26.) Cf IV R2 52, 3, 53.
[115] The invariable designation in the Assyrian version as against
_Uruk rib?tim_, "Erech of the plazas," in the old Babylonian version.
[116] In Ungnad-Gressmann, _Das Gilgamesch-Epos_, p. 123 _seq._
[117] See Jensen, p. 266. Gilgamesh is addressed as "judge," as the
one who inspects the divisions of the earth, precisely as Shamash is
celebrated. In line 8 of the hymn in question, Gilgamesh is in fact
addressed as Shamash.
[118] The darkness is emphasized with each advance in the hero's
wanderings (Tablet IX, col. 5).
[119] This tale is again a nature myth, marking the change from the
dry to the rainy season. The Deluge is an annual occurrence in the
Euphrates Valley through the overflow of the two rivers. Only the
canal system, directing the overflow into the fields, changed the
curse into a blessing. In contrast to the Deluge, we have in the
Assyrian creation story the drying up of the primeval waters so
that the earth makes its appearance with the change from the rainy
to the dry season. The world is created in the spring, according to
the Akkadian view which is reflected in the Biblical creation story,
as related in the P.
Pages:
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186