Enuma Elish: The Babylonian Creation Epic: also includes 'Atrahasis', the first Great Flood myth

Viewed in a modern hindsight, creation myths have been attempts to explain the inexplicable, yet for the people of their time, they were explanations, in much the same way that we now look to scientists for explanations; the Enuma Elish is one such 'explanation'. Jung pointed to their psychological significance, while Cambell demonstrated a remarkable uniformity in the elements from which these myths were composed, almost independent of the cultures in which they were found, suggesting that something was known that we now do not know, and our only record are the myths themselves, and it is the power that these myths still seem to have when heard, that contributes to their mystery. Sarna's brilliant book 'Understanding Genesis', makes it very clear that the early Hebrew writers were well aware of contemporary cultural traditions, but as they were 'pagan' there was an attempt to distance Hebraic accounts from similar ones, and in the case of the Psalms, to distinguish Hebraic perspectives from contemporary analogues. The introduction to this translation, makes it very clear that the old myths did not go away or disappear. If Isaiah can allude to characters in those myths, then it is clear that such allusions would not have taken place if the people had not understood what the allusion referred to. Factual information about the tablets on which the myth was written are kept to the minimum. Stephany avoids a Cambell - type of approach, although he does once refer to Norse Mythology and Hindu Mythology. To include all possible sources or analogues - he does not mention Hesiod or the ancient Egyptians, would have resulted in a massive introduction, which would have detracted from the simple beauty in this translation.

For anyone who - as me - is interested in reading the cosmogonical myth that the Babylonians used to re-enact during the Akitu (New Year's Celebration), I would definitely recommend to buy this little booklet. The myth is narrated as a tale, translated from the ancient text. Interestingly, the division of the ancient text is maintained in the translation. A secondary part relates about the Myth of the Deluge. Definitely recommended.

A light introduction to the violent immoral and arbitrary world of babylonian mythology. Unfortunately the author takes a lot of liberties with the text and makes up missing sections rather than just leaving gaps so its not very accurate.

Very interesting to watch faith-systems develop from this first recorded communion of people.

excellent

Difficult read as it is very repetative but enjoyed it never the less

Something from my past .I think everyone should read this epic at least once in their live love the battle against Tiamat go for gal.pity ya lost now't like a grumpy old Dragon to put up a good scrap all she wanted were a'bit of peace an quite.

Everything is fine with this book except the typeface that is used. It's ugly and actually makes the book more difficult to read.

Información Importante: trae el Atra hasis. Buena encuadernación. Transcripción de las tablillas originales. Permite la comparación entre los dos textos.

This is not a scholarly translation. Many of the footnotes contain errors.

I bought the book in order to compare the Sumerian creation myths to Genesis. It properly informed me.

Thanks you for including within the scope of one very reasonably priced paper back book these two old stories. In teaching the ANE history and culture I am able to bring to my students a glimpse of the past more vivid that mere archaeology can display.

Not much to say, except it delivers the text. Commentary is ok too.

Nice book

Exactly as described.

Love

This is actually an excellent book, as it appears to be a faithful translation of historical record, to the extent the cuneiforms are known and understood. I became interested in reading the Enuma Elish after seeing it referenced by Zachariah Sitchin in The Earth Chronicles as a precursor to Genesis of the Old Testament. This version, near as I can tell, was the way it was told at the height of Marduk's reign, when the story was supposedly revised, according to Sitchin, making Marduk the focal point of the battle with Tiamat. Other than that, its interesting how sections of the story are repeated several times in succession, perhaps with only a word or two wording changing. It's as if the Babylonians were following the practice; "Tell them what you're going to say, say it, and then tell them what you said!" As this was a core scripture of their beliefs perhaps it was needed to imbed the story in the peoples conscious this way.

This really expands on the creation story told in the bible. You may need some help interpreting some of the passages as they are rather cryptic.

Perfect

Clear, thorough and well-done.

Great reads

This is exactly what I was expecting to receive. If you want a straight up translation of the original tablets with a bit of introductory history, this is the book for you. It even goes all the way down to Atrahasis Flood Account. Whether you doubt the authenticity of Sumerian text or believe in them, it won't hurt to see these translations for yourself.