Overview
This lecture explores the Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation myth, outlining the origins of the universe, gods, and humanity through cosmic struggle and contrasting it with the biblical Genesis.
Origins and Structure of the Enuma Elish
- The Enuma Elish is an ancient Babylonian creation myth written on seven clay tablets in cuneiform script.
- The name "Enuma Elish" means "when on high," the text’s opening phrase.
- The myth explores how the universe, gods, and humanity were created from chaos.
Key Characters and Cosmic Conflict
- In the beginning, only chaos existed: Tiamat (saltwater goddess) and Apsu (freshwater god) embodied life’s potential and order.
- Tiamat and Apsu gave birth to the first gods: Lamu, Lahamu, Anshar, Kishar, and Ea.
- Apsu, disturbed by the noise of younger gods, plotted to destroy them with Mumu, his advisor.
- Ea discovered the plot, put Apsu to sleep, and killed him, angering Tiamat.
- Tiamat transformed into a chaos dragon and birthed monsters to fight the younger gods, appointing Kingu as leader and giving him the Tablet of Destinies.
Rise of Marduk and Creation of the World
- The gods, fearful of Tiamat’s wrath, sought a champion; Marduk, the storm god, volunteered on the condition of supreme authority.
- Marduk defeated Tiamat using wind, net, and bow, splitting her body to form the heavens, earth, rivers, and mountains.
- Order was established from Tiamat’s chaos under Marduk’s rule.
Creation of Humanity
- The gods requested Marduk to create humans to relieve them of their labors.
- Marduk created humanity from Kingu’s blood and clay, making humans servants to the gods.
Comparison to Genesis
- Unlike Genesis, the Enuma Elish depicts humans as byproducts of divine conflict, not cherished creations.
- Enuma Elish centers on violence and order from chaos, whereas Genesis emphasizes deliberate creation and a unique relationship between God and humanity.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tiamat — goddess of saltwater and personification of chaos.
- Apsu — god of freshwater and order.
- Ea (Enki) — god of wisdom and magic, kills Apsu.
- Marduk — storm god who becomes supreme ruler after defeating Tiamat.
- Kingu — Tiamat’s consort, leader of her army, and source of human blood.
- Tablet of Destinies — artifact granting control over the cosmos.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the key characters and sequence of creation events.
- Compare the Enuma Elish structure and themes to those in other creation stories, such as Genesis.