The Enuma Elish, Tablets I-IV

The Enuma Elish, also known as The Seven Tablets of Creation, is one of the oldest stories in the world.  Dated to between 1800 and 1600 B.C., this Babylonian creation myth gives an account of the creation of the world and the rise of the Babylonian gods.  The epic is included here for its rich symbolism, description of the pre-creative state of the universe,  its portrayal of the cosmic battle between order and disorder, and its emphasis on kingship.

In this audio recording of the Enuma Elish, Tablets I-IV, the Babylonian gods are born out of the disordered, undifferentiated waters of pre-creation, personified by the goddess Tiamat and her consort, Apsu.  Troubled by the restless young gods, Apsu and his minister, Mummu, plot to destroy them.  The young god, Ea, slays Apsu.  Ea builds his dwelling over the dead remains of Apsu.  In their splendid home, Ea and his lover conceive and begat Marduk, the Babylonian King of the gods, the sovereign over the whole universe.  Tiamat prepares for war with Marduk by assembling a fearsome army of dragons, vipers and monsters.  The gods give Marduk weapons to challenge Tiamat.   Marduk harnesses the seven winds, shoots Tiamat with an arrow, and slays her.

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