The legend of Gilgamesh as a historical source. The legend of Gilgamesh, Enkidu and the underworld in the light of the cosmogonic ideas of the Sumerians

A brave, fearless demigod named Gilgamesh became famous thanks to his own exploits, love for women and the ability to be friends with men. The rebel and ruler of the Sumerians lived to be 126 years old. True, nothing is known about the death of a brave warrior. Perhaps the fame of his deeds does not embellish reality, and the brave Gilgamesh found a way to gain immortality, which he so persistently sought.

History of creation

The biography of Gilgamesh has reached the modern world thanks to the cuneiform writing called “The Epic of Gilgamesh” (another name is “About the Who Has Seen Everything”). The literary work contains scattered legends telling about the exploits of an ambiguous character. Some of the entries included in the collection date back to the 3rd millennium BC. The heroes of the ancient creation were Gilgamesh himself and his best friend, Enkidu.

The name of the hero is also found in the Tummal inscriptions - a chronicle of the reconstruction of the city of Tummal, which took place in the 2nd millennium BC. The inscriptions state that Gilgamesh rebuilt the temple of the goddess Ninlil, which had been damaged by the flood.

The mythology dedicated to the ruler of the Sumerians was reflected in the "Book of Giants", which was included in the Qumran manuscripts. The manuscripts casually mention the king of Uruk, without focusing on the exploits of a man.

Written evidence and analysis of the work of the Sumerian masters allow us to assert that the character of the ancient epic has a prototype. Scientists are sure that the image of the ancient hero is written off from the real-life ruler of the city of Uruk, who ruled his fiefdom in the 17-16th century BC.

Myths and legends

The wayward Gilgamesh is the son of the great goddess Ninsun and the high priest Lugalbanda. The biography of the Sumerian hero has been known since the Flood, which washed away most of humanity from the face of the Earth. The people who were saved thanks to Ziusudra began to build new cities.

Due to the growth in the number of settlements, the influence of Aggi - the last of the rulers of Sumer - began to decline. Therefore, when the matured Gilgamesh overthrew the governor of Aggi in the city of Uruk, the lord of Sumer sent an army to destroy the impudent rebel.

Gilgamesh had already become famous among the common people as an honest ruler of the city of Kullaba, located near Uruk. After the overthrow of the local government, Gilgamesh proclaimed himself king of Uruk and united both cities with a thick wall.

Agga attacked the enemy in a rage, but the brave hero did not retreat. The man gathered an army of young residents and began to defend the freedom of cities from the oppression of a greedy ruler. Despite a large army, Agga was defeated. Gilgamesh also received the title of ruler of the Sumerians and moved the capital of the state to Uruk.

However, Gilgamesh was distinguished not only by strength and determination. Because of the violent temper and inappropriate pride of the leader of the Sumerians, the gods sent Enkidu to Earth to pacify and defeat the man. But instead of fulfilling the mission entrusted to him, Enkidu joined Gilgamesh and became the best friend of the ruler of Uruk.

Together with Enkidu, the man went to the country of Huwawa, the giant who sowed death. Gilgamesh wanted to get the cedars that the huge monster was growing and glorify his own name among his descendants.

The road to Huwawa took a long time, but the ruler of the Sumerians reached the magical forest, cut down the cedars and destroyed the giant. The extracted raw materials went to the construction of new palaces in the capital.

Despite his proud disposition and disregard for the laws, Gilgamesh honored the gods. Therefore, when the goddess of love, Inanna, turned to the man for help, he dropped everything and rushed to the temple, glorifying the goddess.

A beautiful willow grew in this temple, which pleased Inanna. But among the roots of the tree a snake wound up. In the trunk of a willow, the demon has carved out a shelter for itself, and in the crown a bloodthirsty eagle has built a nest.

The hero cut off the snake's head with one blow. Seeing the brutal reprisal, the eagle flew away, and Lilith vanished into thin air. Grateful Inanna gave Gilgamesh a piece of wood, from which the carpenters made a magic drum. As soon as the ruler of Uruk hit a musical instrument, all the young men rushed to carry out orders, and the girls without hesitation surrendered to the power of Gilgamesh.

The satisfied man spent a lot of time in lovemaking, until the gods, who were tired of listening to the complaints of suitors who were left without brides, took away the magic tool from Gilgamesh.

Seeing how a friend was suffering from the loss of a favorite toy, Enkidu went to the underworld, where the gods moved the magic drum. But the man did not take into account that only a person who does not break the rules can get out of the underworld. Alas, Enkidu found the drum, but could not leave the realm of the dead to return the loss.

In another legend about the death of a friend of Gilgamesh, it is told in a different way. The goddess, impressed by Gilgamesh's appearance and courage, offered the hero to marry her. But Gilgamesh refused the beauty, because he knew that Ishtar was not distinguished by constancy.

The offended goddess complained to the god Anu, who sent a monster to Uruk. A huge heavenly bull descended to Earth to destroy his beloved city. Then Enkidu rushed to the enemy, and soon Gilgamesh arrived in time to help. Together, the men defeated a dangerous beast.

But for the massacre of the heavenly bull, the gods decided to punish Gilgamesh. After much debate, it was decided to leave the ruler of Uruk alive and take the life of Enkidu. Prayers and requests could not postpone the death of a man. After 13 days, Gilgamesh's best friend died. After mourning his comrade, the king of Uruk erected a beautiful monument in honor of Enkidu.

Saddened by the loss, the man realized that he, too, would one day die. Such a turn did not suit the wayward Gilgamesh, so the hero set off on a dangerous journey to meet with Utnapishtim. In search of immortality, the hero overcame many obstacles. Having found a wise old man, the hero found out that advice-grass that grows at the bottom of the sea gives eternal life.

The news did not dampen the ardor of Gilgamesh. Having tied stones to his feet, the man took out the magic grass. But while the hero was putting his own clothes in order, the advice-grass was dragged away by a snake. Frustrated, Gilgamesh traveled back to Uruk to live an adventurous life and inevitably die.

The meaning of the name "Gilgamesh" is the hero's ancestor. Researchers claim that the word in the Sumerian manner sounded like "Bilga-mas". And the version that has become widespread is a late variation from Akkadia.
The character became part of the serial anime "Gates of Babylon".
Like the Bible, the stories of Gilgamesh raise the issue of a global flood that destroyed many people. There is a theory that the biblical catastrophe is borrowed from the Sumerians.

Quotes

“Here in Uruk I am king. I walk the streets alone, for there is no one who dares to come too close to me.

“Enkidu, my friend, whom I loved so much, with whom we shared all the labors, - he suffered the fate of a man!”

“I will chop a cedar, - mountains overgrown with it, - I will create an eternal name for myself!”

“After wandering the world, is there enough peace in the land?”

“Let the eyes be saturated with sunlight: the darkness is empty, as the light needs!”

Abstract

The Epic of Gilgamesh, written by a Middle Eastern author 2500 BC, tells the story of the life of the ruler of the city of Uruk.

This is the greatest poetic work of ancient Eastern literature. It is of interest not only as the highest achievement of the artistic and philosophical thought of one of the first civilizations of the world, but also as the oldest known major poem (older than the Iliad by more than a thousand years).

Epic of Gilgamesh

About everything that has seen

Table I

Table II

Table III

Table IV

Table V

Table VI

Table VII

Table VIII

Table IX

Table X

Table XI

Epic of Gilgamesh

About everything that has seen

The Epic of Gilgamesh, written in the Babylonian literary dialect of the Akkadian language, is the central, most important work of the Babylonian-Assyrian (Akkadian) literature.

Songs and legends about Gilgamesh have come down to us written in cuneiform on clay tiles - "tables" in four ancient languages \u200b\u200bof the Middle East - Sumerian, Akkadian, Hittite and Hurrian; in addition, references to it have been preserved by the Greek writer Elian and the medieval Syrian writer Theodore bar-Konay. The earliest known mention of Gilgamesh is older than 2500 BC. e., the latest dates back to the 11th century. n. e. Sumerian epics-tales about Gilgamesh were formed, probably, at the end of the first half of the 3rd millennium BC. e., although the records that have come down to us date back to the 19th-18th centuries. BC e. The first surviving records of the Akkadian poem about Gilgamesh also belong to the same time, although in oral form it probably took shape as early as the 23rd-22nd centuries. BC e. Such an older date of the poem's appearance is indicated by its language, somewhat archaic for the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC. e., and the mistakes of the scribes, indicating that, perhaps, even then they did not clearly understand it in everything. Some images on the seals of the XXIII-XXII centuries. BC e. clearly illustrate not the Sumerian epics, but the Akkadian epic about Gilgamesh.

Already the oldest, so-called Old Babylonian, version of the Akkadian epic represents a new stage in the artistic development of Mesopotamian literature. This version contains all the main features of the final edition of the epic, but it was much shorter than it; thus, it lacked the introduction and conclusion of the late version, as well as the story of the great flood. From the "Old Babylonian" version of the poem, six or seven unrelated passages have come down to us - badly damaged, written in illegible cursive, and, in at least one case, in an unsteady student's hand. Apparently, a slightly different version is represented by Akkadian fragments found in Megiddo in Palestine and in the capital of the Hittite state - Hattus (now a settlement near the Turkish village of Bogazkoy), as well as fragments of translations into Hittite and Hurrian languages, also found in Bogazkoy; they all belong to the 15th-13th centuries. BC e. This so-called peripheral version was even shorter than the "Old Babylonian". The third, "Nineveh" version of the epic was, according to tradition, written "from the mouth" of Sin-like-unninni, an Uruk spellcaster who apparently lived at the end of the 2nd millennium BC. e. This version is represented by four groups of sources: 1) fragments no younger than the 9th century. BC e., found in the city of Ashur in Assyria; 2) more than a hundred small fragments of the 7th century. BC e., relating to the lists that were once kept in the library of the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal in Nineveh; 3) a student's copy of tables VII–VIII, written down from dictation with numerous errors in the 7th century. BC e. and originating from a school located in the Assyrian provincial city of Khuzirin (now Sultan-tepe); 4) fragments of VI (?) c. BC e., found in the south of Mesopotamia, in Uruk (now Varka).

The "Nineveh" version is textually very close to the "Old Babylonian", but more spacious, and its language has been somewhat updated. There are compositional differences. With the "peripheral" version, as far as one can judge so far, the "Nineveh" textual similarities were much less. There is an assumption that the text of Sin-like-unninni was at the end of the 8th century. BC e. revised by an Assyrian priest and collector of literary and religious works named Nabuzukup-kenu; in particular, it is believed that he had the idea to add at the end of the poem a literal translation of the second half of the Sumerian epic "Gilgamesh and the huluppu tree" as the twelfth table.

Due to the lack of a verified, scientifically substantiated consolidated text of the "Nineveh" version of the poem, the translator himself often had to decide on the relative position of individual clay fragments. It should be noted that the reconstruction of some parts of the poem is still an unresolved problem.

The published passages follow the "Nineveh" version of the poem (NV); however, from what has been said above, it is clear that the full text of this version, which in antiquity amounted to about three thousand verses, cannot yet be restored. And other versions have survived only in fragments. The translator filled in the gaps in NV according to other versions. If any passage has not been completely preserved in any version, but the gaps between the surviving pieces are small, then the alleged content was completed by the translator in verses. Some of the latest clarifications of the text are not taken into account in the translation.

The Akkadian language is characterized by a tonic versification common in Russian; this allowed the translation to try to convey as much as possible the rhythmic moves of the original and, in general, precisely those artistic means used by the ancient author, with a minimum deviation from the literal meaning of each verse.

The text of the preface is quoted from the edition:

Dyakonov M.M., Dyakonov I.M. "Selected translations", M., 1985.

Table I

About everything that has seen to the end of the world,

About the one who knew the sea, who crossed all the mountains,

About enemies conquered together with a friend,

About the one who comprehended wisdom, about the one who penetrated everything

He saw the secret, he knew the secret,

He brought us news of the days before the flood,

I went on a long journey, but I was tired and resigned,

The story of the labors carved on the stone,

Walled Uruk

Eana's Bright Barn

sacred.-

Examine the wall, whose crowns, as if by a thread,

Look at the shaft that knows no likeness,

Touch the thresholds that have been lying since ancient times,

And enter into Eana, the home of Ishtar

Even the future king will not build such a thing, -

Rise and walk the walls of Uruk,

Look at the foundation, feel the bricks:

Are his bricks not burned?

And the walls were laid not by seven wise men?

He is two-thirds god, one-third man.

The image of his body looks incomparable,

He raises the wall of Uruk.

A violent husband, whose head, like a tour, is raised,

All his comrades stand on the drum!

In the bedrooms the men of Uruk fear:

“Gilgamesh will not leave a son to his father!

Is it Gilgamesh, shepherd of fenced Uruk,

Is he the shepherd of the sons of Uruk,

Powerful, glorious, comprehending everything?

Often their complaint was heard by the gods,

The gods of heaven called upon the lord of Uruk:

“You created a violent son, whose head, like a tour, is raised,

Whose weapon in battle has no equal, -

All his comrades stand on the drum,

Gilgamesh will not leave sons to fathers!

Day and night rampages flesh:

Is he the shepherd of fenced Uruk,

Is he the shepherd of the sons of Uruk,

Powerful, glorious, comprehending everything?

Mother Gilgamesh will not leave the virgin,

Conceived by a hero, betrothed to her husband!

Anu often heard their complaint.

They called to the great Arura:

"Aruru, you created Gilgamesh,

Now create a likeness for him!

When his courage equals Gilgamesh,

Let them compete, let Uruk rest.”

Aruru, hearing these words,

The likeness of Anu created in her heart

Washed Arura's hands,

She pinched off the clay, threw it on the ground,

Blinded Enkidu, created a hero.

Spawn of midnight, warrior of Ninurta,

His whole body is covered with wool,

Like a woman, she wears her hair

Strands of hair like thick bread;

He knew neither people nor the world,

He is dressed in clothes, like Sumukan.

Together with the gazelles he eats herbs,

Together with the animals, crowding to the watering hole,

Together with the creatures, the heart rejoices with water.

Man is a hunter

Meets him before the waterhole.

First day, and second, and third

Meets him before the waterhole.

The hunter saw - his face changed,

...

Separate Sumerian stories about Gilgamesh were collected and carefully processed in the Akkadian epic. Three versions of the great epic poem have survived. The most ancient is Old Babylonian version, from which fragments of five tables have been preserved - the second, third, fourth, fifth and tenth, the famous Meissner tables kept in the British Museum. They date back to the 18th and 17th centuries. BC e., but, apparently, the text dates back to the last third of the III millennium BC. e.

Quite a few fragments have also been found dating back to the second half of the 2nd millennium BC. e. This later, so-called Peripheral version, was widespread throughout the Middle East. On the territory of Sumer, a tablet from Ur was discovered, which tells about the illness of Enkidu. In Northern Syria, in Emar, a library of the 13th century was excavated. BC e., containing the fourth and sixth tables of the Peripheral version. In Megiddo (near Haifa) a fragment of the 14th century was found. BC e., describing the dream of Enkidu and his conversation with Gilgamesh. In the archive of the Hittite kingdom from Boghazkei (c. 1400 BC), many fragments of this poem were discovered, as well as a translation of the entire Peripheral version into the Hittite and Hurrian languages. During excavations in the territory of the kingdom of Urartu, three fragments of the poem were found in the Elamite translation, dating back to the 8th century BC. BC e.

The most complete and final version of the Epic of Gilgamesh is named Nineveh version named after the city, where about ten copies of the poem, consisting of eleven tables, were found in the library of the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal (VII century BC). It is believed that this version was compiled by the learned "caster" Sinlikieunninni, who edited the Old Babylonian version, replacing some words and expressions. At the end of the 8th century BC e. the Assyrian scribe Nabuzukupken added a twelfth table to the Nineveh version, which tells about the adventures of Enkidu in the nether world. It is a literal translation from the Sumerian second part of the myth "Gilgemesh, Enkidu and the underworld" and is not related to the composition of the poem, although it continues the theme of the search for immortality.

The poem “About the One Who Has Seen Everything...” (“The Epic of Gilgamesh”) is published in the translation of I. M. Dyakonov. The text is divided into parts in accordance with the clay tablets found during the excavations of the library of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh. An asterisk (*) marks verses that were missing from the text of Ashurbanipal's library and restored from other copies of the text.

Table I

Even the future king will not build such a thing, -

Rise and walk the walls of Uruk,

Look at the foundation, feel the bricks:

Are his bricks not burned?

And the walls were laid not by seven wise men?

He is greater than all men,

He is two thirds a god, one thirds a man,

The image of his body looks incomparable,

He raises the wall of Uruk.

A violent husband, whose head, like a tour, is raised,

All his comrades stand on the drum!

In the bedrooms the men of Uruk fear:

“Gilgamesh will not leave a son to his father!

Is it Gilgamesh, shepherd of fenced Uruk,

Is he the shepherd of the sons of Uruk,

Powerful, glorious, comprehending everything?

Often their complaint was heard by the gods,

The gods of heaven called upon the lord of Uruk:

“You created a violent son, whose head, like a tour, is raised,

Whose weapon in battle has no equal, -

All his comrades stand on the drum,

Gilgamesh will not leave sons to fathers!

Day and night rampages flesh:

Is he the shepherd of fenced Uruk,

Is he the shepherd of the sons of Uruk,

Powerful, glorious, comprehending everything?

Mother Gilgamesh will not leave the virgin,

Conceived by a hero, betrothed to her husband!”

Anu often heard their complaint.

They called to the great Arura:

“Aruru, you created Gilgamesh,

Now create a likeness for him!

When his courage equals Gilgamesh,

Let them compete, let Uruk rest.”

Aruru, hearing these words,

His whole body is covered with wool,

Like a woman, she wears her hair

Strands of hair like thick bread;

He knew neither people nor the world,

He is dressed in clothes, like Sumukan.

Man is a hunter

Meets him before the waterhole.

First day, and second, and third

Meets him before the waterhole.

The hunter saw - his face changed,

He returned home with his cattle,

Frightened, silent, he was dumb,

There is sorrow in his chest, his face is darkened,

Longing entered his womb

Going a long way, he became like a face.

The hunter opened his mouth and says, he tells his father:

“Father, a certain man who came from the mountains, -

Like a stone from heaven, his hands are strong, -

I will dig holes - he will fill them up,

His father opened his mouth and says, he tells the hunter:

“My son, Gilgamesh lives in Uruk,

There is no one stronger than him

Throughout the land his mighty hand,

Go, turn your face to him,

Tell him about the power of man.

If he gives you a harlot, bring her with you.

His woman will win, like a mighty husband!

When he waters the animals at the waterhole,

Seeing her, he will approach her -

The animals that grew up with him in the desert will leave him!

He obeyed his father's advice

The hunter went to Gilgamesh,

Set off on a journey, turned his feet to Uruk,

In front of Gilgamesh, he spoke a word.

“There is a man who came out of the mountains,

Throughout the land his mighty hand,

Like a stone from heaven, his hands are strong!

He wanders forever over all the mountains,

Constantly crowding with the beast to the watering place,

Constantly steps directs to a watering place.

I'm afraid of him, I dare not approach!

I will dig holes - he will fill them up,

I'll set traps - he'll tear them out

From my hands leads the beast and the creature of the steppe, -

He doesn’t let me work in the steppe!”

Gilgamesh tells him, the hunter:

“Go, my hunter, bring the harlot Shamhat with you,

When he waters the animals at the waterhole,

Let her rip off her clothes, reveal her beauties, -

Seeing her, he will approach her -

The animals that grew up with him in the desert will leave him.

The hunter went, the harlot Shamkhat took away with him,

Hit the road, hit the road

On the third day they reached the agreed place.

The hunter and the harlot ambushed -

One day, two days they sit at the watering place.

Animals come, drink at the waterhole,

Creatures come, the heart pleases with water,

And he, Enkidu, whose home is the mountains,

Together with the gazelles he eats herbs,

Together with the animals, crowding to the watering hole,

Together with the creatures, the heart rejoices with water.

Shamhat saw a savage man,

Husband-fighter from the depths of the steppe:

“Here he is, Shamkhat! Open up your bosom

Uncover your shame, let your beauty befall!

When he sees you, he will come to you -

Don't be embarrassed, take his breath

Open your clothes, let it lie on you!

Give him pleasure, the business of women, -

The animals that grew up with him in the desert will leave him,

He will cling to you with a passionate desire.

Shamhat opened her breasts, exposed her shame,

Not embarrassed, took his breath,

She opened her clothes, and he lay down on top,

She gave him pleasure, the business of women,

And he clung to her with a passionate desire.

Six days have passed, seven days have passed -

Tirelessly Enkidu knew the harlot.

When he was satiated with affection,

He turned his face to his beast.

Seeing Enkidu, the gazelles ran away,

The steppe animals avoided his body.

Enkidu jumped up, his muscles weakened,

His legs stopped, and his animals left.

Enkidu resigned himself - he, as before, did not run!

But he became smarter, deeper understanding, -

He returned and sat at the feet of the harlot,

He looks into the face of a harlot,

And what the harlot says, ears listen to him.

The harlot tells him, Enkidu:

“You are beautiful, Enkidu, you are like a god, -

Why do you roam the steppe with animals?

Let me take you into the fenced Uruk,

To the bright house, the dwelling of Anu,

And, like a tour, it shows its power to people!”

She said - these words are pleasant to him,

His wise heart is looking for a friend.

Enkidu tells her, the harlot:

“Come on, Shamhat, bring me

To the bright house of the saint, the dwelling of Anu,

Where Gilgamesh is perfect in strength

And, like a tour, it shows its power to people.

I will call him, I will proudly say,

I will shout in the middle of Uruk: I am mighty,

I'm the only one who can change fate

Whoever was born in the steppe, his strength is great!”

"Come, Enkidu, turn your face to Uruk, -

Where Gilgamesh is - I truly know:

Let us go, Enkidu, to Uruk fenced,

Where people are proud of their royal dress,

Whatever the day, they celebrate the holiday,

Where cymbals and harps sound,

And harlots. glorious beauty:

Full of voluptuousness - they promise consolation -

They take away the great ones from the bed of the night.

Enkidu, you do not know life, -

I'll show Gilgamesh that I'm glad to groan.

Look at him, look at his face -

He is beautiful with courage, masculine strength,

Carries voluptuousness all over his body,

He has more power than you

Rest does not know day or night!

Enkidu, tame your insolence:

Gilgamesh - Shamash loves him,

Anu, Ellil and Ea enlightened him.

Before you came here from the mountains

Gilgamesh saw you in a dream in Uruk.

Gilgamesh got up and interprets the dream,

He tells his mother:

“My mother, I saw a dream at night:

Heavenly stars appeared to me in it,

It fell on me like a stone from the sky.

Raised him - he was stronger than me,

I shook it - I can't shake it off,

The edge of Uruk rose to him,

The people flock to him,

All the men surrounded him

All my comrades kissed his feet.

I fell in love with him, as I clung to my wife.

And I brought him to your feet,

You compared him to me."

The mother of Gilgamesh is wise, she knows everything, she tells her master,

“The one who appeared like heavenly stars,

What fell on you like a stone from the sky -

You raised him - he was stronger than you,

You shook it - and you can't shake it off,

I fell in love with him, as he clung to his wife,

And you brought him to my feet,

I compared him with you -

A strong partner will come, a friend's savior,

Throughout the land his mighty hand,

As from a stone from heaven, his hands are strong, -

You will love him, as you cling to your wife,

He will be a friend, he will not leave you -

This is the interpretation of your dream.”

“My mother, again I saw a dream:

In the fenced Uruk, the ax fell, and people crowded around:

The edge of Uruk rose to him,

The whole region gathered against him,

The people crowd to him in a crowd, -

I fell in love with him, as I stuck to my wife,

And I brought him to your feet,

You compared him to me."

Gilgamesh's mother is wise, she knows everything, she tells her son,

Ninsun is wise, she knows everything, she tells Gilgamesh:

“In that ax you saw a man

You will love him, as you cling to your wife,

I will compare him with you -

Strong, I said, a companion will come, the savior of the Friend.

Throughout the land his mighty hand,

Like a stone from heaven, his hands are strong!”

Gilgamesh tells her, her mother:

"If a. Ellil commanded - let an adviser arise,

Let my friend be my adviser,

Let me be my friend's adviser!"

This is how he interpreted his dreams.

Shamhat told Enkidu the dreams of Gilgamesh, and the two fell in love.

Table II

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Humbaba, 7th century BC. (British museum)

Chess brought Enkidu to the people, gave him drink, fed him, dressed him in beautiful clothes, and he began to live with the shepherds, guarding the herds from lions at night. But one day he met with Gilgamesh, and everything happened as the wise Ninsun predicted. First, the heroes quarreled, converged in battle, and there was no battle like this on earth. They fought for a long time, but they could not defeat each other. But, having embraced, they became friends. Gilgamesh introduced Enkidu to his mother and called him his brother.

As time passed, Enkidu became more and more sad. Gilgamesh began to question his new friend about the reasons for his longing, and he replied that he was sorry when a force so violent and indefatigable as his was wasted in the city.

Immediately, Gilgamesh suggested that they start expelling all evil from the earth, and start from the mountains, where an evil monster named Humbaba lives (this is the Akkadian name of the monster, among the Sumerians it sounds Huwava). Enkidu warns that the forces in this battle will be unequal, Humbaba cannot be defeated by mortals, but the ruler of Uruk is already on fire and cannot be stopped now.

Friends began to prepare for the campaign, the masters cast weapons for them, battle axes, daggers and clubs. The council of the men of Uruk gathered, tried to dissuade Gilgamesh, but, seeing that it was useless, they blessed him. The king prayed to the god Shamash, and they set off.

At the beginning of the table, the Nineveh version is missing - except for small fragments with cuneiform writing - about one hundred and thirty-five lines containing an episode that in the Old Babylonian version - the so-called pennsylvania table- spelled out like this:

* “... Enkidu, get up, I will lead you

* To the temple of Eane, the dwelling of Anu,

* Where Gilgamesh is perfect in deeds.

* And you, as yourself, will love him!

* Get up from the earth, from the shepherd's bed!

* Heard her word, accepted speeches,

* Women's advice sunk into his heart.

* The fabric was torn, one dressed him,

* She dressed herself with a second cloth,

* Taking by the hand, led, like a child,

* To the shepherd's camp, to the cattle pens.

* There around them the shepherds gathered,

They whisper, looking at him:

“That man is like Gilgamesh in appearance,

Smaller in stature, but stronger in bone.

That's right, Enkidu, the offspring of the steppe,

Throughout the land his mighty hand,

As from a stone from heaven, his hands are strong:

* He sucked animal milk!”

* On the bread that they put before him,

* Embarrassed, he looks and looks:

* Enkidu did not know how to eat bread,

* Was not trained to drink strong drink.

* The harlot opened her mouth, broadcasts to Enkidu:

* “Eat bread, Enkidu, - that is characteristic of life

* Drink Sikker - the world is destined!”

* Enkidu ate his fill of bread,

* He drank seven pitchers of strong drink.

* His soul jumped up, took a walk,

* His heart rejoiced, his face shone.

* He felt his hairy body,

* He anointed himself with oil, became like people,

* Dressed in clothes, became like her husband.

* He took weapons, fought with lions -

* The shepherds rested at night.

* Lions won and he tamed the wolves -

* The great shepherds slept:

* Enkidu - their guard, vigilant husband.

The message was brought to Uruk fenced to Gilgamesh:

* Enkidu with a harlot indulged in fun,

* He looked up, he sees a person, -

* He broadcasts to the harlot:

* “Shamhat, bring a man!

* Why did he come? I want to know his name!”

* Clicked, the harlot of man,

*He came and saw him.

* “Where are you hurrying, O husband? Why is your journey difficult?

* The man opened his mouth, broadcasting to Enkidu:

* “I was called to the marriage chamber,

* But the destiny of people is submission to the highest!

* Loads the city with basket bricks,

* The food of the city is entrusted to laughter,

* Only the king of fenced Uruk

* Marital peace is open sometimes,

* Only to Gilgamesh, the king of fenced Uruk,

* Marital peace is open sometimes, -

* He has a betrothed wife!

* So it was; I will say: so be it,

* The council of the gods is the decision,

* Cutting off the umbilical cord, so he was judged!”

* From the words of a man, his face turned pale.

About five verses are missing.

* Enkidu is in front, and Shamhat is behind,

Enkidu went out into the street of fenced Uruk:

“Name at least thirty mighty ones, I will fight with them!”

He blocked the road to the nuptial peace.

The edge of Uruk rose to him,

The whole region gathered against him,

The people flock to him,

The men gathered around him,

Like weak guys, kiss his feet:

“A beautiful hero has appeared to us from now on!”

That night a bed was made for Ishkhara,

But Gilgamesh, like a god, a rival appeared:

Enkidu blocked the door to the bridal chamber with his foot,

He did not allow Gilgamesh to enter.

Grabbed at the door of the nuptial chamber,

They began to fight in the street, on a wide road, -

The canopy collapsed, the wall shook.

* Gilgamesh bowed his knee to the ground,

* He humbled his anger, calmed his heart

* When his heart was at peace, Enkidu tells Gilgamesh:

* “Your mother gave birth to you alone,

Two lion cubs together - a lion is stronger!”

Enkidu opened his mouth, he tells Gilgamesh:

“If you and I went down into the forest,

The body will weaken, my hands will become numb.

Gilgamesh opened his mouth and said to Enkidu:

“My friend, are we really going to be so pathetic?

We have crossed so many mountains

Are we afraid of the one that is now before us,

Before we chop the cedar?

My friend, you are well-versed in battles, you know battles,

You rubbed yourself with a potion and you are not afraid of death,

Let the numbness leave your hands

Let your weakness leave your body

Let's join hands, let's go, my friend!

Let your heart be on fire!

Forget about death - you will achieve life!

A person who is cautious and fearless

Going ahead, I would have saved myself and my comrade would have saved, -

Far away they would glorify their name!”

So they reached the cedar forest,

They both stopped talking and stood up.

Table V

The travelers finally reached the cedar forest and began to cut trees. Then Humbaba appeared, a battle ensued, the description of which is almost not preserved. Humbaba was armed with seven deadly rays that burned everything around. However, the god Shamash was on the side of the heroes, he sent eight winds to help them, which helped to defeat the monster.

Humbaba began to beg for mercy, but Enkidu persuaded his friend to kill him. They killed Humbaba with three blows, and all the cedars groaned, mourning the death of their guardian. Friends also managed to destroy the mysterious death rays, so they stopped burning people. All night Gilgamesh felled the cedars and Enkidu uprooted the stumps.

Stopped at the edge of the forest

They see the height of cedars,

They see the forests deep

Where Humbaba walks, steps are not heard:

The roads are paved, the way is convenient.

They see the cedar mountain, the home of the gods, the throne of Irnini.

Before the mountain the cedars bear their splendor,

Their tone is good, full of joy,

Overgrown with thorns, overgrown with bushes,

Cedars grow, oleanders grow.

The forest is surrounded by ditches for a whole field,

And another two-thirds of the ditches surround.

Further, almost sixty verses are missing. The surviving fragments speak of “snatched leaks”, “poisoned iron”, that Humbaba (?) “put on” his terrible robes-rays (?), and about the possible “curse of Ellil”.

Enkidu opened his mouth and said to Gilgamesh:

“Humbaba [...]

One - only one, he can't do anything,

We will be strangers here alone,

On the steep one will not ascend, but two will climb,

A rope twisted three times will not break soon,

Two lion cubs together - a lion is stronger!

Further to the end of table V, the text of the Nineveh version has not been preserved; judging by a fragment of the Hittite translation of the epic, the heroes began to cut cedars, but were frightened by the appearance of Humbaba, but Shamash shouted to them from the sky so that they would not be afraid, and sent eight winds to their aid, with the help of which the heroes defeated Humbaba, Humbaba began to ask for mercy, but Enkidu advised Gilgamesh not to spare him. In addition, it was also necessary to “kill” Humbaba’s magical “rays-robes” individually. The rest is known only from the Old Babylonian version, in the so-called Bauer fragment.

* Gilgamesh tells him, Enkidu:

* “When we come to kill Humbaba,

* Rays of radiance will disappear in confusion,

* Rays of radiance will disappear, the light will be eclipsed!”

* Enkidu tells him, Gilgamesh:

* “My friend, catch the bird - the chickens will not leave!

* Then we will look for rays of radiance,

* Like chickens in the grass, they will scatter.

* Smite yourself, - and the servants later.

* As Gilgamesh heard his partner's word, -

* He raised the battle ax with his hand,

* He pulled out his sword from his belt, -

* Gilgamesh struck him (Humbabu) in the back of the head,

* His friend, Enkidu, hit him in the chest;

* On the third blow he fell,

* His violent members froze,

* They struck down the guard, Humbaba, -

* The cedars groaned in two fields around:

* Together with him, Enkidu killed forests and cedars.

* Slayed Enkidu guardian of the forest,

* Whose word was honored by Lebanon and Saria,

* Peace embraced the high mountains,

* Peace embraced the wooded peaks.

* He struck down the defenders of the cedar -

* Broken beams of Humbaba.

* When he killed all seven of them,

* A battle net and a dagger of seven talents, -

* A load of eight talents, - removed from his body,

Translation from Akkadian by I. M. Dyakonov

Humbaba- Babylonian and Neo-Assyrian analogue of the Sumerian Huwavy. Huwawa(acc. Humbaba) - in Sumerian-Akkadian mythology, the keeper of evergreen (perhaps therefore immortal) cedars. In the Sumerian epic Gilgamesh and the Land of Life, Huwawa calls Mount Khurrum his father and mother. Perhaps this reflected the acquaintance of the Sumerians with the Hurrians. Huwawa was represented as a many-legged and many-armed creature, surrounded by seven magical rays, which are somehow connected with cedars. At the moment the beam is fired, the cedars seem to become vulnerable, they can be cut down and thereby reduce the power of Huwawa.

Shamash(acc. sun) - the god of the Sun in Akkadian mythology, the son of Sin, the god of the moon, the brother of the goddess Ishtar, his wife Aya, the ambassador of Bunene. Shamash was revered as the all-seeing and all-knowing judge of human deeds. It was believed that at night he descends into the lower world, bringing light, food and drink there. In Sippar his temple was called Ebarra. He was considered the patron saint of divination. Sometimes they were depicted as an old man in a courtroom. Hammurabi placed the image of Shamash on a stele with laws.

Fence- here the same as Uruk.

God Ware- one of the incarnations of the god of thunder and rain Addu.

Egalmakh Temple of the goddess Ninsun in Uruk.

An ordinary rope is twisted from two cords, so triple twisted rope(or thread) - an image of friendship between two.

Irnina- one of the names of the goddess Ishtar.

Anunnaki- in the Sumerian-Akkadian mythology, the gods were divided into two groups: Igigi and Anunnaki. The essence of this division is not clearly explained anywhere, in different myths the same gods are ranked either as the Igigi or as the Anunnaki. In The Myth of Atrahasis, the Anunnaki are dominant and the Igigi are subordinate to them. The god An was considered the father of the Anunnaki, in the Akkadian pantheon of gods - Marduk. The number of Anunnaki according to different texts ranges from 7 to 600, but 50 Anunnaki are most common.

Dumuzi(noise. true son, acc. Tammuz) is a deity in Sumerian-Akkadian mythology, known since the time of the list of the gods of Farah. His name is also mentioned in the Nippur King List among the kings of Ur. Dumuzi is the hero of many myths that can be attributed to the cycle “Dumuzi and Inanna” (“Dumuzi and Enkimdu”, “Descent of Inanna to the lower world”), where he acts as the spouse of the goddess. It is also mentioned in the myths "Enki and the world order". Dumuzi is a dying and resurrecting god whose cult was very widespread in Mesopotamia and is associated with the seasonality of agricultural work.

Ishullan- in Akkadian mythology, the gardener of Anu, the father of the goddess Ishtar. For refusing to share love with the goddess, he was turned into an animal by her - either a mole or a spider.

Ereshkigal(noise. mistress of the big land) - in Sumerian-Akkadian mythology, the mistress of the underworld, sister and rival of Inanna (Ishtar). According to the myth "Gilgamesh, Enkidu and the underworld", Ereshkigal receives the underworld as a "gift". The power of the goddess is described in detail in the Sumerian myth "Inanna's descent into the nether world" and in the Akkadian text "The Descent of Ishtar". The Babylonian myth "Nergal and Ereshkigal" says that she had to share her dominion over the underworld with the god Nergal.

Belet-tseri- Akkadian name of a female scribe of the underworld, corresponding to the Sumerian Geshtinanna. In Akkadian mythology, the wife of the god of nomadic tribes, Martu (Amurru).

Ur-Shanabi- in the Sumerian underworld, a carrier across the river. His consort is the goddess Nanshe.

The Epic of Gilgamesh, written in the Babylonian literary dialect of the Akkadian language, is the central, most important work of the Babylonian-Assyrian (Akkadian) literature.

The text of the preface is quoted from the edition:

Dyakonov M.M., Dyakonov I.M. "Selected translations", M., 1985.

Table I

About everything that has seen to the end of the world,
About the one who knew the sea, who crossed all the mountains,
About enemies conquered together with a friend,
About the one who comprehended wisdom, about the one who penetrated everything
He saw the secret, he knew the secret,
He brought us news of the days before the flood,
I went on a long journey, but I was tired and resigned,
The story of the labors carved on the stone,
Walled Uruk
Bright barn of sacred Eana.-
Examine the wall, whose crowns, as if by a thread,
Look at the shaft that knows no likeness,
Touch the thresholds that have been lying since ancient times,
And enter into Eana, the home of Ishtar
Even the future king will not build such a thing, -
Rise and walk the walls of Uruk,
Look at the foundation, feel the bricks:
Are his bricks not burned?
And the walls were laid not by seven wise men?

He is two-thirds god, one-third man.
The image of his body looks incomparable,

He raises the wall of Uruk.
A violent husband, whose head, like a tour, is raised,

All his comrades stand on the drum!
In the bedrooms the men of Uruk fear:
“Gilgamesh will not leave a son to his father!

Is it Gilgamesh, shepherd of fenced Uruk,
Is he the shepherd of the sons of Uruk,
Powerful, glorious, comprehending everything?

Often their complaint was heard by the gods,
The gods of heaven called upon the lord of Uruk:
“You created a violent son, whose head, like a tour, is raised,
Whose weapon in battle has no equal, -
All his comrades stand on the drum,
Gilgamesh will not leave sons to fathers!
Day and night rampages flesh:
Is he the shepherd of fenced Uruk,
Is he the shepherd of the sons of Uruk,
Powerful, glorious, comprehending everything?
Mother Gilgamesh will not leave the virgin,
Conceived by a hero, betrothed to her husband!
Anu often heard their complaint.
They called to the great Arura:
"Aruru, you created Gilgamesh,
Now create a likeness for him!
When his courage equals Gilgamesh,
Let them compete, let Uruk rest.”
Aruru, hearing these words,
The likeness of Anu created in her heart
Washed Arura's hands,
She pinched off the clay, threw it on the ground,
Blinded Enkidu, created a hero.
Spawn of midnight, warrior of Ninurta,
His whole body is covered with wool,
Like a woman, she wears her hair
Strands of hair like thick bread;
He knew neither people nor the world,
He is dressed in clothes, like Sumukan.

Man is a hunter
Meets him before the waterhole.
First day, and second, and third
Meets him before the waterhole.
The hunter saw - his face changed,
He returned home with his cattle,
Frightened, silent, he was dumb,
There is sorrow in his chest, his face is eclipsed,
Longing entered his womb
Going a long way, he became like a face.
The hunter opened his mouth and says, he tells his father:
“Father, a certain man who came from the mountains, -

Like a stone from heaven, his hands are strong, -

I will dig holes - he will fill them in,

His father opened his mouth and says, he tells the hunter:
“My son, Gilgamesh lives in Uruk,
There is no one stronger than him
Throughout the land his mighty hand,

Go, turn your face to him,
Tell him about the power of man.
If he gives you a harlot, bring her with you.
His woman will win, like a mighty husband!
When he waters the animals at the waterhole,

Seeing her, he will approach her -
The animals that grew up with him in the desert will leave him!”
He obeyed his father's advice
The hunter went to Gilgamesh,
Set off on a journey, turned his feet to Uruk,
In front of Gilgamesh, he spoke a word.
“There is a man who came from the mountains,
Throughout the land his mighty hand,
Like a stone from heaven, his hands are strong!
He wanders forever over all the mountains,
Constantly crowding with the beast to the watering place,
Constantly steps directs to a watering place.
I'm afraid of him, I dare not approach!
I will dig holes - he will fill them in,
I'll set traps, he'll tear them out
From my hands leads the beast and the creature of the steppe, -
He doesn’t let me work in the steppe!”
Gilgamesh tells him, the hunter:
“Go, my hunter, bring the harlot Shamhat with you,
When he waters the animals at the waterhole,
Let her rip off her clothes, reveal her beauties, -
Seeing her, he will approach her -
The animals that grew up with him in the desert will leave him.
The hunter went, the harlot Shamkhat took away with him,
Hit the road, hit the road
On the third day they reached the agreed place.
The hunter and the harlot ambushed -
One day, two days they sit at the watering place.
Animals come, drink at the waterhole,
Creatures come, the heart pleases with water,
And he, Enkidu, whose home is the mountains,
Together with the gazelles he eats herbs,
Together with the animals, crowding to the watering hole,
Together with the creatures, the heart rejoices with water.
Shamhat saw a savage man,
Husband-fighter from the depths of the steppe:
“Here he is, Shamkhat! Open up your bosom
Uncover your shame, let your beauty befall!
When he sees you, he will come to you -
Don't be embarrassed, take his breath
Open your clothes, let it lie on you!
Give him pleasure, the business of women, -
The animals that grew up with him in the desert will leave him,
He will cling to you with a passionate desire.
Shamhat opened her breasts, exposed her shame,
Not embarrassed, took his breath,
She opened her clothes, and he lay down on top,
She gave him pleasure, the business of women,
And he clung to her with a passionate desire.
Six days have passed, seven days have passed -
Tirelessly Enkidu knew the harlot.
When he was satiated with affection,
He turned his face to his beast.
Seeing Enkidu, the gazelles ran away,
The steppe animals avoided his body.
Enkidu sprang up, his muscles weakened,
His legs stopped, and his animals left.
Enkidu resigned himself - he, as before, did not run!
But he became smarter, deeper understanding, -
He returned and sat at the feet of the prodigal

)

About everything that has seen

The Epic of Gilgamesh, written in the Babylonian literary dialect of the Akkadian language, is the central, most important work of the Babylonian-Assyrian (Akkadian) literature.

The text of the preface is quoted from the edition:

Dyakonov M.M., Dyakonov I.M. "Selected translations", M., 1985.

Table I

About the one who saw everything to the end of the world, About the one who knew the seas, crossed all the mountains, About the enemies who conquered together with a friend, About the one who comprehended wisdom, about everything penetrating the Inmost, he saw, secretly knew, He brought us news of the days before the flood, He went on a long journey, but Tired and resigned, He carved the story of labors on stone, Uruk enclosed the Light barn of the sacred Eana with a wall. Look at the wall, whose crowns, as if on a thread, Look at the shaft that knows no likeness, Touch the thresholds that lie from ancient times, And step into Eana , dwelling of Ishtar Even the future king will not build such, - Climb and walk along the walls of Uruk, Look at the foundation, touch the bricks: Were not its bricks burned And the walls were laid not by seven wise men?

He is two-thirds god, one-third man, his body is incomparable in appearance,

He raises the wall of Uruk. A violent husband, whose head, like a tour, is raised, Whose weapon in battle has no equal - All his comrades stand on the drum! The men of Uruk are afraid of the bedrooms: “Gilgamesh will not leave his father a son! Day and night he rages in flesh: Is it Gilgamesh, the shepherd of the fenced Uruk, Is he the shepherd of the sons of Uruk, Powerful, glorious, who comprehended everything? Mother Gilgamesh will not leave the maiden, Conceived by a hero, betrothed to her husband! Often their complaint was heard by the gods, the Gods of heaven called upon the lord of Uruk: “You created a violent son, whose head, like a tour, is raised, Whose weapon in battle has no equal, - All his comrades stand on the drum, Gilgamesh will not leave sons to fathers! Day and night the flesh rages: Is he the shepherd of the fenced Uruk, Is he the shepherd of the sons of Uruk, Mighty, glorious, comprehending everything? Mother Gilgamesh will not leave the maiden, Conceived by a hero, betrothed to her husband! Anu often heard their complaint. They called to the great Aruru: “Aruru, you created Gilgamesh, Now create his likeness! When he equals Gilgamesh in courage, Let them compete, let Uruk rest." Aruru, hearing these words, Created a likeness of Anu in her heart, Washed Arura's hands, Pinched off the clay, threw it on the ground, Blinded Enkidu, created a hero. Spawn of midnight, the warrior of Ninurta, His whole body is covered with wool, Like a woman, he wears hair, Strands of hair are thick as bread; He knew neither people nor the world, He is dressed in clothes, like Sumukan. Together with the gazelles he eats herbs, Together with the animals he crowds to the watering hole, Together with the creatures, the heart rejoices with water. A man - a catcher-hunter Meets him before a watering place. The first day, and the second, and the third Meets him before the watering place. The hunter saw - his face changed, He returned home with his cattle, Frightened, he fell silent, he became numb, In his chest - grief, his face was eclipsed, Longing penetrated his womb, Going a long way, his face became like. The hunter opened his mouth and says, he tells his father: “Father, a certain man who came from the mountains, - Throughout the country, his hand is mighty, Like a stone from heaven, his hands are strong, - He wanders forever over all the mountains, Constantly with the beast crowds to the watering place, Constantly directs steps to the watering place. I'm afraid of him, I dare not approach! I will dig holes - he will fill them in, I will set traps - he will tear them out, From my hands he takes the beasts and creatures of the steppe - He does not allow me to work in the steppe! His father opened his mouth and speaks, he says to the hunter: “My son, Gilgamesh lives in Uruk, There is no one stronger than him, In the whole country his hand is mighty, Like a stone from heaven, his hands are strong! Go, turn your face to him, tell him about the power of man. If he gives you a harlot, bring her with you. His woman will win, like a mighty husband! When he waters the animals at the watering hole, Let her tear off her clothes, reveal her beauty, - Seeing her, he will approach her - The animals that grew up with him in the desert will leave him! He obeyed his father's advice, The hunter went to Gilgamesh, Set off on his journey, turned his feet to Uruk, Before the face of Gilgamesh he uttered a word. “There is a certain man who came from the mountains, His hand is mighty throughout the country, Like a stone from heaven, his hands are strong! He wanders forever over all the mountains, Constantly crowding with the beast to the watering place, Constantly directing steps to the watering place. I'm afraid of him, I dare not approach! I will dig holes - he will fill them in, I will set traps - he will tear them out, From my hands he takes the beasts and creatures of the steppe - He does not allow me to work in the steppe! Gilgamesh tells him, the hunter: “Go, my hunter, bring the harlot Shamkhat with you, When he waters the animals at the watering hole, Let her rip off her clothes, reveal her beauty, - Seeing her, he will come up to her - The animals that grew from him will leave him. him in the wilderness." The hunter went, the harlot Shamkhat took with him, They set off, set off on the road, On the third day they reached the agreed place. The hunter and the harlot sat in an ambush - One day, two days they sit at the watering hole. Animals come, drink at the waterhole, Creatures come, the heart rejoices with water, And he, Enkidu, whose homeland is the mountains, Together with the gazelles he eats herbs, Together with the animals he crowds to the watering place, Together with the creatures, the heart gladdens with water. Shamkhat saw a savage-man, a fighter-husband from the depths of the steppe: “Here he is, Shamkhat! Open your bosom, expose your shame, let your beauties be comprehended! When he sees you, he will come up to you - Do not be embarrassed, accept his breath, Open your clothes, let him lie on you! Give him pleasure, the work of women, - The animals that grew up with him in the desert will leave him, He will cling to you with a passionate desire. Shamhat opened her breasts, she bared her shame, She was not embarrassed, she took his breath, She opened her clothes, and he lay down on top, She gave him pleasure, the business of women, And he clung to her with passionate desire. Six days passed, seven days passed - Tirelessly Enkidu knew the harlot. When he was satisfied with the caress, He turned his face to his beast. Seeing Enkidu, the gazelles fled, The animals of the steppe avoided his body. Enkidu jumped up, his muscles weakened, his legs stopped, and his animals left. Enkidu resigned himself - he, as before, did not run! But he became smarter, deeper understanding, - Returned and sat at the feet of a harlot, He looks into the harlot's face, And what the harlot will say - his ears listen. The harlot tells him, Enkidu: “You are beautiful, Enkidu, you are like a god, - Why do you wander with the beast in the steppe? Let me lead you into the fenced Uruk, To the bright house, the dwelling of Anu, Where Gilgamesh is perfect in strength And, like a tour, shows his power to people! She said - these words are pleasant to him, His wise heart is looking for a friend. Enkidu tells her, the harlot: “Come on, Shamhat, bring me to the bright house of the saint, the dwelling of Anu, Where Gilgamesh is perfect in strength And, like a tour, shows his power to people. I will call him, I will proudly say, I will shout in the middle of Uruk: I am mighty, I alone change destinies, Who is born in the steppe, his strength is great! “Let’s go, Enkidu, turn your face to Uruk, Where Gilgamesh is, I truly know: Let’s go, Enkidu, to Uruk fenced, Where people are proud of royal dress, Every day they celebrate a holiday, Where cymbals and harps are heard sounds, And harlots. They are glorious in beauty: Full of voluptuousness - they promise consolation - They take away the great ones from the bed of the night. Enkidu, you do not know life - I will show Gilgamesh that I am glad to lament. Look at him, look at his face - He is beautiful with courage, with male strength, Carries voluptuousness all over his body, He has power more than you, He knows no peace day or night! Enkidu, tame your insolence: Gilgamesh - Shamash Anu loves him, Ellil was enlightened. Before you came here from the mountains, Gilgamesh saw you in a dream in Uruk. Gilgamesh got up and interprets the dream, He tells his mother: “My mother, I saw a dream at night: Heavenly stars appeared to me in it, It fell on me like a stone from the sky. He lifted him up - he was stronger than me, He shook him - I can’t shake him off, The land of Uruk rose to him, The whole land gathered against him, The people crowded to him in a crowd, All the men surrounded him, All my comrades kissed his feet. I fell in love with him, as I clung to my wife. And I brought him to your feet, but you made him equal to me. The mother of Gilgamesh is wise, she knows everything, she tells her master, Ninsun is wise, she knows everything, she tells Gilgamesh: lifted him up - he was stronger than you, shook him - and you can’t shake him off, fell in love with him, as he clung to his wife, And you brought him to my feet, I made him equal to you - A strong partner will come, the savior of a friend, A hand in the whole country his mighty, Like a stone from heaven, his hands are strong, - You will love him, as you cling to your wife, He will be a friend, he will not leave you - This is the interpretation of your dream. Gilgamesh tells her mother, “My mother, again I saw a dream: In the fenced Uruk, the ax fell, and people crowded around: The edge of Uruk rose to him, The whole region gathered against him, The people crowded to him in a crowd, - I fell in love with him, how I cleaved to my wife, And I brought him to your feet, but You made him equal to me. Gilgamesh’s mother is wise, she knows everything, she tells her son, Ninsun is wise, she knows everything, she tells Gilgamesh: “In that ax you saw a man, You will love him, how you cling to your wife, I will equal him with you - Strong, I said, a companion will come, the savior of the Friend. In the whole country his hand is mighty, As from a stone from heaven, his hands are strong! ” Gilgamesh to her, his mother, broadcasts:“ If. Ellil commanded - let an adviser arise, Let my friend be an adviser to me, Let me be an adviser to my friend! “So he interpreted his dreams.” Shamhat told Enkidu the dreams of Gilgamesh, and the two fell in love.

Table II

(At the beginning of the table, the "Nineveh" version is missing - except for small fragments with cuneiform writing - about one hundred and thirty-five lines containing the episode, which in the "Old Babylonian version" - the so-called "Pennsylvania table" - is stated as follows:

* „... Enkidu, rise, I will lead you * To the temple of Eane, the dwelling of Anu, * Where Gilgamesh is perfect in deeds. * And you, as yourself, will love him! * Get up from the earth, from the shepherd's bed! " * Heard her word, accepted her speeches, * Women's advice sunk into his heart. * She tore the fabric, dressed him with one, * She dressed herself with the second fabric, * Taking her by the hand, she led him like a child, * To the shepherd's camp, to the cattle pens. * There the shepherds gathered around them, They whisper, looking at him: “That man is similar to Gilgamesh in appearance, Lower in stature, but stronger in bone. That's right, Enkidu, the offspring of the steppe, Throughout the country his hand is mighty, Like a stone from heaven, his hands are strong: * He sucked the milk of an animal! * Enkidu did not know how to eat bread, * He was not trained to drink strong drink. * The harlot opened her mouth, broadcasts to Enkidu: * "Eat bread, Enkidu, - that is characteristic of life * Drink strong drink - the world is destined!" * His soul jumped up, cleared up, * His heart rejoiced, his face shone. * He felt his hairy body, * He anointed himself with oil, became like people, * He put on clothes, became like a husband. * He took weapons, fought with lions - * The shepherds rested at night. * Lions won and he tamed wolves - * The great shepherds slept: * Enkidu - their guard, vigilant husband. The message was brought to Uruk fenced to Gilgamesh:

* Enkidu with a harlot indulged in fun, * He raised his eyes, he sees a man, - * He broadcasts to a harlot: * “Shamhat, bring a man! * Why did he come? I want to know his name! * She called, the harlot of a man, * He came up and saw him. * “Where are you hurrying, O husband? Why is your campaign difficult? * The man opened his mouth, broadcasts to Enkidu: * “They called me to the marriage chamber, * But the lot of people is to obey the higher ones! * He loads the city with basket bricks, * The food of the city is entrusted to laughter, * Only the king of the fenced Uruk * The marriage chamber is open, * Only Gilgamesh, the king of the fenced Uruk, * The marriage chamber is open - * He has his betrothed wife! * So it was; I will say: it will be so, * The Council of the gods such is the decision, * Cutting off the umbilical cord, so he was judged! * From the words of a man, his face turned pale.

(About five verses are missing.)

* Enkidu is in front, and Shamhat is behind,

Enkidu went out into the street of the fenced Uruk: "Name at least thirty mighty ones - I will fight with them!" He blocked the road to the nuptial peace. The land of Uruk has risen to him, The whole land has gathered against him, The people are crowding towards him, The men have gathered around him, Like weak guys, they kiss his feet: "From now on, a wonderful hero has appeared to us!" That night a bed was laid for Ishkhara, But Gilgamesh, like a god, a rival appeared: Enkidu blocked the door with his foot into the bridal chamber, He did not allow Gilgamesh to enter. They clashed at the door of the bridal chamber, They began to fight in the street, on the wide road, - The porch collapsed, the wall shuddered. * Gilgamesh knelt on the ground, * He humbled his anger, calmed his heart * When his heart calmed down, Enkidu tells Gilgamesh: * “Your mother gave birth to one of you, * Buffalo of the Fence, Ninsun! * You have risen high with your head above men, * Ellil judged your kingdom over people!

(From the further text of the II table in the "Nineveh" version, again only insignificant fragments have been preserved; it is only clear that Gilgamesh brings his friend to his mother Ninsun.)

“In the whole country his hand is mighty, As from a stone from heaven, his hands are strong! Bless him to be my brother!" Gilgamesh's mother opened her mouth, broadcasting to her master, Ninsun the Buffalo broadcasting to Gilgamesh: “My son, ………………. Bitterly………………….” Gilgamesh opened his mouth and broadcasts to his mother: “………………………………………. Enkidu has neither a mother nor a friend, He never cut his loose hair, He was born in the steppe, no one can compare with him . Both friends embraced, sat next to each other, Hand in hand, like brothers.

* Gilgamesh tilted. face, tells Enkidu: * "Why did your eyes fill with tears, * Heart saddened, do you sigh bitterly?" Enkidu opened his mouth, tells Gilgamesh: * "Screams, my friend, tear my throat: * I sit idle, strength disappears." Gilgamesh opened his mouth and said to Enkidu: * “My friend, far away are the mountains of Lebanon, * Those mountains are covered with cedar forest, * The ferocious Humbaba lives in that forest * Let us kill him together, you and I, * And we will drive out everything that is evil from peace! * I will chop the cedar, - mountains overgrown with it, - * I will create an eternal name for myself! * Enkidu opened his mouth, tells Gilgamesh: * “It is known, my friend, I was in the mountains, * When I wandered with the beast together: * There are ditches in the field around the forest, - * Who will penetrate into the middle of the forest? * Humbaba - his voice is a hurricane, * His mouth is a flame, death is a breath! * Why would you want to do this? * The battle in Humbaba's dwelling is unequal! * Gilgamesh opened his mouth, broadcasting to Enkidu: * "I want to climb the mountain of cedar, * And I want to enter the forest of Humbaba,

(Two or four verses are missing.)

* I'll hang a battle ax on my belt - * You go behind, I'll go in front of you! * God Ver, his guardian, - he is powerful, vigilant, * And Humbaba - Shamash endowed him with strength, * Addu endowed him with courage, * ……………………….. So that he protected the cedar forest, Ellil entrusted him with fears human. Humbaba is a hurricane of his voice, His mouth is a flame, death is his breath! People say - the path to that forest is hard - Who will penetrate into the middle of the forest? So that he guarded the cedar forest, Ellil entrusted human fears to him, And whoever enters that forest, weakness embraces him. * Gilgamesh opened his mouth, broadcasting to Enkidu: * “Who, my friend, ascended to heaven? * Only the gods with the Sun will abide forever, * And man - his years are numbered, * Whatever he does, - all the wind! * You are still afraid of death, * Where is she, the strength of your courage? I will go in front of you, and you shout to me: “Go, do not be afraid!” * If I fall, I will leave a name: * “Gilgamesh accepted the battle with the ferocious Humbaba!” * But a child was born in my house, - * He ran up to you: „ Tell me, do you know everything: * ………………………………. * What did my father and your friend do?“ * You will open my glorious share to him! * ………………………………. * And with your speeches you sadden my heart! * I will raise my hand, I will chop a cedar, * I will create an eternal name for myself! * My friend, I will give the masters a duty: * Let them cast weapons in front of us. * They gave a duty to the masters, - * The masters sat down, discussing. * Large axes were cast, - * They cast axes in three talents; * Daggers were cast large, - * Blades of two talents, * Thirty mines of protrusions on the sides of the blades, * Thirty mines of gold, - the handle of the dagger, - * Gilgamesh and Enkidu carried ten talents each. * Seven locks were removed from the gates of Uruk, * Hearing about that, the people gathered, * Crowded in the street of the fenced Uruk. * Gilgamesh appeared to him, The Assembly of the fenced Uruk sat before him. * Gilgamesh says to them thus: * “Listen, elders of fenced Uruk, * Listen, people of fenced Uruk, * Gilgamesh, who said: I want to see, * The one whose name scorches the countries. * In the cedar forest I want to defeat him, * How powerful I am, the offspring of Uruk, let the world hear! * I will raise my hand, I will chop a cedar, * I will create an eternal name for myself! * Elders of fenced Uruk * Answer Gilgamesh with this speech: * “You are young, Gilgamesh, and follow your heart, * You yourself do not know what you are doing! * We heard, - the image of Humbaba is monstrous, - * Who will reflect his weapon? * There are ditches in the field around the forest, - * Who will penetrate into the middle of the forest? * Humbaba - his voice is a hurricane, * His mouth is a flame, death is a breath! * Why would you want to do this? * The battle in Humbaba's dwelling is unequal! * Gilgamesh heard the word of the advisers, * He laughingly looked back at his friend: * “Now I’ll tell you, my friend, - * I’m afraid of him, I’m very afraid: * I’ll go with you to the cedar forest, * So as not to be afraid there "Let's kill Humbaba!" * The Elders of Uruk tell Gilgamesh: * “……………………………. * ……………………………. * May the goddess go with you, may your god keep you, * May he lead you on a prosperous road, * May he return you to the pier of Uruk! * Before Shamash, Gilgamesh knelt down: * “The word that the elders said, I heard, - * I go, but I raised my hands to Shamash: * Now my life will be preserved, * Return me to the pier of Uruk, * Stretch your canopy me!”

(In the "Old Babylonian" version, several broken verses follow, from which it can be assumed that Shamash gave an ambiguous answer to the divination of the heroes.)

* When he heard the prediction - ………. * ………………… he sat down and wept, * Tears ran down Gilgamesh's face. * “I'm going the way where I have not yet walked, * Dear, which my whole region does not know. * If now I am prosperous, * Going on a campaign of my own free will, - * I will praise you, O Shamash, * I will put your idols on the thrones! * Equipment was laid before him, * Axes, large daggers, * A bow and a quiver - they were given into his hands. * He took an ax, stuffed his quiver, * He put an Anshan bow on his shoulder, * He tucked the dagger into his belt, - They prepared for the campaign.

(Two obscure lines follow, then two corresponding to the lost first line III of the table of the "Nineveh" version.)

Table III

* Elders bless him * Gilgamesh is given advice on the road: “Gilgamesh, don’t rely on your strength, Be calm with your face, hit right; The one who walks ahead saves his comrade: Who knew the paths, he saved a friend; Let Enkidu walk before you - He knows the way to the cedar forest, He has seen battles, he knows the battle. Enkidu, take care of your comrade, keep your friend, Through the ruts carry his body in your arms; We in council entrust the king to you, When you return, you will entrust the king to us! Gilgamesh opened his mouth and speaks, he broadcasts to Enkidu: “Come, my friend, let's go to Egalmah Before the eyes of Ninsun, the great queen! Ninsun is wise - she knows everything - The reasonable path will set our feet! They joined hands with each other, Gilgamesh and Enkidu went to Egalmah Before the eyes of Ninsun, the great queen. Gilgamesh entered the rest of the queens: “I decided, Ninsun, to go on a campaign, The long road, to where Humbaba is, I will fight in an unknown battle, I will go along an unknown path. Until I walk and never come back, Until I reach the cedar forest, Until the fierce Humbaba is slain by me, And I have not expelled everything that is evil from the world, - Put on a robe worthy of the body, Place the censers of Shamash before you! These speeches of her son, Gilgamesh, Sadly listened to Ninsun, the queen. Ninsun entered her rest, Washed her body with a soap root, Dressed in robes worthy of the body, Put on a necklace worthy of the breast, Girdled with a ribbon, crowned with a tiara Sprinkled the ground with pure water, Climbed the stairs, climbed to the roof. Rising, she made an incense for Shamash. She laid a flour sacrifice and raised her hands in front of Shamash: “Why did you give me Gilgamesh as a son And put a restless heart in his chest? Now you have touched him, and he will go On the long road, to where Humbaba is, In an unknown battle he will fight, By an unknown path he will go, While he walks, and did not return back, Until he reaches the cedar forest, Until the fierce Humbaba is slain by him, And everything that is evil, that you hate, he did not banish from the world, - On the day when you show him a sign, Let Aya-bride not be afraid of you, so that you entrust him to the guards of the night At the hour of the evening, when to rest are you going!"

Put out the censer, finished the prayer, Called Enkidu and the message said: “Enkidu is mighty, not born of me! I declared you dedicated to Gilgamesh, along with priestesses and maidens, doomed to God. She put a talisman around Enkidu's neck, The wives of the god joined hands with him, And the daughters of the god called him. "I am Enkidu! Gilgamesh took me on a campaign!” - "Enkidu on the campaign Gilgamesh took with him!"

(Two verses missing.)

".. While he walks, and did not return back, Until he reaches the cedar forest. - If a month passes - I will be together with him. A year will pass - I will be together with them!"

Table IV

(From this table in all versions, only fragments have been preserved, the relative position of which is not entirely clear.)

After twenty fields they broke off a slice, After thirty fields they stopped for a halt, Fifty fields they passed in a day, They traveled the path of six weeks - on the third day they reached the Euphrates. A well was dug in front of the Sun, ……………………………….. Gilgamesh climbed the mountain, looked at the surroundings: “Mountain, bring me a favorable dream!”

(Four unintelligible lines follow; apparently Enkidu is building a tent for Gilgamesh.)

Gilgamesh rested his chin on his knee, - Sleep attacked him, the fate of man. In the middle of the night, his sleep stopped, He got up, he said to his friend: “My friend, didn’t you call? Why did I wake up? My friend, I saw a dream today, The dream that I saw is all terrible: Under the cliff of the mountain we are standing with you, The mountain fell and crushed us, We ……………………………... Who is in he was born on the steppe - wisdom is known to him! He tells his friend Gilgamesh, he interprets the dream: “My friend, your dream is beautiful, this dream is precious for us, My friend, the mountain that you saw is not terrible at all: We will seize Humbaba, we will knock him down, And we will throw his corpse to desecration! In the morning we will hear a good word from Shamash!” After twenty fields they broke off a slice, After thirty fields they stopped for a halt, Fifty fields they passed in a day of fields, They traveled the path of six weeks - on the third day they reached ……….. They dug a well before the Sun, ……………………………… …. Gilgamesh climbed the mountain, looked at the surroundings: “Mountain, bring me a favorable dream!” ………………………………. In the middle of the night, his sleep stopped, He got up, he said to his friend: “My friend, didn’t you call? Why did I wake up? My friend, the second dream I saw: * The earth cracked, the earth was empty, the earth was in turmoil, * I grabbed a steppe tur, * The earth split from its roar, * The sky darkened from the raised dust, * I fell on my knee before it; * But grabbed ….. ……………. * He stretched out his hand, lifted me from the ground, * Satisfied my hunger, gave me water to drink from the fur. * “God, my friend, to whom we are going, * He is not a tour, and he is not hostile at all; * The tour in your dream is Shamash bright, * He gives us a hand in trouble; * The one who watered you with water from the fur - * It was your god who honored you, Lugalbanda! * We will do something that has never happened in the world! In the morning we will hear a good word from Shamash!” After twenty fields they broke off a slice, After thirty fields they stopped for a halt, Fifty fields they traveled in a day, they traveled the path of six weeks and reached Mount Lebanon. A well was dug in front of the Sun, ………………………………. Gilgamesh climbed the mountain, looked at the surroundings: “Mountain, bring me a favorable dream!”) Gilgamesh rested his chin on his knee - Sleep attacked him, the fate of man. In the middle of the night, his sleep stopped, He got up, he said to his friend: “My friend, didn’t you call? Why did I wake up? You didn't touch me? Why did I startle? Isn't God gone? Why is my body trembling? My friend, the third dream I saw, The dream that I saw - all of it is terrible! The sky screamed, the earth rumbled, The day calmed down, darkness came, Lightning sparkled, flames blazed, Fire flared up, death poured in a downpour, - The lightning died down, the flame went out, The heat descended, turned into ashes - We will return to the steppe - we need advice! Then Enkidu understood his dream, tells Gilgamesh:

(Next, about a hundred and twenty verses are missing; separate passages have been preserved from which it can be concluded that the heroes may have retreated, but then repeated the journey, during which Gilgamesh had three more dreams.)

(The last? of the dreams in which Gilgamesh saw a giant, Enkidu interprets this way:)

“My friend, this is the interpretation of that dream: Humbaba, who is like a giant, - Until the light dawns, we will overcome him, Over him we will get victory, On Humbaba, whom we hate vehemently, We will step with our feet victoriously!”

(However, for some reason, the heroes have no luck, and Gilgamesh again calls on the god Shamash.)

Before Shamash, the warrior, his tears run: “What did you tell Ninsun in Uruk, Remember, come and hear us!” Gilgamesh, the offspring of the fenced Uruk, - Shamash heard his speech - Suddenly, a call came from the sky: “Hurry, approach him, so that he does not go into the forest, If he does not enter the thicket, he would not hide from you! He has not yet put on his seven terrible robes, He put on one, and six are still taken off. And they grappled with each other, As if violent tours gore each other: Just once more he shouted, full of anger, The guardian of the forests shouted from the distant thickets, Humbaba, like thunder, shouted from afar! Gilgamesh opened his mouth, he tells Enkidu: “One is only one, he can’t do anything, We will be strangers here alone: One won’t climb steeper, but two will climb, ………………………………. The rope twisted three times will not break soon, Two lion cubs together - the lion is stronger!

Enkidu opened his mouth, he tells Gilgamesh: "If we went down into the forest with you, The body will weaken, my hands will go numb." Gilgamesh opened his mouth, he tells Enkidu: “My friend, will we really be so miserable? So many mountains we have already crossed, Shall we be afraid of the one that is now before us, Before we chop the cedar? My friend, you are well-versed in battles, you are familiar with battles, You rubbed yourself with a potion and you are not afraid of death, ……………………………… How your voice thunders like a big drum! Let the numbness leave your hands, let the weakness leave your body, Let's join hands, let's go, my friend! Let your heart be on fire! Forget about death - you will achieve life! A cautious and fearless man, Going ahead, he would save himself and his comrade, - Far away they would glorify their name! So they reached the cedar forest, Stopped their speeches and both got up.

Table V

They stopped at the edge of the forest, They see the height of cedars, They see the depth of forests, Where Humbaba walks, no steps are heard: The roads are paved, the way is convenient. They see the cedar mountain, the home of the gods, the throne of Irnini. Before the mountain, the cedars bear their splendor, their tone is good, full of joy, Overgrown with thorns, overgrown with bushes, Cedars grow, oleanders grow. The forest is surrounded by ditches for a whole area, And another two-thirds of the ditches surround.

(Next, almost sixty verses are missing. The surviving passages speak of "drawn swords", "poisoned iron", that Humbaba? "put on" his terrible robe-rays? and the possible "curse of Ellil").

Next comes the speech of Enkidu: Enkidu opened his mouth, broadcasts to Gilgamesh: “Humbaba ……………………. One - only one, he can’t do anything, We’ll be strangers here alone, One won’t climb steeper, but two will climb, ……………………………. The rope twisted three times will not break soon, Two lion cubs together - the lion is stronger!

(Further until the end of Table V, the text of the “Nineveh” version was not preserved; judging by a fragment of the Hittite translation of the epic, the heroes began to cut down cedars, but were frightened by the appearance of Humbaba, but Shamash shouted to them from the sky so that they would not be afraid, and sent eight winds, with the help of which the heroes defeated Humbaba, Humbaba began to ask for mercy, but Enkidu advised Gilgamesh not to spare him. In addition, it was also necessary to "kill" Humbaba's magical "rays-robes" individually. Further information is only known from the "Old Babylonian" version, in the so-called "Bauer Fragment".)

* Gilgamesh tells him, Enkidu: * "When we come to kill Humbaba, * The rays of radiance will disappear in confusion, * The rays of radiance will disappear, the light will be darkened!" * Enkidu tells him, Gilgamesh: * “My friend, catch the bird, and the chickens will not leave! * Then we'll look for rays of radiance, * Like chickens in the grass, they will scatter. * Slay yourself, and the servants later. * As Gilgamesh heard his companion's word, - * He raised the battle ax with his hand, * He drew his sword from his belt, - * Gilgamesh hit him in the back of the head, * His friend, Enkidu, struck him in the chest; * At the third blow he fell, * His violent limbs froze, * They struck down the guard, Humbaba, - * The cedars groaned for two fields around: * Together with him, Enkidu killed forests and cedars. * Enkidu slew the guardian of the forest, * Whose word was honored by Lebanon and Saria, * Peace embraced the high mountains, * Peace embraced the wooded peaks. * He struck down the defenders of the cedar - * Broken beams of Humbaba. * When he killed all seven of them, * A battle net and a dagger of seven talents, - * A load of eight talents, - he removed from his body, * He is the dwelling of the Anunnaki. * Gilgamesh cuts trees, Enkidu uproots stumps. * Enkidu tells him, Gilgamesh: * “My friend, Gilgamesh! We killed the cedar, - * Hang the battle ax on your belt, * Pour a libation in front of Shamash, - * We will deliver the cedars to the banks of the Euphrates.

Table VI

He washed his body, all the weapons shone, From his forehead on his back he threw his hair, He parted from the dirty, he dressed clean. How he put on his cloak and girded his waist, How Gilgamesh crowned himself with a tiara, Empress Ishtar raised her eyes to the beauty of Gilgamesh: “Come on, Gilgamesh, be my husband, Give me the maturity of the body as a gift! You will only be my husband, I will be my wife! I will prepare for you a golden chariot, With golden wheels, with amber horns, And powerful mules will be harnessed to it. Come into our house in the fragrance of cedar! How will you enter our house, And let your feet kiss the threshold and throne, May sovereigns, kings and lords kneel, May they bring you tribute the gift of hills and plains, Your goats will triple, and sheep will give birth to twins, Let your pack donkey catch up mula, may your horses in the chariot run proudly, under the yoke, may your oxen know no equal! Gilgamesh opened his mouth and speaks, he broadcasts to Empress Ishtar: “Why do you want me to take you as a wife? I will give you dresses, oil for your body, I will give you meat to live on and eat, I will feed you with bread worthy of a goddess, I will drink wine worthy of a queen, I will decorate your dwelling magnificently, I will fill your barns with grain, I will dress your idols in clothes, - But I will not take you as my wife! You are the brazier that goes out in the cold, The black door that does not hold back the wind and storm, The palace that collapsed on the head of the hero, The elephant that trampled on his blanket, The resin with which the porter was scalded, The fur from which the porter was doused, The slab that could not hold back the stone wall, Taran, who betrayed the inhabitants to the enemy's land, Sandal, shaking the master's foot! What husband did you love forever, What glory do they give you? Let's list who you fornicated with! To the wife of your youth, Dumuzi, From year to year you judged weeping. You still loved the shepherdess bird - You hit him, broke your wings; He lives among the forests and cries: “My wings!” And you loved the lion, perfected by strength, - Seven and seven you dug traps for him. And you loved a horse, glorious in battle - You judged him a whip, a bridle and a whip, You judged him seven fields of galloping, You judged him muddy drink, His mother, Silili, you judged sobs. And you also loved the goatherd shepherd, That you constantly wore ash bread, Every day you cut suckers; You hit him, turned him into a wolf, - His underpastors are chasing him, And the dogs are biting his thighs. Ishullan, your father's gardener, you loved. That you constantly carried bunches of dates, Decorating your table every day, - You raised your eyes, you approached him: “O my Ishullanu, we will taste your maturity, And, baring your hand, touch our bosom! Ishullanu answers you: “What did you want from me? What my mother didn't bake, I didn't eat - How can I eat the bread of sin and filth? Will the matting be a shelter for me from the cold? “But you, having heard these speeches, You hit him, turned him into a spider, Settled him in the midst of hard work, - You can’t get out of the cobweb, you can’t go down to the floor. And with me, having fallen in love, you will do the same! As Ishtar heard these words, Ishtar was furious, rose to heaven, Rising, Ishtar before her father, Anu, weeps, Before Antu, her mother, her tears run: “My father, Gilgamesh shames me, Gilgamesh listed my sins, All my sins and all my filth." Anu opened his mouth and speaks, tells her, Empress Ishtar: “Didn’t you offend King Gilgamesh, That Gilgamesh enumerated your sins, All your sins and all your filth?” Ishtar opened her mouth and says, she tells her father, Anu: “Father, create a Bull for me to kill Gilgamesh in his dwelling, Gilgamesh must pay for the offense! If you don’t give me the Bull, I will strike Gilgamesh in his dwelling, I will pave the way to the depths of the underworld, I will raise the dead so that the living can be devoured, Then there will be fewer living than dead!” Anu opened his mouth and speaks, tells her, Empress Ishtar: “If you want the Bull from me, In the land of Uruk there will be seven years of chaff. You must gather hay for the cattle, You must grow grass for the animals of the steppe. Ishtar opened her mouth and speaks, she tells her father, Anu: “I have saved up hay in Uruk for cattle, I have grown grass for steppe animals.

When Anu heard these words, He respected her, He created the Bull, ………………………………. Ishtar drove him to Uruk from heaven. When he reached the streets of Uruk, ………………………………. He went down to the Euphrates, drank it in seven sips - the river dried up. From the breath of the Bull a hole opened up, A hundred men of Uruk fell into it. A pit opened up from the second breath. Two hundred men of Uruk fell into it. On his third breath, he began to spit at Enkidu; Leaping, Enkidu grabbed the Bull's horn. The Bull splashed saliva in his face, Hit him with the whole thickness of his tail. Enkidu opened his mouth and speaks, he broadcasts to Gilgamesh: "My friend, we are proud of our courage, What will we answer to this insult?" “My friend, I have seen the Bull's ferocity, But his powers are not dangerous for us. I will rip out his heart, I will put it in front of Shamash, - You and I - we will kill the Bull, I will stand over his corpse as a sign of victory, I will fill the horns with oil - I will give it to Lugalbanda! Grab him by the thickness of his tail, And between the horns, between the back of the head and the neck, I will strike him with a dagger, …………………………………..” He drove Enkidu, he turned the Bull, he grabbed him by the thickness of his tail, ………………………………. And Gilgamesh, as he saw the work of a brave hero and a faithful friend, - Between the horns, between the back of the head and neck, the Bull was struck with a dagger. As they killed the Bull, they tore out his heart, laid it before Shamash, Retiring, they bowed down before Shamash, Both brothers sat down to rest. Ishtar climbed the wall of the fenced Uruk, In sorrow prostrated herself, cast a curse: “Woe to Gilgamesh! He dishonored me, having killed the Bull! Enkidu heard these speeches of Ishtar, Pulled out the root of the Bull, threw it in her face: “And with you - if only I could get it, - as I would do with it, I would wind its intestines around you!” Ishtar summoned harlots, harlots and girls, Ox Root began to mourn. And Gilgamesh summoned the masters of all trades, - The masters praised the thickness of the horns. Thirty mines of azure - their casting, Their rim is two fingers thick, Six measures of oil that entered both horns, Presented for anointing to his god Lugalbanda, And nailed the horns over his master's bed. They washed their hands in the Euphrates, Embraced, set off, ride along the street of Uruk, Crowds of Uruk look at them. Gilgamesh speaks to the common people of Uruk: “Who is beautiful among heroes, Who is proud among husbands? Gilgamesh is handsome among heroes, Enkidu is proud among men! The bull of the goddess whom we cast out in anger. I did not reach the fullness of desire on the streets, ……………………………..!” Gilgamesh made fun in the palace, The heroes fell asleep, lie on the bed of the night, Enkidu fell asleep - and saw a dream, Enkidu got up and interprets the dream: He tells his friend:

Table VII

“My friend, what are the great gods conferring about?

(The further is known only from an excerpt from the "Peripheral" version in the Hittite language:)

** Listen to my dream that I had at night: ** Anu, Ellil and Shamash were talking among themselves. ** And to Anu Ellil says: ** "Why did they slay the Bull and Humbaba?" Gilgamesh must not die!” ** Shamash answers Ellil the hero: ** “Didn't the Bull and Humbaba be killed by your command? ** Shall Enkidu now die innocent?' ** Ellil was angry at Shamash the hero: ** "That's how you walk among their comrades every day!" "Brother, dear brother! Why was I acquitted instead of my brother?” ** And again: “Is it really possible for me to sit with a ghost, at the grave entrance? ** Never see your beloved brother with your own eyes?“

(Perhaps this also includes a fragment of the "Peripheral" version in Akkadian, found in Megiddo in Palestine:)

** ………… ** Enkidu touched his hand, says to Gilgamesh: ** “I did not cut the cedar, I did not kill Humbaba.

* * *

** In the cedar forest, where the gods dwell, ** I have not killed a single cedar!' ** Gilgamesh woke up from his voice, ** And so he broadcasts to the hero: ** "This dream is good and auspicious ** Precious and good, though difficult.“

(Apparently, a passage from the "Nineveh" version also belongs here, although it may have been preceded by a text very different from the above "Peripheral" version. After several strongly destroyed verses from Enkidu's speech, there are such verses:

Enkidu opened his mouth and speaks, he says to Gilgamesh: “Come on, my friend, let's go and ask Ellil!” At the entrance to the temple they stopped, They saw a wooden door. For Enkidu gave it to Ellil, Enkidu opened his mouth and said, he tells Gilgamesh: "Because of the wooden door, trouble happened!" She has no understanding! For you, I was looking for a tree for twenty fields, Until I saw a long cedar, - That tree had no equal in the world! You are eighteen fathoms high, six fathoms wide, Your bolt, noose and latch are twelve cubits long. I made you, delivered you, decorated you in Nippur - If I knew the door, that such would be retribution, What good would you bring me, - I would take an ax, chop it into chips, I would tie the raft - and let it go on the waters!

Anu and Ishtar have not forgiven me! Now, door, why did I make you? He ruined himself with a pious gift! May the future king correct you, May God make your door leaves, Erase my name, write your own, Tear off my door, and put your own! Hearing his word, he immediately wept hotly, Gilgamesh heard the word of his friend, Enkidu, and his tears ran. Gilgamesh opened his mouth and speaks, broadcasts to Enkidu: “God has given you a deep mind, wise speeches - You are a reasonable man - but you think so strangely! Why, my friend, do you think so strangely? Your dream is precious, even though there is a lot of fear in it: Like fly wings, your lips still tremble! There is a lot of fear in him, but this dream is dear: For the living - yearning is his share, Sleep leaves melancholy for the living! And now I will pray to the great gods - Seeking mercy, I will turn to your god: May the father of the gods be merciful to Anu, May even Ellil have mercy, Shamash will have mercy - I will adorn their idols with gold without counting! Shamash heard him, called to him from heaven: “Do not waste, O king, on idols of gold, God will not change the word that is said, The word that is said will not return, will not cancel, The lot that is cast will not return, will not cancel, - Human fate passes, - nothing will remain in the world! At Shamash's command, Enkidu raised his head, Before Shamash his tears run: "I pray you, Shamash, because of my hostile fate - About the hunter, the hunter-man - He did not allow me to achieve what my friend achieved, May the hunter not reach what his friends have achieved! Let his hands be weak, his income scarce, Let his share decrease before you, Let the beast not fall into a trap, but go into a crack! May the hunter not fulfill the desire of the heart! He cast a curse on Shamhat in anger: “Come on, harlot, I will assign you a share, What will not end forever in the world; I’ll curse you with a great curse, So that soon that curse would befall you: May you not arrange a house for your joy, May you not fall in love with a work-up daughter, May you not introduce girls to gatherings, May your beautiful bosom be poured with beer, May a drunken puke your dress on a holiday, Let him take away your beautiful beads, Let the potter throw clay after you, Let there be nothing for you from the bright lot, Pure silver, the pride of people and health, Let there be no people in your house, Let them take pleasure from you at the thresholds, Crossroads of roads Let them be your dwelling, Let wastelands be your overnight stay, The shadow of the wall will be your dwelling place, Let your feet not know rest, Let the cripple and the drunk beat on your cheeks, Let the wife of a faithful husband shout at you, Let the builder not repair your roof, Let them settle in the cracks of the walls owls of the desert, May guests not come to you at the feast, ………………………………………. ………………………………………. Let the passage to your bosom be closed with pus, Let the gift be poor for the open bosom, - For you pretended to be my wife to the pure, And you committed a deceit over the pure me! Shamash heard his word, - Suddenly from the sky a call was heard: “Why, Enkidu, the harlot Shamhat you cursed, What fed you with bread worthy of a god, Drinking water worthy of a king, Dressed you with great clothes And gave you good companions Gilgamesh? Now Gilgamesh, your friend and brother, Will lay you on the great bed, On the bed of honor will lay you, Set you on the left, in a place of rest; Sovereigns of the earth kiss your feet, He orders the people of Uruk to mourn for you, He entrusts the mournful rite to merry people, And after you he puts on a sackcloth, puts on a lion's skin, runs into the desert. Enkidu heard the word of Shamash the hero, - His angry heart calmed down, The furious liver calmed down. “Come on, harlot, I’ll appoint another: Let the one who left you return to you, Sovereigns, kings and lords, let them love you, let the one who sees you, let him be amazed, Let the hero shake his curls for you, The guard will not detain you, but let him untie the belt, Give glass sequins, azure and gold, Let him give you forged earrings, - And for that, grain will pour down on him; Let the conjurer bring you to the temple of the gods, For you, let them leave the mother of seven, wife! Pain entered Enkidu's womb, On the bed of night where he lay alone. He told his friend all his sorrows: “Listen, my friend! I saw a dream at night - The sky cried out, the earth answered, Only I stand between them Yes, one man - his face is gloomy, He is like a bird of the storm in the face, His wings are eagle wings, his claws are eagle claws, He grabbed the hair, he overpowered me , I hit him - like a skipping rope, he jumps, He hit me - healed my wound, But, like a tour, he stepped on me, He squeezed my whole body like a vise. “My friend, save me!” You could not save, You were afraid, you could not fight, You only ……………………………………………………………. He touched me, turned me into a bird, He put wings like birds on my shoulders: He looked and took me to the house of darkness, the dwelling of Irkalla, To the house from which one who enters never leaves, To the path along which one cannot return, To a house where the living are deprived of light, Where their food is dust and their food is clay, And they are dressed like birds with clothes of wings, And they do not see the light, but dwell in darkness, And the bolts and doors are covered with dust! In the House of Ashes, where I entered, I looked - the crowns are humble: I listened - the crown-bearers, who in former days ruled the world, Anu and Ellil are offered roasted meat, They put baked bread, cold, made of fur, pour water. In the House of Ashes, where I entered, The priest and servant live, the sorcerer and the possessed live, The priests of the great gods live, Etana lives, Sumukan lives, Ereshkigal lives, the queen of the earth; Belet-tseri, the maiden-scribe of the earth, on her knees before her, Holds the Table of Fates, reads before her, - She raised her face, she saw me: “Death has already taken that person!”

... You and I shared all the labors together, - Remember me, my friend, do not forget my deeds! His friend saw an inexplicable dream, When he saw the dream, his strength was exhausted. Lies Enkidu on the bed, First day, second day that Enkidu lies on the bed, Third day and fourth that Enkidu lies on the bed. Fifth, sixth and seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth - Enkidu's affliction became more severe, The eleventh and twelfth days passed - Enkidu sat up on his bed, Gilgamesh called, he broadcasts: "My friend from now on hated me, - When in Uruk we they were told, I was afraid of battle, and he was to help me; A friend who saved me in battle - why did he leave me? I and you - are we not equally mortal?

Table VIII

As soon as the radiance of the morning dawned, Gilgamesh opened his mouth and said: “Enkidu, my friend, your mother is an antelope And the onager, your father, gave birth to you, The animals raised you with their milk And cattle in the steppe in distant pastures! In the cedar forest, the paths of Enkidu May weep for you day and night incessantly, May the elders of the walled Uruk weep, May the one who stretched out his hand after us, May the ledges of the wooded mountains weep, On which we climbed with you, May the pasture weep like a mother, May weep sap of cypresses and cedars, Among which we made our way with you, May bears, hyenas, leopards and tigers cry, Capricorns and lynxes, lions and tours, Deer and antelopes, cattle and creatures of the steppe, May the sacred Yevlei cry, where we proudly walked along the shore Let the bright Euphrates cry, where we drew water for the fur, Let the men of the vast fenced Uruk cry, Let the wives cry that they saw how we killed the Bull, Let the farmer of the good city cry, who glorified your name, Let the one who, like the ancients, cry people, proud of you, Let the one who fed you bread cry, Let the slave cry, who anointed your feet, Let the servant cry, who gave wine to your lips, Let the harlot cry, who anointed you with good oil, Let the one who entered the marriage chamber cry, Having found a spouse with your good advice om, Let the brothers weep for you, like sisters, In sorrow, let them tear your hair over you! Like a mother and a father in his distant nomads, I will cry for Enkidu: Listen to me, men, listen, Listen, elders of the fenced Uruk! I weep for Enkidu, my friend, Like a mourner, weeping bitterly: My mighty axe, my strong stronghold, My faithful dagger, my reliable shield, My festive cloak, my magnificent attire, - The evil demon took it from me! My younger brother, persecutor of onagers in the steppe, panthers in the open! Enkidu, my younger brother, persecutor of onagers in the steppe, panthers in the open! With whom we, having met together, climbed into the mountains, Grabbing together, Killed the Bull, - What kind of dream has now taken possession of you? You've become dark and you can't hear me!" And he can't lift his head. He touched the heart - it does not beat. He covered his friend's face like a bride, He himself, like an eagle, circles over him, Like a lioness, whose cubs are in a trap, He rushes menacingly back and forth, Like a tow, he tears his hair, Like a filth, tears off his clothes. As soon as the radiance of the morning dawned, Gilgamesh convenes the call of the Sculptors, coppersmiths, blacksmiths, stone-cutters throughout the country. “My friend, I will make your idol, What no one has done to a friend: A friend’s growth and appearance will be revealed in him, - A foot of stone, hair of azure, A face of alabaster, a body of gold.

... Now I, and your friend and brother, have laid You on a great bed, I have laid you on a bed of honor, I have settled you on the left, in a place of rest, The sovereigns of the earth kissed your feet, I ordered the people of Uruk to mourn for you, I entrusted the mournful rite to cheerful people And after a friend I put on rags, put on a lion's skin, I'm running into the desert! The radiance of the morning has barely begun...

As soon as the radiance of the morning dawned, Gilgamesh made a figurine of clay, He brought out a large, wooden table, He filled a vessel of carnelian with honey, He filled a vessel of azure with oil, He decorated the table and brought it out for Shamash.

(To the end of the table, about fifty verses are missing; their content was Gilgamesh's divination and the answer of the gods. It was probably similar in content to that contained in the "Old Babylonian" version, but not in this place, but in the table that corresponded later tenth, in the so-called "Meissner's Table" Below is the text from it, the first lines are the translator's conjecture.)

Ellil heard his mouth speak - Suddenly, a call came from heaven: “Since ancient times, Gilgamesh, it has been assigned to people: A farmer, plows the land, harvests, Shepherd and a hunter lives with animals, * Puts on their skin, eats their meat. * You want, Gilgamesh, what never happened, * Since my wind drives the waters. * Shamash was saddened, he appeared to him, * He broadcasts to Gilgamesh: * “Gilgamesh, where are you striving? * The life you seek, you will not find! * Gilgamesh tells him, Shamash the hero: * “After wandering around the world, * Is there enough peace in the land? * Apparently, I overslept all these years! * May the eyes be saturated with sunlight: * The darkness is empty, as the light needs! * Can the dead see the radiance of the sun?

(From this point in the "Old Babylonian" version to the end of the table there are about twenty more verses.)

Table IX

Gilgamesh about Enkidu, his friend, Weeps bitterly and runs into the desert: “Won't I die like Enkidu? Anguish has penetrated my womb, I am afraid of Death and run into the desert. Under the rule of Utnapishti, the son of Ubar-Tutu, I have taken the Path, I go hastily. Having reached the mountain passes at night, I saw Lvov, and I used to be scared, - Raising my head, I pray to Sin, And my prayers go to all the gods: As before, save me! At night he lay down - waking up from sleep, He sees the lions frolicking, rejoicing in life. He raised the battle ax with his hand, He drew his sword from his belt, - Like a spear, fell between them, He struck, threw, killed and chopped.

He heard about the mountains, whose name is Masha, As soon as he approached these mountains, That sunrise and sunset guard daily, At the top of the metal of heaven they reach, Below - the hell their chest reaches, - Scorpion people guard their gates: Their appearance is terrible, their eyes are death, Their flickering brilliance plunges the mountains - At sunrise and sunset they guard the Sun, - As soon as Gilgamesh saw them - Horror and fear darkened his face. With spirit gathered, he went to them. The scorpion-man shouted to his wife: "He who approaches us is the flesh of the gods - his body!" The wife replies to the scorpion man: “He is two-thirds a god, one-third a man!” The scorpion-man shouted to Gilgamesh, The word is broadcast to the Descendant of the gods: “Why are you going the way far, By what road have you reached me, Crossed the rivers, where the crossing is difficult? Why did you come, I want to know Where your path lies, I want to know! Gilgamesh tells him, the scorpion-man: “My younger brother, the persecutor of the onagers in the steppe, the panthers in the open spaces, Enkidu, my younger brother, the persecutor of the mountain onagers, the panthers in the open spaces, With whom we, having met together, climbed into the mountains, Seizing together, The bull was killed, Humbaba was killed in the cedar forest, My friend, whom I loved so much, With whom we shared all the labors, Enkidu, my friend, whom I loved so much, With whom we shared all the labors, He suffered the fate of man! Six days passed, seven nights passed, Until the worms entered his nose. I was afraid of death, not to find life for me: The thought of a hero haunts me! On a long road I run in the desert: The thought of Enkidu, the hero, haunts me - On a long way I wander in the desert! How can I be silent, how can I calm down? My beloved friend became the earth! Enkidu, my beloved friend, has become the earth! Just like him, and I will not lie down, So as not to get up forever and ever? Now, scorpion, I met you, - Let me not see the death that I fear! ………………………………………. To Utnapishti, my father, I go hastily, To the one who, having survived, was accepted into the assembly of the gods and found life in him: I will ask him about life and death! The scorpion-man opened his mouth and speaks, he tells Gilgamesh: “Never, Gilgamesh, there was no road, No one has yet walked on a mountain course: It stretches inward on twelve fields: The darkness is thick, no light is visible - At sunrise, the gates are closed, At sunset The suns open the gates, At sunset they close the gates again, Only the gods bring Shamash out of there, He scorches the living with radiance, - You - how can you pass that way? You will go in and you will not come out again!”

Gilgamesh tells him, a scorpion man: I'll go! Now open the gates to the mountains for me!” The scorpion-man opened his mouth and says, he tells Gilgamesh: “Go, Gilgamesh, by your difficult path, May you pass Masha’s mountains, Courageously pass forests and mountains, May you return safely! The gates of the mountains are open for you. Gilgamesh, when he heard this, He was obedient to the Scorpion Man, He directed his feet along the path of Shamash. He has already passed the first field - The darkness is thick, no light is visible, Neither forward nor backward can he see. He has already passed the second field - The darkness is thick, no light is visible, Neither forward nor backward can he see. Having passed the third trample, he turned back.

(The next missing eighteen verses probably explained why Gilgamesh decided to take the journey again through the dungeon at the end of the world.)

Gathering his courage, he stepped forward. He has already passed the fourth field - The darkness is thick, no light can be seen, Neither forward nor backward can he see, The fifth field he has already passed - The darkness is thick, no light can be seen, He cannot see either forward or backward. He has already passed the sixth field - The darkness is thick, no light is visible, Neither forward nor backward can he see, Having passed the seventh field - he listened to the darkness: The darkness is thick, no light is visible, Neither forward nor backward can he see. Having passed the eighth field, he shouted into the darkness: The darkness is thick, no light is visible, Neither forward nor backward can he see. In the ninth field, he felt a chill, - The breath of the wind touched his face, - The darkness is thick, no light is visible, Neither forward nor back can he see, In the tenth field, the exit was close, - But, like ten fields, this field. On the eleventh field before dawn it dawns, On the twelfth field the light appeared, He hurried, seeing a grove of stones! Carnelian bears fruit, hung with clusters, pleasant in appearance. Lapis lazuli grows with foliage - It also bears fruit, it looks funny.

Gilgamesh, passing through the garden of stones, Eyes raised to this miracle.

Table X

Siduri is the mistress of the gods, who lives on a cliff by the sea, She lives and treats them with homemade beer: They gave her a jug, they gave her a golden cup, She is covered with a veil, invisible to people. Gilgamesh approaches her dwelling, Clothed in skin, covered with dust, The flesh of the gods lurks in his body, Anguish dwells in his womb, He is like a person who travels a long way. The hostess saw him from afar, She speaks to her heart, thinking, She holds advice with herself: “Probably, this is a violent murderer, Whom will you see good here?” Seeing him, the hostess closed the door, She closed the door, shed the bolt. And he, Gilgamesh, heard that knock, He raised his face and addressed her. Gilgamesh tells her, the hostess: “Mistress, what did you see, why did you close the doors, Did you close the doors, did you lock the bolt? I'll hit the door, break the shutters! ………………………………. The hostess Siduri shouted to Gilgamesh, The Descendant of the gods broadcasts the word: “Why are you going the way far, By what road have you reached me, Crossed the rivers, where the crossing is difficult? Why did you come, I want to know Where your path lies, I want to know! Gilgamesh tells her, the mistress of Siduri: “I am Gilgamesh, who killed the guardian of the forest, Killed Humbaba in the cedar forest, Slayed the Bull that descended from the sky, Killed the lions on the mountain passes.” The mistress tells him, Gilgamesh: “If you are Gilgamesh, who killed the guardian of the forest, Killed Humbaba in the cedar forest, Slayed the Bull that descended from the sky, Killed the lions on the mountain passes, - Why are your cheeks sunken, your head drooped, Sad heart, face faded Anguish dwells in your womb, Your face is similar to those who travel a long way, The heat and cold have burned your face, And you are looking for a haze, running through the desert? Gilgamesh tells her, the mistress: “How not to fall into my cheeks, not to droop my head, Not to be sad in my heart, not to wither my face, Tosca cannot penetrate into my womb, Not to be like me, Going a long way, Not to burn my brow with heat and cold? My younger brother, the persecutor of the onagers in the steppe, the panthers in the open spaces, Enkidu, my younger brother, the persecutor of the onagers in the steppe, the panthers in the open spaces, With whom we, having met together, climbed into the mountains, Having seized together, Killed the Bull, Killed in the cedar forest Humbabu, my friend, whom I loved so much, With whom we shared all our labors, Enkidu, my friend, whom I loved so much, With whom we shared all our labors, He has suffered the fate of man! Six days, seven nights I cried over him, Without betraying him to the grave, - Will not my friend rise in response to my voice? Until the worms entered his nose! I was afraid of death, I could not find life! Like a robber, I wander in the desert: The word of the hero does not give me peace - I run on a long road in the desert: The word of Enkidu, the hero, does not give me rest - I wander on a long way in the desert: How can I be silent, how can I calm down? My beloved friend became the earth! Enkidu, my beloved friend, has become the earth! Just like him, and I will not lie down, So as not to get up forever and ever? * Now, mistress, I met you, - * Death that I fear, let me not see! The hostess tells him, Gilgamesh: * “Gilgamesh! Where are you aiming? * The life you seek, you will not find! * The gods, when they created man, - * They determined death to man, * - They kept life in their hands. * You, Gilgamesh, fill your stomach, * Day and night, may you be cheerful, * Celebrate the holiday daily, * Day and night, play and dance you! * May your clothes be bright, * Hair is clean, wash yourself with water, * Look how the child is holding your hand, * Please your friend with your arms - * Only this is a man’s business! Gilgamesh tells her, the mistress: “Now, mistress, where is the way to Utnapishti? What is its sign - give it to me, Give me the way of that sign: If possible - I will cross by sea, If it is impossible - I will run away through the desert! The mistress tells him, Gilgamesh: “Never, Gilgamesh, there was a crossing, And no one who has been here since ancient times could cross the sea, - Shamash the hero will cross the sea, - Except Shamash, who can? Difficult is the crossing, hard is the road, Deep are the waters of death that block it. And what, Gilgamesh, having crossed the sea, Having reached the waters of death, will you do? There is, Gilgamesh, Urshanabi, the shipbuilder Utnapishti, He has idols, in the forest he catches a snake; Find him and see him, If possible, cross with him, If not, then turn back. Gilgamesh, when he heard these words, He raised his battle ax with his hand, He drew his sword from his belt, Deepened among the trees in the thicket, As if a spear fell between them, Smashed the idols, in a sudden rampage, Found a magic snake in the middle of the forest, Strangled him with his own hands . When Gilgamesh had had his fill of violence, The rage in his chest calmed down, He said in his heart: “I can’t find a boat! How can I overcome the waters of death, How can I cross the wide sea? Gilgamesh restrained his rampage, From the forest came out, down to the River. On the waters Urshanabi sailed in a boat, He sent the boat to the shore. Gilgamesh tells him, the shipbuilder Urshanabi: * "I am Gilgamesh, such is my name, * Who came from Uruk, the home of Anu, * Who wandered through the mountains in a way far from the sunrise." Urshanabi tells him, Gilgamesh: “Why are your cheeks sunken, your head drooping, Your heart is sad, your face is withered, Anguish lives in your womb, Your face is similar to those who travel a long way, Heat and cold have scorched your face, And you are looking for a haze, running through the desert?” Gilgamesh tells him, the shipbuilder Urshanabi: “How not to fall into my cheeks, not to droop my head, not to be sad in my heart, not to wither my face, not to penetrate my womb to longing, not to be like me going a long way, not to burn my brow with heat and cold, Do not look for a haze for me, do not run through the desert? My younger brother, the onager chaser in the steppe, the panthers in the open spaces, Enkidu, my younger brother, the onager chaser in the steppe, the panthers in the open spaces, With whom we, having met together, climbed into the mountains, Having seized together, Killed the Bull, Killed the mountain lions in the passes Humbaba was destroyed in the cedar forest, My friend, whom I loved so much, With whom we shared all the labors, Enkidu, my friend, whom I loved so much, With whom we shared all the labors, - He suffered the fate of man! Six days passed, seven nights passed, Until the worms entered his nose. I was afraid of death, not to find life for me, The word of the hero does not give me peace - I run on a long road in the desert! The word of Enkidu, the hero, haunts me - I wander far in the desert: How can I be silent, how can I calm down? My beloved friend became earth, Enkidu, my beloved friend, became earth! Just like him, and I will not lie down, So as not to get up forever and ever?

(The answer of Urshanabi was omitted, perhaps due to the carelessness of the scribe.)

Gilgamesh tells him, the shipbuilder Urshanabi: “Now, Urshanabi, where is the way to Utnapishti? What is its sign - give it to me you! Give me a sign of that path: If possible, I will cross by sea, If not, I will flee through the desert!” Urshanabi tells him, Gilgamesh: * “Those idols, Gilgamesh, were my amulet, * So that I would not touch the waters of death; * In your fury you destroyed the idols, - * Without those idols it is difficult to transport you, Take, Gilgamesh, an ax in your hand, Go deeper into the forest, chop poles there, One hundred and twenty poles of fifteen fathoms, Pray, make blades and bring them to me. . Gilgamesh, hearing these words, he raised his battle ax with his hand, drew his sword from his belt, went deep into the forest, chopped poles there, a hundred and twenty poles of fifteen fathoms, - pitched, made blades, brought them to him. Gilgamesh and Urshanabi stepped into the boat, Pushed the boat into the waves and sailed on it. The journey of six weeks was completed in three days, And Urshanabi stepped into the waters of death. Urshanabi tells him, Gilgamesh: “Step aside, Gilgamesh, and take the pole, Do not touch the waters of death with your hand, beware! Second, third and fourth, Gilgamesh, take you, Fifth, sixth and seventh, Gilgamesh, take you, Eighth, ninth and tenth, Gilgamesh, take you, Eleventh and twelfth, Gilgamesh, take you. Gilgamesh, And he untied the girdle of his loins, Gilgamesh threw off his clothes, he unfolded it, Like a sail, he raised it with his hands. Utnapishti saw them from afar, Thinking, he speaks to his heart, He holds advice with himself: “Why are these idols on the boat broken, And it is not its owner that is sailing on it? The one who comes up is not my man, And I look to the right, and I look to the left, I look at him - and I can’t recognize, I look at him - and I can’t understand, I look at him - and I don’t I know who he is." ……………………………….

Utnapishti tells him, Gilgamesh: “Why are your cheeks sunken, your head drooping, Your heart is sad, your face is withered, Anguish dwells in your womb, Your face is similar to those who travel a long way, The heat and cold have scorched your forehead, And you are looking for a haze, you are running through the desert?” Gilgamesh tells him, the distant Utnapishti: “How not to fall into my cheeks, not to droop my head, not to be sad in my heart, not to fade my face, not to penetrate my womb to longing, not to be like me who goes a long way, not to burn my brow with heat and cold, Do not look for a haze for me, do not run through the desert? My younger brother, the onager chaser in the steppe, the panthers in the open spaces, Enkidu, my younger brother, the onager chaser in the steppe, the panthers in the open spaces, With whom we, having met together, climbed into the mountains, Having seized together, Killed the Bull, Killed Humbaba in the cedar forest On the passes of the mountain lions were killed, My friend, whom I loved so much, With whom we shared all the labors, Enkidu, my friend, whom I loved so much, With whom we shared all the labors, - He suffered the fate of man! Days and nights I cried over him, Without betraying him to the grave, Until the worms penetrated his nose. I was afraid of death and ran in the desert, - The word of the hero does not give me rest, I wander in the desert on a long road - The word of Enkidu, the hero, does not give me rest: How can I be silent, how can I calm down? My beloved friend became earth, Enkidu, my beloved friend, became earth! Just like him, and I will not lie down, So as not to get up forever and ever? Gilgamesh tells him, distant Utnapishti: “I, in order to reach distant Utnapishti: To see the one about whom the legend goes, I wandered for a long time, went around all countries, I climbed difficult mountains, I crossed all the seas, I did not satisfy with a sweet dream I tormented myself with continuous vigil, I filled my flesh with longing, Before reaching the mistress of the gods, I took off my clothes, I killed bears, hyenas, lions, leopards and tigers, Deer and chamois, cattle and creatures of the steppe, I ate their meat, their skin pleasing his body; At the sight of me, the hostess locked the door, I smeared the poles with pitch and kir, When I sailed on the boat, I did not touch the water, - May I find the life that I am looking for! Utnapishti tells him, Gilgamesh: “Why, Gilgamesh, are you full of longing? Is it because the flesh of gods and people is in your body, Is it because your father and mother created you to be mortal? Did you know - once for the mortal Gilgamesh Was there a chair in the assembly of the gods? Limits are given to him, a mortal: People are like buttermilk, gods are like butter, Humans and gods are like chaff and wheat! You hastened to put on your skin, Gilgamesh, And what a royal baldric you wear, - Because - I have no answer for you, There is no word of advice for you! Turn your face, Gilgamesh, to your people: Why does their ruler wear sackcloth? ………………………………..

A fierce death does not spare a person: Are we building houses forever? Do we seal forever? Are brothers forever divided? Is hatred in people forever? Does the river carry hollow waters forever? Will the larva turn into a dragonfly forever? A look that the eyes of the Sun would endure, Since ancient times, has not yet happened: The captive and the dead are similar to each other - Are they not the image of death? Is the man a ruler? When Ellil blesses them, Then the Anunnaki, the great gods, gather, Mamet judges together with them: They determined death and life, They did not tell the hour of death, But they told: to live alive!

Table XI

Gilgamesh tells him, distant Utnapishti: “I look at you, Utnapishti, You are not wonderful in stature – you are the same as me, And you yourself are not wonderful – you are the same as me. I'm not afraid to fight with you; Resting, and you lie down on your back - Tell me, how did you, having survived, be accepted into the assembly of the gods and found life in it? Utnapishti tells him, Gilgamesh: “I will reveal, Gilgamesh, the hidden word And I will tell you the secret of the gods.” Shurippak, the city that you know, What lies on the banks of the Euphrates, - This city is ancient, the gods are close to it. The gods of the great flood to arrange their hearts bowed. Their father Anu, Ellil, the hero, their adviser, Their messenger Ninurta, their mirab Ennugi, conferred. Bright-eyed Ea swore together with them, But to the hut he told their word: “Hut, hut! Wall, wall! Listen, hut! Wall, remember! Shurippakian, son of Ubar-Tutu, Demolish your dwelling, build a ship, Leave abundance, take care of life, Despise wealth, save your soul! Load all living things onto your ship. That ship that you build, May it be quadrangular in shape, May the width be equal with the length, Like the Ocean, cover it with a roof! I understood and I tell Ea, the lord: “That word, lord, that you said to me, I must Honor, and I will fulfill everything. What can I answer the city - the people and the elders? Ea opened his mouth and speaks, He speaks to me, his servant: “And you utter such a speech to them:“ I know that Ellil hates me, - I will no longer live in your city, I will turn my feet from the soil of Ellil. I will descend to the Ocean, to the lord Ea! And over you it will rain abundantly, You will learn the secret of birds, shelters of fish, There will be a rich harvest everywhere on the earth, In the morning a downpour will pour, and at night you will see the Bread rain with your own eyes. As soon as the radiance of the morning dawned, At my call the whole region gathered, ………… ……… …………. ………….. ………….. …….. I called all the husbands for service - Houses were demolished, the fence was destroyed. The child carries resin, The strong carries equipment in baskets. In five days I laid the body: A third of a tithe area, a board one hundred and twenty cubits high, One hundred and twenty cubits of the edge of its top. I laid the contours, I drew a drawing: I laid six decks in the ship, Dividing it into seven parts, Dividing its bottom into nine compartments, Hammered water pegs into it, I chose the rudder, laid the equipment. Three measures of kira melted in the furnace; I poured three measures of resin into it, Three measures of the porters dragged oil: In addition to the measure of oil that went to the smearing, the helmsman hid two measures of oil. For the inhabitants of the city, I stabbed bulls, I slaughtered sheep every day, With the juice of berries, oil, strong drink, wine, and red and white, I gave the people water, like river water, And they feasted, as on New Year's Day. I opened the incense and anointed my hands. The ship was ready at sunset. They began to move him - he was heavy, Propped up with stakes from above and below, He plunged into the water by two-thirds. Loaded it with everything that I had, Loaded it with everything that I had silver, Loaded it with everything that I had gold, Loaded it with everything that I had a living creature, Raised all my family and kind on the ship, Cattle of the steppe and beasts, I raised all the masters. The time was appointed for me by Shamash: “In the morning it will rain, and at night you will see the Bread rain with your own eyes, - Enter the ship, tar its doors.” The appointed time has come: In the morning it rained, and at night I saw the rain of bread with my own eyes. I looked at the face of the weather - It was terrible to look at the weather. I entered the ship, tarred its doors - For the tarring of the ship to the shipbuilder Puzur-Amurri I gave the Hall and his wealth. As soon as the radiance of the morning dawned, A black cloud arose from the base of heaven. Addu thunders in her midst, Shullat and Hanish go before her, They go, messengers, mountain and plain. Eragal pulls out the poles of the dam, Ninurta comes, breaks through the gutter, The Anunnaki lighthouses are lit, Their radiance disturbs the earth. Because of Addu, the sky freezes, What was bright, turned into darkness, The whole earth was split like a bowl. The first day the South wind rages, It quickly swooped in, flooding the mountains, Like a war, overtaking the earth. Does not see one another; And no people can be seen from heaven. The deluge gods were terrified, Rise up, withdrew to the sky of Anu, Huddled like dogs, stretched out. Ishtar cries out, as if in labor pains, Lady of the gods, whose voice is beautiful: “Let that day turn into clay, Since I decided evil in the council of the gods, How did I decide evil in the council of the gods, Declared war on the death of my people? Is it for this that I myself give birth to people, So that, like fish people, they fill the sea!“ The Anunnaki gods weep with her, The gods resigned themselves, abide in weeping, Crowding to each other, their lips are dry. The wind moves for six days, seven nights, A storm covers the earth with a flood. When the seventh day came, the flood and storm stopped the war, Those who fought like an army. The sea calmed down, the hurricane calmed down - the flood stopped. I opened the outlet - the light fell on my face, I looked at the sea - silence came, And all mankind became clay! The plain became flat as a roof. I fell on my knees, sat down and wept, Tears ran down my face. He began to look out for the shore in the open sea - In twelve fields an island rose. At Mount Nisir, the ship stopped. Mount Nisir held the ship, does not allow to swing. One day, two days, Mount Nisir holds the ship, does not let it rock. For three days, four days, Mount Nisir holds the ship, does not let it rock. Five and six, Mount Nisir holds the ship, does not let it swing. When the seventh day came, I brought out the dove and let it go; Having departed, the dove returned back: He did not find a place, he flew back. I took out the swallow and let go; Having set off, the swallow returned back: She did not find a place, she flew back. I took out the raven and let it go; The raven, having set off, saw the fall of the water, Did not return; croaks, eats and crap. I went out, I offered sacrifice on four sides, On the tower of the mountain I made an incense: Seven and seven I placed incense burners, In their cups I broke myrtle, reed and cedar. The gods smelled the smell, The gods smelled the good smell, The gods, like flies, gathered to the sacrificer. As soon as the mother goddess arrived, She lifted up a great necklace, Which Anu made for her joy: “O gods! I have an azure stone around my neck - How truly I will not forget, So I truly remember these days, Forever and ever I will not forget them! Let all the gods approach the sacrifice, let Ellil not approach this sacrifice, For he, without thinking, caused the flood And doomed my people to destruction! ” Ellil, as soon as he arrived there, Seeing the ship, Ellil was furious, Filled with anger at the Igigi gods: “What kind of soul was saved? Not a single person should have survived! ”Ninurta opened his mouth and says, He broadcasts to Ellil, the hero:“ Who, if not Ea, plans, And Ea knows every business! ”Ea opened his mouth and says, He broadcasts to Ellil, to the hero: “You are a hero, a sage among the gods! How, how, without thinking, did you arrange a flood? Place the sin on the one who sinned, Place the blame on the guilty one, - Hold on, lest he be destroyed, endure, lest he be defeated! What would you do with a flood, It would be better for a lion to appear, to reduce people! What would you do with a flood, It would be better for a wolf to appear, to reduce people! What would you do with a flood, Better famine would come, ruin the earth! What would you do with a flood, Better pestilence would come, people would be struck! Well, I did not betray the secrets of the great gods - I sent a dream to the Wise One, and he comprehended the secret of the gods. And now advise him!” Ellil got up, boarded the ship, He took me by the hand, led me out, He put my wife on his knees next to him, He touched our foreheads, stood between us, blessed us: like us, the gods, Let Utnapishti live at the mouth of the rivers, in the distance!“ They took me away, settled at the mouth of the rivers. Who would collect the gods for you now, so that you can find the life you are looking for? Here, don’t sleep for six days and seven nights!” As soon as he sat down, spreading his legs, - Sleep breathed on him, like the darkness of the desert. Utnapishti tells her, to her friend: “Look at the hero who wants life! Sleep breathed upon him like the darkness of the desert. His girlfriend tells him, distant Utnapishti: “Touch him, let the man wake up! By the same way, may he return calmly, Through the same gate, may he return to his land! Utnapishti tells her, to her friend: “The man is lying! He will deceive you: Here, bake him bread, put it at the head, And mark the days that he sleeps on the wall. She baked bread, put it at the head, And marked the days that he sleeps on the wall. His first bread fell apart, The second cracked, the third became moldy, The fourth - his crust turned white, The fifth was stale, the sixth was fresh, The seventh - at that time he touched it, and he woke up. Gilgamesh tells him, the distant Utnapishti: "Sleep overcame me for a moment - You touched me, awakened me right away." Utnapishti tells him, Gilgamesh: “Get up, Gilgamesh, count the bread, And the days that you slept, you will know: Your first bread fell apart, The second cracked, the third became moldy, The fourth - its crust turned white, The fifth was stale, the sixth was fresh, Seventh - at this time you have awakened. Gilgamesh tells him, the distant Utnapishti: “What to do, Utnapishti, where will I go? The thief has taken possession of my flesh, Death dwells in my chambers, And wherever I look, death is everywhere!” Utnapishti tells him, the shipbuilder Urshanabi: “Let the pier wait for you, let the transport forget you, Whoever came to the shore, strive for him! The man you brought - rags bound his body, Destroyed the skins of the beauty of his members. Take it, Urshanabi, take him to wash, Let him wash his clothes white, Let him throw off his skins - the sea will carry them away. Let his body become beautiful, Let him tie his head with a new bandage, Put on a vestment, cover his nakedness. As long as he goes to his city, Until he reaches his own way, The vestments are not taken off, everything will be new! Urshanabi took him, took him to wash, He washed his clothes white, He threw off his skins - the sea carried them away, His body became beautiful, He tied his head with a new bandage, Put on the vestment, he covered his nakedness. As long as he goes to his city, Until he reaches his own way, The vestments are not taken off, everything will be new. Gilgamesh and Urshanabi stepped into the boat, Pushed the boat into the waves and sailed on it. His girlfriend tells him, distant Utnapishti: “Gilgamesh walked, got tired and worked, - What will you give him, will he return to his country?” And Gilgamesh has already lifted the hook, He sent the boat to the shore. Utnapishti tells him, Gilgamesh: “Gilgamesh, you walked, got tired and worked, - What can I give you, will you return to your country? I will reveal, Gilgamesh, the hidden word, And I will tell you the secret of the flower: This flower is like a thorn at the bottom of the sea, Its thorns, like those of a rose, will prick your hand. If your hand gets this flower, - You will always be young. When Gilgamesh heard this, He opened the lid of the well, Tied heavy stones to his feet, They dragged him into the depths of the Ocean. He seized the flower, pricking his hand; He cut off heavy stones from his feet, The sea brought him to the shore. Gilgamesh tells him, the shipbuilder Urshanabi: “Urshanabi, that flower is a famous flower, For with it a man reaches life. I will bring it to Uruk fenced, I will feed my people, I will test the flower: If an old man becomes younger from him, I will sing from him - my youth will return. After twenty fields they broke off a slice, After thirty fields they stopped for a halt. Gilgamesh saw a reservoir, whose waters are cold, He descended into it, plunged into the water. The flower snake smelled the smell, It rose from the hole, dragged the flower away, Returning back, shed its skin. Meanwhile Gilgamesh sits and weeps, Tears run down his cheeks; Urshanabiz addresses the helmsman “For whom, Urshanabi, did your hands work? For whom does the heart bleed? I myself did not bring good, Delivered good to the earthen lion! For twenty fields, the abyss is now shaking the flower, Opening the well, I lost my tools, - I found something that became a sign to me: let me retreat! And I left the boat on the shore! After twenty fields they broke off a slice, After thirty fields they stopped for a halt, And they arrived at Uruk fenced. Gilgamesh tells him, the shipbuilder Urshanabi: “Get up, Urshanabi, walk along the walls of Uruk, Look at the foundation, touch the bricks - Were not its bricks burned And the walls were not laid by seven wise men?”

Table XI. "About the Seen" - the story of Gilgamesh. According to the ancient original written off and reconciled.

(Later, table XII was added, which is a translation of the Sumerian epic and is not connected with the plot of the rest.)

Notes

1

Uruk is a city in southern Mesopotamia, on the banks of the Euphrates (now Varka). Gilgamesh is a historical figure, the king of Uruk, who ruled the city around 2600 BC. e.

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2

Eana is the temple of the sky god Anu and his daughter Ishtar, the main temple of Uruk. In Sumer, temples were usually surrounded by outbuildings, where they kept crops from temple estates; these buildings were themselves considered sacred.

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3

Ishtar is the goddess of love, fertility, as well as hunting, war, the patroness of culture and Uruk.

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4

"Walking a long way" - a dead man.

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5

Shamash is the god of the sun and justice. His rod is a symbol of judicial power.

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6

Ellil is the supreme god.

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7

Humbaba is a giant monster that protects cedars from people.

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8

Aya - bride - goddess, friend of Shamash, the god of the Sun.

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9

The Anunnaki are the gods of the earth and the underworld.

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10

Mamet is one of the Anunnaki, the deities of the earth, the goddess who created people.

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About everything that has seen

Table I

Table II

Table III

Table IV

Table V

Table VI

Table VII

Table VIII

Table IX

Table X

Table XI. . . . . . . . . . .