 ‘[If indeed I were] to take you in marriage,
25 [...] myself and my clothing,
26 [where will I get] my food and my sustenance?
27 [will you feed me] bread fit for a god?
28 [will you pour me ale] fit for a king?
29 [...] should I bind,
30 […] should I pile high?
31 [Would…] wrap […] in a cloak?
32 ‘[Why] would I take you in marriage?
33 [You, a frost] that congeals no ice,
34 a slatted door [that does not] block breeze and draught,
35 a palace that massacres warriors,
36 an elephant [that...] its coverings,
37 pitch that [stains the hands] of its bearer,
38 a waterskin that [sullies the hands] of its bearer,
39 a boulder that [smashes] a wall of stone,
40 a battering ram that destroys the [walls of] the enemy land,
41 a shoe that bites the foot of its owner!
42 What bridegroom of yours endured forever?
43 What brave warrior of yours is there [who] went up [heaven?]
44 Come, let me count [the number] of your lovers.
45 As for him of… […] his arm.
46 [7]To Dumuzi the husband of your youth,
47 to him you have allotted perpetual weeping, year on year.
48 You loved the speckled allallu-bird,
49 you struck him and broke his wing,
50 (now) he stands in the woods crying “My wing!”
51 You loved the lion, perfect in strength,
52 seven and seven pits you have dug for him.
53 You loved the horse, famed in battle,
54 to him you have allotted whip, spurs and lash.
55 To him you have allotted a seven-league gallop,
56 to him you have allotted muddy water to drink.
57 To his mother Silili you have allotted perpetual weeping.
58 You loved the shepherd, the grazier, the herdsman,
59 who regularly piled up for you (bread baked in) embers,
60 slaughtering kids for you every day.
61 You struck him and turned him into a wolf,
62 so his own shepherd boys drive him away,
63 and his dogs take bites at his thighs.
64 You loved Išullānu, your father’s gardener,
65 who regularly brought you a basket of dates,
66 daily making your table gleam.
67 you looked at him covetously and went up to him:
68 “O my Išullānu, let us taste your power!”
69 Put out your hand and stroke our vulva!”
70 Išullānu spoke to you:
71 “Me! What do you want of me?
72 Did my mother not bake? Did I not eat?
73 Am I to eat bread of insults and curses?
74 Shall I let rushes be my covering against the cold?”
75 You heard what [he had to] say,
76 you struck him, you turned [him] into a dwarf.
77 You sat him in the midst of his labours,
78 he cannot go up to the …, he cannot go down to the … […]
79 And you would love me and [change me] as (you did) them?’
80 When Ištar [heard] this,
81 Ištar was furious and [went up] to heaven.
82 Ištar went [weeping] before her father, Anu,
83 her tears flowing before Antu, her mother.
84 ‘O father, Gilgameš has been heaping abuse on me,
85 Gilgameš kept recounting things that insult me,
86 things that insult and revile me.’
87 Anum opened his mouth to speak,
88 saying to the lady Ištar:
89 ‘Well, was it not you who provoked King Gilgameš,
90 so then Gilgameš recounted things that insult you,
91 things that insult and revile you?’
92 Ištar opened her mouth to speak,
93 saying to her father, Anu:
94 ‘O father, give me, please, the Bull of Heaven,
95 that I may slay Gilgameš in his dwelling.
96 If you will not give me the Bull of Heaven,
97 I shall smash the underworld together with its dwelling-place,
98 to the world below I shall grant [manumission,]
99 I shall bring up the dead to consume the living,
100 I shall make the dead outnumber the living.’
101 Anu opened his mouth to speak,
102 saying to the lady Ištar:
103 ‘If you will ask of me the Bull of Heaven,
104 for seven years let the widow of Uruk gather chaff,
105 [and the farmer of Uruk] grow hay.’
106 [Ištar opened her mouth] to speak,
107 [saying to] her father, Anu:
108 [...] already I stored,
109 [...] I made grow.
110 [For seven] years the widow [of Uruk has] gathered chaff,
111 the farmer [of Uruk has grown] hay.
112 With the wrath of the Bull I shall [have vengeance!]
113 Anu heard this speech of Ištar,
114 [and] he placed in her hands the nose-rope of the Bull of Heaven.
115 [Down came] Ištar, leading it onward:
116 when [it] reached the [land] of Uruk,
117 it dried up the woodland, the marshland and the reeds,
118 it went down to the river, (the level of) the river was reduced by seven cubits.
119 At the snort of the Bull of Heaven a pit opened up,
120 a hundred men of Uruk all fell into it.
121 At its second snort a pit opened up,
122 two hundred men of Uruk all fell into it.
123 At its third snort a pit opened up,
124 Enkidu fell in up to [his] waist.
125 Enkidu sprang out and seized the Bull of Heaven by [its] horns;
126 the Bull of Heaven spat saliva at his face,
127 [flicking] its dung with the tuft of its tail.
128 Enkidu opened his mouth [to speak,]
129 saying to Gilgameš:
130 ‘My friend, we boasted about ourselves [in our] city,
131 how shall we make amends for the piled-up people?
132 My friend, I have experienced the might of the Bull of Heaven,
133 so learning [its] strength, [and knowing its] purpose.
134 I will once again [experience] the might of the Bull of [Heaven,]
135 I [shall get me] behind [the Bull of Heaven,]
136 I will seize [it by the tuft of its tail.]
137 I will set [my foot on the back of its hock,]
138 in... [... I will ...it.]
139 Then [you] like a [butcher (…), brave and] skilful,
140 press home your knife between the yoke of the horns and the slaughter-spot.’
141 Enkidu circled round behind the Bull of Heaven,
142 he seized it by the [tuft] of its tail.
143 [He set] his foot on [the back of] its hock,
144 [in...he] ... it.
145 Then Gilgameš like a butcher [(…)], brave and skilful,
146 [pressed home] his knife between the yoke of the horns and the slaughter-spot.
147 After they had slain the Bull of Heaven,
148 they took its heart and set it before Šamaš.
149 They stepped back and prostrated themselves before Šamaš,
150 both of them (then) sat down together.
151 Ištar went up on to the wall of Uruk-the-Sheepfold,
152 she hopped and stamped, she uttered a woeful wail:
153 ‘Woe to Gilgameš, who vilified me, (who) killed the Bull of Heaven!’
154 Enkidu heard this speech of Ištar,
155 he tore a haunch off the Bull of Heaven and threw it down before her.
156 ‘You too, had I caught you, I would have treated you like it!
157 I would have draped its guts on your arms!’
158 Ištar assembled the courtesans, prostitutes (and sex workers),
159 she instituted mourning over the Bull of Heaven’s haunch.
160 Gilgameš summoned the craftsmen, all the smiths,
161 for the craftsmen to praise the thickness of its horns.
162 Thirty minas of lapis lazuli each was their mass,
163 Two minas each their rims,
164 six kor of oil was the capacity of both.
165 He dedicated (them) for the anointing of his god, Lugalbanda,
166 he took (them) in and hung (them) in his bed-chamber.
167 They washed their hands in the River Euphrates,
168 they took each other (by the hand) to go forward.
169 As they drove along the street of Uruk,
170 the people of Uruk were gathered to look [at them.]
171 Gilgameš spoke a word to the serving girls of [his house:]
172 ‘Who is the finest among men?
173 Who is the most glorious of fellows?’
174 ‘Gilgameš is the finest among men!
175 [Gilgameš is the most] glorious of fellows!’
176 ‘[...whom] we knew in our fury!’
177 ‘[...in] the street he has none that defames him,
178 […] … […] way of his […!]’
179 Gilgameš made merry in his palace.
180 The men were lying down, that were asleep on beds for the night,
181 Enkidu was lying down, seeing a dream.
182 [8]Enkidu arose to reveal the dream,
183 saying to his friend:
Tablet VII
1 ‘My friend, for what reason were the great gods taking counsel?’
2 [Missing text: 2–26.]
27 … […]
28 Enkidu [opened his mouth to speak,]
29 saying [to Gilgameš:]
30 ‘Come, [my] friend, […]
31 in … […]
32 The door […]
33 because … […]’
34 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
35 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
36 in … […] … […]
37 Enkidu […] raised [his eyes,]
38 talking with the door like [… :]
39 ‘O door of the woodland, not being … [… ,]
40 I have understanding, which [you] have not.
41 For twenty leagues I sought for you the [finest] timber,
42 until [in the forest] I found a tall cedar.
43 ‘Your tree had no rival [in the Forest of Cedar:]
44 six rods is your height, two rods your breadth, one [cubit your] thickness,
45 your pole, its top pivot and its bottom pivot are all of a piece;
46 I made you, I raised you up, in Nippur I hung you upright.
47 Had I but known, O door, that this would be your [reward,]
48 had I but known, O door, that this would be your bounty,
49 I would have picked up an axe, I would have cut you down,
50 I would have shipped you by raft to E-babbarra.
51 [To] E-babbarra, the temple of Šamaš, I would have brought [you,]
52 I would have set [up] the cedar [in the gate] of E-babbarra.
53 [In] its doorway I would have stood Lion-Bird [and bull colossus,]
54 […] … your entrance I would have […]
55 I would have … […] the city […] Šamaš,
56 and in Uruk … […,]
57 because Šamaš heard what I said,
58 and in time of [peril] … he [gave] me a weapon.
59 Now, O door, it was I who made you, I who raised [you] up!
60 I [also can curse you, I also can] tear you down!
61 May either a king who comes after me abhor you,
62 or … hang you [where you cannot be seen,]
63 May he remove my name and set up his own!’
64 He ripped off [his garments,] cast [his finery] away,
65 As he was listening to his words, swiftly and soon his [tears were flowing.]
66 As Gilgameš was listening to the words of Enkidu, his friend,
67 [swiftly and soon his] tears were [flowing.]
68 Gilgameš opened his mouth to speak, saying to Enkidu:
69 [‘My friend, …] … […] manifest,
70 [do you, who] had understanding and reason, [now speak] madness?
71 Why, my friend, did your heart talk profanities […?]
72 [the dream] was precious and the apprehension was much.
73 [your feverish lips] were buzzing like flies,
74 [the misgivings were] great, the dream was rare.
75 “To the one who survived grieving was left,
76 the [deceased] left sorrow to the one who survived.”
77 [I will] beg the great gods and entreat them,
78 I will seek out [Šamaš], I will appeal to your god.
79 ‘In [your presence] I will pray [to Anu,] father of the gods,
80 [May] Enlil, the great counsellor, [hear my] prayers in your presence,
81 may [my entreaty find favour with Ea!]
82 I will make a statue of you in gold without limit,
83 […] … […]
84 ‘[My friend,] you must not give silver, you must not … gold, [you must] not […]
85 The word [Enlil] spoke is not such that the gods can rescind,
86 “[What he] commanded, he did not [erase] again,
87 He does not erase [a single] wedge he writes down
88 My friend, [my destiny is] drawn,
89 people do go prematurely to their fate.’
90 At the very first light of dawn,
91 Enkidu lifted up his head, lamenting before Šamaš,
92 his tears flowing before the rays of the sun:
93 ‘[I appeal] to you, O Šamaš, on account of (my) life so precious!
94 [As for him, that] hunter, the trapper-man,
95 who did not let me be a match for my friend,
96 may the hunter not be a match for his friend!
97 Destroy his income, diminish his earnings!
98 [May] his share of the profits be [cut] in your presence!
99 [The house where he enters, may [its god] leave by the window!’
100 [After] he had cursed the hunter to his heart’s content,
101 he decided to curse [the prostitute] Šamḫat [also:]
102 ‘Come, Šamḫat, I will determine a destiny for you,
103 a destiny that will not end for all eternity:
104 [I will] curse you with a great curse,
105 [and] my curses shall afflict you swiftly and soon!
106 [May you not] found a household to delight in,
107 [never to] reside in the [midst] of a family!
108 [May you not] sit in the young women’s chair!
109 May the ground defile your fine-looking [garment!]
110 May [the drunkard] smear [with dust your festive gown!]
111 [May you not acquire a house with …] and lovely things,
112 ‘[For your home shall serve] a potter’s [clay pit!]
113 You shall have [neither bedroom, nor family shrine, nor hearth!]
114 No bed, chair or table, that people take pride in, shall be found in your chamber!
115 May [the bed you] delight in be a bench!
116 May [the junction] of the highway be where you sit!
117 [May the ruined houses be] where you sleep! May the lee of the city wall be where you stand!
118 May [thorn and] briar skin your feet!
119 May [drunk and] sober strike your cheek!
120 [May …] be plaintiff, may she claim against you!
121 May the builder not plaster [the roof of your house!]
122 [In your chamber] shall roost an owl!
123 ‘[Never in your house shall] banquet take place!
124 […]
125 […]
126 […] … […]
127 ‘[…] purple clothing […]
128 … of the defiled lap […]
129 whose lap is defiled […]
130 Because [you made] me [weak], me [who was pure!]
131 And me who was pure, [you made] me [weak] when I was in the wild.’
132 Šamaš heard [what] he had spoken,
133 straight away a [voice] was crying to him [from] the heavens:
134 ‘Why, O Enkidu, do you curse the prostitute Šamḫat,
135 who gave you bread to eat, fit for a god,
136 gave you beer to drink, fit for a king,
137 clothed you in a great garment,
138 and let you have for a comrade the fine Gilgameš?
139 Now Gilgameš, your friend and brother,
140 [will] lay you out on a great bed.
141 [On] a bed of honour he will lay you out,
142 [he will] set you on a restful seat, the seat to (his) left,
143 [the princes] of the earth will kiss your feet.
144 [He will make] weep for you the people of Uruk, he will make them sob for you,
145 the people [so beautiful] he will fill full of grief for you.
146 [And] he, after you are gone he will have himself bear the matted locks of mourning,
147 [he will don] the skin of a lion and go roaming the [wild.]’
148 Enkidu [heard] the words of Šamaš the hero,
149 […] his angry heart grew calm,
150 [… his] furious [heart grew] calm.
151 ‘Come, [Šamḫat, I shall determine a destiny for you,]
152 [my] mouth [that] cursed you shall return and bless [you:]
153 May [governors] and noblemen love you,
154 may he [that is one league (distant)] slap his thigh!
155 May he [that is two leagues (distant)] shake out his locks,
156 may no soldier [be slow] to undo his belt for you!
157 May he [give you] obsidian, lapis lazuli and gold,
158 multiple earrings shall be your gift!
159 To a man whose household [is well off], whose storage bins are heaped high,
160 may Ištar, [the most able] of the gods, send you in!
161 [On your account may] the first wife be deserted, the mother of seven!’
162 [As for Enkidu], his mind was deranged.
163 He was lying on his own [thinking,]
164 what was on his mind he told to his friend:
165 ‘Quite something, my friend, (was) the dream I saw during the course of this night!
166 the heavens thundered, the earth responded,
167 with me standing (there) between them.
168 There was a man, his expression was grim,
169 his face was like that of an Anzû-bird.
170 His hands were a lion’s paws, his claws an eagle’s talons,
171 he took hold of my locks, he was too strong for me.
172 I struck him but he sprang back like a skipping-rope,
173 he struck me and capsized me like a raft.
174 Like a mighty wild bull he trampled over me,
175 [drenching] my body with poisonous saliva.
176 “Rescue me, my friend! […]”
177 But you were afraid of him and […]
178 You … […]’
179 […] … […]
180 […] … […]
181 […] … […]
182 ‘[He struck] me, he turned me into a dove.
183 [He bound] my arms like (the wings of) a bird,
184 [9]to lead me captive to the house of darkness, the seat of Irkalla:
185 to the house which those who enter cannot leave,
186 on the journey whose way cannot be retraced;
187 to the house whose residents are deprived of light,
188 where dust is their sustenance, their food clay.
189 They are clad like birds in coats of feathers,
190 and they cannot see light (but) dwell in darkness.
191 On the door [and the bolt the dust lies thick,]
192 on the House [(of Dust) a deathly quiet is poured.]
193 In the House of Dust that I entered,
194 I looked and (saw) the crowns stowed away:
195 there sat [kings], the crowned heads who ruled the land since days of old,
196 who used to serve roasted meat [at the] tables of Anu and Enlil,
197 who used to serve baked (bread), to pour chilled water from skins.
198 In the House of Dust that I entered,
199 there sat en-priests and lagar-priests;
200 there sat purification priests and lumaḫḫu-priests,
201 there sat the gudapsû-priests of the great gods;
202 there sat Etana, there sat Šakkan,
203 [there sat the] queen of the netherworld, Ereškigal
204 Before her was squatting [Bēlet]-ṣēri, the scribe of the netherworld,
205 holding [a tablet] and reading aloud in her presence.
206 [She raised] her head, she saw me:
207 “[Who was] it fetched this man here?
208 [Who was it] brought [this fellow] here?
209 […] made ready,
210 […] tomb.”
211 […] …
212 […] …
213 ‘[…] me,
214 […] Ereškigal.
215 […] the deluge.’
216 […] …
217 […] …
218 [Missing text: 218–219.]
220 […] …
221 ‘[…] I saw his person.’
222 […] …
223 […] …
224 […] …
225 […] …
226 […] …
227 [Missing text: 227–248.]
249 … […]
250 … […]
251 ‘(Me) who [endured] all hardships [with you,]
252 remember [me,] my [friend,] lest [you forget] all I went through.’
253 ‘My friend saw a vision which will never [be equalled]’
254 The day he saw the dream [his strength] was exhausted.
255 Enkidu was cast down and (lay) sick for one day, [a second day.]
256 Enkidu [lay] on his bed, [his sickness worsened,]
257 A third day and a fourth day, [the sickness of Enkidu worsened]
258 a fifth, a sixth and a seventh, an eighth, a ninth and a tenth (day).
259 the sickness of Enkidu worsened…
260 an eleventh and a twelfth day, […]
261 Enkidu on the bed […]
262 he called to Gilgameš and […:]
263 ‘[My god] has spurned me, my friend, […]
264 [I do not die] like one who [falls] in the midst of battle.
265 I was afraid of combat […,]
266 my friend, one who [falls] in combat [makes his name,]
267 but I, [I do not fall] in [combat, and shall not make my name.]
268 [Missing text: 268–297.]
298 […]
Tablet VIII
1 At the very first light of dawn,
2 Gilgameš [was mourning] for his friend:
3 O Enkidu, [whom] your mother, a gazelle,
4 (and) your father, a wild donkey, [created,]
5 whom the wild [asses] reared with their milk,
6 and the animals [of the wild taught] all the pastures!
7 May the paths, O Enkidu, [of] the Cedar Forest
8 [mou]rn you [without pause,] by day and by night!
9 May the elders of the populous city of Uruk-the-Sheepfold mourn you!
10 May the crowd who would give blessings behind us [mourn you!]
11 May the high [peaks] of hills and mountains mourn you,
12 […] … pure.
13 May the pastures lament like your mother!
14 May [boxwood,] cypress and cedar mourn you,
15 through whose midst we crept in our fury!
16 May the bear mourn you, the hyena, panther, cheetah, stag and jackal,
17 the lion, wild bull, deer, ibex, the herds and animals of the wild!
18 May the sacred River Ulāy mourn you, along whose banks we would walk so vigorously!
19 May the holy Euphrates mourn you,
20 which [we used] to pour in libation (as) water from skins!
21 May the young men of Uruk-the-Sheepfold mourn you,
22 [who] watched our battle, as we slew the Bull of Heaven!
23 May the ploughman mourn you in [his furrow],
24 [who] will extol your name with his sweet work-song!
25 May the … of the populous city of Uruk-the-Sheepfold mourn you,
26 [who] will extol your name [with] the first …!
27 May the shepherd mourn you [in his cow pen,]
28 [who] made sweet [for your mouth] the milk, beer and butter!
29 May [the shepherd boy] mourn you […,]
30 [who] used to place ghee on your lips!
31 May the brewer […] mourn you,
32 [who] used to place ale in your mouth!
33 May the [prostitute …] mourn you,
34 [who … ] anointed the crown of your head with sweet-scented oil!
35 May … [in the house] of the wedding ceremony mourn [you,]
36 who … you a wife … [… !]
37 [May…] mourn over [you!]
38 May […] mourn you [as if they were] your [brothers!]
39 May their tresses be loosed down [their backs] as if they were your sisters!
40 [May they weep] for Enkidu, your mother and father, [as if … ]
41 On that very day I [myself] shall mourn y[ou!]
42 Hear me, O young men, hear [me!]
43 Hear me, O elders [of the populous city, Uruk,] hear me!
44 I shall mourn Enkidu, my friend,
45 like a professional mourning woman I shall lament bitterly.
46 The axe at my side, in which my arm trusted,
47 the sword of my belt, the shield in front of me;
who held … […]
48 my festive garment, the belt of my delight:
49 a wicked wind has risen up against me and robbed me.
50 O my friend, a mule on the run, donkey of the uplands, panther of the wild,
51 my (friend) Enkidu, a mule on the run, donkey [of the uplands, panther of the wild!]
52 We (it was) who joined forces and climbed the uplands,
53 seized the Bull of Heaven and [killed it,]
54 destroyed Humbaba, who [dwelt in the Cedar] Forest.
55 Now what sleep is it that has seized [you?]
56 You have become unconscious and cannot [hear me!]
57 But he, he would not lift his head;
58 he felt his heart, but it was not beating any more.
59 He covered (his) friend, (veiling) his face like a bride,
60 circling [around him] like an eagle.
61 Like a lioness who is deprived of [her] cubs,
62 he kept turning about, this way and that.
63 He was pulling out his curly tresses and letting them fall in a heap,
64 tearing off his finery and casting it away, [… like] something taboo.
65 At the very first light [of dawn],
66 Gilgameš sent forth a call to the land:
67 Forgemaster! [Lapidary!] Coppersmith! Goldsmith! Jeweller!
68 Make [of] my friend [a statue of his image!]’
69 [such as no one before] he fashioned a statue of his friend:
70 ‘The limbs of my friend [shall be of … ;]
71 your eyebrows shall be of lapis lazuli, your chest of gold, your body [shall be of…]’
72 […] … the statue [of his friend],
73 […] were of lapis lazuli, its chest of gold, [its] body [was of…]
74 […] … the statue [of his friend],
75 […] … he wanted to […]
76 [He was pulling out] his curly [tresses] and letting them fall in a heap,
77 tearing off his finery and casting it away, [… like] something taboo.
78 […] … […]
79 […] … […]
80 [Missing text: 80–83.]
84 ‘[I shall lay you out on a great bed,]
85 on a bed [of honour I shall lay you out.]
86 I shall set you [on a restful seat, the seat to (my) left,]
87 the princes of the earth [will kiss your feet.]
88 I shall make weep for you the people [of Uruk, I shall make them sob for you:]
89 the people so beautiful [I shall fill full of grief for you,]
90 And I, after you are gone [I shall have] myself [bear the matted locks of mourning,]
91 I shall don the skin of a [lion] and [go] roaming the wild.’
92 At the very first light of dawn,
93 [Gilgameš arose and entered his treasury.]
94 He undid its sealings, he inspected the jewellery:
95 obsidian, carnelian, […,] alabaster.
96 […] … […] skilfully worked,
97 [… he] provided for his friend.
98 […] he provided for his friend,
99 [… of x]+10 minas of gold he provided for his friend.
100 [… of x] minas of gold he provided for his friend.
101 [… of x] minas of gold he provided for his friend.
102 [… of x] minas of gold he provided for his friend.
103 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
104 [… ] between them, mounted in thirty minas of gold,
105 [… was] their […,] he provided for his friend.
106 [… was] their […,] he provided for his friend.
107 [… was] their thickness,
108 [… was] their […,] he provided for his friend.
109 […] large
110 […] he provided for his friend.
111 […] of his waist
112 […] he provided for his friend.
113 […] he provided for his friend.
114 […] he provided for his friend.
115 […he provided for his] friend.
116 [Missing text: 116.]
117 […] he provided [for his friend.]
118 […] of his feet, he provided [for his friend.]
119 [… of x] talents of ivory …,
120 [… of which] the handle [was x minas] of gold, he provided for his friend.
121 [… ] mighty … of his arm, he provided for his friend.
122 [… of which] the quiver [was … ], and the handle was a talent of gold, he provided for his friend.
123 [… ] the mace in his hand was ivory,
124 [… ] of which the handle was forty minas of gold, he provided for his friend.
125 [… ] its…, three cubits was its length,
126 [… ] … its thickness, he provided for his friend.
127 [… ] … of fine gold,
128 [… ] … of carnelian, rod of iron,
129 [… ] … holder, a wild bull,
130 [… ] he ceased to sob for his friend,
131 [fat oxen] and fattened sheep he slaughtered, he piled them up for his friend.
132 ‘[These gifts I display,] O Šamaš, for my friend!’
133 […] … they carried all the meat to the princes of the earth.
134 [...] ... to the great queen Ištar.
135 [A throw]stick of mahogany, the gleaming wood,
136 [for] Ištar, the great queen, [he displayed to Šamaš:]
137 ‘[May] Ištar, the great queen […] receive this,
138 may [she] welcome my friend [and so walk at his side!]’
139 [… ] a robe.
140 for Bēlet-ilī, [the great queen he] displayed [to Šamaš:]
141 ‘May [Bēlet-ilī], the great [queen] receive this,
142 [may she] welcome [my friend and] so walk at his side!’
143 A flask of lapis [lazuli, …]
144 … […]
145 for Ereškigal, [the queen of the Netherworld, he displayed to Šamaš:]
146 ‘May Ereškigal, the [queen of the populous Netherworld,] receive this,
147 may [she] welcome [my friend and so walk at his side!]’
148 A flute of carnelian […]
149 for Dumuzi, the shepherd beloved of [Ištar, he displayed to Šamaš:]
150 ‘May Dumuzi, the shepherd beloved of [Ištar (…),] receive this,
151 may he welcome my friend and [so walk at his side!]’
152 A throne of lapis lazuli … […]
153 a staff of lapis lazuli […]
154 for Namtar, [the vizier of the Netherworld, he displayed to Šamaš:]
155 ‘May [Namtar, the vizier of the populous Netherworld,] receive this,
156 ‘[may he welcome my friend and so walk at his side!]’
157 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
158 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
159 for [Ḫušbišag, the stewardess of the Netherworld, he displayed to Šamaš:]
160 ‘May [Ḫušbišag, the stewardess of the populous Netherworld, receive this,]
161 [may she welcome my friend and so walk at his side!]’
162 He had (them) make [……]
163 a clasp of silver, bangles of copper […]
164 for Qāssa-ṭābat, the sweeper of [Ereškigal, he displayed to Šamaš:]
165 ‘[May] Qāssa-ṭābat, the sweeper [of Ereškigal (…),] receive this,
166 may he welcome my friend and [so walk at his side!]
167 May my friend not …, nor become sick at heart!’
168 […] of alabaster, the inside of which was inlaid with lapis lazuli and carnelian,
169 [depicting an image] of the Cedar Forest,
170 [… ] inlayed with carnelian
171 for Ninšuluḫḫatumma, the cleaner of the house, he displayed to Šamaš:
172 ‘May Ninšuluhhatumma, the cleaner of the house, receive this,
173 may she welcome my friend and so walk at his side!
[May she …] … before my friend,
174 to my friend may he…, may he not become sick at heart.
175 A double-edged dagger with a haft of lapis lazuli,
176 … of the holy Euphrates,
177 for Bibbu, the butcher of the Netherworld, he displayed to Šamaš:
178 ‘[May Bibbu, the butcher] of the populous Netherworld, [receive this,]
179 [may he] welcome [my friend] and so walk at his side!’
180 [… a] flask of alabaster
181 [for Dumuzi-abzu, the] scapegoat of the Netherworld, he displayed to Šamaš:
182 ‘[May Dumuzi]-abzu, the scapegoat of the populous Netherworld, [receive this,]
183 may he welcome my [friend] and so walk at his side!’
184 [… ] the top of which was lapis lazuli,
185 [… ] inlaid with carnelian,
186 [Missing text: 186–198.]
199 ‘[May he (or she) welcome my friend and so] walk at his [side!]’
200 […] of cedar
201 [for …, the great …,] he displayed [to Šamaš:]
202 ‘[May …,] the great […, receive this,]
203 [may he welcome my friend and] so walk [at his side!]’
204 […] …
205 […]
206 […of ] cedar
207 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
208 ‘[…] … which we … […]
209 […] their […], their names […]
210 […] judge of the Anunnaki […]’
211 When Gilgameš heard this,
212 he conceived [in his heart] the damming of the river.
213 At the very first light of dawn,
214 Gilgameš opened [his gate.]
215 He brought out a great table of elammaku-wood,
216 he filled with syrup a dish of carnelian.
217 He filled with ghee a dish of lapis lazuli,
218 he decorated […] and displayed it to Šamaš.
219 [… he displayed to the] sun.
220 [Missing text: 220–228.]
229 a gold disk […]
230 He himself […]
231 [Missing text: 231–249.]
250 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
Tablet IX
1 For his friend Enkidu Gilgameš
2 was weeping bitterly as he roamed the wild:
3 ‘I shall die, and shall I not then be like Enkidu?
4 Sorrow has entered my heart.
5 I became afraid of death, so go roaming the wild,
6 to Ūta-napišti, son of Ubār-Tutu,
7 I am on the road and travelling swiftly.
8 I arrived one night at the mountain passes,
9 I saw some lions and grew afraid.
10 I lifted my head, praying to Sîn,
11 to [ … , the] light of the gods, my supplications went:
12 “O [Sîn and …,] keep me safe!'"
13 [Gilgameš] arose, he awoke with a start: it was a dream!
14 [ … in the] presence of the moon he grew happy to be alive.
15 He took up his axe in his hand,
16 he drew forth [the dirk from] his belt.
17 Like an arrow he fell among them,
18 he struck the [lions, he] killed (them), he scattered (them).
19 Then … […] …,
20 he cast off [ …]
21 He drew [two …,]
22 the name of the first [was …,]
23 the name of the second [was …]
24 He lifted [his head, praying to Sîn,]
25 to […, the light of the gods, his supplications went:]
26 ‘O [Sîn and …,]
27 let […]
28 How […?]'
29 [Sîn …]
30 [Missing text: 30–36.]
37 The name of the mountain was Māšu.
38 To Māšu’s twin mountains he came,
39 which daily guard the rising [of the sun,] –
40 [10]their tops [abut] the fabric of the heavens,
41 their bases reach down to Hades –
42 [11]there were scorpion-men guarding its gate,
43 whose terror was dread and glance was death,
44 whose radiance was terrifying, enveloping the uplands –
45 at both sunrise and sunset they guard the sun –
46 Gilgameš saw them and covered his face with fear and dread;
47 he collected his wits and drew near their presence.
48 The scorpion-man called to his female:
49 ‘He who has come to us, flesh of the gods is his body.’
50 The scorpion-man’s female answered him:
51 ‘Two-thirds of him are god but a third of him is human.’
52 The male scorpion-man called out,
53 saying a word [to King Gilgameš,] flesh of the gods:
54 '[How did you come here,] a far road?
55 [how did you get] here, into my presence?
56 [How did you ford the many rivers], whose crossing is perilous?
57 […] let me learn of your […]
58 [… where] your [face] is set,
59 [… let me] learn [of your journey.]'
60 [Missing text: 60–73.]
74 […] … […]
75 ‘[I am seeking] the [road] of my forefather, Ūta-napišti.
76 He who stood in the assembly of the gods, and [found life,]
77 of death and life [he will tell me the secret.]'
78 The scorpion-man opened his mouth [to speak,]
79 saying to [Gilgameš:]
80 ‘There was not [ever], O Gilgameš, […] like [you,]
81 never did anyone [travel the path] of the mountain.
82 For twelve double-hours its interior [extends,]
83 the darkness is dense and [light is] there none.
84 For the rising of the sun […,]
85 for the setting of the [sun …,]
86 For the setting of the […,]
87 they sent forth […]
88 … […]
89 and you, how [will you …?]
90 Will you go [in …?]'
91 … […]
92 … […]
93 … […]
94 [Missing text: 94–124.]
125 ‘Through sorrow […;]
126 by frost and sunshine [my face is burnt.]
127 Through exhaustion […:]
128 now you [must …]’
129 The scorpion-man [opened his mouth to speak,]
130 [saying a word] to King Gilgameš, [flesh of the gods:]
131 ‘Go, Gilgameš! […,]
132 May the mountains of Māšu [allow you to pass!]
133 ‘[May] the mountains and hills [watch over your going!]
134 Let [them help you] in safety [to continue your journey]
135 [May] the gate of the mountain [open before you!]'
136 [When] Gilgameš [heard this,]
137 to what [the scorpion-man] had told him […]
138 he [took] the path of the sun […]
139 One double-hour … […,]
140 the darkness was dense, [and light was there none:]
141 it did not [allow him to see what was behind him.]
142 Two double-hours […,]
143 the darkness was dense, [and light was there none:]
144 it did not [allow him to see what was behind him.]
145 Three double-hours […,]
146 [the darkness was dense, and light was there none:]
147 [it did not allow him to see what was behind him.]
148 Four double-[hours …,]
149 [the darkness] was dense, [and light was there none:]
150 it did not [allow him to see what was behind him.]
151 Five double-hours [ …,]
152 the darkness was dense, [and light was there none:]
153 it did not allow [him to see what was behind him.]
154 When [he reached] six double-hours,
155 the darkness was dense, [and light was there none:]
156 it did not allow [him to see what was behind him.]
157 On reaching seven double-hours […,]
158 the darkness was dense, and [light was there] none:
159 it did not allow him [to] see what was behind [him.]
160 At eight double-hours he was hurrying like […,]
161 the darkness was dense, and light was [there none:]
162 it did not [allow him to] see what was behind him.
163 Nine double-[hours …] the north wind,
164 […] … his face;
165 [the darkness was dense, and] light was [there none:]
166 [it did not allow him to] see what was behind him.
167 [When he] reached [ten double-hours,]
168 […] was very near.
169 [on reaching eleven double-hours a journey remained] of one double-hour,
170 [at twelve double-hours Gilgameš] emerged ahead of the Sun.
171 […] there was brilliance:
172 he went straight, as soon as he saw them, to… the trees of the gods.
173 A carnelian (tree) was in fruit,
174 hung with bunches of grapes, lovely to see.
175 A lapis lazuli (tree) bore foliage,
176 in full fruit and gorgeous to gaze on.
177 [Missing text: 177–183.]
184 […] cypress […]
185 […] cedar […,]
186 its leaf-stems were of pappardilû [stone and …] …
187 Sea coral […] sāsu-stone,
188 instead of thorns and briar [there grew] crystal vials.
189 He touched a carob, [(it was)] abašmu stone,
190 šubû stone and haematite […] …
191 Like […] and … […] … the plain,
192 like […] turquoise.
193 Of […] sea-shell,
194 it had […] …
195 As Gilgameš walked about [in wonder,]
196 she lifted up [her head to] watch him.
Tablet X
1 Šiduri was a tavern keeper who lived by the sea-shore.
2 there she lived, [in an inn by the sea-shore.]
3 Potstands she had, and [vats of gold,]
4 she was swathed in hoods and [veiled with] veils.
5 Gilgameš came wandering, and […:]
6 he was clothed in a pelt, and fearful [to look on.]
7 He had the flesh of the gods in [his body,]
8 but there was sorrow in [his heart.]
9 His face was like one who had travelled a distant road;
10 the tavern keeper was watching him in the distance.
11 Talking to herself she spoke a word,
12 taking counsel in her own mind:
13 ‘For sure this man is a slayer of wild bulls;
14 from where did he make straight for my gate?’
15 The tavern keeper saw him and barred her gate,
16 barred her gate and went up on the roof.
17 But he, Gilgameš, had (good) hearing … […,]
18 he lifted his chin and turned [towards her.]
19 Gilgameš [spoke] to her, [to the tavern] keeper:
20 ‘Tavern keeper, why when you saw [me did you bar] your [gate?]
21 You barred your gate [and went up on the] roof.
22 I shall strike the door, I shall [break the bolt.]
23 […] my […,]
24 […] in the wild.’
25 [The tavern keeper spoke to] him, [to] Gilgameš:
26 ‘[…] … […] I barred my gate,
27 […] … [… I went up on] the roof.
28 […] … […] let me learn of [your journey!]'
29 [Gilgameš spoke to] her, [to the tavern] keeper:
30 ‘[My friend Enkidu and I, …] …
31 [We it was who joined forces and climbed the mountain] country,
32 [seized the Bull of Heaven and killed the Bull of Heaven,]
33 [destroyed Humbaba, who lived in the] Cedar [Forest,]
34 [killed] lions [in the mountain passes.]’
35 [The tavern keeper] spoke [to him,] to Gilgameš:
36 ‘[If you and Enkidu were] the ones who killed the Guardian,
37 [who destroyed] Humbaba, who lived in the Cedar Forest,
38 [who] killed lions [in the] mountain [passes,]
39 [who seized the Bull of Heaven and] killed [the Bull] of Heaven, that came down from the heavens–
40 [why are your] cheeks [hollow,] your face sunken,
41 [your mood wretched,] your features wasted?
42 [(Why) is there sorrow] in your heart,
43 your face like one [who has travelled a distant road?]
44 [(Why is it)] your face is burnt [by frost and sunshine,]
45 [and] you roam the wild [dressed like a lion?]'
46 [Gilgameš spoke to her,] to the tavern keeper:
47 ‘[Why should my cheeks not be hollow, my face not sunken,]
48 [my mood not wretched, my features not wasted?]
49 [Should there not be sorrow in my heart,]
50 [and my face not be like one who has travelled a distant road?]
51 [Should not my face be burnt by frost and sunshine,]
52 [and should I not roam the wild dressed like a lion?]
53 [My friend, a mule on the run, donkey of the uplands, panther of the wild,]
54 [My friend Enkidu, a mule on the run, donkey of the uplands, panther of the wild,]
55 [my friend, whom I love so deeply, who with me went through every danger,]
56 [my friend Enkidu, whom I love so deeply, who with me went through every danger:]
57 [the doom of mankind overtook him,]
58 [for six days and seven nights I wept over him.]
59 [I did not give him up for burial,]
60 [until a maggot fell from his nostril.]
61 [Then I was afraid …] … [… ,]
62 [I grew fearful of death and so roam the wild.]
63 The case of my friend was too [much] for me to bear,
64 [so on a distant road I roam the] wild.
65 The case of [my friend] Enkidu [was too much for] me to bear,
66 [so on a distant path] I roam the wild.
67 (For) I, [how could I stay silent?] How could I stay quiet?
68 [My friend, whom I love, has turned] to clay,
69 my friend Enkidu, whom I love, has [turned to] clay.
70 [Shall not I be like] him and also lie down,
71 [never to rise] again, through all eternity?'
72 Gilgameš spoke to her, to the tavern keeper:
73 ‘Now, tavern keeper, what is the road to Ūta-napišti?
74 What is its landmark? Give it to me!
75 Do give me its landmark!
76 If it may be done, I will cross the ocean!
77 if it may not be done, I will roam the wild!’
78 The tavern keeper spoke to him, to Gilgameš:
79 ‘There never was, O Gilgameš, a way across,
80 and since the days of old none who can cross the ocean.
81 The one who crosses the ocean is the hero Šamaš:
82 apart from Šamaš, who is there can cross the ocean?
83 The crossing is perilous, its way full of hazard,
84 and in between are the Waters of Death, that lie across the passage forward.
85 So besides, Gilgameš, (once) you have crossed the ocean,
86 when you reach the Waters of Death, what will you do?
87 O Gilgameš, there is Ur-šanabi, the boatman of Ūta-napišti,
88 and the Stone Ones are with him as he strips a pine in the midst of the forest.
89 Go then, and let him see your face!
90 if it may be done, cross with him,
91 if it may not be done, turn around (and go) back!'
92 When Gilgameš heard this,
93 he took up (his) axe in his hand,
94 he drew forth the dirk [from] his [belt,]
95 he crept up and rushed down on them.
96 Like an arrow he fell among them,
97 (his) shout booming through the midst of the forest.
98 Ur-šanabi saw him and clad himself in his aura,
99 he took up an axe, all trembling before him.
100 But he, Gilgameš, struck his head [and grabbed his hair],
101 he pinned his arm along his chest.
102 And the Stone Ones had sealed the boat,
103 who did not fear the Waters of Death.
104 Gilgameš strode into the Ocean, the wide sea,
105 in the water he halted the boat and the Stone Ones,
106 He smashed the Stone Ones, he tipped them into the river,
107 He tied up the boat with a rope,
108 and then [… he sat] down on the bank.
109 [Gilgameš spoke to him,] to the boatman Ur-šanabi:
110 ‘So, Ur-šanabi, you took up an axe, all trembling before me!
111 The fight and the battle you sought I will not wage against you.’
112 [Ur]-šanabi spoke to him, to Gilgameš:
113 ‘Why are your cheeks hollow, [your face] sunken,
114 your mood wretched, [your features wasted?]
115 (Why) is there sorrow [in your heart,]
116 and [your face like one] who has travelled a distant road?
117 [(Why is it) your face is] burnt [by] frost and sunshine,
118 [and] you [roam the wild dressed like a lion?]’
119 [Gilgameš] spoke [to him,] to [the boatman Ur-šanabi:]
120 ‘[Why should] my cheeks [not be hollow, my face] not [sunken,]
121 my [mood not wretched, my features] not wasted?
122 [Should there not be] sorrow in [my heart,]
123 [and my] face [not be like one who has travelled a distant road?]
124 [Should] not [my face be] burnt [by frost and sunshine,]
125 [and] should I not [roam the wild dressed like a lion?]
126 [My friend, a mule on the run, donkey of the uplands, panther of the wild,]
127 [Enkidu, my friend, a mule on the run, donkey of the uplands, panther of the wild,]
128 [we it was who joined forces and climbed the mountain country,]
129 [seized the Bull of Heaven and killed the Bull of Heaven,]
130 [destroyed Humbaba, who lived in the Cedar Forest,]
131 [killed lions] in [the mountain passes.]
132 My friend [whom I love so deeply, who with me went through every danger,]
133 [My friend] Enkidu, [whom I love so deeply, who with me went through every danger:]
134 [the doom of mankind] overtook [him,]
135 for six days [and seven nights I wept over him.]
136 [I did not give him up for burial,]
137 until [a maggot fell from his nostril.]
138 Then I was afrai[d …,]
139 [I grew fearful of death and so roam the wild.]
140 The case of my [friend was too much for me to bear,]
141 so on a distant road I [roam the wild.]
142 [The case of my friend Enkidu was too much for me to bear,]
143 so on a distant path [I roam the wild.]
144 [(For) I,] how could I stay [silent? How could I stay quiet?]
145 My friend, whom I love, has [turned to clay,]
146 [my friend Enkidu, whom I love, has turned to clay.]
147 Shall not I be like him and also lie [down,]
148 [never to rise again, through all eternity?]'
149 Gilgameš said to him, to Ur-[sanabi, the boatman:]
150 ‘Now, Ur-šanabi, what [is the road to Ūta-napišti?]
151 What is its landmark? Give it to me!
152 Do give me [its landmark!]
153 If it may be done, I will cross the ocean!
154 if it may not be done, [I will roam the wild!]’
155 Ur-šanabi spoke to him, to [Gilgameš:]
156 ‘Your own hands, Gilgameš, have prevented [your crossing.]
157 You have smashed the Stone Ones, you have tipped [them in the river,]
158 the Stone Ones are smashed and the cedar is not [stripped.]
159 Take up, Gilgameš, the axe in [your] hand,
160 go down to the forest and [cut me three hundred] punting-poles, each five rods long.
161 Trim and furnish (each) with a boss,
162 bring [them to …]’
163 When Gilgameš [heard] this,
164 he took up the axe in his hand,
165 he drew [forth the dirk from his belt,]
166 he went down to the forest and [cut him three hundred] punting-poles, each five rods long.
167 He trimmed and furnished (each) with a boss,
168 he took [them to …]
169 Gilgameš and Ur-šanabi boarded [the boat,]
170 they launched the craft and [crewed it] themselves.
171 By the third day they had travelled a month and a half’s journey,
172 then Ur-šanabi arrived at the Waters of [Death.]
173 Ur-šanabi [spoke] to him, [to Gilgameš:]
174 ‘…, Gilgameš, take [the first punting-pole!]
175 do not let your hand be touched by the Waters of Death, (for) you will [lame it]
176 Take a second, a third and a fourth punting-pole, Gilgameš!
177 take a fifth, a sixth and a seventh punting-pole, Gilgameš!
178 Take an eighth, a ninth and a tenth punting-pole, Gilgameš!
179 take an eleventh and a twelfth punting-pole, Gilgameš!’
180 At one hundred and twenty double-furlongs Gilgameš ran out of punting-poles,
181 Then he, [Ur-šanabi,] undid his clothing.
182 Gilgameš stripped off [his] garment,
183 out of his arms he made a high yard-arm.
184 Ūta-napišti was watching [him] in the distance,
185 talking to himself he [spoke] a word.
186 He [was taking counsel] in his own mind:
187 ‘Why are the boat’s [Stone Ones] smashed,
188 and aboard [it] one who is not its master?
189 He who comes is no man of mine,
190 but on the right … […]
191 I am looking – he is no [man of] mine,
192 I am looking – he is no [man of mine]
193 I am looking – […]
194 […] me […]’
195 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
196 ‘No [man] of mine […,]
197 caused to roam […]
198 The boatman […,]
199 the man that I am [watching is not …]
200 that I am watching is not […]
201 maybe the wilderness […]
202 … […]
203 the pine … […]'
204 Gilgameš drew [near] to the quay […]
205 he sent down … […]
206 and he, he came up and he… […]
207 Gilgameš said to him, [to Ūta-napišti:]
208 [Long] live Ūta-napišti, son of Ubar-[Tutu (…)!]
209 […] … after the Deluge which for … […]
210 the Deluge, what for … […?]
211 […] … […]
212 [Ūta-napišti spoke] to him, to [Gilgameš:]
213 ‘[Why are] your cheeks [hollow, your face] sunken,
214 [your mood] wretched, [your features] wasted?
215 (Why) is there sorrow in [your heart,]
216 [and your face like] one who has travelled a distant road?
217 [(Why is it) your face is burnt] by frost and sunshine,
218 and [you roam the wild] dressed like a lion?’
219 Gilgameš [spoke] to him, [to Ūta-napišti:]
220 ‘Why should [my] cheeks not be hollow, [my face not sunken,]
221 my mood not wretched, my features not wasted?
222 Should there not be sorrow [in] my heart,
223 and my [face] not be like one who has travelled a distant road?
224 [Should not] my face be [burnt] by frost and sunshine,
225 and [should I not] roam the wild dressed like a lion?
226 My friend, a mule on the run, [donkey of the uplands,] panther of the wild,
227 [my friend Enkidu,] a mule on the run, [donkey of the uplands, panther of the wild:]
228 [we it was] who joined forces [and] climbed the mountain country,
229 [seized] the Bull of Heaven [and] killed the Bull of Heaven,
230 destroyed [Humbaba, who] lived [in the] Cedar Forest,
231 killed lions [in the mountain passes.]
232 [My friend, whom I love so deeply, who with me went through] every danger,
233 [my friend Enkidu, whom I love so deeply, who with me] went through every danger:
234 [the doom of mankind overtook him,]
235 [for six days and seven nights] I wept over him.
236 [I did not give him up for] burial,
237 [until a maggot fell from] his [nostril.]
238 [Then I was afraid that I too would die,]
239 I grew [fearful] of death, [and so roam the] wild.
240 The case of [my friend was too much] for me [to bear,]
241 so on a distant road [I roam the] wild.
242 The case of my friend Enkidu [was too much for me to bear,]
243 so on a distant path [I roam the wild.]
244 [(For) I,] how could I stay silent? How could I stay quiet?
245 My friend, whom I love, has turned to clay,
246 my friend Enkidu, [whom I love, has turned to clay.]
247 [Shall] not I be like him and also lie down,
248 never to rise again, through all [eternity?],
249 Gilgameš said to him, to Ūta-napišti:
250 ‘I thought, “I will go and find Ūta-napišti the Far-Away, of whom people talk,”
251 again I went journeying through all the lands.
252 I passed time and again over arduous mountains,
253 and I crossed time and again all the seas.
254 My face did not have enough of sweet sleep,
255 I scourged myself by going sleepless.
256 I kept filling my sinews with pain;
257 what have I achieved by [my] toil?'
258 I had not reached as far as the tavern keeper and my clothing was worn out.
259 [I killed] bear, hyena, lion, panther, cheetah,
260 deer, ibex, the animals and game of the wild,
261 to eat their [meat] and flay their pelts.
262 May they bar the gate of sorrow,
263 may [they seal its doorway] with bitumen and asphalt!
264 For my sake they shall [interrupt] the dancing no more,
265 (because of) me, happy and carefree, they will… […]’
266 Ūta-napišti spoke to him, to [Gilgameš:]
267 Why, Gilgameš, […] sorrow, the daughter of Anu?
268 [You], who are a mix of divine and human flesh,
269 whom they [made] like your father and your mother!
270 Did they ever, Gilgameš, build a [palace] for the fool,
271 place a throne in the council, and tell [him,] “Sit!”?
272 To a fool (only) the dreg of beer is given, instead of ghee, cheap oil.
273 bran and grist instead of [best flour.]
274 ‘He is clad in a rag, instead of [fine garments,]
275 instead of a belt, he is belted [with old rope,]
276 Because he has no advisers [to guide him,]
277 (because) he has no words of counsel […,]
278 Have thought for him, Gilgameš, […,]
279 [who is] their master, as many as …?
280 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
281 […] the moon and the gods [of the night …]
282 [At] night the moon travels […,]
283 the gods stay awake and […]
284 Wakeful, unsleeping, […,]
285 from olden times it is established […]
286 ‘Now consider […]
287 your support…
288 If, Gilgameš, the temples of the gods [have no] provisioner,
289 The temples of the goddesses … […]
290 They […] …, the gods […,]
291 for … […] he made […]
292 […] for a gift he […,]
[…] …
293 […] they will throw down […]’
‘[…] his heart,
294 [No English translation is supplied for this damaged passage in the edition.]
[…] provisioner,
295 […] mankind,
296 [Enkidu indeed] they took to his destiny.
297 ‘[But you,] you toiled away, and what did you achieve?
298 You are exhausting [yourself with] ceaseless toil,
299 you are filling your sinews with pain,
300 bringing nearer the end of your life.
301 Man is one whose progeny is snapped off like a reed in the canebrake:
302 the handsome young man, the pretty young woman,
303 all [too soon in] their very [prime] death abducts (them).
304 No one sees death,
305 no one sees the face [of death,]
306 no one [hears] the voice of death:
307 (yet) savage death is the one who hacks man down.
308 At some time we build a household,
309 at some time we start a family,
310 at some time the brothers divide,
311 at some time feuds arise in the land.
312 At some time the river rose (and) brought the flood,
313 the mayfly floating on the river.
314 Its face was gazing on the face of the sun,
315 then all of a sudden nothing was there!
316 The abducted and the dead, how alike they are!
317 They cannot draw the picture of death.
318 The dead do not greet man in the land.
319 The Anunnaki, the great gods, were in assembly,
320 Mammītum, who creates destiny, made a decree with them:
321 death and life they did establish,
322 the day of death they did not reveal.’
Tablet XI
1 Gilgameš spoke to him, to Ūta-napišti the Far-Away.
2 ‘As I look at you, Ūta-napišti,
3 your form is not different, you are just like me,
4 you are not different at all, you are just like me.
5 I was fully intent on doing battle with you,
6 [but] in your presence my hand is held back.
7 [12]How was it you attended the gods’ assembly, and found life?’
8 Ūta-napišti spoke to him, to Gilgameš:
9 ‘I will disclose to you, Gilgameš, a secret matter,
10 and I will tell you a mystery of the gods.
11 The city of Šuruppak – a city you yourself know,
12 the [city that] is situated on the [banks] of the Euphrates–
13 that city was old and the gods were within it,
14 (when) the great gods decided to cause the Deluge.
15 Their father Anu took the oath,
16 their counsellor, the hero Enlil;
17 their chamberlain, Ninurta,
18 their inspector of waterways, Ennugi
19 With them the Prince Ea was under oath likewise,
20 (but) repeated their words to a reed fence:
21 “Reed fence, reed fence! Brick wall, brick wall!
22 Listen, O reed fence! Pay heed, O brick wall!
23 O man of Šuruppak, son of Ubār-Tutu,
24 [13]demolish the house, build a boat!
25 Abandon riches and seek survival!
26 Spurn property and save life!
27 Put on board the boat the seed of all living creatures!
28 The boat that you are going to build,
29 her dimensions should all be matching:
30 her breadth and length should be the same,
31 cover her with a roof, like the Apsû”.
32 I understood and spoke to Ea my master:
33 “I hereby concur, my lord, with what you told me thus.
34 [I] have paid attention; I shall do it.
35 (But) how should I answer the city, the crowd and elders?
36 Ea opened his mouth to speak,
37 saying to me, his servant:
38 “Then also you will say to them as follows:
39 For sure the god Enlil has conceived a hatred of me!
40 I cannot dwell in your city!
41 I cannot tread on Enlil’s ground!
42 [I shall] go down to the Apsû, to live with Ea, my master;
43 he will rain down on you plenty!
44 [An abundance] of birds, a riddle of fishes!
45 […] … riches (at) harvest-time!
46 In the morning he will rain down on you bread-cakes,
47 in the evening, a torrent of wheat.’”
48 At the very first light of dawn,
49 the population began assembling at Atra-hasīs’s gate.
50 The carpenter was carrying [his] axe,
51 the reed-worker was carrying [his] stone,
52 [the shipwright bearing his] heavyweight axe
53 The young men were…[…,]
54 the old men were bearing rope of palm-fibre.
55 The rich man was carrying bitumen,
56 the pauper brought the […] tackle.
57 On the fifth day I set in place her (outer) surface:
58 one “acre” was her area, ten rods each her sides stood high,
59 ten rods all round was the diameter of her roof.
60 I set in place her body, I drew up her design:
61 I gave her six decks,
62 I divided her into seven parts,
63 I divided her interior into nine.
64 I struck the water pegs into her belly,
65 I found a punting pole and put the tackle in place.
66 Three myriad measures of bitumen I poured into the furnace,
67 three myriad of tar I tipped inside,
68 three times a myriad was the oil that the workforce of porters was fetching,
69 apart from the myriad of oil that libation consumed,
70 there were two myriads of oil [that] the shipwright stowed away.
71 I slaughtered countless oxen,
72 every day I slaughtered sheep.
73 Beer, ale, oil and wine
74 I lavished on my workforce like the waters of a river
75 They were celebrating as on the feast-days of the New Year itself!
76 At sun-rise I set my hand to the oiling;
77 [before] sundown the boat was finished.
78 [...] were very difficult:
79 Poles for the slipway we kept moving from back to front,
80 [until] two thirds of [the boat had entered the water].
81 [Everything I had] I loaded aboard it,
82 I loaded aboard it whatever silver I had,
83 I loaded aboard it whatever gold I had,
84 [14]I loaded aboard it whatever seed I had of living things, each and every one.
85 All my kith and kin I sent aboard the boat,
86 I sent aboard animals of the wild, creatures of the wild, persons of every skill and craft.
87 Šamaš had set me a deadline–
88 “In the morning he will rain down bread-cakes on us, in the evening a torrent of wheat.
89 Go into the boat and seal your hatch!”–
90 “That time had arrived:
91 “In the morning he will rain down bread-cakes, in the evening, a torrent of wheat.”
92 [15]I watched the look of the weather:
93 The weather was frightening to see;
94 I went into the boat and sealed my hatch.
95 To the man who sealed the boat, to the ship-wright Puzur-Enlil,
96 I gave the palace with all its goods.
97 At the very first light of dawn–
98 there came up from the horizon a black cloud,
99 [16]within it did Adad bellow continually.
100 Šullat and Haniš were going at the fore,
101 “throne-bearers” travelling over mountain and land.
102 Errakal was ripping out the mooring poles;
103 Ninurta, as he went, made the weirs overflow.
104 The Anunnaki bore torches aloft,
105 setting the land aglow with their brilliance.
106 The still calm of the storm-god passed against the sky,
107 all that was bright was turned into gloom.
108 [He] charged the land like a bull [on the rampage,] he smashed [it] in pieces [like a vessel of clay]
109 for one day the gale (and) the flood [flattened the country,]
110 Quickly it blew, and [then came] the [Deluge.]
111 like a battle [the cataclysm] passed over(!) the people.
112 One person could not see another,
113 Nor people recognize each other in the destruction.
114 Even the gods took fright at the Deluge!
115 They withdrew, they went up to the heaven of Anu.
116 The gods curled up like dogs, lying out in the open.
117 The goddess, screaming like a woman in childbirth,
118 Bēlet-ilī, the sweet-voiced, wailed aloud:
119 [17]“Indeed the past has truly turned to clay,
120 because I spoke evil in the assembly of the gods.
121 How was it I spoke evil in the assembly of the gods,
122 (and) declared a war to destroy my people?
123 It is I that gave birth (to them)! They are my people!
124 (Now) like so many fish they fill the sea.”
125 The gods, the Anunnaki, were weeping with her,
126 wet-faced with sorrow, they were weeping [with her],
127 their lips were parched, being stricken with fever.
128 For six days and (seven) nights,
129 was blowing the wind, the Deluge, the gale laying flat the land.
130 When the seventh day arrived,
131 the gale relented, [the Deluge ended].
132 (133a) The sea grew calm, (132) that had fought like a woman in labour,
133 [The translation for this passage appears with passage 132.]
the tempest grew still, the Deluge ended.
134 I looked at the weather, and there was quiet,
135 but all the people had turned to clay.
136 The flood plain was level like a roof.
137 [18]I opened a vent, and sunlight fell on the side of my face.
138 I fell to my knees and sat there weeping,
139 the tears streaming down the side of my face.
140 I scanned the shores, the edge of the sea,
141 in fourteen places emerged a landmass.
142 On Mount Nimuš the boat ran aground,
143 Mount Nimuš held the boat fast and did not let it move.
144 One day, a second day, Mount Nimuš held the boat fast and did not let it move,
145 a third day, a fourth day, Mount Nimuš held the boat fast and did not let it move,
146 a fifth, a sixth, day, Mount Nimuš held the boat fast and did not let it move.
147 [19]When the seventh day arrived —
148 I brought out a dove, setting it free:
149 Off went the dove, …
150 No perch was available for it, so it came back to [me].
151 I brought out a swallow, setting it free:
152 Off went the swallow, …
153 No perch was available for [it], so it came back to me.
154 I brought out a raven, setting it free:
155 Off went the raven and it saw the waters receding.
156 So it could eat, scratch, peck (food), and did not come back to me.
157 [20]I brought out an offering and sacrificed to the four corners of the earth,
158 I scattered incense on the peak of the mountain.
159 Seven flasks and seven I set in position,
160 below them I heaped up (sweet) reed, cedar and myrtle.
161 The gods smelled the aroma,
162 the gods smelled the sweet aroma,
163 the gods gathered like flies round the sacrificer.
164 As soon as Bēlet-ilī arrived,
165 she lifted aloft the great flies that Anu had made when he wooed (her):
166 [21]“O gods, let these be lapis lazuli (beads) around my neck,
167 so that I remember these days and never forget them!
168 Let the gods come to the incense,
169 (but) may Enlil not come to the incense,
170 because he lacked counsel and caused the Deluge,
171 and delivered my people into destruction.”
172 As soon as Enlil arrived,
173 Enlil saw the boat and grew angry.
174 He was filled with rage against the Igigi gods:
175 “[From] where escaped (this) living creature?
176 No man should survive the destruction!”
177 Ninurta opened his mouth to speak,
178 saying to the hero Enlil:
179 “Who, if not Ea, can accomplish (such) things?
180 For Ea alone knows (how to do) all tasks,”
181 Ea opened his mouth to speak,
182 saying to the hero Enlil:
183 “You, the sage of the gods, the hero,
184 how could you lack counsel and cause the deluge?
185 On him who commits a sin, inflict his crime!
186 on him who does wrong, inflict [his] wrong-doing!
187 Slack off, lest it be snapped! Pull taut, lest it become [slack!]
188 [22]Instead of the Deluge you caused,
189 a lion could arise to diminish the people!
190 Instead of the Deluge you caused,
191 a wolf could arise to diminish the people!
192 Instead of the Deluge you caused,
193 a famine could happen to slaughter the land!
194 Instead of the Deluge you caused,
195 Erra could arise to slaughter the land!
196 I did not myself disclose the great gods’ secret;
197 I let Atra-ḫasīs see a dream and so he heard the gods’ secret.
198 And now, consider what is to be done with him.”
199 Enlil came up into the boat,
200 he took hold of my hands and brought me out.
201 He brought out my woman, he made her kneel at my side,
202 he touched our foreheads, standing between us to bless us:
203 “In the past Ūta-napišti was (one of) mankind,
204 but now Ūta-napišti and his woman shall be like us gods!
205 Ūta-napišti shall dwell far away, at the mouth of the rivers!”
206 They took me and settled me far away, at the mouth of the rivers.
207 But now, who will bring the gods to assembly for you,
208 so you can find the life you search for?
209 Come, for six days and seven nights do not sleep!’
210 As soon as he sat down on his haunches,
211 sleep was wafting over him like a fog.
212 Ūta-napišti spoke to her, to his wife:
213 ‘See the fellow who demanded life!
214 sleep is wafting over him like a fog.’
215 His wife spoke to him, to Ūta-napišti the Far-Away:
216 ‘Touch him, let the man awake!’
217 (By) the road he came let him go back in safety,
218 (by) the gate he came out let him return to his land!’
219 Ūta-napišti spoke to her, to his wife:
220 ‘Being deceitful, mankind will deceive you.
221 Go, bake his daily rounds of bread, line them up by his head,
222 and mark on the wall the days that he slept.’
223 She baked his daily rounds of bread, she lined them up by his head,
224 and on the wall noted for him the days that he slept.
225 His first round of bread was dried up,
226 the second was leathery, the third was soggy;
227 His fourth flour-cake had turned white,
228 the fifth had produced a (mouldy) stain;
229 the sixth was fresh-baked,
230 the seventh was on the coals: he touched him and the man awoke.
231 Gilgameš spoke to him, to Ūta-napišti the Far-Away:
232 ‘No sooner than sleep spilled over me,
233 than immediately you touched me and roused me!’
234 Ūta-napišti [spoke to him,] to Gilgameš
235 Come, Gilgameš, count me your rounds of bread,
236 and may [the time that you slept] be made known to you.
237 Your [first round] of bread [was dried up]
238 the second was leathery, the third was soggy;
239 your fourth flour-cake had turned white,
240 the fifth had produced a (mouldy) stain, the sixth was fresh-baked;
241 [the seventh was on] the coals, and then you awoke.’
242 Gilgameš spoke to him, to Ūta-napišti the Far-Away:
243 How should I go on, Uta-napisti? Where should I go?
244 The Thief has taken hold of my [flesh.]
245 In my bed-chamber Death abides,
246 and wherever I might turn [my face], there too will be Death.’
247 Ūta-napisti spoke to [him,] to the boatman Ur-šanābi:
248 ‘Ur-šanābi, may the quay reject you, may the ferry scorn you!
249 You who used to walk on its shore, suffer absence from it!
250 The man that you led here,
251 whose body is tousled with matted hair,
252 the beauty of whose flesh the hides have ruined,
253 take him, Ur-šanābi, get him to the washtub,
254 let him wash his matted hair as clean as can be!
255 Let him cast off his hides and the sea carry (them away)!
256 Soak his body so beautiful!
257 Let the kerchief of his head be renewed!
258 Let him be clad in a royal robe, the attire befitting his dignity!
259 Until he goes (home) to his city,
260 until he arrives at (the end of) his road,
261 let the robe show no stain but stay brand new!’
262 Ur-šanābi took him and got him to the washtub.
263 He washed his matted hair as clean as can be,
264 He cast off his hides [and] the sea carried (them away).
265 His body so beautiful was soaked,
266 the [kerchief of] his head was renewed,
267 he was clad in a royal robe, the attire befitting his dignity.
268 ‘Until he goes (home) [to his city,]
269 until he arrives at (the end of) his road,
270 let [the robe show no stain] but stay brand new!’
271 Gilgames and Ur-šanābi boarded the boat,
272 they launched the [craft,] they crewed it themselves.
273 His wife spoke to him, to Uta-napišti the Far-Away:
274 ‘Gilgames came here, toiled, exerted himself,
275 what have you given him as he goes back to his land?'
276 And he, Gilgameš, raised the punting-pole,
277 he brought the boat close to the shore
278 Ūta-napišti [spoke] to him, to Gilgameš:
279 ‘You came here, Gilgameš, toiled, exerted yourself,
280 what have I given you as you go back to your land?
281 I will disclose, Gilgameš, a secret matter,
282 and [I will] tell you a mystery of [the gods.]
283 It is a plant, its [appearance] is like box-thorn,
284 its thorn is like the dog-rose’s, it will [prick your hands.]
285 If you can gain possession of that plant,
286 [you’ll be again as you were in your youth.]’
287 When Gilgameš heard this,
288 he opened a [channel] …
289 Heavy stones he tied [on his feet,]
290 they dragged him down to the Apsû […]
291 He pulled the plant, and pulled [it up and lifted it,]
292 he cut loose the heavy stones [from his feet.]
293 The sea cast him up on its shore.
294 Gilgameš spoke to him, to Ur-šanābi the boatman:
295 ‘Ur-šanābi, this plant is the “plant of the heart-beat”,
296 by which means a man can recapture his vitality.
297 I will take it to Uruk the sheepfold,
298 I will feed some to an old man and put the plant to the test.
299 If the old man grows young (again),
300 I will eat some myself and go back to how I was in my youth!'
301 At twenty leagues they broke bread,
302 at thirty leagues they pitched camp.
303 Gilgameš found a pool whose water was cool,
304 he went down into it to bathe in the water.
305 [23]A snake smelled the fragrance of the plant,
306 [silently] it came up and bore the plant off;
307 as it turned away it sloughed a skin.
308 Then Gilgameš sat down weeping,
309 the tears streaming down the side of his face.
310 … [He spoke] to Ur-šanābi the boatman:
311 ‘[For whom] of my (kind), Ur-šanābi, did my arms grow exhausted,
312 for whom of my (kind) ran dry the blood of my heart?
313 Not for myself did I establish a bounty,
314 [for] the “Lion of the Earth” I have done a favour.
315 Now for twenty leagues the tide has been rising!
316 When I opened the channel I abandoned the tools:
317 what thing would I find that was placed (to serve) for my landmark? Had I only turned away,
318 and left the boat on the shore!'
319 At twenty leagues they broke bread,
320 at thirty leagues they pitched camp.
321 They arrived in Uruk the Sheepfold.
322 Gilgameš spoke to him, to Ur-šanābi the boatman:
323 ‘Go up, Ur-šanābi, on to the wall of Uruk and walk around,
324 survey the foundation platform, inspect the brickwork!
325 (See) if its brickwork is not kiln-fired brick,
326 and if the Seven Sages did not lay its foundations!
327 One šār is city, one šār date-grove, one šār is clay-pit, half a šār the temple of Ištar:
328 three šār and a half (is) Uruk, (its) measurement.’
Tablet XII
1 “Today, had I only left the ball in the carpenter’s workshop!
2 [O carpenter’s wife who is like the mother] who bore me! Had I only [left it!]
3 O [carpenter’s daughter who is like my] little sister! Had [I only left it!]
4 Today [the] ball fell down to the Netherworld,
5 my mallet fell [down] to the Netherworld!’
6 Enkidu [answered] Gilgameš:
7 ‘My lord, why did you weep, your heart being [vexed]?
8 Today I myself shall [bring you] the ball up from the Netherworld,
9 I myself shall [bring you] your mallet up from the Netherworld!’
10 Gilgameš [answered] Enkidu:·
11 ‘If [you are going to descend] to the Netherworld,
12 [you should pay heed to] my instructions!
13 [You must not dress in] a clean garment,
14 they will identify [you] as a stranger!
15 You must not anoint yourself with sweet oil from the flask,
16 at the smell of it they will gather around you!
17 You must not hurl a throwstick at the Netherworld,
18 those struck by the throwstick will surround you!
19 You must not carry a staff in your hand,
20 the shades will tremble before you!
21 You must not wear sandals on your feet,
22 you must not make a noise in the Netherworld!
23 You must not kiss the wife you love,
24 you must not strike the wife you hate,
25 you must not kiss the son you love,
26 you must not strike the son you hate,
27 the outcry of the Netherworld will seize you!
28 The one who lies, the one who lies, the mother of Ninazu who lies,
29 her gleaming shoulders are not draped in a garment,
30 her breast, uncovered, (is) like a jar of stone.’
31 [Enkidu,] descending [to the Netherworld,]
32 paid no heed [to the instructions of Gilgameš:]
33 he dressed himself in [a clean garment,]
34 they identified him as a stranger.
35 He anointed himself with sweet oil from the flask,
36 at the smell [of it] they gathered around him.
37 He hurled a throwstick at [the Netherworld] and
the shades trembled,
38 those [struck] by the throwstick surrounded him.
39 He carried a staff in [his] hand and
40 [the shades] trembled.
41 [He wore] sandals on [his feet,]
42 [he made] a noise [in the Netherworld.]
43 [He kissed] the wife [he loved,]
44 [he struck the] wife he hated,
45 he [kissed the] son he loved,
46 he [struck the] son he hated,
47 the outcry of the Netherworld seized him!
48 The one who lies, the one who lies, the mother of Ninazu who lies,
49 her gleaming shoulders were not draped in a garment,
50 her breast, uncovered, (was) like a flask of stone.
51 Then Enkidu (did not come up) from the Netherworld to the (world) above.
52 Namtar [did not] seize him, Asakku did not seize him, the Netherworld [seized] him!
53 The pitiless sheriff [of Nergal] did not seize him, the Netherworld [seized] him!
54 He did not fall where men [do battle,] the Netherworld seized him!
55 Then [the] king, son of Ninsun, weeping for his servant, Enkidu,
56 went off alone to Ekur, the house of Enlil:
57 ‘O Father [Enlil], today the ball fell into the Netherworld,
58 my mallet fell into the Netherworld!
59 Enkidu, who [went down] to bring [them up, the Netherworld seized him!]
60 Namtar did not seize him, Asakku did not seize him, the Netherworld seized him!
61 The pitiless sheriff of Nergal did not seize him, the Netherworld seized him!
62 He did not fall where men do battle, the Netherworld seized him!'
63 Father Enlil answered him not a word.
64 He went off [(alone?) to Ur, the house of Sîn:]
65 ‘O Father Sîn, today the ball fell into the Netherworld,
66 my mallet fell [into the Netherworld]!
67 Enkidu, who [went down] to bring [them up], the Netherworld seized him!
68 Namtar did not seize him, Asakku did not seize him, the Netherworld seized him!
69 The pitiless sheriff of Nergal [did not seize] him, the Netherworld seized him!
70 [He did n]ot fall [where men do battle], the Netherworld seized him!'
71 Father [Sin answered him not a word.]
72 [He went off (alone)] to [Eridu, the house of Ea:]
73 ‘O [Father Ea, today the ball fell into the Netherworld,]
74 [My] mallet [fell into the Netherworld,]
75 Enkidu, [who went down to bring them up, the Netherworld seized him!]
76 Namtar did not [seize him, Asakku did not seize him, the Netherworld seized him!]
77 The pitiless sheriff of Nergal [did not seize him, the Netherworld seized him!]
78 [He did not fall] where men do battle, [the Netherworld seized him!]’
79 Father Ea [helped him] in [this matter,]
80 [he spoke] to Young Hero [Šamaš:]
81 ‘O Young Hero Šamaš, [... son of Ningal,]
82 perhaps [you can open] a chink [in the Netherworld,]
83 [you can bring] the shade of Enkidu [up from the Netherworld like a phantom!],
84 To the word [of Ea ......]
85 The Young Hero Šamaš, [...] son of Ningal,
86 opened a chink in the Netherworld,
87 he brought the shade of Enkidu up from the Netherworld like a phantom.
88 They hugged each other, kissing one another,
89 sharing thoughts and exchanging questions:
90 ‘Tell me, my friend! Tell me, my friend!
91 Tell me the rules of the Netherworld that you saw!’
92 ‘I cannot tell you, my friend, I cannot tell you!
93 if I am going to tell you the rules of the Netherworld that I saw,
94 sit down (and) weep!'
95 ‘[(So)] let me sit down and weep!'
96 ‘[My friend, the] penis that you handled so your heart rejoiced,
97 grubs devour [(it) … like an] old beam.
98 [My friend, the vagina that you] felt so your heart rejoiced,
99 it is filled with dust [like a crack in the ground.]’
100 ‘[Woe!]’ said [he,] and threw himself prostrate [in the] dust.
101 ‘[Woe!]’ said [Gilgameš,] and threw himself prostrate [in the dust.]
102 ‘Did [you see the man with one son?]’ ‘I saw (him).
103 [A peg is] fixed [in his wall] and he weeps over [it bitterly.]’
104 ‘[Did you see the man with two sons?’ ‘I] saw (him).
105 [He sits on two bricks] eating a bread-loaf.’
106 ‘[Did you see the man with three sons?]’ ‘I saw (him).
107 He drinks water [from a waterskin slung on the saddle.]’
108 ‘Did [you see the man with four sons?]’ ‘I saw (him).
109 [Like the owner of a donkey]-team his heart rejoices.’
110 ‘Did you see [the man with five sons?]’ ‘I saw (him).
111 [Like a] fine [scribe] his hand is deft,
112 he enters the palace [with ease.]’
113 ‘Did you see [the man with six sons?]’ ‘I saw (him).
114 [Like a ploughman his heart rejoices.]’
115 ‘[Did you see the man with seven sons?’ ‘'I saw (him).]
116 [Among the junior deities he sits on a throne and listens to the proceedings.]’
117 ‘[Did you see the palace eunuch?’ ‘I saw (him).]
118 Like a fine standard he is propped in the corner,
119 like …’
120 [Missing text: 120–128.]
129 … […]
130 … […]
131 … […]
132 ‘[Did you see] the one [who ... ?’ ‘I saw (him).]
133 To […]’
134 ‘[Did you see] the one [who...?’ ‘I saw (him).]
135 To […]’
136 … […]
137 … […]
138 [Missing text: 138–143.]
144 ‘Did you see the one who was struck by a mooring-pole?’ ‘I [saw (him).]
145 Alas for his mother [and father!] When pegs are pulled out [he] wanders about.’
146 ‘Did you see the one who [died] a natural death?’ ‘[I saw (him).]
147 He lies drinking clear water on the bed of the [gods].’
148 ‘Did you see the one who was killed in battle?’ ‘I [saw (him).]
149 His father and mother honour his memory and his wife [weeps] over [(him).]’
150 ‘Did you see the one whose corpse was left lying in the open countryside?’ ‘I saw (him).
151 His ghost does not lie at rest in the Netherworld.’
152 ‘Did you see the one whose ghost has no provider of funerary offerings?’ ‘'I saw (him).
153 He eats the scrapings from the pot (and) crusts of bread that are thrown away in the street.’
Sippar
1 […] wild bulls, the aurochs of […,]
2 [he] clothed himself in their skins, eating their flesh.
3 Gilgameš [dug] wells that never existed before,
4 [he] drank the water as he chased the winds.
5 Šamaš became worried, so he bent down to him,
6 he spoke to Gilgameš:
7 ‘O Gilgameš, where are you wandering?
8 You cannot find the life that you seek.’
9 Gilgameš spoke to him, to the hero Šamaš:
10 ‘After roaming, wandering through the wild,
11 within the Netherworld will rest be scarce?
12 I shall be lying down all the years,
13 but now let my eyes look on the sun so I am sated with light.
14 The darkness is hidden, how much light is there?
15 When may a dead man see the rays of the sun?
16 ‘[My friend, whom I love deeply,]
17 who with me went through every danger,
18 Enkidu, whom I love deeply,
19 who with me went through every danger:
20 he went to the destiny of mankind,
21 I wept over him day and night.
22 I did not give him up for burial —
23 “Maybe my friend will rise at my cry!” —
24 for seven days and seven nights,
25 until a maggot dropped from his nostril.
26 After he was gone I did not find life,
27 as I wandered like a trapper through the midst of the wild.
28 Now, tavern keeper, I have seen your face,
29 but I would not see death, that ever I fear.’
30 The tavern keeper spoke to him, to Gilgameš:
31 ‘O Gilgameš, where are you wandering?
32 You cannot find the life that you seek:
33 when the gods created mankind,
34 for mankind they established death,
35 life they kept for themselves.
36 [24]You, Gilgameš, let your belly be full,
37 keep enjoying yourself, day and night!
38 Every day make merry,
39 dance and play day and night!
40 Let your clothes be clean!
41 Let your head be washed, may you be bathed in water!
42 Gaze on the little one who holds your hand!
43 Let a wife enjoy your repeated embrace!
44 Such is the destiny [of mortal men,]
45 that one who lives […’]
46 Gilgameš [spoke] to her, [to the tavern keeper:]
47 ‘Why, O tavern keeper, do you talk […?]
48 My heart is sick for my friend […]
49 Why, O tavern keeper, do you talk […?]
50 My heart is sick for Enkidu […]
51 You dwell, O tavern keeper, on the shore [of the ocean,]
52 you are familiar with all […]
53 Show me the way! […]
54 If it can be done [I will cross] the ocean!’
55 The tavern keeper spoke to him, [to Gilgameš:]
56 ‘There was not, Gilgameš, one like you […]
57 One who travels […] who […?]
58 Nobody […’]
59 He smashed them in his fury.
60 He came back to stand over him,
61 as Sursunabu looked him in the eye.
62 Sursunabu spoke to him, to Gilgameš:
63 ‘What is your name? Tell me!
64 I am Sursunabu, of Ūta-naʾištim the Distant.’
65 Gilgameš spoke to him, to Sursunabu:
66 ‘Gilgameš is my name,
67 who came from Uruk-Eanna,
68 who came around the mountains,
69 the hidden road where the sun rises.
70 Now, Sursunabu, I have seen your face,
71 show me Ūta-naʾištim the Far-Away!’
72 Sursunabu spoke to him, to Gilgameš:
73 ‘[…]
74 [to reach Ūta-naʾištim the] Far-Away,
75 […you] must travel by boat,
76 [ …] …, I will take you near to (him).’
77 [They sat] down, talking it over between the two of them.
78 Then saying a word to him,
79 Sursunabu spoke to him, to Gilgameš:
80 ‘The Stone Ones, Gilgameš, were what enabled me to cross,
81 because I must not touch the Waters of Death.
82 In your fury you have smashed them.
83 The Stone Ones were with me to take me across.
84 [Take] up, Gilgameš, the axe in your hand,
85 cut me three hundred [punting]-poles, each sixty cubits.
86 […] …, and equip them with bosses,
87 […] in … […]’