THE EIGHTH TABLET
Let Adapa the Earthling to Nibiru be brought! So did Anu his decision declare.
By the decision Enlil was not pleased: Whoever of this would have thought,
That by a Primitive Worker fashioning, like us the being would become,
With knowledge, endowed, between Heaven and Earth will travel!
On Nibiru the waters of long life he will drink, the food of long life eat,
Like one of us Anunnaki shall the one of Earth become!
So was Enlil to Enki and the other leaders saying.
By the decision of Anu Enki too was not pleased; sullen was his face after Anu had
spoken.
After Enlil had spoken, with Enlil his brother Enki agreed:
Indeed, who of this would have thought! So to the others did Enki say.
The brothers sat and contemplated; Ninmah with them was also deliberating.
The command of Anu cannot be avoided! to them she said.
Let Adapa by our young ones to Nibiru be accompanied, his fright to diminish, to Anu
things explain!
So did Enki to the others say. Let Ningishzidda and Dumuzi his companions be,
By the way, Nibiru for the first time with their eyes also see!
By Ninmah was the suggestion favored: Our young ones, on Earth born,
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Of Nibiru are forgetting, its life cycles by those of Earth are overwhelmed;
Let the two sons of Enki, as yet unmarried, to Nibiru also travel,
Perchance brides there for themselves they shall find!
When the next celestial chamber from Nibiru did arrive in Sippar,
Ilabrat, a vizier of Anu, from the chamber stepped off.
I have come to fetch the Earthling Adapa! So to the leaders he said.
The leaders to Ilabrat Adapa presented; Titi and her sons to him they also showed.
Indeed, in our image and after our likeness they are! So did Ilabrat say.
To Ilabrat Ningishzidda and Dumuzi, sons of Enki, were presented.
To accompany Adapa on his journey they have been selected! to him Enki said.
Anu his grandchildren to see will be pleased! So did Ilabrat say.
To hear instructions, Enki Adapa to him summoned. To Adapa thus he said:
Adapa, to Nibiru, the planet whence we had come, you will be going,
Before Anu our king you will come, to his majesty you will be presented;
Before him you shall bow. Speak only when asked, to questions short answers give!
New clothing you will be given; the new garments put on.
A bread on Earth not found they to you will give; the bread is death, do not eat!
In a chalice an elixir to drink they to you will give; the elixir is death, do not drink!
With you Ningishzidda and Dumuzi my sons will journey, to their words hearken, and
you shall live!
So did Enki Adapa instruct. This I shall remember! Adapa said.
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Enki Ningishzidda and Dumuzi summoned, to them a blessing and advice he gave.
Before Anu the king, my father, you are coming, to him you shall bow and homage pay;
By princes and nobles do not be cowered, of them you are the equals.
To bring Adapa back to Earth is your mission, by Nibiru's delights be not charmed!
This we shall remember! Ningishzidda and Dumuzi said.
His young one, Dumuzi, Enki embraced, on the forehead he kissed him;
The wise one Ningishzidda Enki embraced, on the forehead he kissed him.
A sealed tablet in the hand of Ningishzidda unseen he placed,
To my father Anu this tablet in secret you shall give! So did Enki to Ningishzidda say.
Then the two with Adapa to Sippar departed, to the Place of the Celestial Chariots they
went,
To Ilabrat, Anu's vizier, the three of them themselves presented.
To Ningishzidda and Dumuzi the garb of Igigi was given, like celestial eagles they were
dressed.
As for Adapa, his unkept hair was shaven, a helmet as that of an Eagle he was given,
Instead of his loincloth a tight-fitting vestment he was made to wear,
Between Ningishzidda and Dumuzi, inside That Which Ascends he was placed.
When the signal was given, the Celestial Chariot roared and shuddered;
In fright did Adapa cower and cry out: The Eagle without wings is soaring!
Upon his sides Ningishzidda and Dumuzi their arms placed, with soothing words they
him calmed.
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When one league aloft they were borne, upon the Earth they glanced Out;
its lands they saw, by seas and oceans into parts separated.
When two leagues aloft they were, the ocean to a tub grew smaller. the land was the size
of a basket.
When three leagues aloft they were, again they cast a glance whence they had departed;
The Earth was now as a small ball, by a sea of darkness in the vastness swallowed.
Once again Adapa agitated was; he cowered and cried Out: Take me back! he shouted.
Ningishzidda his hand on the neck of Adapa put; in an instant was Adapa quiet.
When they on Nibiru landed, there was much curiosity,
The children of Enki, on Earth born, to see, even more so an Earthling to encounter:
A being from another world on Nibiru has arrived! So were the crowds shouting.
With Ilabrat to the palace they were taken to be washed and with perfumed oils anointed.
Fresh and befitting garments they were given;
Heeding Enki's words, Adapa the new clothing did put on.
In the palace nobles and heroes milled about, in the throne room, princes and counselors
gathered.
To the throne room by Ilabrat they were led, Adapa behind him, then the two sons of
Enki.
In the throne room before Anu the king they bowed; from his throne Anu stepped
forward.
My grandsons! My grandsons! he cried out. He hugged Dumuzi, he hugged
Ningishzidda,
With tears in his eyes he embraced them, he kissed them.
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To his right Dumuzi he bade to be seated, on his left Ningishzidda sat.
Then llabrat to Anu the Earthling Adapa presented.
Does he our speech understand? Anu the king of Ilabrat inquired.
Indeed he does, by the lord Enki was he taught! Ilabrat so answered.
Come hither! Anu to Adapa said. What is your name and your occupation?
Forward Adapa stepped, again he bowed: Adapa is my name, of the lord Enki a servant!
So did Adapa in words speak; his speaking great amazement was causing.
A wonder of wonders on Earth has been attained! Anu declared.
A wonder of wonders on Earth has been attained! all the assembled shouted.
Let there a celebration be, let us our guests thus welcome! Anu was saying.
To the banquet room Anu all who were assembled led, to the laden tables he happily
gestured.
At the laden table bread of Nibiru Adapa was offered; he did not eat it.
At the laded tables elixir of Nibiru Adapa was offered; he did not drinnk it.
By this Anu the king was puzzled, was offended:
Why has Enki to Nibiru this ill-mannered Earthling sent, to him the celestial ways reveal?
Come now, Adapa! to Adapa Anu said. Why did you neither eat nor drink, our hospitality
rejected?
My master the lord Enki commanded me: The bread do not eat, the elixir do not drink!
So did Adapa the king Anu answer.
How odd is this thing! Anu was saying. For what has Enki from an Earthling our food
and elixir prevented?
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He asked Ilabrat, he asked Dumuzi; Ilabrat the answer knew not, Dumuzi could not
explain.
He asked Ningishzidda. Perchance in this lies the answer! Ningishzidda to Anu said.
The secret tablet that he carried hidden to Anu the king he then gave
Puzzled was Anu, Anu was concerned; to his private chamber he went the tablet to
decipher.
Now this is the account of Adapa, of Civilized Mankind the progenitor,
And how by his Sons Ka-in and Abael satiation on Earth was started.
In his private chamber Anu the tablet's seal broke open,
Into the scanner the tablet he inserted, it,, message from Enki to decipher.
Adapa by my seed to an Earthling woman was born! So did the message from Enki say.
Likewise was Titi by another Earthling woman of my seed conceived.
With wisdom and speech they are endowed; with Nibiru's long lifetime they are not.
The bread of long-living he should not eat, the elixir of long life he should not drink.
To live and die on Earth Adapa must return, mortality his lot must be,
By the sowing and shepherding by his offspring on Earth satiation shall be!
So did Enki the secret of Adapa to his father Anu reveal.
By the secret message from Enki Anu was astounded; whether to angry be or laugh he
knew not.
Ilabrat his vizier to his private chamber he summoned, to him he thus said:
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That son of mine Ea, even as Enki his free ways with females has not mended!
To Ilabrat his vizier the message on the tablet he showed.
What are the rules, what is the king to do? of his vizier Anu inquired.
Concubines by our rules are permitted; of interplanetary cohabitation no rules exist!
So did Ilabrat to the king respond. If damage there be, let it be restricted,
Let Adapa forthwith to Earth be returned. Let Ningishzidda and Dumuzi longer stay!
Anu then Ningishzidda to his private chamber summoned;
Know you what your father's message said? of Ningishzidda he inquired.
Ningishzidda his head lowered, with whispering voice he said:
I know not, but guess I can. The life essence of Adapa I have tested, of Enki's seed he is!
That indeed is the message! to him Anu said. Adapa to Earth forthwith shall return,
To be of Civilized Man a progenitor his destiny shall be!
As for you, Ningishzidda, to Earth with Adapa you shall return
Of Civilized Mankind at your father's side to become the teacher!
So did Anu the king the decision make, the destiny of Adapa and Ningishzidda he
determined.
To the assembled savants and nobles, princes and counselors Anu and the other two
returned,
To the assembled words of decision Anu announced:
The welcome to the Earthling must not be overextended, on our planet he cannot eat or
drink;
Of his astounding abilities we have all seen, let him to Earth return,
Let his offspring there on Earth fields till and in meadows shepherd!
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To ensure his safety and avoid his agitation, Ningishzidda with him back will travel,
With him the seeds of Nibiru of grains which multiply to Earth will be sent;
Dumuzi, the youngest, for a Shar with us shall stay,
Then to Earth with ewes and the essence of sheep he shall return!
This was the decision of Anu, to the king's words all in agreement their head, bowed.
At the appointed time Ningishzidda and Adapa to the Place of the Celestial Chariot; were
taken.
Anu and Dumuzi, llabrat and counselors, nobles and heroes to them farewell bade.
There was roaring and shuddering, and the chariot was lofted;
The planet Nibiru grow smaller they saw then from horizon to zenith the heavens they
saw.
On their journey Ningishzidda to Adapa the planet gods explained.
Of Sun and Earth arid the moon to him lessons he gave,
Of how the months chase one another and how Earth's year is counted him he taught.
When to Earth they returned, to his father Enki Ningishzidda all that had happened
related.
Enki laughed and struck his loins: it all went as I expected with glee he said;
Except the detention of Dumuzi, that is a puzzle! So did Enki say.
By the prompt return of Ningishzidda and Adapa Enlil was greatly puzzled,
What is the matter, what on Nibiru transpired? of Enki and Ningishzidda he inquired.
Let Ninmah too be summonded, let her too of what transpired hear! Enki to him said.
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After Ninmah arrived, to Enlil and to her Ningishzidda all did tell.
Enki his cohabitation with the Earthling females also related;
No rules have I broken, our satiation I have ensured! So Enki to them said.
No rules did you break, the fates of Anunnaki and Earthlings by a rash deed you
determined!
So did Enlil in anger say. Now the lot is cast, destiny by fate is overtaken!
With fury was Enlil seized, with anger he turned and left them standing.
To Eridu Marduk came, by his mother Damkina was he summoned.
The odd ongoings to verify of his father and brother he demanded.
To keep the secret from Marduk hidden father and brother decided;
Anu by the Civilized Man was enthralled, to at once all on Earth satiate he commanded!
So they to Marduk only part of the truth revealed.
By Adapa and Titi Marduk was impressed, to the boys he took a liking.
While Ningishzidda Adapa is instructing, let me the boys' teacher be!
So did Marduk to his father Enki and to Enlil say. `
Let Marduk teach one, let Ninurta teach the other! to them Enlil responded.
In Eridu Ningishzidda with Adapa and Titi stayed, numbers and writing Adapa he taught.
The twin who was first in birth Ninurta to Bad-Tibira, his city, took,
Ka-in, He Who in the Field Food Grows, he called him.
To dig canals for watering he taught him, sowing and reaping he was teaching.
A plow from the wood of trees Ninurta for Ka-in made, with it a tiller of the land to be.
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The other brother, son of Adapa, by Marduk to the meadows was taken,
Abael, He of the Watered Meadows, his name was thereafter called.
How to build stalls Marduk him taught; for shepherding to start, the return of Dumuzi
they awaited.
When the Shar was completed, Dumuzi to Earth returned,
The essence seed of sheep, ewes for the growing with him he brought,
Four-legged animals of Nibiru to another planet, the Earth, he conveyed!
His return with essence seed and ewes was cause for much celebration,
Into the care of his father Enki Dumuzi with his precious cargo returned.
The leaders then got together, how to proceed with the new breed they considered:
Never before was there a ewe on Earth, a lamb has never to Earth from the heavens been
dropped,
A she-goat has never before to her kid given birth,
Weaving of sheep's wool has never before been established!
The Anunnaki leaders, Enki and Enlil, Ninmah and Ningishzidda, who the creators were,
A Creation Chamber, a House of Fashioning, to establish decided.
Upon the pure mound of the Landing Place, in the Cedar Mountains, it was established,
Near where the elixir seeds by Ninmah brought were planted there was the Creation
Chamber established,
There was the multiplying of the grains and of the ewes on Earth begun.
Of Ka-in for sowing and reaping Ninurta was the mentor,
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Of Abael the arts of ewe and lamb rearing and shepherding Marduk was the mentor.
When the first crops were reaped, when the first sheep matured,
Let there be a Celebration of Firsts! Enlil a decree proclaimed.
Before the assembled Anunnaki the first grains, the first lambs were presented,
At the feet of Enlil and Enki Ka-in, by Ninurta guided, his offering placed;
At the feet of Enlil and Enki Abael, by Marduk guided, his offering placed.
Enlil to the brothers gave a joyful blessing, their labors he extolled.
Enki his son Marduk embraced, the Iamb for all to see he raised,
Meat for eating, wool for wearing to Earth have come! Enki said.
Now this is the account of the generations of Adapa,
And the killing of Abael by Ka-in, and what thereafter transpired.
After the Celebration of Firsts was over, sullen was Ka-in's face;
By the lack of Enki's blessing greatly he was aggrieved.
As to their tasks the brothers returned, Abael before his brother was boasting:
I am the one who abundance brings, who the Anunnaki satiates,
Who gives strength to the heroes, who wool for their clothing provides!
Ka-in by his brother's words was offended, to his boasting strongly he objected:
It is I who the plains luxuriates, who furrows with grains makes heavy,
In whose fields birds multiply, in whose canals fish become abundant,
Sustaining bread by me is produced, with fish and fowl the Anunnaki's diet I variate!
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On and on the twin brothers each other disputed, through the wintertime they argued.
When summer began it was not raining, the meadows were dry, the pastures dwindled.
Into the fields of his brother Abael his flocks drove, from the Furrows and the canals to
drink water.
By this Ka-in was angered; to move the flocks away his brother he commanded.
Farmer and shepherd, brother and brother, words of accusation uttered.
They spat on each other, with their fists they fought.
Creatly enraged, Ka-in a stone picked up, with it he Abael in the head struck.
Again and again he hit him until Abael fell, his blood from him gushing.
When Ka-in his brother's blood saw, Abael, Abael, my brother! he shouted.
Motionless on the ground did Abael remain, from him his soul had departed.
By the brother whom he had killed Ka-in remained, for a long time he sat crying.
Titi it was who of the killing was the first to know by a premonition:
In a dream-vision as she was sleeping Abael's blood she saw, in the hand of
Ka-in it was.
Adapa from his sleep she awakened, her dream-vision to him she told.
A heavy sorrow fills my heart, did something terrifying happen?
So did Titi to Adapa say; greatly agitated she was.
In the morning the two from Eridu departed, to the whereabouts of Ka-in and Abael they
went.
In the field they found Ka-in, by the dead Abael he was still seated.
A great cry of agony Titi shouted, Adapa spread mud on his head.
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What have you done? What have you done? to Ka-in they shouted.
Silence was Ka-in's answer; to the ground he threw himself and wept.
To Eridu city Adapa returned, what had happened to the lord Enki he told.
With fury Enki Ka-in confronted. Accursed you shall be! to him he said.
From the Edin you must depart, among Anunnaki and Civilized Earthlings you shall not
stay
As to Abael, in the fields his body cannot for the wild birds remain;
As the Anunnaki custom is, he in a grave, below a stone pile, shall be buried.
How Abael to bury Enki to Adapa and Titi showed, for the custom to them was not
known.
For thirty days and thirty nights was Abael by his parents mourned.
To Eridu for judgment Ka-in was brought, the exile sentence to pronounce Enki wished.
For his deed, Ka-in himself must be slain! So did Marduk with anger say.
Let the Seven Who judge be assembled! So did Ninurta, of Ka-in the mentor, say.
Whoever of such an assembling ever heard! Marduk shouted,
That for one not from Nibiru Anunnaki leaders shall to judge be called?
Is it not enough that one by Ninurta mentored the one by me favored has killed?
Is it not that as Ninurta Anzu did vanquish, so did Ka-in against his brother rise?
Like the fate of Anzu Ka-in's fate should be, his life-breath to be extinguished!
So did Marduk in anger to Enki, Enlil, and Ninurta say.
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Ninurta by the words of Marduk was saddened; silence, not words, his answer was.
Let me with Marduk my son words in private have! to them Enki said.
When in Enki's private chambers he and Marduk were,
My son! My son! to Marduk Enki softly spoke. Your agony is great. Let us not agony
with agony compound!
A secret that on my heart has heavily emburdened let me to you tell!
Once upon a time, as by the river I strolled, two Earthling maidens my fancy caught,
By them from my seed were Adapa and Titi conceived,
A new kind of Earthling, a Civilized Man, by that upon the Earth was brought;
Whether they to procreate were able our king Anu in doubt was,
By the birth of Ka-in and Abael were Anu and the council on Nibiru convinced.
A new phase of Anunnaki presence on this planet was welcomed and approved;
Now that Abael has been slain, and if Ka-in too shall be extinguished,
Satiation to an end would come, mutinies will be repeated, all that was achieved shall
crumble!
No wonder that to Abael a liking you took, the son of your half brother he was!
Now, on the other one have pity, let the line of Adapa survive!
So did Enki with sadness a secret to Marduk his son reveal.
By the revelation Marduk was at first astounded, then by laughter he was overcome:
Of your lovemaking prowess much to me was rumored, now of that convinced I am!
Indeed, let Ka-in's life be spared, to the ends of the Earth let him be banished!
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So did Marduk, from anger to laughter changing, to his father say.
In Eridu judgment upon Ka-in by Enki was pronounced:
Eastward to a land of wandering for his evil deed Ka-in must depart,
That his life must be spared, he and his generations shall be distinguished!
By Ningishzidda was the life essence of Ka-in altered:
That his face a beard should not grow, Ka-ins life essence Ningishzidda changed.
With his sister Awan as a spouse Ka-in from the Edin departed, to the Land of
Wandering he set his course.
Now the Anunnaki sat and among themselves wondered:
Without Abael, without Ka-in, who shall for us the grains grow and bread make,
Who shall be the shepherd, the ewes multiply, wool for clothing provide?
Let by Adapa and Titi more proliferation be! So did the Anunnaki say.
With the blessing of Enki, Adapa his spouse Titi knew again and again;
One daughter, another daughter, each time again and again were born.
In the ninety-fifth Shar, a son Adapa and Titi finally had;
Sati, He Who Life Binds Again, Titi him named; by him were the generations of Adapa
counted.
In all, thirty sons and thirty daughters Adapa and Titi had,
Of them tillers of the land and shepherds for the Anunnaki to]led,
By them did satiation to Anunnaki and Civilized Earthlings come back.
In the ninety-seventh Shar, to Sati a son by his spouse Azura was born.
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By the name Enshi in the annals he was recorded; Master of Humanity meant his name.
By Adapa his father writing and numbers he was made to understand,
And who the Anunnaki were and all about Nibiru by Adapa Enshi was told.
To Nibru-ki by the sons of Enlil he was taken; secrets of the Anunnaki him they taught.
How the perfumed oils for anointing Nannar, Enlil's on Earth the eldest, him showed,
How the elixir from the Inbu fruits to prepare Ishkur, Enlil's youngest, him instructed.
It was since then that by Civilized Man the Anunnaki lords were called.
And of the rites of worship of the Anunnaki that the beginning was.
Thereafter to Enshi by his sister Noam a son was born;
Kunin, He of the Kilns, his name had the meaning.
For by Niburta in Bad-Tibira he was tutored, of furnace and kiln there he learned,
How with bitumens fires to make, how to smelt and refine he was taught;
In the smelting and refining of gold for Nibiru he and his offspring toiled.
In the ninety-eighth Shar did this matter come about.
Now this is the account of the generations of Adapa after Ka-in was exiled,
And the heavenly journeys of Enkime and the death of Adapa.
In the ninety-ninth Shar to Kunin a son was born,
By Mualit, a half sister of Kunin, he was conceived.
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Malalu, He Who Plays, she named him; in music and song he excelled.
For him Ninurta a stringed harp made, a flute for him he shaped;
Hymns to Ninurta Malalu played, with his daughters before Ninurta they sang.
The spouse of Malalu the daughter of his father's brother was, Dunna was her name.
In the one hundredth Shar since the count on Earth had begun,
A son to Malalu and Dunna was born, their firstborn he was;
Irid, He of the Sweet Waters, his mother Dunna him named.
Him Dumuzi how wells to dig had taught, for flocks in distant meadows water to provide.
It was there, by the wells in the meadows, that shepherds and maidens gathered,
Where espousing and proliferation by Civilized Mankind exceedingly abounded.
In his days the Igigi to Earth were more frequently coming.
To observe and see from the heavens they increasingly abandoned,
To watch and see what on Earth was transpiring they increasingly desired;
To be with them on Lahmu Enki Marduk beseeched,
To watch and see what on Earth was transpiring Marduk more fervently wished.
At a well in the meadows did Irid his spouse meet;
Baraka was her name, the daughter of his mother's brother she was.
At the conclusion of the hundred and second Shar a son to them was born,
By, the name Enki-Me, by Enki ME Understanding, in the annals he was called.
Wise and intelligent he was, numbers he quickly understood,
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About the heavens and all matters celestial he was constantly curious.
To him the lord Enki took a liking, secrets once to Adapa revealed to him he told.
Of the family of the Sun and the twelve celestial gods Enki him was teaching,
And how the months by the Moon were counted and the years by the Sun,
And how by Nibiru the Shars were counted, and how the counts by Enki were combined,
How the lord Enki the circle of the heavens to twelve parts divided,
A constellation to each one how Enki assigned, twelve stations in a grand circle he
arranged,
How to honor the twelve Anunnaki great leaders by names the stations were called.
To explore the heavens Enkime was eager; two celestial journeys he did make.
And this is the account of Enkime's journeys to the heavens,
And how the Igigi troubles and intermarriages by Marduk were started.
To be with Marduk in the Landing Place Enkime was sent,
From there Marduk in a rocketship to the Moon did him take.
There what Marduk from his father Enki had learned to Enkime he did teach.
When to Earth Enkime returned, to be with Utu in Sippar, the Place of the Chariots, he
was sent.
There a tablet for writing what he was learning by Utu to Enkime was given,
Utu in his bright abode a Prince of Earthlings him installed.
The rites him he taught, the functions of priesthood to begin.
In Sippar with his spouse Edinni, a half sister, Enkime resided,
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To them in the one hundred and fourth Shar a son was born,
Matushal his mother him named, Who by the Bright Waters Raised the name meant.
It was after that that Enkime on his second journey to the heavens went,
This time too Marduk was his mentor and companion.
In a celestial chariot heavenward they soared, toward the Sun and away from it they
circled.
To visit the Igigi on Lahmu by Marduk he was taken,
To him the Igigi a liking took, of Civilized Earthlings from him they learned.
Of him it is in the Annals said that to the heavens he departed,
That in the heavens he stayed till the end of his days.
Before Enkime for the heavens departed, all that in the heavens he was taught.
In writings Enkime a record made, for his sons to know he wrote it;
All that is in the heavens in the family of the Sun he wrote down,
And about the quarters of the Earth and its lands and its rivers too
To the hands of Matushal, his firstborn son, the writings he entrusted,
With his brothers Ragim and Gaidad to study and abide by.
In the one hundred and fourth Shar was Matushal born,
To the Igigi troubles and what Marduk had done he was a witness.
By his spouse Ednat a son to Matushal was born, Lu-Mach, Mighty Man, was his name.
In his days conditions on Earth became harsher; the toilers in field and meadow raised
complaints.
As a workmaster the Anunnaki Lu-Mach appointed, the quotas to enforce, the rations to
reduce.
In his days it was that Adapa his deathtime attained;
And when Adapa knew that his days to an end were coming,
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Let all my sons and sons of sons assemble themselves to me! he said,
That before I die I may bless them, and words to them speak before I die.
And when Sati and the sons of the sons had gathered,
Where is Ka-in, my firstborn? Adapa of them all asked. Let him be fetched! to them all
he said.
Before the lord Enki Sati his father's wish presented, what to be done of the lord he
asked.
Enki then Ninurta summoned: Let the banished one, of whom the mentor you were,
to Adapa's deathbed be brought!
In his Bird of Heaven Ninurta betook himself, to the Land of Wandering he flew;
Over the lands he roamed, from the skies for Ka-in he searched.
And when he him found, like on Eagle's wings Ka-in to Adapa he brought.
When of his son's arrival Adapa was informed, Let Ka-in and Sati before me come!
Adapa said.
Before their father the two came, Ka-in the firstborn on the right, Sati on the left.
And the eyesight of Adapa having failed, for recognition his sons' faces he touched;
And the face of Ka-in on the right was beardless, and the face of Sati on the left with
beard was.
And Adapa put his right hand on the head of Sati, the one on the left,
And he blessed him and said: Of your seed shall the Earth be filled,
And of your seed as a tree with three branches Mankind a Great Calamity shall survive.
And he put his left hand on the head of Ka-in on his right, and to him said:
For your sin of your birthright you are deprived, but of your seed seven nations shall
come,
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In a realm set apart they shall thrive, distant lands they shall inhabit;
But having your brother with a stone killed, by a stone will be your end.
And when Adapa finished these words saying, his hands dropped and he sighed and said:
Now summon my spouse Titi and all the sons and all the daughters,
And after my spirit leaves me, to my birthplace by the river carry me,
And with my face toward the rising Sun there bury me.
Like a wounded beast Titi cried out, to her knees by Adapa's side she fell.
And the two sons of Adapa, Ka-in and Sati, in a cloth his body wrapped,
In a cave by the banks of the river, by Titi shown, Adapa they buried.
In the midst of the ninety-third Shar was he born, by the end of
the one hundred and eighth he died.
A long life for an Earthling he had; the life cycle of Enki he did not have.
And after Adapa was buried, Ka-in to his mother and brother farewell bade.
Ninurta in his Bird of Heaven to the land of wandering him returned.
And in a distant realm Ka-in had sons and daughters,
And he for them a city built, and as he was building, by a falling stone he was killed.
In the Edin Lu-Mach as a workmaster the Anunnaki served,
In the days of Lu-Mach did Marduk and the Igigi with Earthlings intermarry.
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Synopsis of the Ninth Tablet
Mankind proliferates; Adapa's line serves as royalty
Defying Enlil, Marduk espouses an Earthling female
Celestial disturbances and climate changes affect Lahmu
The lgigi descend to Earth, seize Earthling females as wives
The promiscuous Enki begets a human son, Ziusudra
Droughts and pestilences cause suffering on Earth
Enlil sees it as fated retribution, wants to return home
Ninmah, aged by Earth's cycles, also wants to return
A mystery emissary warns them not to defy their destiny
Signs increase of a coming calamitous Deluge
Most Anunnaki begin to depart back to Nibiru
Enlil enforces a plan to let Mankind perish
Enki and Ninmah start to preserve Earth's Seeds of Life
The remaining Anunnaki prepare for the Day of the Deluge
Nergal, Lord of the Lower World, is to issue the warning
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In the days of Lu-Mach did Marduk and the Igigi with Earthlings intermarry.
In those days on Earth the hardships were increasing,
In those days on Lahmu with dryness and dust was the planet enveloped.
The Anunnaki who decree the fates, Enlil and Enki and Ninmah, with each ether
consulted.
What conditions on earth and on Lahmu were altering, they wondered.
On the Sun flarings they observed, in the netforces of Earth and Lahmu there were
disruptions.
In the Abzu, at the tip the Whiteland facing, instruments far observing they installed;
In the charge of Nergal, the son of Enki, and his spouse Ereshkigal the instruments ware
put
To the Land Beyond the Seas Ninurta was assigned, in the mauntainland a
Band Heaven-Earth to establish.
On Lahmu the Igigi were restless; to pacify them Marduk was the task given:
Until what are the hardships causing, the way station on Lahmu must be kept!
So to Marduk the leaders said.
The three who the fates decree with each other consulted;
They looked at each other. How old the others are! each one of the others thought.
Enki, who the death of Adapa was grieving, was the first one to speak.
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More than one hundred Shars since my arrival have passed! to his brother and sister he
said.
I was then a dashing leader; now bearded, tired, and old I am!
An enthusiastic hero I was, for command and adventure ready! Enlil then said.
Now I have children who have children, all on Earth born;
Old on Earth we became, but those on Earth born are even older sooner!
So did Enlil to his brother and sister ruefully say.
As for me, an old sheep they call me! So did Ninmah wistfully say.
While the others have been coming and going, turns on Earth to serve taking,
We the leaders have stayed and stayed! Perchance it is time to leave! So did Enlil say.
Of that did I often wonder, to them Enki was saying. Each time one of us three to revisit
Nibiru wished,
Word from Nibiru always our corning thereto prevented!
Of that I too did wonder, Enlil was saying: Is it a thing on Nibiru, a thing on Earth?
Perchance the life cycles that differ it concerns, so was Ninmah saying.
To watch and see what transpires, the three leaders decided.
At that time Fate, or was it Destiny? in its hands the matters took.
For it came to pass that soon thereafter Marduk to his father Enki came,
A matter of gravity with his father Enki to discuss he wished.
Upon the Earth the three sons of Enlil spouses have chosen:
Ninurta Ba'u, of Anu a young daughter, has espoused; Nannar has chosen Ningal,
Ishkur Shala has taken;
By Nergal your son Ereshkigal, of Enlil a granddaughter, as a spouse was taken,
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By threats to kill her, her consent from her was extracted.
To await my espousal, being your firstborn, Nergal did not await,
The other four in deference my espousal are awaiting.
A bride I wish to choose, to have a spouse it is my desire!
So did Marduk to his father Enki say.
Your words happy make me! Enki to Marduk was saying. Your mother too shall rejoice!
To hold his words to Ninki, Marduk with a raised hand to his father motioned.
Is she one of the young ones who heal and succor give? Enki went on to ask.
A descendant of Adapa she is, of Earth, not Nibiru, is she! Marduk softly whispered.
With a puzzled look, Enki was speechless; then uncontrolled words he shouted:
A prince of Nibiru, a Firstborn to succession entitled, an Earthling will espouse?!
Not an Earthling but your own offspring! to him Marduk said.
A daughter of Enkime who to heaven was taken she is, Sarpanit is her name!
Enki his spouse Ninki summoned, to her what with Marduk transpired he related.
To Ninki, his mother, Marduk his heart's desire repeated and said:
When Enkime with me was journeying, and of heaven and Earth him I was teaching,
What my father once had said, I with my own eyes witnessed:
Step by step on this planet a Primitive Being, one like us to be, we have created,
In our image and in our likeness Civilized Earthling is, except for the long life, he is we!
A daughter of Enkime my fancy caught, her to espouse I wish!
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Ninki her son's words pondered. And the maiden, does she your gaze appreciate?
So did she Marduk ask.
Indeed she does, Marduk to his mother said.
This is not the matter to consider! Enki with a raised voice said.
If our son this shall do, to Nibiru with his spouse he would never go,
His princely rights on Nibiru he forever will forsake!
To this Marduk with a bitter laughter responded: My rights on Nibiru are nonexistent,
Even on Earth my rights as Firstborn have been trampled.
This indeed is my decision: From prince a king on Earth become, the master of this
planet!
Let it so be! Ninki said. Let it so be! Enki also said.
They summoned Matushal, the bride's brother; of Marduk's wish they him told.
Humbled but with joy overwhelmed Matushal was. Let it so be! he said.
When of the decision Enlil was told, with fury he was seized.
It was one thing for the father with Earthlings intercourse have,
It is another matter for the son an Earthling to espouse, lordship on her to bestow!
When Ninmah of the matter was told, greatly disappointed she was.
Marduk any maiden of ours could espouse, even from my own daughters by Enki he
could chose,
Half sisters, as is the royal custom, he could espouse! So did Ninmah say.
With fury Enlil to Anu on Nibiru of the matter words beamed up:
Too far has this behavior gone, it cannot be allowed! to Anu the king Enlil said.
On Nibiru Anu the counselors summoned, the matter with urgency to discuss.
In the rule books of such a matter no rule they found.
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Anu the savants also summoned, the matter's consequences to discuss.
On Nibiru Adapa, the maiden's progenitor, could not stay! to Anu they were saying.
Therefore to return to Nibiru with her, Marduk forever must be barred!
Indeed, having to Earth cycles become accustomed, even without her
Marduk's return impossible might be!
So were the savants to Anu saying; with that the counselors too agreed.
Let the decision to Earth be beamed! Anu was saying: Marduk marry can,
But on Nibiru a prince he shall no more be!
The decision by Enki and Marduk was accepted, Enlil too to the word from Nibiru
bowed.
Let there be a wedding celebration, in Eridu let it be! Ninki to them said.
In the Edin Marduk and his bride cannot stay! Enlil, the commander, announced.
Let us to Marduk and his bride a wedding gift make,
A domain of their own, away from the Edin, in another land! So did Enki to Enlil say.
Of Marduk being sent away Enlil with consent to himself was thinking:
To what land, of what domain, are you speaking? Enlil to his brother Enki said.
A domain above the Abzu, in the land that the Upper Sea reaches,
One that by waters from the Edin is separated, that by ships can be reached!
So did Enki to Enlil say. Let it so be! Enlil said.
In Eridu a wedding celebration Ninki for Marduk and Sarpanit arranged.
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Her people by the sound of a copper drum the ceremony announced,
With seven tambourines her sisters the bride to her spouse presented.
A great multitude of Civilized Earthlings in Eridu assembled, like a coronation to them
the wedding was.
Young Anunnaki also attended, Igigi from Lahmu in great numbers came.
To celebrate our leader's wedding, of Nibiru and Earth a union, to witness we came!
So did the Igigi their arrival in large numbers explain.
Now this is the account of how the Igigi the daughters of the Earthlings abducted,
And how afflictions followed and Ziusudra oddly was born.
In a great number did the Igigi from Lahmu to Earth come,
Only one third of them on Lahmu stayed, to Earth came two hundred.
To be with their leader Marduk, his wedding celebration to attend, was their explanation;
Unbeknownst to Enki and Enlil was their secret: To abduct and have conjugation was
their plot.
Unbeknownst to the leaders on Earth, a multitude of the Igigi on Lahmu got together,
What to Marduk permitted is from us too should not be deprived! to each other they said.
Enough of suffering and loneliness, of not offspring ever having! was their slogan.
During their comings and goings between Lahmu and Earth,
The daughters of the Earthlings, the Adapite Females as them they called,
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They saw and after them they lusted; and to each other the plotters said:
Come, let us choose wives from among the Adapite Females, and children beget!
One among them, Shamgaz his name was, their leader became.
Even if none of you agrees, I alone the deed shall do! to the others he said.
If a penalty for this sin shall be imposed, I alone for all of you shall it bear!
One by one others in the plot joined together, by an oath together to do it they swore.
By the time of Marduk's wedding, two hundred of them on the Landing Place descended,
Upon the great platform in the Cedar Mountains they came down.
From there to Eridu they journeyed, among the toiling Earthlings they passed,
Together with the Earthling throng in Eridu they arrived.
After the wedding ceremony of Marduk and Sarpanit had taken place,
By a signal prearranged Shamgaz to the others a sign gave.
An Earthling maiden each one of the lgigi seized, by force they them abducted,
To the Landing Place in the Cedar Mountains the lgigi with the females went,
Into a stronghold the place they made, to the leaders a challenge they issued:
Enough of deprivation and not having offspring! The Adapite daughters to marry we
wish.
Your blessing to this you must give, else by fire all on Earth destroy we will!
Alarmed the leaders were, of Marduk, the lgigi commander, charge to take they
demanded.
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If in the matter I a solution must seek, with the Igigi my heart in agreement is!
So did Marduk to the others say. What I have done from them cannot be deprived!
Enki and Ninmah their heads shook, with begrudging agreement they voiced.
Only Enlil was enraged without pacification:
One evil deed by another has been followed, fornication from Enki and Marduk the Igigi
have adopted,
Our pride and sacred mission to the winds have been abandoned,
By our own hands this planet with Earthling multitudes shall be overrun!
With much disgust was Enlil speaking. Let the Igigi and their females from Earth depart!
On Lahmu conditions unbearable have become, surviving is not possible!
So did Marduk to Enlil and Enki say.
In the Edin they cannot remain! Enlil with anger shouted. With much disgust the
gathering he left;
In his heart things against Marduk and his Earthlings was Enlil plotting.
Upon the Landing Platform in the Cedar Mountains were the Igigi and their females
secluded,
Children there to them were born, Children of the Rocketships they were called.
Marduk and Sarpanit his spouse also had children, Asar and Satu were the first two sons
called.
To the domain above the Abzu, to him and Sarpanit granted, Marduk the Igigi invited,
To dwell in two cities that for his sons he had built, Marduk the Igigi summoned.
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Some of the Igigi and their offspring to the domain in the dark-hued land came;
On the Landing Platform in the Cedar Mountains Shamgaz and others did remain,
To the far eastlands, lands of high mountains, some of their offspring went
How Marduk of Earthlings his strength increases, Ninurta carefully observed.
What are Enki and Marduk scheming? to his father Enlil Ninurta said.
The Earth by the Earthlings inherited will be! Enlil to Ninurta said.
Go, the offspring of Ka-in find, with them a domain of your own prepare!
To the other side of Earth Niburta went; the offspring of Ka-in he found.
How tools to make and music to play he them taught,
How in mining to engage and smelt and refine he showed them,
How to build rafts of balsam trees he showed them, to cross a great
sea he them guided.
In a new land a domain they established, a city with twin towers
there they built
A domain beyond the seas it was, the mountainland of the new
Bond Heaven-Earth it was not
In the Edin Lu-Mach was the workmaster, quotas to enforce was his duty,
The Earthlings' rations to reduce was his task.
His spouse was Batanash, the daughter of Lu-Mach's father's brother she was.
Of a beauty outstanding she was, by her beauty was Enki charmed.
Enki to his son Marduk a word did send: To your domain Lu-Mach do summon,
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How by Earthlings a city to build there him teach!
And when Lu-Mach to the domain of Marduk was summoned,
To the household of Ninmah, in Shurubak, the Haven City, his spouse Batanash he
brought,
From the angry Earthling masses protected and safe to be.
Thereafter Enki his sister Ninmah in Shurubak was quick to visit.
On the roof of a dwelling when Batanash was bathing
Enki by her loins took hold, he kissed her, his semen into her womb he poured.
With a child Batanash was, her belly was truly swelling;
To Lu-Mach from Shurubak word was sent: To the Edin return, a son you have!
To the Edin, to Shurubak, Lu-Mach returned, to him Batanash the son showed.
White as the snow his skin was, the color of wool was his hair,
Like the skies were his eyes, in a brilliance were his eyes shining.
Amazed and frightened was Lu-Mach; to his father Matushal he hurried.
A son unlike an Earthling to Batanash was born, by this birth greatly puzzled I am!
Matushal to Batanash came, the newborn boy he saw, by his likeness amazed he was.
Is one of the Igigi the boy's father? Of Batanash Matushal the truth demanded;
To Lu-Mach your spouse whether this boy his son is, the truth reveal!
None of the Igigi is the boy's father, of this upon my life I swear! So did Batanash him
answer
To his son Lu-Mach Matushal then turned, a calming arm on his shoulders he put
A mystery the boy is, but in his oddness an omen to you is revealed,
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Unique he is, for a task unique by destiny he was chosen.
What that task is, I know not; in time appropriate, known it shall become!
So was Matushal to his son Lu-Mach saying; to what on Earth was transpiring, he was
alluding:
In those days the sufferings on Earth were increasing,
The days colder grew, the skies their rains were holding back,
Fields their crops diminished, in the sheepfolds ewe lambs were few.
Let the son to you born, unusual as he is, an omen be that a respite is coming!
So did Matushal to his son Lu-Mach say. Let Respite be his name!
To Matushal and Lu-Mach Batanash her son's secret did not reveal;
Ziusudra, He of Long Bright Lifedays, she called him; in Shurubak he was raised.
Ninmah on the child her protection and affection bestowed.
Of much understanding he was endowed, with knowledge he was by her provided.
Enki the child greatly adored, to read the writings of Adapa him he taught,
The priestly rites how to observe and perform the boy as a young man learned.
In the one hundred and tenth Shar was Ziusudra born,
In Shurubak he grew up and espoused Emzara, and she bore him three sons.
In his days the sufferings on Earth intensified; plagues and starvations the Earth afflicted.
Now this is the account of Earth's tribulations before the Deluge,
And how the mysterious Galzu decisions of life and death in secret guided.
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By the conjugations of Igigi and the Earthling daughters was Enlil greatly disturbed,
By Marduk's espousal of an Earthling female Enlil was much distraught.
In his eyes the Anunnaki mission to Earth had become perverted,
To him the howling, shouting Earthling masses an anathema became;
Oppressive the pronouncements of the Earthlings have become,
The conjugations of sleep deprive me! So did Enlil to the other leaders say.
In the days of Ziusudra plagues and pestilences the Earth afflicted,
Aches, dizziness, chills, fevers the Earthlings overwhelmed.
Let us the Earthlings curing teach, how themselves to remedy to learn! So did Ninmah
say.
This by decree I forbid! Enlil to her pleas retorted.
In the lands whereto the Earthlings have spread, waters from their sources did not rise,
The earth shut its womb, vegetation did not sprout.
Let us the Earthlings pond- and canal-building teach, let them from the seas fish and
sustenance obtain!
So did Enki to the other leaders say.
This by decree I forbid! Enlil to Enki said. Let the Earthlings by hunger and pestilence
perish!
For one Shar the Earthlings ate the grasses of the fields,
For the second Shar, the third Shar, the vengeance of Enlil they suffered.
In Shurubak, Ziusudra's city, the suffering unbearable was becoming.
To Eridu Ziusudra, of the Earthlings a spokesman, journeyed,
To the house of the lord Enki he made his way, by the name of his lord he called,
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For help and salvation to him he pleaded; Enki by Enlil's decrees was bound.
In those days the Anunnaki for their own surviving were concerned;
Their own rations were diminished, by Earth's changes they themselves afflicted became.
On Earth as on Lahmu the seasons their regularity lost.
For one Shar, for two Shars, from Nibiru the heavenly circuits were studied,
Oddities in the planetary destinies from Nibiru were observed.
On the Sun's face black spots were appearing, from its face flames shot up;
Kishar also was misbehaving, its host its footings lost, dizzying were their circuits.
The Hammered Bracelet was by unseen netforces pulled and pushed,
For reasons unfathomed, the Sun its family was upsetting;
The destinies of the celestials by unsavory fates were overtaken!
On Nibiru the savants alarms raised, in the public squares the people gathered;
The Creator of All, to primordial days the heavens is returning,
Angry is the Creator of All! voices from amongst the people shouted.
On Earth the tribulations were increasing, fear and famine their heads reared.
For three Shars, for four Shars the instruments the Whiteland facing were observed,
By Nergal and Ereshkigal odd rumblings in the Whiteland's snows were recorded:
The snow-ice that the Whiteland covers to sliding has taken! So did they from Abzu's tip
report.
In the Land Beyond the Seas, Ninurta in his haven foretelling instruments established,
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Quakes and jitters at the Earth's bottom with the instruments he noticed.
An odd matter is afoot! So did Enlil to Anu on Nibiru words of alarm send.
For the fifth Shar, for the sixth Shar the phenomena gained strength,
On Nibiru the savants an alarm raised, of calamities to the king they forewarnings gave:
The next time Nibiru the Sun shall be nearing, Earth to Nibiru's netforce exposed shall
be,
Lahmu in its circuits on the Sun's other side shall a station take.
From the netforce of Nibiru Earth in the heavens protection shall not have,
Kishar and its host agitated shall be, Lahamu shall also shake and wobble;
In Earth's great Below, the snow-ice of the Whiteland its footing is losing;
The next time Nibiru the closest to Earth shall approach,
The snow-ice off the Whiteland's surface shall come a-sliding.
A watery calamity it shall cause: By a huge wave, a Deluge, the Earth will be
overwhelmed!
On Nibiru great was the consternation, uncertain about Nibiru's own fate,
King, savants, and counselors about Earth and Lahmu also greatly worried.
The king and the counselors a decision made: for evacuating Earth and Lahmu to
prepare!
In the Abzu the gold mines shut down, therefrom the Anunnaki to the Edin came;
In Bad-Tibira smelting and refining ceased, all gold to Nibiru was lofted.
Empty, for evacuating ready, a fleet of fast celestial chariots to Earth returned;
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On Nibiru the heavenly signs were watched, on Earth the tremors recorded were.
It was at that time that from one of the Celestial Chariots a white-haired Anunnaki
stepped off,
Galzu, Great Knower, was his name.
With steps majestic to Enlil his way he made, to him a sealed message from Anu he
presented.
I am Galzu, emissary plenipotentiary of King and Council, to Enlil he said.
By his coming Enlil was surprised: No word from Anu of that did forecome.
Enlil the seal of Anu examined; unbroken and authentic it was.
In Nibru-ki the message tablet was read, its encoding was trustworthy.
For King and Council Galzu speaks, his words are my command!
So did the message from Anu state.
That Enki and Ninmah be also summoned was Galzu's request.
When they came, to Ninmah Galzu pleasantly smiled. Of the same school and age we
are!
to her he said.
This Ninmah could not recall; the emissary was as young as a son, she was as his olden
mother!
Simple is the explanation! Galzu to her said: By our winter's slumbered life cycles it is
caused!
Indeed, this matter is of my mission a part; about the evacuation it is a secret.
Ever since Dumuzi on Nibiru had stayed, returning Anunnaki on Nibiru examined were;
Those who on Earth the longest stayed by the returning harshly were afflicted:
Their bodies to Nibiru's cycles were accustomed no longer,
Their sleep was disturbed, their eyesight was failing, the netforce of Nibiru weighted
their walk.
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Their minds were also affected, as sons were older than the parents they had left!
Death, my comrades, to the returnees quickly came; of that I am here a warning to give!
The three leaders, on Earth the longest, by the words silent became.
Ninmah was the first to speak: That much was to be expected! she was saying.
Enki, the wise one, to her words consented: That much was clear! he said.
Enlil with anger was seized: Before, the Earthlings like us were becoming,
Now we as Earthlings have become to this planet imprisoned!
This whole mission to a nightmare turned, by Enki and his Earthlings from masters,
slaves we were made!
To the outburst Galzu with compassion listened. Indeed much there is to ponder, he said,
On Nibiru much thinking and soul-searching deep questions were raising:
Should Nibiru to its fate been left, whatever by the Creator of All intended, to be let to
happen,
Or was the coming to Earth by the Creator of All conceived, and we only unwitting
emissaries?
Of that, my comrades, the debate will continue! So was Galzu to them saying.
Now this is the secret command from Nibiru:
The three of you on Earth will remain; only to die to Nibiru you will return!
In celestial chariots, the Earth encircling, the calamity you shall outwait;
To each of the other Anunnaki, a choice to leave or the calamity outwait must be given.
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The Igigi who Earthlings espoused must between departure and spouses choose:
No Earthling, Marduk's Sarpanit included, to Nibiru to journey is allowed!
For all who stay and what happens see, in celestial chariots they safety must seek!
As for all the others, to depart for Nibiru forthwith they ready must be!
So did Galzu Nibiru's commands to the leaders in secret reveal.
Now this is the account of how the Anunnaki to abandon Earth decided,
And how an oath they took Mankind to let in the Deluge perish.
In Nibru-ki Enlil a council of Anunnaki and Igigi commanders summoned,
The leaders' sons and their children also were present.
Word of the impending calamity Enlil to them as a secret revealed.
To a bitter end Earth Mission has come! to them he solemnly said.
All who to leave wish in celestial boats that are ready to Nibiru will be evacuated,
But if Earthling spouses they have, without the spouses they must leave.
Igigi who to their spouses and offspring attached are,
let them to the highest peaks on Earth escape!
As for a few of us Anunnaki who will choose to stay,
in Boats of Heaven in Earth's skies will we remain,
The calamity to outwait, the fate of Earth to witness!
As the commander, I shall be the first one to stay! So was Enlil saying.
By their own choice will be the others!
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With my father I choose to stay, the calamity to face! So did Ninurta announce.
To the Lands Beyond the Oceans after the Deluge I will return!
Nannar, Enlil's on Earth firstborn, an odd wish announced:
The Deluge to outwait not in Earth's skies but on the Moon; that was his wish.
Enki an eyebrow raised; Enlil, though puzzled, approved.
Ishkur, Enlil's youngest, to remain on Earth with his father his decision made.
Utu and Inanna, Nannar's children who on Earth were born, to stay declared.
Enki and Ninki, to stay and Earth not abandon chose; proudly they so announced.
The Igigi and Sarpanit I shall not desert! Marduk with anger stated.
One by one Enki's other sons their choice to stay announced: Nergal and Gibil,
Ninagal and Ningishzidda and Dumuzi too.
All eyes to Ninmah then turned; with pride her choice to stay she declared:
My lifework is here! The Earthlings, my created, I shall not abandon!
By her words Anunnaki and Igigi to a clamor were stirred; about the Earthlings' fate they
inquired.
Let the Earthlings for the abominations perish; so did Enlil proclaim.
A wonderous Being by us was created, by us saved it must be, Enki to Enlil shouted.
To this Enlil with his own shouted words retorted:
From the very beginning, at every turn, the decisions by you modified were!
To Primitive Workers procreating you gave, to them Knowing you endowed!
The powers of the Creator of All into your hands you have taken,
Thereafter even that by abominations you fouled.
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With fornication Adapa you conceived, Understanding to his line you gave!
His offspring to the heavens you have taken, our Wisdom with them you shared!
Every rule you have broken, decisions and command you ignored,
Because of you by a Civilized Earthling brother a brother murdered,
Because of Marduk your son the Igigi like him with Earthlings intermarried.
Who is lordly from Nibiru, to whom the Earth alone belongs, to no one is no longer
known!
Enough! Enough! to all that I say. The abominations cannot continue!
Now that a calamity by a destiny unknown has been ordained,
Let what must happen, happen! So did Enlil angrily proclaim;
That all leaders solemnly swear to let events unhindered occur, of all Enlil demanded.
First to take the oath of silence was Ninurta; others of Enlil's side followed.
Nergal of Enki's sons was first to take the oath; others of Enki's sons followed.
To your command I bow! Marduk to Enlil said. But of what worth is the swearing?
If Igigi their spouses will abandon, would not the fear among the Earthlings spread?
Ninmah was in tears; the words of the oath she faintly whispered.
Enlil at his brother Enki gazed. It is the wish of king and council! to him he said.
Why will you bind me with an oath? Enki his brother Enlil asked.
The decision by you was made, on Earth it is a commandment!
The floodwaters I cannot arrest, the Earthling multitudes I cannot save,
To what oath to bind me you therefore desire? So did Enki his brother ask.
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To let it all happen as if by fate decreed, let it as Enlil's Decision be known,
On Enlil alone let the responsibility forever rest! So did Enki to all pronounce.
Then Enki from the assembly departed; Marduk with him also left.
With quick words of command Enlil the assembly to order brought
Tasks for what was to be done he with firm decisions assigned,
Between those who will depart and those who will stay the grouping arrange,
Places for assembly to designate, equipment to collect, chariots to assign.
First to depart were those who to Nibiru were returning,
With much embracing and the locking of arms, in joy mixed with sorrow,
the celestial boats they boarded;
One after the other the vehicles from Sippar roared aloft.
At first those left behind journey safely! shouted, then muted were the cries.
After the launchings toward Nibiru completed were,
The turn of Marduk and the Igigi with Earthling spouses came;
Marduk them all on the Landing Place assembled, a choice to them he gave:
With him and Sarpanit and two sons and the daughters to Lahmu go, there the calamity
outwait,
Or to distant mountainlands on Earth disperse, a haven from the Deluge to find.
Enlil then of those who remained took account, by groupings to them chariots he
assigned.
Ninurta to the mountainlands beyond the oceans Enlil directed on Earth's rumblings to
report;
To Nergal and Ereshkigal, the task the Whiteland to watch Enlil assigned;
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To guard against an onrush of Earthlings, to Ishkur the task Enlil gave,
To bar access, barrier and bolt to erect and bolster.
Of all preparations Sippar, the Place of the Celestial Chariots, was the center;
To Sippar Enlil the Tablets of Destinies from Nibru-ki moved, a
temporary Bond Heaven-Earth was there established.
His brother Enki Enlil then addressed, to him he was thus saying:
However if ever the calamity might be survived, let all that had happened be
remembered.
Let us tablets of records in Sippar, in the depths of the Earth, safely bury,
Let what from one planet on another done in days to come uncovered be!
Enki his brother's words with approving accepted. ME's and other tablets in golden chests
they stored,
In the depths of the Earth, in Sippar, for posterity they buried.
Thus ready, for the signal to depart the leaders awaited,
The approach of Nibiru in its great circuit with apprehension they watched.
It was at that time of anxious waiting that Enki his sister Ninmah addressed,
To her was Enki thus saying:
In his preoccupation with the Earthlings, of all other living creatures Enlil lost attention!
When the avalanche of waters sweeps over the lands,
Other living creatures, some by us from Nibiru originated, most from Earth itself
evolved,
In one sudden swoop to an extinction shall be doomed.
Let us, you and me, their seed of life preserve, their life essences for safekeeping extract!
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Ninmah, she who gave life, to the words of Enki favor gave:
I shall do it in Shurubak, you do so with the Abzu's living creatures! So to Enki she said.
While the others sat idly waiting, Enki and Ninmah a challenging task undertook;
Ninrnah in Shurubak by some of her female assistants was helped,
Enki by Ningishzidda in the Abzu, at the olden House of Life, was assisted.
Male and female essences and life-eggs they collected,
Of each kind two by two, two by two they in Shurubak and the Abzu preserved,
For safekeeping while in Earth circuit to be taken, thereafter the living kinds to
recombine.
At that time word from Ninurta came: Earth's rumblings ominous are!
At that time word from Nergal and Ereshkigal came: The Whiteland is shaken!
In Sippar all the Anunnaki gathered, the Day of the Deluge they awaited.
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Synopsis of the Tenth Tablet
The mystery emissary appears to Enki in a dream-vision
Enki is told to save Mankind through his son Ziusudra
By subterfuge Enki directs Ziusudra to build a submarine
A navigator comes aboard, bringing Earth's seeds of life
Nibiru's approach causes the Whiteland's icesheet to slip
The resulting tidal wave engulfs the Earth with water
The remaining Anunnaki bewail the calamity from Earth orbit
The waters recede; Ziusudra's boat rests on Mount Salvation
Descending in a Whirlwind, Enlil discovers Enki's duplicity
Enki convinces Enlil it was destined by the Creator of All
They use the surviving Landing Platform as a temporary base
In a Creation Chamber there, crops and cattle are fashioned
Abundant gold is discovered in the Lands Beyond the Seas
New space facilities are established in the olden lands
They include two artificial mounds and a lion-shaped carving
Ninmah offers a peace plan to resolve erupting rivalries
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