harab = plough

Dating from at least early 2nd millennium BC

Implication of activities of female figures?

Theogony of Dunnu, a.k.a. Harab Myth

Motive for marriage of Plough and Earth(p. 279)

Importance of burial rites

Move from murder to imprisonment (p. 280):hint at eventual conclusion?

Intergenerational tensions?

Implications for modern readers

Dating to 9th or 8th century BC

Focus on sufferings of Babyloniaat time

Prophecy (pp. 308-9):Nabonassar (r. 747-34)Merodach-baladan II(r. 721-10)

Erra and Ishum, a.k.a. Poem/Epic of Erra

36 known copies of work in Assyria andBabylonia

Frequently appears on amulets

Erra and Ishum: Summary

Erra and Ishum (a.k.a. Hendursanga, fire godand herald of Erra)

Erra considers going to war but prefers tostay in bed with Mami. Roused from bedby Sebitti, who urge him to action. Ishumis concerned but unable to dissuade master

Erra persuades Marduk to vacate throne andleave him in charge

Erra and Ishum: Summary

Erra describes plans to devastate world despiteobjections of Ishum and other gods

Erra wreaks havoc in cities of Babylonia,causing social upheaval and killing bothjust and unjust. Marduk is grieved whilesome other gods take part in violence

Ishum placates master, destroys enemies ofBabylonia at Erra’s command

Erra and Ishum: Summary

Erra defends actions in gods’ assembly. Ishumsoothes master, who returns to Emeslamin Kutha

Ishum decrees restoration of fortunes of thepeople

Conclusion: Erra commands praise. Also getdetails of authorship and transmission aswell as of protective function of tablet

Structure: mainly speeches

Questions of ascribing speeches

Dramatic function?

Insight into Erra’s mind and how tomanipulate it?