Template:Tablet 9


 * -|Synopsis=
 * Synopsis of the Ninth Tablet

Mankind proliferates; Adapa's line serves as royalty

Defying Enlil, Marduk espouses an Earthling female

Celestial disturbances and climate changes affect Lahmu

The Igigi descend to Earth, seize Earthling females as wives

The promiscuous Enki begets a human son, Ziusudra

Droughts and pestilences cause suffering on Earth

Enlil sees it as fated retribution, wants to return home

Ninmah, aged by Earth's cycles, also wants to return

A mystery emissary warns them not to defy their destiny

Signs increase of a coming calamitous Deluge

Most Anunnaki begin to depart back to Nibiru

Enlil enforces a plan to let Mankind perish

Enki and Ninmah start to preserve Earth's Seeds of Life

The remaining Anunnaki prepare for the Day of the Deluge

Nergal, Lord of the Lower World, is to issue the warning


 * -|Tablet IX=

THE NINTH TABLET

In the days of Lu-Mach did Marduk and the Igigi with Earthlings intermarry.

In those days on Earth the hardships were increasing,

In those days on Lahmu with dryness and dust was the planet enveloped.

The Anunnaki who decree the fates, Enlil and Enki and Ninmah, with each ether consulted.

What conditions on earth and on Lahmu were altering, they wondered.

On the Sun flarings they observed, in the netforces of Earth and Lahmu there were disruptions.

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In the Abzu, at the tip the Whiteland facing, instruments far observing they installed;

In the charge of Nergal, the son of Enki, and his spouse Ereshkigal the instruments ware put

To the Land Beyond the Seas Ninurta was assigned, in the mauntainland a Band Heaven-Earth to establish.

On Lahmu the Igigi were restless; to pacify them Marduk was the task given:

Until what are the hardships causing, the way station on Lahmu must be kept! So to Marduk the leaders said.

The three who the fates decree with each other consulted;

They looked at each other. How old the others are! each one of the others thought. Enki, who the death of Adapa was grieving, was the first one to speak.

More than one hundred Shars since my arrival have passed! to his brother and sister he said.

I was then a dashing leader; now bearded, tired, and old I am!

An enthusiastic hero I was, for command and adventure ready! Enlil then said.

Now I have children who have children, all on Earth born;

Old on Earth we became, but those on Earth born are even older sooner!

So did Enlil to his brother and sister ruefully say.

As for me, an old sheep they call me! So did Ninmah wistfully say.

While the others have been coming and going, turns on Earth to serve taking,

We the leaders have stayed and stayed! Perchance it is time to leave! So did Enlil say.

Of that did I often wonder, to them Enki was saying. Each time one of us three to revisit Nibiru wished,

Word from Nibiru always our corning thereto prevented!

Of that I too did wonder, Enlil was saying: Is it a thing on Nibiru, a thing on Earth?

Perchance the life cycles that differ it concerns, so was Ninmah saying.

To watch and see what transpires, the three leaders decided.

At that time Fate, or was it Destiny? in its hands the matters took.

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For it came to pass that soon thereafter Marduk to his father Enki came, A matter of gravity with his father Enki to discuss he wished. Upon the Earth the three sons of Enlil spouses have chosen:

Ninurta Ba'u, of Anu a young daughter, has espoused; Nannar has chosen Ningal, Ishkur Shala has taken;

By Nergal your son Ereshkigal, of Enlil a granddaughter, as a spouse was taken,

By threats to kill her, her consent from her was extracted.

To await my espousal, being your firstborn, Nergal did not await,

The other four in deference my espousal are awaiting.

A bride I wish to choose, to have a spouse it is my desire!

So did Marduk to his father Enki say.

Your words happy make me! Enki to Marduk was saying. Your mother too shall rejoice!

To hold his words to Ninki, Marduk with a raised hand to his father motioned.

Is she one of the young ones who heal and succor give? Enki went on to ask.

A descendant of Adapa she is, of Earth, not Nibiru, is she! Marduk softly whispered.

With a puzzled look, Enki was speechless; then uncontrolled words he shouted:

A prince of Nibiru, a Firstborn to succession entitled, an Earthling will espouse?!

Not an Earthling but your own offspring! to him Marduk said.

A daughter of Enkime who to heaven was taken she is, Sarpanit is her name!

Enki his spouse Ninki summoned, to her what with Marduk transpired he related.

To Ninki, his mother, Marduk his heart's desire repeated and said:

When Enkime with me was journeying, and of heaven and Earth him I was teaching,

What my father once had said, I with my own eyes witnessed:

Step by step on this planet a Primitive Being, one like us to be, we have created,

In our image and in our likeness Civilized Earthling is, except for the long life, he is we!

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A daughter of Enkime my fancy caught, her to espouse I wish!

Ninki her son's words pondered. And the maiden, does she your gaze appreciate? So did she Marduk ask.

Indeed she does, Marduk to his mother said.

This is not the matter to consider! Enki with a raised voice said.

If our son this shall do, to Nibiru with his spouse he would never go,

His princely rights on Nibiru he forever will forsake!

To this Marduk with a bitter laughter responded: My rights on Nibiru are nonexistent, Even on Earth my rights as Firstborn have been trampled.

This indeed is my decision: From prince a king on Earth become, the master of this planet! Let it so be! Ninki said. Let it so be! Enki also said.

They summoned Matushal, the bride's brother; of Marduk's wish they him told.

Humbled but with joy overwhelmed Matushal was. Let it so be! he said.

When of the decision Enlil was told, with fury he was seized.

It was one thing for the father with Earthlings intercourse have,

It is another matter for the son an Earthling to espouse, lordship on her to bestow!

When Ninmah of the matter was told, greatly disappointed she was.

Marduk any maiden of ours could espouse, even from my own daughters by Enki he could chose,

Half sisters, as is the royal custom, he could espouse! So did Ninmah say.

With fury Enlil to Anu on Nibiru of the matter words beamed up:

Too far has this behavior gone, it cannot be allowed! to Anu the king Enlil said.

On Nibiru Anu the counselors summoned, the matter with urgency to discuss.

In the rule books of such a matter no rule they found.

Anu the savants also summoned, the matter's consequences to discuss.

On Nibiru Adapa, the maiden's progenitor, could not stay! to Anu they were saying.

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Therefore to return to Nibiru with her, Marduk forever must be barred!

Indeed, having to Earth cycles become accustomed, even without her Marduk's return impossible might be!

So were the savants to Anu saying; with that the counselors too agreed. Let the decision to Earth be beamed! Anu was saying: Marduk marry can, But on Nibiru a prince he shall no more be!

The decision by Enki and Marduk was accepted, Enlil too to the word from Nibiru bowed.

Let there be a wedding celebration, in Eridu let it be! Ninki to them said.

In the Edin Marduk and his bride cannot stay! Enlil, the commander, announced.

Let us to Marduk and his bride a wedding gift make,

A domain of their own, away from the Edin, in another land! So did Enki to Enlil say.

Of Marduk being sent away Enlil with consent to himself was thinking:

To what land, of what domain, are you speaking? Enlil to his brother Enki said.

A domain above the Abzu, in the land that the Upper Sea reaches,

One that by waters from the Edin is separated, that by ships can be reached!

So did Enki to Enlil say. Let it so be! Enlil said.

In Eridu a wedding celebration Ninki for Marduk and Sarpanit arranged.

Her people by the sound of a copper drum the ceremony announced,

With seven tambourines her sisters the bride to her spouse presented.

A great multitude of Civilized Earthlings in Eridu assembled, like a coronation to them the wedding was.

Young Anunnaki also attended, Igigi from Lahmu in great numbers came.

To celebrate our leader's wedding, of Nibiru and Earth a union, to witness we came!

So did the Igigi their arrival in large numbers explain.

Now this is the account of how the Igigi the daughters of the Earthlings abducted,

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And how afflictions followed and Ziusudra oddly was born.

In a great number did the Igigi from Lahmu to Earth come,

Only one third of them on Lahmu stayed, to Earth came two hundred.

To be with their leader Marduk, his wedding celebration to attend, was their explanation;

Unbeknownst to Enki and Enlil was their secret: To abduct and have conjugation was their plot.

Unbeknownst to the leaders on Earth, a multitude of the Igigi on Lahmu got together,

What to Marduk permitted is from us too should not be deprived! to each other they said.

Enough of suffering and loneliness, of not offspring ever having! was their slogan.

During their comings and goings between Lahmu and Earth,

The daughters of the Earthlings, the Adapite Females as them they called,

They saw and after them they lusted; and to each other the plotters said:

Come, let us choose wives from among the Adapite Females, and children beget!

One among them, Shamgaz his name was, their leader became.

Even if none of you agrees, I alone the deed shall do! to the others he said.

If a penalty for this sin shall be imposed, I alone for all of you shall it bear!

One by one others in the plot joined together, by an oath together to do it they swore.

By the time of Marduk's wedding, two hundred of them on the Landing Place descended,

Upon the great platform in the Cedar Mountains they came down.

From there to Eridu they journeyed, among the toiling Earthlings they passed,

Together with the Earthling throng in Eridu they arrived.

After the wedding ceremony of Marduk and Sarpanit had taken place,

By a signal prearranged Shamgaz to the others a sign gave.

An Earthling maiden each one of the Igigi seized, by force they them abducted,

To the Landing Place in the Cedar Mountains the Igigi with the females went,

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Into a stronghold the place they made, to the leaders a challenge they issued:

Enough of deprivation and not having offspring! The Adapite daughters to marry we wish.

Your blessing to this you must give, else by fire all on Earth destroy we will!

Alarmed the leaders were, of Marduk, the Igigi commander, charge to take they demanded.

If in the matter I a solution must seek, with the Igigi my heart in agreement is!

So did Marduk to the others say. What I have done from them cannot be deprived!

Enki and Ninmah their heads shook, with begrudging agreement they voiced.

Only Enlil was enraged without pacification:

One evil deed by another has been followed, fornication from Enki and Marduk the Igigi have adopted,

Our pride and sacred mission to the winds have been abandoned,

By our own hands this planet with Earthling multitudes shall be overrun!

With much disgust was Enlil speaking. Let the Igigi and their females from Earth depart!

On Lahmu conditions unbearable have become, surviving is not possible!

So did Marduk to Enlil and Enki say.

In the Edin they cannot remain! Enlil with anger shouted. With much disgust the gathering he left;

In his heart things against Marduk and his Earthlings was Enlil plotting.

Upon the Landing Platform in the Cedar Mountains were the Igigi and their females secluded,

Children there to them were born, Children of the Rocketships they were called.

Marduk and Sarpanit his spouse also had children, Asar and Satu were the first two sons called.

To the domain above the Abzu, to him and Sarpanit granted, Marduk the Igigi invited,

To dwell in two cities that for his sons he had built, Marduk the Igigi summoned.

Some of the Igigi and their offspring to the domain in the dark-hued land came;

On the Landing Platform in the Cedar Mountains Shamgaz and others did remain,

To the far eastlands, lands of high mountains, some of their offspring went

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How Marduk of Earthlings his strength increases, Ninurta carefully observed.

What are Enki and Marduk scheming? to his father Enlil Ninurta said.

The Earth by the Earthlings inherited will be! Enlil to Ninurta said.

Go, the offspring of Ka-in find, with them a domain of your own prepare!

To the other side of Earth Niburta went; the offspring of Ka-in he found.

How tools to make and music to play he them taught,

How in mining to engage and smelt and refine he showed them,

How to build rafts of balsam trees he showed them, to cross a great sea he them guided.

In a new land a domain they established, a city with twin towers there they built

A domain beyond the seas it was, the mountainland of the new Bond Heaven-Earth it was not In the Edin Lu-Mach was the workmaster, quotas to enforce was his duty, The Earthlings' rations to reduce was his task.

His spouse was Batanash, the daughter of Lu-Mach's father's brother she was.

Of a beauty outstanding she was, by her beauty was Enki charmed.

Enki to his son Marduk a word did send: To your domain Lu-Mach do summon,

How by Earthlings a city to build there him teach!

And when Lu-Mach to the domain of Marduk was summoned,

To the household of Ninmah, in Shurubak, the Haven City, his spouse Batanash he brought, From the angry Earthling masses protected and safe to be. Thereafter Enki his sister Ninmah in Shurubak was quick to visit. On the roof of a dwelling when Batanash was bathing

Enki by her loins took hold, he kissed her, his semen into her womb he poured. With a child Batanash was, her belly was truly swelling;

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To Lu-Mach from Shurubak word was sent: To the Edin return, a son you have!

To the Edin, to Shurubak, Lu-Mach returned, to him Batanash the son showed.

White as the snow his skin was, the color of wool was his hair,

Like the skies were his eyes, in a brilliance were his eyes shining.

Amazed and frightened was Lu-Mach; to his father Matushal he hurried.

A son unlike an Earthling to Batanash was born, by this birth greatly puzzled I am!

Matushal to Batanash came, the newborn boy he saw, by his likeness amazed he was.

Is one of the Igigi the boy's father? Of Batanash Matushal the truth demanded;

To Lu-Mach your spouse whether this boy his son is, the truth reveal!

None of the Igigi is the boy's father, of this upon my life I swear! So did Batanash him answer

To his son Lu-Mach Matushal then turned, a calming arm on his shoulders he put

A mystery the boy is, but in his oddness an omen to you is revealed,

Unique he is, for a task unique by destiny he was chosen.

What that task is, I know not; in time appropriate, known it shall become!

So was Matushal to his son Lu-Mach saying; to what on Earth was transpiring, he was alluding:

In those days the sufferings on Earth were increasing,

The days colder grew, the skies their rains were holding back,

Fields their crops diminished, in the sheepfolds ewe lambs were few.

Let the son to you born, unusual as he is, an omen be that a respite is coming!

So did Matushal to his son Lu-Mach say. Let Respite be his name!

To Matushal and Lu-Mach Batanash her son's secret did not reveal;

Ziusudra, He of Long Bright Lifedays, she called him; in Shurubak he was raised.

Ninmah on the child her protection and affection bestowed.

Of much understanding he was endowed, with knowledge he was by her provided.

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Enki the child greatly adored, to read the writings of Adapa him he taught, The priestly rites how to observe and perform the boy as a young man learned. In the one hundred and tenth Shar was Ziusudra born,

In Shurubak he grew up and espoused Emzara, and she bore him three sons.

In his days the sufferings on Earth intensified; plagues and starvations the Earth afflicted.

Now this is the account of Earth's tribulations before the Deluge,

And how the mysterious Galzu decisions of life and death in secret guided.

By the conjugations of Igigi and the Earthling daughters was Enlil greatly disturbed,

By Marduk's espousal of an Earthling female Enlil was much distraught.

In his eyes the Anunnaki mission to Earth had become perverted,

To him the howling, shouting Earthling masses an anathema became;

Oppressive the pronouncements of the Earthlings have become,

The conjugations of sleep deprive me! So did Enlil to the other leaders say.

In the days of Ziusudra plagues and pestilences the Earth afflicted,

Aches, dizziness, chills, fevers the Earthlings overwhelmed.

Let us the Earthlings curing teach, how themselves to remedy to learn! So did Ninmah say. This by decree I forbid! Enlil to her pleas retorted.

In the lands whereto the Earthlings have spread, waters from their sources did not rise, The earth shut its womb, vegetation did not sprout.

Let us the Earthlings pond- and canal-building teach, let them from the seas fish and sustenance obtain!

So did Enki to the other leaders say.

This by decree I forbid! Enlil to Enki said. Let the Earthlings by hunger and pestilence perish!

For one Shar the Earthlings ate the grasses of the fields,

For the second Shar, the third Shar, the vengeance of Enlil they suffered.

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In Shurubak, Ziusudra's city, the suffering unbearable was becoming.

To Eridu Ziusudra, of the Earthlings a spokesman, journeyed,

To the house of the lord Enki he made his way, by the name of his lord he called,

For help and salvation to him he pleaded; Enki by En Ill's decrees was bound.

In those days the Anunnaki for their own surviving were concerned;

Their own rations were diminished, by Earth's changes they themselves afflicted became.

On Earth as on Lahmu the seasons their regularity lost.

For one Shar, for two Shars, from Nibiru the heavenly circuits were studied,

Oddities in the planetary destinies from Nibiru were observed.

On the Sun's face black spots were appearing, from its face flames shot up;

Kishar also was misbehaving, its host its footings lost, dizzying were their circuits.

The Hammered Bracelet was by unseen netforces pulled and pushed,

For reasons unfathomed, the Sun its family was upsetting;

The destinies of the celestials by unsavory fates were overtaken!

On Nibiru the savants alarms raised, in the public squares the people gathered;

The Creator of All, to primordial days the heavens is returning,

Angry is the Creator of All! voices from amongst the people shouted.

On Earth the tribulations were increasing, fear and famine their heads reared.

For three Shars, for four Shars the instruments the Whiteland facing were observed,

By Nergal and Ereshkigal odd rumblings in the Whiteland's snows were recorded:

The snow-ice that the Whiteland covers to sliding has taken! So did they from Abzu's tip report.

In the Land Beyond the Seas, Ninurta in his haven foretelling instruments established,

Quakes and jitters at the Earth's bottom with the instruments he noticed.

An odd matter is afoot! So did Enlil to Anu on Nibiru words of alarm send.

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For the fifth Shar, for the sixth Shar the phenomena gained strength,

On Nibiru the savants an alarm raised, of calamities to the king they forewarnings gave:

The next time Nibiru the Sun shall be nearing, Earth to Nibiru's netforce exposed shall be,

Lahmu in its circuits on the Sun's other side shall a station take.

From the netforce of Nibiru Earth in the heavens protection shall not have,

Kishar and its host agitated shall be, Lahamu shall also shake and wobble;

In Earth's great Below, the snow-ice of the Whiteland its footing is losing;

The next time Nibiru the closest to Earth shall approach,

The snow-ice off the Whiteland's surface shall come a-sliding.

A watery calamity it shall cause: By a huge wave, a Deluge, the Earth will be overwhelmed!

On Nibiru great was the consternation, uncertain about Nibiru's own fate,

King, savants, and counselors about Earth and Lahmu also greatly worried.

The king and the counselors a decision made: for evacuating Earth and Lahmu to prepare!

In the Abzu the gold mines shut down, therefrom the Anunnaki to the Edin came;

In Bad-Tibira smelting and refining ceased, all gold to Nibiru was lofted.

Empty, for evacuating ready, a fleet of fast celestial chariots to Earth returned;

On Nibiru the heavenly signs were watched, on Earth the tremors recorded were.

It was at that time that from one of the Celestial Chariots a white-haired Anunnaki stepped off,

Galzu, Great Knower, was his name.

With steps majestic to Enlil his way he made, to him a sealed message from Anu he presented.

I am Galzu, emissary plenipotentiary of King and Council, to Enlil he said.

By his coming Enlil was surprised: No word from Anu of that did forecome.

Enlil the seal of Anu examined; unbroken and authentic it was.

In Nibru-ki the message tablet was read, its encoding was trustworthy.

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For King and Council Galzu speaks, his words are my command! So did the message from Anu state.

That Enki and Ninmah be also summoned was Galzu's request.

When they came, to Ninmah Galzu pleasantly smiled. Of the same school and age we are! to her he said.

This Ninmah could not recall; the emissary was as young as a son, she was as his olden mother!

Simple is the explanation! Galzu to her said: By our winter's slumbered life cycles it is caused!

Indeed, this matter is of my mission a part; about the evacuation it is a secret.

Ever since Dumuzi on Nibiru had stayed, returning Anunnaki on Nibiru examined were;

Those who on Earth the longest stayed by the returning harshly were afflicted:

Their bodies to Nibiru's cycles were accustomed no longer,

Their sleep was disturbed, their eyesight was failing, the netforce of Nibiru weighted their walk.

Their minds were also affected, as sons were older than the parents they had left!

Death, my comrades, to the returnees quickly came; of that I am here a warning to give!

The three leaders, on Earth the longest, by the words silent became.

Ninmah was the first to speak: That much was to be expected! she was saying.

Enki, the wise one, to her words consented: That much was clear! he said.

Enlil with anger was seized: Before, the Earthlings like us were becoming,

Now we as Earthlings have become to this planet imprisoned!

This whole mission to a nightmare turned, by Enki and his Earthlings from masters, slaves we were made!

To the outburst Galzu with compassion listened. Indeed much there is to ponder, he said, On Nibiru much thinking and soul-searching deep questions were raising: Should Nibiru to its fate been left, whatever by the Creator of All intended, to be let to happen, Or was the coming to Earth by the Creator of All conceived, and we only unwitting emissaries? Of that, my comrades, the debate will continue! So was Galzu to them saying.

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Now this is the secret command from Nibiru:

The three of you on Earth will remain; only to die to Nibiru you will return!

In celestial chariots, the Earth encircling, the calamity you shall outwait;

To each of the other Anunnaki, a choice to leave or the calamity outwait must be given.

The Igigi who Earthlings espoused must between departure and spouses choose:

No Earthling, Marduk's Sarpanit included, to Nibiru to journey is allowed!

For all who stay and what happens see, in celestial chariots they safety must seek!

As for all the others, to depart for Nibiru forthwith they ready must be!

So did Galzu Nibiru's commands to the leaders in secret reveal.

Now this is the account of how the Anunnaki to abandon Earth decided,

And how an oath they took Mankind to let in the Deluge perish.

In Nibru-ki Enlil a council of Anunnaki and Igigi commanders summoned,

The leaders' sons and their children also were present.

Word of the impending calamity Enlil to them as a secret revealed.

To a bitter end Earth Mission has come! to them he solemnly said.

All who to leave wish in celestial boats that are ready to Nibiru will be evacuated,

But if Earthling spouses they have, without the spouses they must leave.

Igigi who to their spouses and offspring attached are, let them to the highest peaks on Earth escape!

As for a few of us Anunnaki who will choose to stay, in Boats of Heaven in Earth's skies will we remain,

The calamity to outwait, the fate of Earth to witness!

As the commander, I shall be the first one to stay! So was Enlil saying.

By their own choice will be the others!

With my father I choose to stay, the calamity to face! So did Ninurta announce. To the Lands Beyond the Oceans after the Deluge I will return!

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Nannar, Enlil's on Earth firstborn, an odd wish announced:

The Deluge to outwait not in Earth's skies but on the Moon; that was his wish.

Enki an eyebrow raised; Enlil, though puzzled, approved.

Ishkur, Enlil's youngest, to remain on Earth with his father his decision made.

Utu and Inanna, Nannar's children who on Earth were born, to stay declared.

Enki and Ninki, to stay and Earth not abandon chose; proudly they so announced.

The Igigi and Sarpanit I shall not desert! Marduk with anger stated.

One by one Enki's other sons their choice to stay announced: Nergal and Gibil, Ninagal and Ningishzidda and Dumuzi too.

All eyes to Ninmah then turned; with pride her choice to stay she declared:

My lifework is here! The Earthlings, my created, I shall not abandon!

By her words Anunnaki and Igigi to a clamor were stirred; about the Earthlings' fate they inquired.

Let the Earthlings for the abominations perish; so did Enlil proclaim.

A wonderous Being by us was created, by us saved it must be, Enki to Enlil shouted.

To this Enlil with his own shouted words retorted:

From the very beginning, at every turn, the decisions by you modified were! To Primitive Workers procreating you gave, to them Knowing you endowed! The powers of the Creator of All into your hands you have taken, Thereafter even that by abominations you fouled.

With fornication Adapa you conceived, Understanding to his line you gave!

His offspring to the heavens you have taken, our Wisdom with them you shared!

Every rule you have broken, decisions and command you ignored,

Because of you by a Civilized Earthling brother a brother murdered,

Because of Marduk your son the Igigi like him with Earthlings intermarried.

Who is lordly from Nibiru, to whom the Earth alone belongs, to no one is no longer known!

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Enough! Enough! to all that I say. The abominations cannot continue! Now that a calamity by a destiny unknown has been ordained, Let what must happen, happen! So did Enlil angrily proclaim;

That all leaders solemnly swear to let events unhindered occur, of all Enlil demanded.

First to take the oath of silence was Ninurta; others of Enlil's side followed.

Nergal of Enki's sons was first to take the oath; others of Enki's sons followed.

To your command I bow! Marduk to Enlil said. But of what worth is the swearing?

If Igigi their spouses will abandon, would not the fear among the Earthlings spread?

Ninmah was in tears; the words of the oath she faintly whispered.

Enlil at his brother Enki gazed. It is the wish of king and council! to him he said.

Why will you bind me with an oath? Enki his brother Enlil asked.

The decision by you was made, on Earth it is a commandment!

The floodwaters I cannot arrest, the Earthling multitudes I cannot save,

To what oath to bind me you therefore desire? So did Enki his brother ask.

To let it all happen as if by fate decreed, let it as Enlil's Decision be known,

On Enlil alone let the responsibility forever rest! So did Enki to all pronounce.

Then Enki from the assembly departed; Marduk with him also left.

With quick words of command Enlil the assembly to order brought

Tasks for what was to be done he with firm decisions assigned,

Between those who will depart and those who will stay the grouping arrange,

Places for assembly to designate, equipment to collect, chariots to assign.

First to depart were those who to Nibiru were returning,

With much embracing and the locking of arms, in joy mixed with sorrow, the celestial boats they boarded;

One after the other the vehicles from Sippar roared aloft.

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At first those left behind journey safely! shouted, then muted were the cries.

After the launchings toward Nibiru completed were,

The turn of Marduk and the Igigi with Earthling spouses came;

Marduk them all on the Landing Place assembled, a choice to them he gave:

With him and Sarpanit and two sons and the daughters to Lahmu go, there the calamity outwait,

Or to distant mountainlands on Earth disperse, a haven from the Deluge to find.

Enlil then of those who remained took account, by groupings to them chariots he assigned.

Ninurta to the mountainlands beyond the oceans Enlil directed on Earth's rumblings to report;

To Nergal and Ereshkigal, the task the Whiteland to watch Enlil assigned;

To guard against an onrush of Earthlings, to Ishkur the task Enlil gave,

To bar access, barrier and bolt to erect and bolster.

Of all preparations Sippar, the Place of the Celestial Chariots, was the center;

To Sippar Enlil the Tablets of Destinies from Nibru-ki moved, a temporary Bond Heaven-Earth was there established.

His brother Enki Enlil then addressed, to him he was thus saying:

However if ever the calamity might be survived, let all that had happened be remembered.

Let us tablets of records in Sippar, in the depths of the Earth, safely bury,

Let what from one planet on another done in days to come uncovered be!

Enki his brother's words with approving accepted. ME's and other tablets in golden chests they stored,

In the depths of the Earth, in Sippar, for posterity they buried.

Thus ready, for the signal to depart the leaders awaited,

The approach of Nibiru in its great circuit with apprehension they watched.

It was at that time of anxious waiting that Enki his sister Ninmah addressed,

To her was Enki thus saying:

In his preoccupation with the Earthlings, of all other living creatures Enlil lost attention!

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When the avalanche of waters sweeps over the lands,

Other living creatures, some by us from Nibiru originated, most from Earth itself evolved, In one sudden swoop to an extinction shall be doomed.

Let us, you and me, their seed of life preserve, their life essences for safekeeping extract! Ninmah, she who gave life, to the words of Enki favor gave:

I shall do it in Shurubak, you do so with the Abzu's living creatures! So to Enki she said.

While the others sat idly waiting, Enki and Ninmah a challenging task undertook;

Ninrnah in Shurubak by some of her female assistants was helped,

Enki by Ningishzidda in the Abzu, at the olden House of Life, was assisted.

Male and female essences and life-eggs they collected,

Of each kind two by two, two by two they in Shurubak and the Abzu preserved,

For safekeeping while in Earth circuit to be taken, thereafter the living kinds to recombine.

At that time word from Ninurta came: Earth's rumblings ominous are!

At that time word from Nergal and Ereshkigal came: The Whiteland is shaken!

In Sippar all the Anunnaki gathered, the Day of the Deluge they awaited.