Babylonian Creation Myth: Tablet IV

Marduk's Ascension to Power

Marduk is granted a throne and power over the universe.
He is recognized as greater than all great gods with the unaltering and eternal word.
Marduk's word has the power to arbitrate, destroy, and create.
Gods test Marduk by making an apparition appear and disappear at his command.
Marduk is declared king by the gods after passing their test.

Marduk is robed as a king and given a scepter, throne, and war-weapons.
He is tasked with defeating Tiamat.
- Tiamat's blood should be scattered to the world's ends by the winds.
Marduk constructs a bow, grasps a mace, and is accompanied by lightning.
Creates a net with the winds as a snare for Tiamat.
- Winds used include south, north, east, west, tempest, whirlwind, hurricane.
Seven winds are released to attack Tiamat.

Marduk mounts a storm chariot, accompanied by ferocious winds.
Confronts Tiamat, who challenges his authority and marshals her forces.
Marduk challenges Tiamat to single combat.
Tiamat's wits are scattered when hearing Marduk's challenge.
Marduk entangles Tiamat in his net and attacks with the wind Imhullu.
Marduk shoots an arrow that pierces Tiamat, defeating her.
- Tiamat's followers are captured or killed, and Kingu is bound and made death's god.
- Marduk takes the Tablets of Fate from Kingu.

Marduk is praised by the gods and given gifts.
Marduk uses Tiamat's body to create the world.
- Splits her body to form the sky.
- Establishes the Great Palace and stations Anu, Enlil, and Ea.

From the translation by N. K. Sandars.