The world was in the grips of a terrible draught. Ninurta resolves to go find Asag, face him in battle, and destroy him. He knows Asag wis hiding in Kur. Ninurta sets out to find him. Suddenly, he comes face to face with him and then turns and flees in terror. Later, Ninurta returns to face Asag in battle (this differentiates bravery and courage) and kills him. Kur reacts in horror. The Underworld water floods to the surface of the earth -- dead stagnant water that would kill everything. Ninurta is worried because he knows it's his fault. He begins to throw boulders into the fault out of which the water springs forth. He manages to build a mountain which stops the waters. The mountain is called Hursag. Ki, Ninurta's mother, sees his accomplishment and is terribly proud. As a reward, she comes down to give him her blessing. He is flattered. To return her favor, he bestows upon her an honorary name, Ninhursag, the Lady of the Mountain.