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p. xx

CONTENTS

 

 

PAGE

INTRODUCTION.

The Sources: the Sumerian Literary Tablets Dating from Approximately 2000 B. C

1

CHAPTER

 

 

I.

The Scope and Significance of Sumerian Mythology

26

II.

Myths of Origins

30

 

The Creation of the Universe

30

 

    The Organization of the Universe

41

 

    Enlil and Ninlil: the Begetting of Nanna

43

 

    The Journey of Nanna to Nippur

47

 

    Emesh and Enten: Enlil Chooses the Farmer god

49

 

    The Creation of the Pickax

51

 

    Cattle and Grain

53

 

    Enki and Ninhursag: the Affairs of the Water god

54

 

    Enki and Sumer: the Organization of the Earth and Its Cultural Processes

59

 

    Enki and Eridu: the Journey of the Water-god to Nippur

62

 

    Inanna and Enki: the Transfer of the Arts of Civilization from Eridu to Erech

64

 

    The Creation of Man

68

III.

Myths of Kur

76

 

    The Destruction of Kur: the Slaying of the Dragon

76

 

    Inanna's Descent to the Nether World

83

IV.

Miscellaneous Myths

97

 

    The Deluge

97

 

    The Marriage of Martu

98

 

    Inanna Prefers the Farmer

101

V.

References and Notes

104

 

Supplementary Notes

120

 

Index

125

 


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