Sumerian and Semitic Religious and Historical Texts

prosper the founding of Erech, to transfer her cult to that city, and to assist his arms in battle. This petition, originally addressed by Lugalbanda to his mother at Dêr, before they had migrated to Erech and had delivered Enmerkar, is not appropriate to the situation after the victory, but this fact did not disturb the ancient poet.

The poem ends with the reply to Innini (IV 15—41). Erech shall enjoy prosperity under Enmerkar, but if she find offense in Erech, she will return to Dêr.

In brief, the theme of this long poem is based upon two historical traditions. (1) Lugalbanda of Dêr came to the assistance of the new Sumerian settlement at Erech, which had become the champion of Sumerian civilization and the capital of Sumer and Accad. The old Semitic kingdom of Kish had been subdued, but Enmerkar, the second king of the Erech dynasty, was in sore distress. His danger excited the patriotism of the older Sumerian cities in the north, and they came to his aid. (2) The Sumerian cults of Dêr and Ashnunak were imitated at Erech, which henceforth became the center of the worship of Anu and Innini. It is possible that the recovery of this semi-mythological poem concerning Enmerkar and Lugalbanda may assist in the future interpretation of the epic of Gilgamish.

W—B. 162. Col. I.

10–15. [Fragmentary lines]
16. In fear go thou voluntarily.
17. [Fragmentary line]
18. The day dawned and when it lengthened, to his mother he replied.
19. “Ensigga hath caused thee to transcend all on high.
20. In the fields, evil ... and ... pursues.”
21. As one who goes in fear voluntarily,
22. Upon the road he set forth.
23. The scorpion (?) of the mountain ...
24. The python also approached hard by.
25. Unto the inhabitants of the city though going he came not;