Epic of Paradise, Mountain Dilmun / Tilmun, Flood, Fall of Man - Column V

You should always remember that the "gods" were very often important men of invention, discovery or literature. If Jubal was the "father" of the musical instruments and musicians, Genun is thought to have gained his skill from Lucifer. One who invented the bow would, after death, be worshipped as a god.

1. .................................................
2. .................................................
3. .................................................
4. .................................................
5. .................................................
6. .................................................
7. [The wood-plant grew,]
8. The salt-plant] grew,
9. [the..... plant] grew,
10. {The a-par-shar-plant] grew
11. [The tu-tu-plant] grew,
12. [The.....plantj] grew,
13. [The.....plant] grew,
14. [The cassia] plant grew,
15. "O Enki, for me they are brought forth, they are brought forth."
16. To his messenger, Usmu, he spoke, he said:
17. "The plants--their fate forever [I have determined."]
18. What is this? What is this?"
19. His messenger, Usmu, returned:
20. ...............
21. "My king has commanded the wood-plant,
22. That it may be cut off and eaten.
23. My king has commanded the salt plant,
24. That it may be cut off [and eaten"]
25. My king hgas commanded the a-pa-shar-plant,
26. That it may be cut off and eaten.
27. [My kingj] has commanded the tu-tu-plant,
28. [That it may be cut off] and eaten
29. [My king] has commanded the ......plant,'
30. [That it may be cut off and eaten,]
31. [My king has commanded the.....pplant,]
32. [That it may be cut off and eaten.
33. [My king has commanded the .....plant,]
34. [That it may be cut off and eaten.
35. [My king] has commanded the cassia plant,
36. That it may be cut off and eaten."
37. By Nikursag in the name of Enki a curse was uttered:
38. "The face of life, when he dies, he shall never see [again]."
39. The spirits of the earth in the dust sat down.
40. The rebellious one to Enki said:
41. "I, Nikhursag, brought forth for the people; what is my reward?"
42. Enlil, the begetter, answered the rebellious one:
43. Thou, Nikhursag, hast brought forth people;
44. In my city I will make two thrones (?) and thy name shall be called on there.
45. As a dignitary her head alone is exalted;
46. Her heart alone is changed;
47. Her eye alone is endowed with light."

"The last three lines here refer to Takku, who would seem to be in some way a representative of humanity. Nikhursag, jealous of her, has denied immortality to man. Enlil explains to her that she need not be jealous of her offsprring as a whole; that none but Takku will be granted immortality. There is no reference, as Langdon once supposed, to the fall of man."

Source:

Prior to 2000 B.C.From: George A. Barton, Archaeology and The Bible, 7th Edition revised, (Philadelphia: American Sunday School, 1937), pg.340

Eridue Genesis