The Epic of Gilgamesh

He brought back word from before the Flood. He traveled a distant road, and was weary and […]. [He engraved] on a stone tablet all his toil. He had the wall of Uruk the Sheepfold built, and of holy Eanna, the pure storehouse.note

Look at its wall, which is like a strand of [wool] (?); gaze at its parapet, which no one can equal. Take hold of the threshold stone, which is from of old. Draw near to Eanna, the dwelling of Ishtar, which no later king, no man at all, can equal.

Go up onto the wall of Uruk and walk about; inspect the foundation platform, survey the brickwork. Is not its brickwork of baked brick? Did not the Seven [Sages] lay its foundations?note

[Day] and [night] he is fierce in [his] arrogance (?). [Gilgamesh] (?), is he the [shepherd] of Uruk the [Sheepfold]? Is he [our] (?) shepherd […], [strong, splendid, wise] […]? [Gilgamesh] does not leave [the girl to her mother] (?), the daughter of the war[rior, the bride of the young man]. Their complaint [the gods heard].

The gods of heaven, the lord of Uruk […]: “You have brought into being a fierce son, [… his head held high like a wild bull]. He has no rival, and [his weapons are raised]. At the pukku [his companions] are roused. Gilgamesh does not leave the son to his father; day and night [he is fierce in his arrogance] (?). Is he the shepherd of Uruk [the Sheepfold]?note

Is he their shepherd and […], strong, splendid, wise […]? Gilgamesh does not leave the girl to [her mother] (?), the daughter of the warrior, the bride of the young [man].” Their complaint the god […] heard. They called Aruru, the great one: “You, Aruru, created [man];note

now create his likeness; let him be a match for the storm of his heart, [Gilgamesh] (?). Let them rival each other, and let Uruk have [peace].” When Aruru heard this, she formed in her heart an image of Anu. [A]ruru washed her hands, pinched off clay, and threw it into the open country. [In the open country] (?) she created Enkidu, the warrior, offspring of silence, a force of Ninurta. His whole body [is] shaggy with hair; his locks are made like a woman’s.note

The growth of his hair springs up like Nisaba. He knows neither people nor land; he is clothed in a garment like Sumuqan. With the gazelles he eats grass; with the beasts he jostles at the watering place; with the wild creatures his heart delights in the water. A hunter, a trapping man,note

met him face to face at the edge of the watering place. [One] day, a second, and a third, at the edge of the watering place he met him face to face. The hunter saw him, and his face froze. [He] and his beasts went into his house. [He was] afraid; he froze and was still. His heart [raged], his face was darkened.

Grief [entered] (?) his belly; his face was like [that of one who has traveled a road] far away.

[constantly] his feet [are set] (?) at the edge of the watering place. [I am afraid, and] I do not go near [him]. [He has filled in the] pits that [I] (?) dug; [he has torn out] my traps that I [spread]; [he has let slip from my hands] the beasts, the wild creatures of the open [country]; [he does not let] me do the work of the open [country].”

[he will say: ‘Go, hunter,] lead [the courtesan Shamhat with you]. […] like a strong one. [When he] waters (?) [the beasts at] the watering place, [let her strip off her] clothing and [reveal her] charms. [He will see] her and draw near [to] her. His beasts [that grew up in] his open country will turn away from him.’”

To the counsel of his father he [set his mind] (?). The hunter went [to Gilgamesh]; he took the road, and toward Uruk he [set his face]. […] Gilga[mesh] […]: “There is a certain young man who [has come from the mountains]; in the land [his strength] is mighty;

like a lump of Anu [his strength] is mighty. He roams over the mountains [constantly] (?); constantly with the beasts [he jostles at the watering place]; constantly his feet [are set] (?) at the edge of the watering place. I am afraid, and I do not go near [him]. He has filled in the pits that [I] dug;

he has torn out my traps [that I spread]; he has let slip from my hands the beasts, the wild creatures [of the open country]; he does not let me do the work of the open country.” Gilgamesh spoke to him, saying [to] the hunter: “Go, hunter, lead the courtesan Shamhat with you. When he waters the beasts at the watering place,

let her strip off her clothing and reveal her charms. He will see her and draw near to her. His beasts that grew up in his open country will turn away from him.” The hunter went, leading the courtesan Shamhat with him. They took the road, they set out on the way. On the third day they reached the appointed place.

The hunter and the courtesan settled into their places. One day, a second day, they sat at the edge of the watering place. The beasts came; they drank at the watering place.

the murderous young man from the depths of the open country. “This is he, Shamhat! Bare your bosom, open your lap, and let him take your charms. Do not hold back; take in his breath. He will see you and draw near to you. Spread out your clothing, so that he may lie upon you.

Do for him, the primal man, the work of a woman. His beasts that grew up in his open country will turn away from him. His passion will cling to your body.” Shamhat loosened her garments, opened her lap, and he took her charms. She did not hold back; she took in his breath. She spread out her clothing, and he lay upon her.

She did for him, the primal man, the work of a woman; his passion clung to her body. For six days and seven nights Enkidu was aroused and coupled with Shamhat. When he was sated with her delights, he set his face toward his beasts. The gazelles saw Enkidu and ran away;

the beasts of the open country shied away from his body. Enkidu was taken aback; his body was spent. His knees stood still, while his beasts went off. Enkidu was weakened; his running was [not] as before. But he had grown, [and was broadened] in understanding. He turned back […] and [sat down] at the feet of the courtesan.

He gazed at the face of the courtesan, and as the courtesan spoke, his ears listened. [The courtesan] spoke to him, saying to Enkidu: “You are [beautiful], Enkidu; you have become like a god. [Why] do you roam the open country with the wild creatures? Come, let me lead (?) you [into] Uruk the Sheepfold,

to the pure house, the dwelling of Anu and Ishtar, where Gilgamesh is perfect in strength, and like a wild bull lords it over the people.” She spoke to him, and her words found favor; aware of his own heart, he was seeking a friend. Enkidu spoke to her, saying to the courtesan:

“Come, Shamhat, take me along to the pure and holy house, the dwelling of Anu and Ishtar, where Gilgamesh is perfect in strength, and like a wild bull lords it over the people. I will call out to him, and boldly [I will speak]:

where [the people] are [resplendent] in festive garments; [day by day] a festival is held; where […] (?) the [cult performers] and the drum […], and the [courtesans] (?) […] are fair of form, [adorned] with charms, […] full of joy; from the bed of [night] they [draw out] (?) the great ones.note

Enki[du, you who rejoice] (?) in life, let me show you Gilgamesh, the man of joy. Look at him, gaze at his face: he is fair in young manhood, he has vigor; his whole body is adorned with [charm]; he has strength mightier than yours.

He does not rest, by day or by night. Enkidu, set aside your arrogance. Shamash loves Gilgamesh, and Anu, Enlil, and Ea have broadened his wisdom. Before you came from the mountains, Gilgamesh in Uruk was seeing dreams of you.”

Gilgamesh arose and interpreted the dream, saying to his mother: “Mother, I saw a dream during my night. The stars of heaven appeared, and like a lump of Anu something kept falling upon me. I lifted it, but it was too strong for me. I strained at it, but I could not move it.

The land of Uruk stood around [it], [the land was gathered] over [it], [the people pressed] upon [it], [the young men] crowded over it, […] my [companions] kissed its feet. [I, like] a wife, embraced it,

[and I] laid it at [your] feet, [because (?) you] made it equal with me.” [The mother of Gilgamesh (?), the wise, the] knowing one, who knows everything, said to her lord. [Ninsun (?), the wise,] the knowing one, who knows everything, said to Gilgamesh: “[Your companions (?)] are the stars of heaven. [Like a lump of] Anu, which fell upon you,

[you lifted it, but it was too] strong for you. [You strained at it, but] you could not move it. [You laid] it at my feet, [because I made] it equal with you. [Like a wife] you [embraced] it.

[Gilgamesh spoke a second time] to his mother: “[Mother, I have] seen a second dream. [In Uruk the Sheepfold] an axe lay, and they gathered around it. [The land of Uruk] stood around it, [the land was gathered] over it, [the people pressed] upon it.

[I] laid it at your feet, [and] like a wife I embraced it, [because (?)] you made it equal with me.” [The mother of Gilgamesh (?), the] wise, the knowing one, who knows everything, said to her son. [Ninsun (?), the] wise, the knowing one, who knows everything, said to Gilgamesh: “[The axe] that you saw is a man.

[You] will embrace him like a wife, [because (?)] I made him equal with you. [He is] a strong companion, one who saves a friend. His strength [is greatest in the land]. [Like a lump of] Anu his strength is mighty.” [Gilgamesh opened his mouth and] spoke, saying to his mother:

“[…] great, may it fall, […] I would gain [a friend (?)], […] your […] I.” [Gilgamesh interpreted] his dreams. [Shamhat] spoke to Enkidu. [They sat down,] the two of them.

[…] [Enki]du. […]. […]. […]. […].

[…] to the house […]. […] Uruk the Sheepfold to […]. […].

the young men crowded [over him]. Like a little child he [sucked (?) milk (?)]. Straightaway a handsome young man […]. For Ishhara the bed of [night was laid]. For Gilgamesh, like a god, was set [for him] […] a calf (?). Enkidu blocked the door of the wedding house with [his] feet.note

He would not let Gilgamesh enter. They seized each other at the door of the wedding house. They grappled in the street, in the square of the land. […] they shook (?) the wall, […] (?).

saying to [Rishat-Ninlil (?)]: “Rishat-Nin[lil], […] my son […] bitterly […].”

He was born in the wilderness, and no one [can rival him]. Enkidu stood and heard [his words]. He was troubled and sat down [weeping (?)]. His eyes filled [with tears]. His arms went limp, and [his] strength [weakened].

They clasped [their hands] together. [They joined (?)] their hands like [brothers]. […] without […]. [Enki]du spoke a word [to Gilgamesh]: “[My friend], […] […].”

“My friend, the one to whom we are going (?) […], Humbaba, whom we […].” Gilgamesh opened his mouth [and spoke, saying to Enkidu]: “[My] friend, let us […].”

[…] whose fury is a flood. [At the opening of] his mouth the heavens quake, [the mountains (?)] shake, the hills tremble, […] the slopes stand, […] heaven, earth […] the circle [of the world]. [His mouth is] Gibil, [his] breath [is death].

A [lump] of Anu fell upon me. I lifted it, but it was too heavy for me. I pushed at it, but I could not move it. The land of Uruk was gathered around it, and the young men kissed its feet. I braced my forehead,

and they supported me. I lifted it and brought it to you.” The mother of Gilgamesh, who knows everything, said to Gilgamesh: “Surely, Gilgamesh, one like you was born in the wilderness,

and the hills raised him. You will see him, and […] you will rejoice. The young men will kiss his feet. You will take him, [you will find] him, and you will lead him to me.” He lay down and saw another.

He told the [dream] to his mother: “[Mother], I have seen another [dream]. At my father-in-law’s, in the street [of Uruk] of the broad squares, an axe lay, and they were gathered around it.

It was an axe, and its appearance was strange. I saw it and I rejoiced. I loved it, and like a wife I caressed it. I took it and set it at my side.”

The mother of Gilgamesh, who knows [every]thing, [said to Gilgamesh:] [“Gilgamesh, the one you saw is a man.] [You caress him]

En[kidu] was aroused and lay with Sha[mhat]. The c[ourtesan opened her mouth] and spoke, [saying] to Enkidu: “I look at you, Enkidu: you are like a god. Why with the wild beasts

do you roam the steppe? Come! Let me lead you into the midst of [Uruk] of the broad squares, to the [pure] house, the dwelling of Anu. Enkidu, rise, let me lead you to E[an]na, the dwelling of Anu,

where [Gilgamesh is perfect] in vigor; and yo[u], li[ke] […] (?), will [love him like] yourself. Come! Rise from the ground, the bed (?) of the shepherd.” He heard her word and accepted her speech.

The coun[sel] of the woman fell into his heart. She stripped off her garment; with one she clothed him, and the second [garment] she put on herself.

She took hold of his hand; like a brother she led him to the hut of the shepherd, the place of the fold. A[round] him the shepherds [gath]ered.

how to eat bread; how to drink beer he had not been taught. The courtesan opened her mouth and spoke, saying to Enkidu: “Eat the bread, Enkidu,

what befits life; drink the beer, the custom of the land.” Enkidu ate bread until he was full; he drank beer, seven jugs.

His spirit loosened, he sang; his heart rejoiced, and his face [be]came bright. He rubbed […] (?) his hairy body; with oil he anointed himself, and

he became a man. He put on a garment; he was like a warrior. He took his weapon; he attacked lions, so that the shepherds could lie down at night.

He struck wolves, he drove off lions. The great herd[smen] la[y down]; Enkidu was their watchman, a strong man, a young man without equal.

He spoke to [Gilgamesh].

I would know his name.” The courtesan called to the man; she went up to him and saw him: “Young man, where are you hurry[ing]? What is this weari[some] journey of yours?” The young man opened his mouth and

spoke, saying to En[kidu]: “To the house of marriage […] (?) [… Gilgamesh]. It is the custom of the people, the selection of brides. For the city the incense offerings are heaped up; the food of the city, the delicacies of the sisters.

For the king of Uruk of the broad squares the veil of the act is opened for the bridegroom; for Gilgamesh, king of Uruk of the broad squares, the veil of the act is opened for the bridegroom. He lies with the destined wife,

he first, the husband after. By the counsel of the god it was spoken; at the cutting of his umbilical cord it was his destiny.” At the word of the young mannote

his face grew pale.

The people gathered and talked about him: “He is like Gilgamesh in form; in stature he is shorter, in b[one (?)] […] he is [mas]sive. […] he tends.

[…] [a child (?)] […] he became; he used to suck the milk of the wild beasts.” Constantly in [the midst of] Uruk there were weapons; the young men made merry; a champion was set up

for the young man whose features were fine; for Gilgamesh, like a god, a rival was set up. For Ishhara the bed was laid, and Gilgamesh ro[se (?)] […]

In the night he la[y] down (?), and he approached. [Enkidu] went into the street; he blocked the [p]ath of Gilgamesh. […] in his strength.

They met in the square of the land. Enkidu blocked the gate with his foot; he did not let Gilgamesh enter. They seized each other, and like bulls they grappled.

They shattered the doorpost; the wall shook. Gilgamesh and Enkidu seized each other, and like bulls they grappled. They shattered the doorpost;

the wall shook. Gilgamesh knelt, his foot on the ground. His anger abated and his breast grew calm. After his breast had grown calm,

Enkidu spoke to him, saying to Gilgamesh: “As one unique your mother bore you, the wild cow of the fold, Ninsun.

Exalted above men is your head; kingship over the people Enlil has destined for you.”

[…] [to the forest]. A task (?) […] in […] (?). […] he. They made […] (?). […] they conferred. […]

Before […] of Sham[hat] […] No[w] (?) […] […] [Bitterly (?)] […]

[…] he kept sigh[ing]. [Gilgamesh] turned his face; [he said] to Enkidu: “[Why] are your eyes [filled with] tears,

[is] your [heart sad], […] [do you keep] sighing?” [Enkidu opened his mouth and spoke], saying to Gilgamesh: “Cries of woe, my friend,

have pulled at my sinews; my arms have gone slack, my strength has weakened.” Gilgamesh opened his mouth and spoke, saying to Enkidu:

[…] let me open (?) it.” Enkidu opened his mouth and spoke, saying to Gilgamesh: “Know, my friend, in the mountains, when I roamed with the herd: for one league on every side the forest extends.note

[I] went down into its midst. [Humbaba]—his roar is a flood, his mouth is Gibil, his breath is death. Why do you desire to do this?

A battle not to be withstood is the [onslaught (?)] of Humbaba.” Gilgamesh opened his mouth and spoke, saying to Enkidu: “[I desire (?)] to climb its mountains, [I will go to the] forest.

[…] […] to […] the dwelling of […] the hatchet […] you […]

I […].” Enkidu opened his mouth [and spoke], saying to [Gilgamesh]: “How [shall] we go to the [Cedar] Forest? Its guardian, Gilgamesh, is a [warrior],

mighty, never [sleeping]. Humbaba […] Shamash (?) […] Adad […] he […]

As for mankind, their days are numbered; whatever they keep doing is but wind. You, even here, are afraid of death; your heroic might has no strength. Let me go before you, and let your mouth call out to me, ‘Advance, do not fear!’

If I fall, let me establish my name: ‘Gilgamesh fell with Humbaba the fierce.’ Since he was born and grew up in my house, he attacked you, and say (?): you know everything. […] (?) […]

[…] […] open […] like […] (?) […] (?). [Thus you have cried] out to me; you have saddened my heart. [Let me set my hand to it], and […] (?) the cedar.

[A name that] endures I will establish for myself. [Let us go (?)], my friend, to the forge and give the order: [let them cast weapons] in our presence.” [They went (?)] to the forge and gave the order. The craftsmen sat and conferred. They cast great axes.

They cast hatchets of three talents; they cast great daggers, their blades of two talents, their edges thirty minas on their sides, […] the daggers thirty minas of gold. Gilgamesh and Enkidu were loaded with ten talents.note

[At the] gate of [Ur]uk with its seven bolts […] heard (?), and the troops assembled. […] (?) in the street of Uruk of the broad squares […] Gilgamesh. [The elders of Uruk] of the broad squares […] sat down before him.

[Gilgamesh spoke thus]: “[Hear, elders of Uruk] of the broad squares!

A name that endures I will establish for myself.” The elders of Uruk of the broad squares gave answer to Gilgamesh: “You are young, Gilgamesh; your heart carries you away. Whatever you keep doing, you do not understand. We have heard that Humbaba—his features are strange.

Who [can] face his weapons? For one [league] on every side the forest extends. Who [would] go down into its midst? Humbaba—his roar is a flood, his mouth is Gibil, his breath is death. Why do you desire to do this?

A battle not to be withstood is the onslaught (?) of Humbaba.” Gilgamesh heard the words of his counselors. He looked around and laughed to his [friend]: “Now, my [friend], [I will speak] thus: I fear him, and […] [Let me go] […]

The word that he speaks […]: “I go, Shamash, [I raise] my hands. Henceforth may I keep my [life] safe; bring me back to the quay of [Uruk]; set protection [over me].” Shamash called out, and […]

His oracle […] […] […] […] when (?) […]

[…] you […] on (?) thrones. […].” [They cast] great [daggers (?)], [bow] and quiver they placed [in] the hand. He [took] the axe,

[…] his quiver […] the second; [he set his] dag[ger] in his belt. [Before (?)] they set out on the journey, […] (?) were praying to (?) Shamash (?). […] (?) he returned into Uruk.

[The elders] bless him; [about] the road they counsel Gilgamesh: “[Do not] trust, Gilgamesh, in your strength; let your [road] be watched, and guard yourself. Let Enkidu go before you; he has seen [the way], he has traveled the road.

[…] the passes of the forest, [of] Humbaba, all of their […] (?). [He who goes] in front keeps his companion safe; [his road] watched, [he guards himself]. May Shamash [let you attain] your victory; what your mouth has [sp]oken, may he show your eyes.

May they open the barred path for you; may the road be cleared for your tread; may the mountains be cleared for your feet. May your night bring a word that you will rejoice in, and may Lugalbanda stand by you in your victory.note

Like a youth, attain your victory. In the river of Humbaba, whom you are striving after, wash your feet. At your night’s rest dig a well; let there always be pure water in your waterskin. [Co]ol water you shall pour out to Shamash,

[and ever (?)] remember Lugalbanda.” [Enkidu] opened his mouth and spoke, saying to Gilgamesh: “[Gilgamesh], […] you have insisted: undertake the journey. [Let] your heart [not] fear; look to me. [He has set] his dwelling at my side, [the road] which Humbaba travels.

[…] speak and […] them.

“Go, Gilgamesh, may […]. Let your brother (?) go [before you (?)]; let him show [you] […]. Shamash (?) may (?) […]. Knowing […]. The leagues […].”

He knows the roads to the Cedar Forest; he has seen battle and is experienced in fighting. Let Enkidu protect the friend, keep the companion safe; let him bring his body back to the wives. In our assembly we entrust the king to you; on your return you shall entrust the king back to us.”

Gilgamesh opened his mouth and spoke, saying to Enkidu: “Come, my friend, let us go to the Egalmah, before Ninsun, the great queen. Ninsun, the wise, the knowing one, who knows everything, will set the path of counsel for our feet.”note

They took each other by the hand, Gilgamesh and Enkidu, and went to the Egalmah, before Ninsun, the great queen. Gilgamesh arose and entered into [the house (?) of the] queen: “Ninsun, I have spoken […], a distant road to where [Humbaba is].

[A battle] that I do not know [I will face], [a path] that I do not [know I will travel], [until the day that I go and return,] [until I reach the Cedar Forest,] [until I slay Humbaba the fierce] [and destroy from the land all the evil that Shamash hates.]

[…] his. […] clothed. […] before you.” [Ninsun […] the words] of Gilgamesh, her son, […] she listened to.

She [sprinkled] […], she went up to the roof. She went up [to] […] Shamash and set out incense; she set out the [offering before] Shamash and lifted up her arms: “Why have you given my [son] Gilgamesh a restless heart and laid it upon him? Now you have touched him, and he goes a distant road to where Humbaba is.

A battle that he does not know he will face, a path that he does not know he will travel, until the day that he goes and returns, until he reaches the Cedar Forest, until he slays Humbaba the fierce and destroys from the land all the evil that you hate.

On the day that you [have fixed] the term […], may Aya the bride, who fears you, remind you of him; [him] to the watches of the night […]. […] evening […].note

The beasts of the steppe […]. He waits for […]. […]. […].

In the cedar gate […]. Gilgamesh […] and Enkidu […].

The path […]. Touch and […]. Because he knows […]. The road […]. And […]. Until [Gilgamesh goes and returns to the Cedar Forest],

be it [a day] […], be it [a month] […], be it [a year] […], in […].”

with the oblates of Gilgamesh, the high priestesses, the holy women [and the] devotees.” She put a token on the neck (?) [of] Enkidu. “The high priestesses took […], and the daughters of the gods brought up (?) […]. I […] Enkidu […] have taken as […].note

Enkidu to […] [Gil]gamesh […]. […] laughter (?) […], and […] until, until he [goes and returns, until he reaches] the [Cedar Forest], be it a month […], be it a year […].”

[And (?)] Gilgamesh in the Egal[mah] […]. He [offered] (?) an offering […]. […] the sons of the king (?) […]. […] and […] his (?) […].

saying [to Gilgamesh]: “My friend, turn [back] […]. A road not […]. Let us […].”

Your name […]. He has torn out […]. He [heard] his words […]. Gilgamesh [his words] […]. Gilgamesh [opened his] mouth [and spoke] […].

until I saw the lofty cedar […]. Your wood has no rival [in the land (?)]. Six GAR is your height, two GAR your breadth […]. Your post, your pivot and your crossbar […]. I made you, I carried you; in Nippur […].note

Had I known, door, that this [was your majesty (?)] and this the beauty [of your workmanship (?)], I would have lifted the axe, I would have […], I would have bound a raft […].”

[…] left […]. […] grief […]. […] let me pray to the gods […]. […] your god, let me […]. […] the father of the gods […]. […] your […].

“[Hurry], stand against him, let him not [pursue you (?)]. [Let us go] down into the forest and let us not [be afraid (?)]. [And (?)] he wears seven cloaks […]. […] he wears, and six he has taken off […]. Like a fierce wild bull he has turned hostile (?) […].”

He raised a cry at the top of [his] voice; the guardian of the forests shouts […]. Humbaba, like […].

A third day and a fourth day [that Enkidu lay on his bed]; a fifth, a sixth and a seventh, an eighth, a ninth [and a tenth]. Enkidu’s sickness […]. An eleventh and a twelfth day […]. Enkidu [lay] on [his bed]. He called Gilgamesh […].

“He has cursed me, my [friend], […]. As one who in the midst of [Uruk] […]. I feared the battle […]. My friend, he who in [battle] […]. I […]

[With a] shout, raise up with me and [repeat] […]. […] the kettledrum, let it be […]. Let the stiffness of your arm leave, and let the weakness [of your hands] depart. […] and (?) stand (?), my friend; together let us [go down]. […] your heart […] combat; forget death and do not […]. [The mighty (?)] carry off; a man who is careful,

[he who] goes [in front], guards his body and keeps his companion safe.” [By] their good deeds they have established a name. [At the] boundary (?) the two of them arrived. Their words [ceased]; they stood still.

On the face of the mountain the cedar lifts up its abundance. Its shade is [good], full of delight. [Tangled] is the thornbush, tangled the […]. […] the cedar and the ballukku-tree […]. […] one league […]. […] a second time, to two-thirds […].

[…] knot, [not] […]. […] let it be like […]. […] let […]. […]

He [slipped in] […]. [Humbaba] […]. He did not [come] […]. He did not [come] […].

[Let] me destroy you […]. […] let it be [tripled (?)] […]. […] strong; two […]. […] your […]. […] you [took] (?) […].”

“[My friend], [your dream] is good; the [dream] is precious […]. [My friend], the mountain that you [saw] […]. [We shall] seize Humbaba, [we shall cast down his corpse], [and] his body on the plain […]. At dawn […].”

He poured out his flour offering [into the well]: “Mountain, bring a dream […].” He made for him […].

[Sleep], which pours over people, fell upon him. [In] the middle watch he ended his sleep. [He rose] and spoke to his friend: “[My friend], did you not call me? Why am I awake? [Did you not] touch me? Why am I startled? [Did] not a god pass by? Why is my flesh numb?

[My friend], I have seen a third dream, and the dream that I saw was wholly bewildering. The heavens cried out, the earth roared. [The day] grew still, darkness came forth. Lightning [flashed], fire was kindled. […] blazed up, death rained down.

The glare [went out], the fire went out. […] which kept falling turned to ash. [Let us go down], and in the steppe we can take counsel.” [Now] Enkidu made him accept his dream, saying to [Gilgamesh]:

[Enkidu] opened his mouth and [spoke, saying to Gilgamesh]: “[My friend], I say to you […]. I will go down [to] […].”

“Come, Gilgamesh, be my bridegroom! Grant me your fruit as a gift. You be my husband and I will be your wife. Let me harness for you a chariot of lapis lazuli and gold, whose wheels are gold and whose horns are amber. You shall have storm demons harnessed for you as great mules.

Enter our house amid the fragrance of cedar. When you enter our house, let threshold and dais kiss your feet. Let kings, lords and princes bow down beneath you. Let […] of mountain and land bring you tribute. Let your goats bear triplets, your ewes twins.

Let your colts under load outpace the mules. Let the horses at the chariot be glorious at the gallop. Let [your mules (?)] under the yoke have no rival.”

[…] fit for kingship. […] […] be heaped up. […] [is clothed] with a garment. […] I marry you. […] in (?) bringing in.

A back door [that does not] keep out wind and draft; a palace that [crushes] […] the warriors; an elephant […] its covering; bitumen that […] [the man] who carries it; a waterskin that […] [the man] who carries it; limestone that […] the stone wall;

jasper […] [in] the land of the enemy; a shoe that [pinches] its owner! Which lover [did you love] forever? Which of your allallu-birds [went up above you]? Come, let me […] your lovers.note

You loved the lion, perfect in strength; you dug for him seven and seven pits. You loved the horse, glorious in battle; you decreed for him the whip, the spur and the lash. You decreed for him to gallop seven leagues; you decreed for him to drink muddied water;

for his mother Silili you decreed weeping. [You loved] the shepherd, the herdsman, [who] constantly heaped up ash-cakes for you, [and every day] [slaughtered] young goats for you. [You struck] him and turned him into a wolf. His own shepherd boys drive him off,note

and his dogs bite his haunches. You loved Ishullanu, your father’s gardener, who constantly brought you baskets of dates and every day made your table shine. You raised your eyes to him and went to him: ‘My Ishullanu, let us taste your vigor,

and put out your hand and touch our vulva.’ Ishullanu said to you: ‘What do you want of me? Has my mother not baked, and have I not eaten, that I should eat food of insults and curses? Against the cold, [is] the rush a covering?’

You heard this [that he said]; you struck him and [turned him] into a mole. You made him dwell in the midst of [toil (?)]. He cannot go up the miḫḫu, he cannot go down the dak[û] […]. And as for me, you would love me and [make me] like them.”note

my foul deeds and my curses.” Anu opened his mouth and spoke, saying to the princess Ishtar: “Was it not you yourself who called forth [your allure] […]? And Gilgamesh recounted your foul deeds, your foul deeds and [your curses].”

I will str[ike] […], I will se[t] […], […], upon […].”

[If there are seven] years of chaff, [I have gathered grain for the people], [I have made] grass [grow for the cattle]. […] him.”

[…] […]. It went down […]. At its snorting […] two hundred young men […].

Enkidu was thrown down to his waist. Enkidu leapt up and [seized] the Bull of Heaven by [its] horns. The Bull of Heaven spat [its] slaver into his face; with the thick of its tail […] him […].

Let me tear out […]. I […]. Let me st[and] […]. Let me fill […]. In […]. And [between] its neck [and] its horns […].

[…] your […] […].” Enkidu circled […] the Bull of Heaven; he [seized (?)] it by [the thick of] its tail. […]. And Gilgamesh, like a [man (?)] […], valiant and […].

Between the neck, the horns and […] […] it […]. After they had slain the Bull, they tore out [its] heart and set it before Shamash. They drew back and prostrated themselves before Shamash. Then the two brothers sat down together.

I would treat you! I would hang its entrails at your side.” Ishtar assembled the temple women, the šamḫatu-courtesans and the ḫarimtu-courtesans; over the right haunch of the Bull of Heaven she set up a lament. Gilgamesh summoned the craftsmen, the smiths,note

all of them. The craftsmen’s sons admired the thickness of its horns: thirty minas of lapis lazuli was their mass, two fingers was their rim. Six gur of oil, the capacity of the two, he gave for the anointing of his god Lugalbanda.

He brought them in and hung them up in the bedchamber of his lordship. They washed their hands in the Euphrates, took hold of each other and came, riding through the street of Uruk. The people of Uruk gathered, gazing [at them]. Gilgamesh, to the serving women [of Uruk (?)],

[spoke] a word: “Who is the finest among the young men? Who is the most splendid among the males? Gilgamesh is the finest among the young men, [Enkidu is the most splen]did among the males! […] (?) […] our anger.

[…] […] […] the street; he has no mulu[tta] (?). […] go[ing out (?)] […] the hand of […] his […] (?).”

[…] of the Bull of Heaven […]. […] two minas of tērītu […]. […] the might of the Bull of [Heaven] […]. […].

how is it you did not wake me? Why […]? Enkidu, my friend, I have seen a dream. Did you wake me? Why […]?

In the land he was the fairest, and his beauty […]. From beneath the mountain he drew me out and […]. He gave me water to drink, and my heart grew ca[lm]. He set [my] feet (?) on the ground.”

The chief of the words that […] us […]. Great donkeys I will […]. Dušû-stone in your abundance […]. Let them kiss […].note

he has wronged me, the bull of the sixth month […]. He has slighted me; now give […]. The nose-rope of the Bull, Gilgamesh […]. Takmam, let (?) […].”

In (?) heaven before […]. […] his […] he consumed […]. […] of famine […]. […] lip […].”

[…] (?) that shall not end, for ever and ever. [Let] me curse you with a great curse; […] quickly may its curses pour down upon you. […] [may] (?) they cast down the fullness of your allure. […] [you] love the off[spring] (?) of your taḫûtu. […] […] of the young women.

[…] […] may it soil. […] [may] it besmear. […]. […] of the potter. […] she. […] he will cast in your house.

[…] the road, may it be your dwelling; […] [may it be] your standing place; […] [o]f your feet. [May the drunk and the thirsty strike] your cheek. […] your […], may he cry out. […] he gave.

[…]. […]. […]. […] of blue-purple wool […]. […] clothed (?), we remove […] of your lap, šaḫrim […].

Because of me […] [she has cursed] me, and on me [she has laid] sick[ness], upon my body.”

and made you have fair Gilgamesh as your companion? [N]ow Gilgamesh, your friend, your brother, [will] lay you on a great bed; [on] a bed of loving care he will lay you; he will [s]eat you on a seat of rest, a seat at the left; [the ru]lers of the earth will kiss your feet.

He will [make] the people of Uruk weep for you, he will make them mourn for you; [the flourishing] people he will fill with woe for you; [and he] himself, after you, will let [his] body bear matted hair, [he will put] on the skin of a dog and roam the wil[derness].”

[…] your […], lapis lazuli and gold. […] [may they re]pay [your kindness (?)] to you. […] his [b]razier (?), his storehouses heaped up. […] the gods, may he bring you in. […] [may] the mother of seven, the wife, [be] forsaken.”

[…] [Enki]du, his insides were sick; […] and (?) he lay down alone. [He went] […] in the night, from his heart, to his friend: “[My friend,] […] I saw a dream in my night: the heavens [cried out], the earth answered;

[…] I was standing [alone] (?); […] his face was dark; […]-like was his face; […] his […], his nails were the talons of an eagle; […] he overpowered me.

[…] he leapt; […] he submerged me; […] upon m[e]; […] [my] (?) body; […].

to the house whose dwellers are deprived of light, where dust is their sustenance and clay their food. They are clothed like birds in a garment of wings, and they see no light, they dwell in darkness. Over the do[or and the bolt dust is spread]. In the h[ouse of du]st that I entered,

I lo[oked] […], and crowns were heaped up; I [saw] (?) […] those of the crowns who from days of old had ruled the land, […] (?) Anu and Enlil, they set out roast meat; […] baked (?) goods they set out, they poured cool water from waterskins. In the house of dust that I entered there dwelt the high priest and the acolyte;

[th]ere dwelt the purification priest and the ecstatic; [there] dwelt the anointed priests of the great gods; [th]ere dwelt Etana, there dwelt Sumuqan; [there dwelt] the queen of the netherworld, Ereshkigal. [Belit]-seri, scribe of the netherworld, knelt before her; […] and she kept reading aloud before her.note

She [raised] her head, she saw me; […] and she took this […].”

[…]. […] me. […] [Eresh]kigal. […] the flood. […].

To […]. Slee[p] […]. […]. […]. […].

[…] aniella. […] the meadow, like your mother. […] the cedar oil. […] in our fury. […] […] the panther.

[…] [the wild creat]ures of the steppe; […] on its bank; […]; […]; […] [Uruk the Sheep]fold.”

the sword of my belt, […] in front of me, my festive garment, […] [for] my delight: […] (?) rose up and […] me.

Like an eagle he circled […]; like a lioness [b]ereft of [her] whel[ps] […] he kept turning to face [his friend (?)]; he plucked out and threw away […]; he tore off and cast away the finery of [his] b[ody].

the flourishing people [I will fill with woe for you]; and I, after you, [will let my body bear matted hair], I will put on the skin of a l[ion and roam the wilderness].”

[…] minas of gold for his friend. […] minas of gold for his friend. […] minas of gold for his friend. […] minas of gold for his friend. […] they are carved (?), set with thirty minas of gold.

[…] [of them] for his friend. […] of them for his friend. […] their [th]ickness. […] [of them] for his friend. […] great.

[…] for his friend. […] of his waist. […] for his friend. […] for his friend. […] for his friend.

[…] the Euphrates. […] [of the earth] he displayed to Shamash. […] of the wide [earth]. […] [so that he may rejoice], may he go at his side. […] of alabaster.

[…] a strainer for the companions of the wide earth he displayed to Shamash. […] of the Deep, a strainer for the companions of the wide earth. […] so that he may rejoice, may he go at his side. […] whose top is lapis lazuli. […] inlaid with carnelian.

I have taken the road, and I travel quickly. At night I reached the mountain passes. I saw lions and I was afraid. I lifted my head and prayed to Sin; to […] (?) of the gods my prayers went: ‘[…] keep me safe!’”note

[…] he lay down, and [awoke (?)] from a dream. […] they rejoiced in life. [He raised his axe] to his side; he drew [the sword] from his belt. Like an arrow […] he fell [among] them. He struck […] (?) and smashed it.

And […] he […] (?) her, and […]. He threw […]. He drew […]. The name of the fir[st] […]. The name of the second […]. He raised […].

To […]. […]. […]. […].

whose terror is awesome and whose glance is death, whose fearsome radiance overwhelms the mountains; at the rising of the sun and the setting of the sun they guard the sun. Gilgamesh saw them, and fear and terror darkened his face. He collected his wits and drew near before them.

The scorpion-man called to his wife: “He who has come to us—his body is the flesh of the gods.” The scorpion-man’s wife answered him: “Two-thirds of him is god, and one-third of him is human.” [The scorpion-]man, the male, called out; […] of the gods, he spoke a word:

“[…] a distant road. […] into my presence. […] whose crossing is difficult. […] your […], let me learn. […] your […] is set. […] [let me] learn.”

No one [has traveled the path (?)] of the mountain. For twelve leagues [its] interior (?) […]. Dense is the darkness, and [there is] no [light]. To the rising of the sun […]. To the setting of the sun […]. To the setting of the [sun] […].

They brought out […]. […]. I [threw (?)] […]. You shall [enter] […]. [Good]. […].”

“Go, Gilga[mesh] […]. The mountains of Mashu […]. The mountains, the [ranges] […]. Safely may [he travel (?)] […]. The gate of the mountain […] (?).” Gilga[mesh, on hearing this],

to the words [of the scorpion-man paid heed (?)]. The road of Shamash […]. One league […]. Dense is the dark[ness, and there is no light]. It does not allow [him] […]. Two leagues […].note

[Six leagues] […]. Dense is the darkness, [and there is no light]. It does not allow [him] […]. When he reached seven leagues […]. Dense is the darkness, and [there is] no [light]. It does not allow him […] (?) behind [him].

Eight leagues […] (?) […], he cr[ies out (?)]. Dense is the dar[kness, and there is no] light. It does not [allow him] […] (?) behind him. Nine leagues […] the north wind. […] his face. […] [there is] light.

[…] (?) behind him. [When he reached ten leagues], […] drew near. […] of a league. [When he reached eleven leagues, he came out] before the sun. [When he reached twelve leagues,] brightness was there.

[To (?)] […] (?) the trees of […], on seeing them, he went straight on. The carnelian bears its fruit; the vine is laden, lovely to look upon. The lapis lazuli bears foliage; it bears fruit and is delightful to see.note

Carob […] (?) […] adrummu-stone. Šubû-stone, ša[danu]-stone […]. […] and luxuriance […] (?) and […] (?) […]. Like […] MUḪ.AŠ.GE.GE stone. Which […] of the sea.

[…] (?) […] (?) […]. Gilgamesh […] as he walked about. He raised […] it.

He said to Gilgamesh: “Gilgamesh, where are you wandering? The life that you seek you will not find.” Gilgamesh said to him, to the hero Shamash: “After I have roamed (?) over the wilderness like a wanderer,

shall I lay my head (?) in the heart of the earth and sleep through all the years? Let my eyes look upon the sun, that I may be sated with light. The darkness is far off; how much light is there? When may the dead see the radiance of the sun?”

I would not give him up for burial—my friend, would he not (?) rise up at my cry?—for seven days and seven nights, until a worm fell from his nose. Since he went, I have not found life.

I roam like a hunter in the midst of the wilderness. Now, ale-wife, I have seen your face; the death that I constantly fear, may I not see it!” The ale-wife said to him, to Gilgamesh:note

You, Gilgamesh, let your belly be full; day and night be merry. Every day make rejoicing; day and night dance and play. Let your garments be clean.

Let your head be washed, bathe in water. Look at the little one who holds your hand; let a wife delight (?) in your lap. This is the work [of mankind] […].”

I am Sursunabu, of Utnapishtim the Faraway.” Gilgamesh said to him, to Sursunabu: “Gilgamesh is my name. I am the one who came from Uruk (?), Eanna (?), by the circuit (?) of the mountains,

the distant road, the rising (?) of the sun. Now, Sursunabu, I have seen your face. Show (?) me Utnapishtim the Faraway.” Sursunabu [said] to him, to Gilgamesh:

He has the flesh of the gods in [his body]. There is grief in [his heart]. His face [is like that] of one who has traveled a distant road. The ale-wife was looking into the distance. She talked to her heart, [spoke] a word; she [took counsel] with herself:

“Perhaps this is [a seducer (?) of women (?)]. Where is he heading in […]?” The ale-wife saw him and barred [her door]; she barred her gate, she barred [the bolt]. And he, Gilgamesh, lent his ear to [her voice (?)]. He lifted his chin and set [his ears on her].

[In (?) […] frost and heat your face is burned,] [and (?), having taken (?) the form of the wind, you roam the wilderness?”] [Gilgamesh said to her, to the ale-wife:] [“Ale-wife, my cheeks are not wasted, my face is not sunken,] [my heart is not wretched, my features are not worn.]

[There is no grief in my heart,] [my face is not like that of one who has traveled a distant road.] [In (?) […] frost and heat my face is not burned,] [and (?) I have not taken (?) the form of the wind as I roam the wilderness.] [My friend, the mule, chaser of the wild ass of the mountain, leopard of the wilderness,]

[Enkidu, my friend, the mule,] chaser of the wild ass of the mountain, leopard of the wilderness, [we who overcame everything and climbed the mountain,] [who seized and killed the Bull of Heaven,] [who overthrew Humbaba, who dwelt in the Cedar Forest,] [who killed lions in the passes (?) of the mountains—]

[until […] his […].] [I grew afraid and […]] […]. [I feared death, and I roam the wilderness]; the word of my friend [lies (?) upon me]. [By a distant road I roam the] wilderness; the word of Enkidu, [my friend, lies (?) upon me]. [By a distant way] I roam [the wilderness].

[How] can I keep silent, how can I be still? [My friend, whom I love, has turned] to clay; Enkidu, my friend, whom I love, has turned [to clay]. [Shall I not, like] him, lie down, and [not] rise, forever and ever?”

Even if, Gilgamesh, you cross the sea, when you reach the waters of death, what will you do? Gilgamesh, there is Urshanabi, the boatman of Utnapishtim. The Stone Ones (?) are with him; in the forest he is plucking the urnu. Let him see your face. [If it is] possible, cross with him; if it is not possible, turn back.”note

When Gilgamesh heard this, [he raised] the axe to his side, [drew the dagger from his belt]; he crept forward and went down to […]. […] he fell among them. […] belt (?) […]. […].

[…] him. […] Gilgamesh. […] his breast. […] and the boat. […] [the waters] of death. […] the wide sea.

[…] held back. […] to the river. […] the boat. […] on the bank. […] the boatman. […].

[…] your […] you.

go down to the forest, and poles of five rods each […]; trim them and set on knobs; bring [them to me].” When Gilgamesh [heard] this, he raised the axe to his side, drew [the dagger from his belt]; he went down to the forest, and poles of five rods each […].note

He trimmed them and set on knobs, and brought them [to him]. Gilgamesh and Urshanabi embarked on [the boat]. They launched the boat on the waves, and they [on it] […]. On the third day he looked out over a journey of a month and fifteen days. Urshanabi reached the waters [of death].

an eleventh, a twelfth, Gilgamesh, take a pole.” At two sixties Gilgamesh had used up the poles. And he loosened his waistband for […]. Gilgamesh stripped off […]. With his arms he raised up a mast, and Utnapishtim was looking into the distance.

He talked to his heart, [spoke] a word; he [took counsel] with himself: “Why have [the Stone Ones (?)] of the boat been smashed, and one who is not its master riding [on it]? The one who is coming is not a man of mine, and on the right […]. I look, but I do not (?) […].

I look, but I do not […]. I look, and […]. […].”

My face has not had its fill of sweet sleep. I have worn myself out with sleeplessness; I have filled my sinews with grief. [To the house (?)] of the ale-wife I had not yet come when my clothing was worn out. [Of] bear, hyena, lion, panther, tiger, deer, and ibex, the beasts and creatures of the wilderness, [their flesh] I ate, their skins I […].

[…] let them bar her gate; with bitumen and pitch […]. […] revelry […]. […].”

(Who (?)) […]. (Who, like (?)) […] to the fool, dregs […]. (When (?)) […] its cakes, which like […]. […] like […]. […].

[…]. Not […]. Like […]. Because […]. […].

The dragonfly floats […]; its face gazes on the face of Shamash. Then all at once there is no […]. The sleeper and the dead, how alike [they are]! Of death they have not drawn its image. The man, the prince, once they have drawn near [to his fate],

the Anunnaki, the great gods, assembled (?); Mammetum, maker of fate, decreed the fates with them. They established death and life; of death they did not reveal its days.”note

My heart was fully set on doing battle with you, […] yet you lie [on] your side, on your back. [Tell me (?)] how you stood in the assembly of the gods and obtained life.”

[To] bring about the Flood the great gods set their hearts. […] their father Anu; their counselor, the warrior Enlil; their throne-bearer, Ninurta; their canal-inspector, Ennugi. Ninigiku-Ea was under oath with them.note

He repeated their words to the reed wall: ‘Reed wall, reed wall! Wall, wall! Reed wall, listen! Wall, pay attention! Man of Shurippak, son of Ubara-Tutu, tear down the house and build a boat; abandon wealth and seek life.

Spurn possessions and keep life alive. Bring the seed of all living things up into the boat. The boat that you are to build—let her dimensions be measured out; [let] her width and her length be equal. [Like (?)] the Deep, roof her over.’

I understood, and I said to Ea, my lord: ‘[…] my lord, what you have commanded thus I have heeded; I will do it. [But I]—how shall I answer the city, the people, and the elders?’ Ea opened his mouth and spoke, saying to his servant, to me:

‘And (?) you shall speak thus to them: “[I know (?)] that Enlil hates me, and I may not dwell in your [city], nor set my face on Enlil’s ground. [I will go down] to the Deep and dwell with Ea, my lord. [Upon] you he will rain down abundance:

[…] of birds (?), a hidden store of fish, […] wealth and harvest, […] cakes, […] he will rain down upon you a shower of wheat.”’

The children [carried] pitch; the strong man […] brought what was needed. On the fifth day I laid out her shape. Within her hull her walls were ten rods high; ten rods each, the rim of her top measured the same. I laid out the form of her exterior; I drew her plan.

I gave her six decks; I divided […] into seven; her interior I divided into nine. I drove water-plugs into her middle. I saw to the punting poles and laid in supplies. Three shar of pitch I poured into the furnace.note

Three shar of bitumen […] into it. Three shar of oil the basket-carrying workmen brought in. Apart from the shar of oil that the offering consumed, two shar of oil [that] the boatman stowed away. For […] I slaughtered oxen; I killed sheep every day.

Beer, [ale], oil, and wine the workmen [drank] like river water. They held a feast like the day of the New Year festival. I [opened (?)] […] ointment and put my hand to it. […] the boat was finished. […] was very difficult, andnote

they kept moving the beams of the mooring-posts above and below. […] two-thirds of it.

Shamash had set me a fixed time: ‘In the morning, cakes; in the evening he will rain down a shower of wheat. Enter the boat and close your door.’ That time arrived: in the morning, cakes; in the evening it rained a shower of wheat. I looked at the appearance of the weather.

The weather was fearful to look at. I entered the boat and closed my door. For the sealing of the boat, to Puzur-Amurri the boatman I gave the palace with its goods.

Ninurta went and made the weirs overflow. The Anunnaki raised torches; with their brilliance they set the land ablaze. Adad’s deathly stillness swept through the heavens; [whatever] was bright was turned to darkness. […] the land like […] he shattered […].

For one day the [storm] […]; swiftly it blew, and […]; like a battle over […] it swept […]. Brother could not see brother; people could not be made out from heaven. The gods were frightened by the Flood, and

they drew back and went up to the heaven of Anu. The gods cowered like dogs; they lay curled up outside. Ishtar cried out like a woman in labor; the Lady [of the gods], sweet of voice, lamented: ‘The days of old have truly turned to clay, because I spoke evil in the assembly of the gods.

How could I speak evil in the assembly of the gods and command battle for the destruction of my people? It is I myself who give birth to my people, and like the spawn of fish they fill the sea!’ The gods, those of the Anunnaki, wept with her; the gods sat humbled, in weeping.

Their lips were parched […] gatherings. For six days and [seven] nights the wind went on, the Flood; the storm flattened the land. When the seventh day arrived, the storm, the Flood, slackened in its onslaught, which it had fought like a woman in labor. The sea grew calm, the tempest fell still, the Flood ceased.

I looked at the weather, and silence had set in, and all mankind had turned to clay. The meadow was as level as a roof. I opened a window, and daylight fell upon my cheek. I bowed down, sat, and wept; down my cheek my tears ran.

I looked to the quarters of the world, the shores of the sea. At twelve points a stretch of land rose up. At Mount Nisir the boat came to rest. Mount Nisir held the boat fast and did not let it move. One day, a second day, Mount Nisir held the boat fast and did not let it move. A third day, a fourth day, Mount Nisir held the boat fast and did not let it move.

A fifth, a sixth, Mount Nisir held the boat fast and did not let it move. When the seventh day arrived,

I brought out a raven and set it free. The raven went off and saw the waters receding; it ate, it scratched about, it flew here and there, and did not turn round. I sent them out to the four winds and offered a sacrifice. I set out an incense offering on the summit of the mountain. Seven and seven cult vessels I set in place.

Beneath them I heaped up reed, cedar, and myrtle. The gods smelled the savor; the gods smelled the sweet savor; the gods gathered like flies over the sacrificer. Then, when Mah arrived, she lifted up the great flies that Anu had made according to her wish:note

‘You gods here—as surely as I shall not forget the jewel of my neck, I will remember these days and never forget them. Let the gods come to the incense offering, but let Enlil not come to the incense offering, because he did not take counsel and brought about the Flood, and consigned my people to destruction.’

Then, when Enlil arrived, he saw the boat, and Enlil grew angry; he was filled with rage at the gods, the Igigi: ‘Has some living being escaped? No man was to survive the destruction!’ Ninurta opened his mouth and spoke, saying to the warrior Enlil: ‘Who but Ea could devise such a thing?

For Ea knows every undertaking.’ Ea opened his mouth and spoke, saying to the warrior Enlil: ‘You, sage of the gods, warrior—how, how could you, without taking counsel, bring about the Flood? On the sinner lay his sin; on the wrongdoer lay his wrong. Be lenient, that he not be cut off; pull tight, that he not […].

Instead of your bringing about the Flood, let a lion rise up and diminish the people. Instead of your bringing about the Flood, let a wolf rise up and [diminish] the people. Instead of your bringing about the Flood, let a famine come and the land […]. Instead of your bringing about the Flood, let Erra rise up and […] the people. It was not I who revealed the secret of the great gods; I let Atrahasis see a dream, and so he heard the secret of the gods.note

Now then, take counsel concerning him.’ Enlil went up into the boat. He took me by the hand and brought me up. He brought up my wife and made her kneel at my side. He touched our foreheads and, standing between us, blessed us: ‘Formerly Utnapishtim was a human being;

now Utnapishtim and his wife shall be like us gods. Let Utnapishtim dwell far away, at the mouth of the rivers.’ They took me and made me dwell far away, at the mouth of the rivers. But now, as for you, who will gather the gods for you, so that you may find the life you seek? Come, do not lie down to sleep for six days and seven nights.”

As he sits there on his haunches, sleep breathes over him like a mist. Utnapishtim said to her, to his wife: “Look at the strong man who wanted life! Sleep breathes over him like a mist.” His wife said to him, to Utnapishtim the Faraway:

“Touch him, and let the man wake up. By the road on which he came, let him return in peace; by the gate through which he went out, let him return to his land.” Utnapishtim said to her, to his wife: “Mankind is deceitful; he will deceive you. Come, bake his loaves and keep setting them at his head,

and mark on the wall the days that he sleeps.” She baked his loaves and kept setting them at his head, and the days that he slept she marked on the wall. His first loaf was dried out; the second had gone bad; the third was soggy; the fourth—its crust had turned white; the fifth had gone moldy; the sixth was freshly baked;

The seventh—at that very moment he touched him, and the man awoke.

[…] let me make it known to you: [the first], your loaf, [is dried out]; [the second has gone] bad; the third is soggy; the fourth—its crust has turned white; [the fifth] has gone moldy; the sixth is freshly baked; [the seventh]—at that very moment you awoke.”

[Gil]gamesh said to him, to Utnapishtim the Faraway: “[…] shall I do, Utnapishtim? Where shall I go? The Snatcher has seized my [inner parts]; [in] my bedchamber death dwells, and wherever [I may] set [my ears], there too is death.”

let him wash his matted hair in water until it is clean; let him cast off his skins, and let the sea carry them away; let his body be rinsed fair; let the headband of his head be renewed; let him be clothed in a robe, the garment of his dignity. Until he goes to his city, until he completes his journey,

let the robe show no age but ever stay new.” Urshanabi took him and brought him to the washing place; he washed his matted hair in w[ater] until it was clean; he cast off [his] skins, [and] the sea carried them away; his body was rinsed fair; [the headband of] his head was rene[wed];

he was clothed in a robe, the garment of his dignity. Until he [goes to his city], until he completes his journey, [let the robe show no age but ever] stay new. Gilgamesh and Urshanabi boarded the boat; [they launched] the boat [onto the waves], and they rode in it.

Utnapishtim [spoke] to him, [to] Gilgamesh: “Gilgamesh, you have come here, you have grown weary, you have toiled. What shall I give you, so that you may return to your land? Let me reveal, Gilgamesh, a hidden matter, and not (?) […] [let me] tell you.

This plant—its [root] (?) is like a thornbush; its thorn, like a bramble’s, will pri[ck your hands (?)]. If your hands reach that plant, [you will find life].” Gilgamesh, when he heard this, opened the [channel (?)]; he tied heavy stones [to his feet].

They dragged him down into the De[ep, and he saw the plant]. He took the plant, and it pr[icked his hands (?)]. He cut away the heavy stones [from his feet], and the second (?) cast him up onto its shore.

I myself will eat it, and I will return to what I was in my youth.” At twenty leagues they broke bread; at thirty leagues they stopped for the night. Gilgamesh saw a pool whose water was cool; he went down into it and bathed in the water.

[…] of Urshanabi the boatman: “[For] whom, Urshanabi, have my arms toiled? For whom has my heart’s blood been spent? I have not gained any good for myself; I have done good for the lion of the ground.note

Now the tide is carrying it twenty leagues away. When I opened the channel, […] the gear. What have I found that was set as a sign for me? Let me turn back—and I have left the boat on the shore.” At twenty [leagues] they broke bread; at thirty leagues they stopped for the night; and they arrived in Uruk the Sheepfold.

The mik[ku] […]. Gil[gamesh opened his mouth to him] […]: “If [to] […], t[o (?)] […].”

do not anoint yourself with fine oil from the jar—at its scent they will gather around you. Do not throw the throwstick to the ground—those struck by the throwstick will surround you. Do not lift a staff in your hands—the ghosts will tremble at you.

Do not put sandals on your feet; do not make a noise in the netherworld. Do not kiss your wife whom you love; do not strike your wife whom you hate. Do not kiss your son whom you love; do not strike your son whom you hate.

The outcry of the netherworld will seize you. She who lies, she who lies, the mother of Ninazu, she who lies—her pure shoulders are not covered with a garment, her breast like a bowl [is not drawn up].” [To the temple] […] [he] drew near; [he put on a clean garment].note

Like a st[ranger] […] him. [He anoint]ed himself with [fine] oil from the jar; at its sc[ent they gath]ered around him. He [threw] the throwstick t[o the ground] […]; the ghosts […] [sur]rounded him; those [struck] by the throwstick trembled.

He [lifted] a staff in [his] hand; he [put] sandals on [his feet]; he [made] a noise [in the netherworld]; [he kissed his] wife [whom he loved]; [he struck his] wife whom he [hated]; [he kissed his] son whom he [loved];

[he struck his] son whom he hated. The out[cr]y of the netherworld seized him. She who lies, [she who] lies, the mother of Ninazu, she who l[ies]—her [pure] shoulders are not covered with a garment, her breast like a flask is not drawn up. Th[en (?)] Enkidu, to come up from the netherworld—

Nam[tar did not seize] him, Asakku did not seize him; the netherworld [seized] him. The lur[ker of Nergal] who does not spare did not seize him; the netherworld [seized] him. In the place of [the warriors’ battle] he did not fall; the netherworld [seized] him. Th[en (?)] [the lo]rd (?), the son of Ninsun, wept for his servant Enkidu. To [Ekur], the temple of Enlil, he went by himself: “Father [Enlil], today my pukku fell into the netherworld,note

my mikku fell into the netherworld. Enkidu, who, to bring up [from the netherworld] […]—Namtar did not seize him, Asakku did not [seize him; the netherworld seized him]. The lurker of Nergal who does not spare did not se[ize him; the netherworld seized him]. In the place of the warriors’ battle he di[d not fall; the netherworld seized him].” Father Enlil did not answ[er] a word; [he went to Sin by himself].

“Father Sin, today my pukku [fell into the netherworld], my mikku [fell into the netherworld]. Enkidu, who, to bring up f[rom the netherworld] […]—Namtar did not seize him, As[akku did not seize him; the netherworld seized him]. The lurker of Nergal who [does not spare did not seize him; the netherworld seized him]. In the place of [the warriors’ battle he did not fall; the netherworld seized him].”

[Father Sin did not answer a word; he went to Ea by himself.] [“Father Ea, today my pukku fell into the netherworld,] [my mikku fell into the netherworld.] [Enkidu, who, to bring up from the netherworld] […]—Na[mtar did not seize him, Asakku did not seize him; the netherworld seized him]. The lurker of Nergal who does not spa[re did not seize him; the netherworld seized him].

In the place of the warriors’ ba[ttle he did not fall; the netherworld seized him].” Father Ea […] [heard], and to the hero […] the yo[ung man Nergal he spoke]: “Hero, young man N[ergal, hear me (?)]! Now [open] a hole [in the earth], so that the spirit o[f Enkidu may come out from the netherworld]

[and let him speak] to [his] brother […].” The hero, the young man Nergal, […]. Now he opened a hole in the earth, and the spirit of Enkidu came out of the netherworld like a breath of wind. They embraced and did not let go (?); they conferred together and wearied themselves.

“Tell me, my friend, tell me, my friend, tell me the law of the netherworld that you have seen!” “I will not tell you, my friend, I will not tell you. If I told you the law of the netherworld that I have seen—[yo]u, sit down and weep!” “[I (?)] will sit down and weep.”

“[My friend (?)] […] whom you touched so that your heart rejoiced—[his body (?), like a gar]ment grown old, vermin devour. [The bride (?)] […] [whom] you touched so that your heart rejoiced—[her body (?)] […] is full of dust.” […] he said, and […] he threw himself down [on the gro]und (?). […] he said, and […] he threw himself down [on the gro]und (?).

“[The one who] […] [fell—did you see him]?” “I saw him: […] [is co]vered; […].”

his father and his mother hold up his head, and his wife over him […].” “The one whose corpse lies in the open country—did you see him?” “I saw him: his ghost does not rest in the netherworld.” “The one whose ghost has no one to care for it—did you see him?” “I saw him: he eats the scrapings of the pot and the crusts of bread that are thrown into the street.”note