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INTRODUCTION.

The Sources: the Sumerian Literary Tablets Dating from Approximately 2000 B. C

1

CHAPTER

I.

The Scope and Significance of Sumerian Mythology

26

II.

Myths of Origins

30

The Creation of the Universe

30

The Organization of the Universe

41

Enlil and Ninlil: the Begetting of Nanna

43

The Journey of Nanna to Nippur

47

Emesh and Enten: Enlil Chooses the Farmer god

49

The Creation of the Pickax

51

Cattle and Grain

53

Enki and Ninhursag: the Affairs of the Water god

54

Enki and Sumer: the Organization of the Earth and Its Cultural Processes

59

Enki and Eridu: the Journey of the Water-god to Nippur

62

Inanna and Enki: the Transfer of the Arts of Civilization from Eridu to Erech

64

The Creation of Man

68

III.

Myths of Kur

76

The Destruction of Kur: the Slaying of the Dragon

76

Inanna's Descent to the Nether World

83

IV.

Miscellaneous Myths

97

The Deluge

97

The Marriage of Martu

98

Inanna Prefers the Farmer

101

V.

References and Notes

104

Supplementary Notes

120

Index

125