Ur-Namma

The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A)

A version from Nibru 1-7. ...... entire land ......, ...... struck, the palace was devastated. ...... panic spread rapidly among the dwellings of the black-headed people. ...... abandoned places ...... in Sumer. ...... the cities were destroyed in their entirety; the people were seized with panic. Evil came uponUrim and made the trustworthy shepherd pass away. It made Ur-Namma, the trustworthy shepherd, pass away; it made the trustworthy shepherd pass away. 8-14. Because An had altered his holy words completely, ...... became empty, and because, deceitfully, Enlil had completely changed the fate he decreed, Ninmah began a lament in her ....... Enki shut (?) the great door of Eridug. Nudimmud withdrew into his bedchamber and lay down fasting. At his zenith, Nanna frowned at the ...... words of An. Utu did not come forth in the sky, and the day was full of sorrow. 15-21. The mother, miserable because of her son, the mother of the king, holy Ninsumun, was crying: "Oh my heart!". Because of the fate decreed for Ur-Namma, because it made the trustworthy shepherd pass away, she was weeping bitterly in the broad square, which is otherwise a place of entertainment. Sweet sleep did not come to the people whose happiness ......; they passed their time in lamentation over the trustworthy shepherd who had been snatched away. 22-30. As the early flood was filling the canals, their canal-inspector was already silenced (?); the mottled barley grown on the arable lands, the life of the land, was inundated. To the farmer, the fertile fields planted (?) by him yielded little. Enkimdu, the lord of levees and ditches, took away the levees and ditches from Urim. 1 line fragmentary As the intelligence and ...... of the Land were lost, fine food became scarce. The plains did not grow lush grass any more, they grew the grass of mourning. The cows ......, their ...... cattle-pen has been destroyed. The calves ...... their cows bleated bitterly. 31-51. The wise shepherd ...... does not give orders any more. ...... in battle and combat. The king, the advocate of Sumer, the ornament of the assembly, Ur-Namma, the advocate ofSumer, the ornament of the assembly, the leader of Sumer, ...... lies sick. His hands which used to grasp cannot grasp any more, he lies sick. His feet ...... cannot step any more, he lies sick. 1 line fragmentary The trustworthy shepherd, king, the sword of Sumer, Ur-Namma, the king of the Land, was taken to the ...... house. He was taken to Urim; the king of the Land was brought into the ...... house. The proud one lay in his palace. Ur-Namma, he who was beloved by the troops, could not raise his neck any more. The wise one ...... lay down; silence descended. As he, who was the vigour of the Land, had fallen, the Land became demolished like a mountain; like a cypress forest it was stripped, its appearance changed. As if he were a boxwood tree, they put axes against him in his joyous dwelling place. As if he were a sappy cedar tree, he was uprooted in the palace where he used to sleep (?). His spouse ...... resting place; ...... was covered by a storm; it embraced it like a wife her sweetheart (?). His appointed time had arrived, and he passed away in his prime. 52-75. His (?) pleasing sacrifices were no longer accepted; they were treated as dirty (?). TheAnuna gods refused his gifts. An did not stand by an "It is enough", and he could not complete his (?) days. Because of what Enlil ordered, there was no more rising up; his beloved men lost their wise one. Strangers turned into (?) ....... How iniquitously Ur-Namma was abandoned, like a broken jar! His ...... with grandeur like (?) thick clouds (?). He does not ...... any more, and he does not reach out for ....... "...... Ur-Namma, alas, what is it to me?" Ur-Namma, the son of Ninsumun, was brought to Arali, the pre-eminent place of the Land, in his prime. The soldiers accompanying the king shed tears: their boat (i.e. Ur-Namma) was sunk in a land as foreign to them as Dilmun. ...... was cut. It was stripped of the oars, punting poles and rudder which it had. ......; its bolt was broken off. ...... was put aside; it stood (?) in saltpetre. His donkeys were to be found with the king; they were buried with him. His donkeys were to be found with Ur-Namma; they were buried with him. As he crossed over the ...... of the Land, the Land was deprived of its ornament. The journey to the nether world is a desolate route. Because of the king, the chariots were covered over, the roads were thrown into disorder, no one could go up and down on them. Because of Ur-Namma, the chariots were covered over, the roads were thrown into disorder, no one could go up and down on them. 76-87. He presented gifts to the seven chief porters of the nether world. As the famous kings who had died and the dead icib priests, lumah priests, and nindijir priestesses, all chosen by extispicy, announced the king's coming to the people, a tumult arose in the nether world. As they announced Ur-Namma's coming to the people, a tumult arose in the nether world. The king slaughtered numerous bulls and sheep, Ur-Namma seated the people at a huge banquet. The food of the nether world is bitter, the water of the nether world is brackish. The trustworthy shepherd knew well the rites of the nether world, so the king presented the offerings of the nether world, Ur-Namma presented the offerings of the nether world: as many faultless bulls, faultless kids, and fattened sheep as could be brought. 88-91. To Nergal, the Enlil of the nether world, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a mace, a large bow with quiver and arrows, an artfully made barbed dagger, and a multicoloured leather bag for wearing at the hip. 92-96. To Gilgamec, the king of the nether world, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Nammaoffered a spear, a leather bag for a saddle-hook, a heavenly lion-headed imitum mace, a shield resting on the ground, a heroic weapon, and a battle-axe, an implement beloved ofEreckigala. 97-101. To Ereckigala, the mother of Ninazu, in her palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a ...... which he filled with oil, a cajan bowl of perfect make, a heavy garment, a long-fleeced garment, a queenly pala robe, ...... the divine powers of the nether world. 102-105. To Dumuzid, the beloved husband of Inana, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Nammaoffered a ...... sheep, ......, mountain ......, a lordly golden sceptre, ...... a shining hand. {(1 ms. adds:) He ...... a gold and silver ......, a lapis-lazuli ......, and a ...... pin to Dimpikug .......} 106-109. To Namtar, who decrees all the fates, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered perfectly wrought jewellery, a golden ring cast (?) as a ...... barge, pure cornelian stone fit to be worn on the breasts of the gods. 110-113. To Hucbisag, the wife of Namtar, in her palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a chest (?) with a lapis-lazuli handle, containing (?) everything that is essential in the underworld, a silver hair clasp adorned with lapis-lazuli, and a comb of womanly fashion. 114-122. To the valiant warrior Ninjiczida, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a chariot with ...... wheels sparkling with gold, ...... donkeys, thoroughbreds, ...... donkeys with dappled thighs, ......, followed ...... by a shepherd and a herdsman. To {Dimpimekug} {(1 ms. has instead:) Dimpikug}, who stands by his side, he gave a lapis-lazuli seal hanging from a pin, and a gold and silver toggle-pin with a bison's head. 123-128. To his spouse, Ninazimua, the august scribe, denizen of Arali, in her palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a headdress with the august ear-pieces (?) of a sage, made of alabaster, a ...... stylus, the hallmark of the scribe, a surveyor's gleaming line, and the measuring rod ....... 129-131. To ......, the great ...... of the nether world, he gave 2 lines fragmentary 132-144. After the king had presented properly the offerings of the nether world, after Ur-Namma had presented properly the offerings of the nether world, the ...... of the underworld, the ......, seated Ur-Namma on a great dais of the nether world and set up a dwelling place for him in the nether world. At the command of Ereckigala all the soldiers who had been killed by weapons and all the men who had been found guilty were given into the king's hands. Ur-Namma was ......, so with Gilgamec, his beloved brother, he will issue the judgments of the nether world and render the decisions of the nether world. 145-154. After seven days, 10 days had passed, lamenting for Sumer overwhelmed my king, lamenting for Sumer overwhelmed Ur-Namma. My king's heart was full of tears, he ...... bitterly that he could not complete the wall of Urim; that he could no longer enjoy the new palace he had built; that he, the shepherd, could no longer ...... his household (?); that he could no longer bring pleasure to his wife with his embrace; that he could not bring up his sons on his knees; that he would never see in their prime the beauty of their little sisters who had not yet grown up. 155-165. The trustworthy shepherd ...... a heart-rending lament for himself: "I, who have been treated like this, served the gods well, set up chapels for them. I have created evident abundance for the Anuna gods. I have laid treasures on their beds strewn with fresh herbs. Yet no god stood by me and soothed my heart. Because of them, anything that could have been a favourable portent for me was as far away from me as the heavens, the ....... What is my reward for my eagerness to serve during the days? My days have been finished for serving them sleeplessly during the night! Now, just as the rain pouring down from heaven cannot turn back, alas, nor can I turn back to brick-built Urim." 166-186. "Alas, my wife has become a widow (?)! She spends the days in tears and bitter laments. My strength has ebbed away ....... The hand of the fate demon ...... bitterly me, the hero. Like a wild bull ......, I cannot ....... Like a mighty bull, ....... Like an offshoot ....... Like an ass ......, I died. ...... my ...... wife ....... She spends the days in tears and bitter laments. Her kind protective god has left her; her kind protective goddess does not care for her any more.Ninsumun no longer rests her august arm firmly on her head. Nanna, Lord Acimbabbar, no longer leads (?) her by the hand. Enki, the lord of Eridug, does not ....... Her ...... has been silenced (?), she can no longer answer. She is cast adrift like a boat in a raging storm; the mooring pole has not been strong enough for her. Like a wild ass lured (?) into a perilous pit she has been treated heavy-handedly. Like a lion fallen into a pitfall, a guard has been set up for her. Like a dog kept in a cage, she is silenced. Utu ...... does not pay heed to the cries "Oh my king" overwhelming her." 187-197. "My tigi, adab, flute and zamzam songs have been turned into laments because of me. The instruments of the house of music have been propped against the wall. Because I have been made to ...... in a soil-filled pit instead of my throne whose beauty was endless; because I have been made to lie down in the open, desolate steppe instead of my bed, the sleeping place whose ...... was endless, alas, my wife and my children are in tears and wailing. My people whom I used to command (?) sing like lamentation and dirge singers because of her (?). While I was so treated, foremost Inana, the warlike lady, was not present at my verdict. Enlil had sent her as a messenger to all the foreign lands concerning very important matters." 198-216. When she had turned her gaze away from there, Inana humbly entered the shiningE-kur, she ...... at Enlil's fierce brow. (Then Enlil said:) "Great lady of the E-ana, once someone has bowed down, he cannot ...... (?) any more; the trustworthy shepherd left E-ana, you cannot see him any more." My lady ...... among the people {......} {(1 ms. has instead:) like ......}. Then Inana, the fierce storm, the eldest child of Suen, ......, made the heavens tremble, made the earth shake. Inana destroyed cattle-pens, devastated sheepfolds, saying: "I want to hurl insults at An, the king of the gods: Who can change the matter, if Enlil elevates someone? Who can change the import of the august words uttered by An, the king? If there are divine ordinances imposed on the Land, but they are not observed, there will be no abundance at the gods's place of sunrise. My holy jipar, the shrine E-ana, has been barred up {like (?) a mountain} {(some mss. have instead:) like the heavens}. If only my shepherd could enter before me in it in his prime -- {I will not enter it otherwise!} {(some mss. have instead:) Why should I enter it otherwise?} If only my strong one could grow for me like greenery in the desert. If only he could hold steady for me like a river boat at its calm mooring." This is howInana {gave vent (?) to a lament over him} {(1 ms. has instead:) ...... Ur-Namma ......} 217-233. Lord Ninjiczida ....... Ur-Namma, my ...... who was killed, 1 line fragmentary Among tears and laments, ...... decreed a fate for Ur-Namma: "Ur-Namma......, your august name will be called upon. From the south to the uplands, ...... the holy sceptre. Sumer ...... to your palace. The people will admire ...... the canals which you have dug, the ...... which you have ......, the large and grand arable tracts which you have ......, the reedbeds which you have drained, the wide barley fields which you ......, and the fortresses and settlements which you have ....... Ur-Namma, they will call upon ...... your name. LordNunamnir, surpassing ......, will drive away the evil spirits ......" 234-242. After shepherd Ur-Namma ......, Nanna, Lord Acimbabbar, ......, Enki, the king ofEridug ....... {...... devastated sheepfolds ......} {(the other ms. has instead:) ...... the foremost, the flood ......}. {...... holy ......, lion born on high} {(the other ms. has instead:) ...... basket (?) ......}. ...... your city; renders just judgments. ......, Lord Ninjiczida be praised! My king ...... among tears and laments; ...... among tears and laments. A version from Susa Segment A approx. 10 lines missing 1-4. 1 line fragmentary ...... frowned at ....... ......, the day was full of sorrow. ...... withdrew into his bedchamber and lay down fasting. 5-11. The mother, wretched (?) because of her son, ...... the mother of the king, holyNinsumun, was crying: "Oh my heart!". She was weeping bitterly in the broad square, which is otherwise a place of entertainment, that the fate of Ur-Namma had been overturned and that the trustworthy shepherd had been made to pass away. She spent the day in lamentation over the trustworthy shepherd who had been snatched away. Sweet sleep did not (?) come to the people whose happiness had come to an end. 12-19. As the early flood was filling the canals, their canal-inspector ....... The mottled barley come forth on the arable lands, the life of the land, ....... To the farmer, the fertile fields .......Enkimdu, the lord of levees and ditches, ....... ...... its numerous people ....... ...... of the Land ....... The plains ...... fine grass ....... ...... heavy cows ...... approx. 4 lines missing Segment B 1-13. Ur-Namma ....... His hands which used to grasp, cannot ....... His feet which used to tread, ....... 1 line unclear The trustworthy shepherd, the king, the ...... of Sumer, Ur-Namma, ....... As he himself was going to Urim, Ur-Namma ...... house. The proud one lying in the palace, Ur-Namma, who ...... by the troops (?), ....... He could not rise any more, the wise one of the countries lay down; silence ....... As he, who was the vigour of the Land, has fallen, the land became demolished like a mountain. As he, a cypress forest, was felled, the state of the Land became confused. As he, the cedar tree of the Land, was uprooted, the state of the Land became altered. Axes (?) were set against him, a boxwood tree, in his joyous dwelling place. His appointed time arrived, and he passed away in his prime. 14-22. His (?) pleasing sacrifices were no longer accepted; they were treated as dirty (?). TheAnuna gods did not reach out for his gifts any more. ...... did not stand by an "It is enough", his (?) days were not prolonged. ......, there was no more rising up. Ur-Namma, a broken jar, was abandoned at ....... 3 lines unclear "......, what is it to me?" approx. 5 lines missing Segment C 1-10. 3 lines unclear ...... the bolt ....... ...... sat (?) in saltpetre. ......, the roads were thrown into disorder, no one could go up and down on them; ......, the roads were thrown into disorder, no one could go up and down on them. ...... is a long route. ...... the way ....... ...... the journey to the nether world ....... 11-20. ...... gifts ....... ...... chief porters ....... ...... who died ......, ...... dead nindijir priestesses, chosen by extispicy, 1 line unclear ...... raised a tumult ......; ...... raised a tumult ....... The king knew well the rites of the nether world, Ur-Namma knew well the rites of the nether world: so he brought magnificent bulls, faultless kids, and fattened sheep. 21-24. To Nergal, the Enlil of the nether world, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a mace, a large bow with quiver and arrows, a large barbed dagger, and a multicoloured leather bag for wearing at the hip. 25-28. To Gilgamec, the king of the nether world, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Nammaoffered a spear, a leather bag for (?) the saddle-hook ......, a heavenly lion-headed mitummace, a shield resting on the ground, and a battle-axe, an implement beloved of Ereckigala. 29-32. To Ereckigala, the mother of Ninazu ......, in her palace, the shepherd Ur-Nammaoffered a ...... with oil, a cajan bowl of perfect make, a royal ......, ...... the divine powers of the nether world ....... 33-37. To Dumuzid, the beloved husband of Inana, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Nammaoffered alum sheep, long-fleeced sheep, big mountain he-goats, a lordly ...... of manu wood fit for a shining hand, and shepherd's staff and crook of manu wood, fit for a lord. 38-41. To Namtar, who decrees all (?) the fates, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Nammaoffered perfectly wrought jewellery, a golden ring cast (?) as a ...... barge, pure cornelian stone ...... of the gods. 42-45. To Hucbisag, the wife of Namtar, in her palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a chest with a lapis-lazuli handle, containing (?) everything that is essential in the underworld, a hair clasp adorned with lapis-lazuli, and seven (?) combs of womanly fashion. 46-50. To ...... Ninjiczida, in his palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a ...... sparkling with ......, ....... donkeys that bray loudly (?), followed by ....... 51-56. To ...... Ninazimua, ...... denizen of Arali, and to Jectin-ana, the king's sister, in her palace, the shepherd Ur-Namma offered a ......, the hallmark of the scribe, ......, a peg and the measuring rod ....... 57-60. To Dimpimekug, who stands at the right and the left (?), the shepherd Ur-Namma ...... and offered in her (?) palace a golden and silver toggle-pin with a bison's head, and a lapis-lazuli seal with a golden edge and a pin of refined silver. 61-63. To ......, the great ensi of the nether world he brought the magnificent bulls, faultless kids, and fattened sheep that he had; in his palace the shepherd Ur-Namma offered them. 64-72. After the offerings were presented to the great ...... of the underworld, the Anuna, they (?) seated Ur-Namma on a great dais of the nether world and set up a dwelling place for him in the nether world. At the command of Ereckigala, with (?) Gilgamec, his beloved brother, he will pass the judgments of the nether world and render the ...... decisions concerning (?) all the men who fell by weapons and all the men who ...... guilty. 73-88. After five days, 10 days had passed, lamenting for Sumer overwhelmed my king, lamenting for Sumer overwhelmed Ur-Namma. As he could not complete the wall of Urim; as he could no longer enjoy the new palace he had built; as he, the shepherd, could no longer protect (?) his household; as he could no longer bring pleasure to his wife with his embrace; as he could not bring up his sons on his knees; as he would never see in their prime the beauty of their little sisters, who are yet to grow up, the trustworthy shepherd uttered a heart-rending lament for himself: "I, who have experienced, who have experienced fear, ...... for the great gods, I have set up chapels for them. I have created evident abundance for the Anunagods. I have ...... treasures to their ...... shining thrones. ...... a favourable portent for me, was ...... as the nether world or the heavens ....... 1 line fragmentary approx. 7 lines missing " Segment D 1-11. "...... guard ....... ...... silence ....... ...... adab, flute and zamzam songs ...... laments. ...... have been propped against the wall. Because I have been made to sit on ...... whose beauty was endless; because I have been made to fall in ...... was endless, 1 line fragmentary Maiden Inana, the warlike lady, ....... Enlil had sent her as a messenger to all the great mountains." 12-20. When she had turned her gaze away from there, the trustworthy shepherd had left theE-ana, and she (?) could not see him any more. She ...... at Enlil's fierce brow. Antagonistically (?) she insulted An, the king of the gods: "When An, the king speaks, his words cannot be changed! ...... Ur-Namma ....... There will be no ...... at the gods' place of sunrise. ...... holyjipar, shrine E-ana ....... ...... not enter ......." A tigi to Enlil for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma B) 1-6. Exalted Enlil, ...... fame ......, lord who ...... his great princedom, Nunamnir, king of heaven and earth ......, looked around among the people. The Great Mountain Enlil chose Ur-Nammathe good shepherd from the multitude of people: "Let him be the shepherd of Nunamnir!" He made him emanate (?) fierce awesomeness. 7-19. The divine plans of brick-built E-kur were drawn up. The Great Mountain Enlil made up his mind, filled with pure and useful thoughts, to make them shine like the sun in the E-kur, his august shrine. He instructed the shepherd Ur-Namma to make the E-kur rise high; the king made him the mightiest in the Land, he made him the first among the people. The good shepherd Ur-Namma, ...... whose trust in Nunamnir is enduring, the knowledgeable judge, the lord of great wisdom, prepared the brick mould. Enlil brought order in his rebellious and hostile lands for the shepherd Ur-Namma, and made Sumer flourish in joy, in days filled with prosperity. The foundations were laid down firmly and the holy foundation pegs were driven in. The enkum and ninkum priests praised it duly and Enki made the temple rejoice with his artful incantations. 20-30. The shepherd Ur-Namma made the lofty E-kur grow high in Dur-an-ki. He made it to be wondered by the multitude of people. He made glittering the eyebrow-shaped arches of the Lofty Gate, the Great Gate, the Gate of Peace, the Hursaj-galama and the Gate of Perpetual Grain Supplies, by covering them with refined silver. The Anzud bird runs there and an eagle seizes enemies in its claws (?). Its doors are lofty; he filled them with joy. The temple is lofty, it is surrounded with fearsome radiance. It is spread wide, it awakes great awesomeness. Within it, he made the Hursaj-galama, the raised temple (?), the holy dwelling stand fast for the Great Mountain like a lofty tower (?). 31-38. In the Gagiccua of the great palace, where she renders verdicts with grandeur, he made the great mother Ninlil glad. Enlil and Ninlil relished it there. In its great dining hall, the trustworthy hero chosen by Nunamnir made them enjoy a magnificent meal: the E-kur was rejoicing. They looked with approval at the shepherd Ur-Namma, and the Great Mountain decreed a great destiny for Ur-Namma for all time, making him the mightiest among his black-headed people.     39. The sa-gida. 40-45. "I am Nunamnir, whose firm commands and decisions are immutable! You have made my lofty E-kur shine gloriously, you have raised it high with a brilliant crenellation. Trustworthy hero, you have made it shine gloriously in the Land. Ur-Namma, mighty lord, may your (?) kingship be unparalleled, may your fame spread to heaven's borders, as far as the foot of the mountains!" 46-51. "I am the Great Mountain, Father Enlil, whose firm commands and decisions are immutable! You have made my lofty E-kur shine gloriously, you have raised it high with a brilliant crenellation. Trustworthy hero, you have made it shine gloriously in the Land. Ur-Namma, mighty lord, may your (?) kingship be unparalleled, may your fame spread to heaven's borders, as far as the foot of the mountains!" 52-57. Lord Nunamnir gave to my king the lofty mace which heaps up human heads like piles of dust in the hostile foreign countries and smashes the rebellious lands; he gave to the shepherd Ur-Namma the lofty mace which heaps up human heads like piles of dust in the hostile foreign countries and smashes the rebellious lands, so now he beats down the foreign lands and tramples them underfoot. Lord Nunamnir gave it to the shepherd Ur-Namma, so now he beats down the foreign lands and tramples them underfoot. 58-65. He destroys the cities of the wicked, and with heavy oppression he turns (?) them into haunted places. The shepherd Ur-Namma destroys the cities of the wicked, and with heavy oppression he turns (?) them into haunted places. He has a terrible fame in the houses of the rebellious lands, his storming ...... the wicked. The shepherd Ur-Namma has a terrible fame in the houses of the rebellious lands, his storming ...... the wicked. 66-71. He has made the royal dais stand firmly, he has made Urim resplendent. The shepherdUr-Namma has made it exude awesomeness, and he, as king of the Land, has lifted his head high there. All this was granted to him in the place of his king, Enlil: a fate was decreed and then it was duly fulfilled. There is now joy and abundance in Urim because (?) of Ur-Namma.     72. The sa-jara.     73. A tigi of Enlil. A praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma C) 1-16. City of the finest divine powers, lofty royal throne-dais! Shrine Urim, pre-eminent inSumer, built in a pure place! City, your well-founded great wall has grown out of the abzu! City, beautiful as the sky, endowed with beauty, colourfully decorated in a great place! Shrine Urim, well-founded jipar, dwelling of An and Enlil! Your lofty palace is the E-kic-nu-jal, in which the fates are determined! Your pilasters heavy with radiance tower over all the countries! Its terrace like a white cloud is a spectacle in the midst of heaven. Its ...... like flashing lightning shines (?) inside a shrine. Like a single bull under the yoke, ....... Suen's beloved pure table;E-kic-nu-jal, Suen's beloved pure table. The king, ornament of the royal offering place, occupies the august courtyard; Ur-Namma the exalted, whom no one dare oppose, ....... Urim, the wide city ....... 1 line unclear 17-30. ......, the authoritative, praised himself exultantly: Under Ur-Namma, king of Urim, for whom a favorable destiny was determined, the roads have been made passable. An opens his holy mouth, and because of me rain is produced. He directs it downward into the earth, and abundance is brought for me. Enlil treats me kindly, ....... Enki treats me kindly, bestowing early floods, grain and dappled barley. Nintur formed me; I am peerless. ...... brought me up well; I am the king of the Land. I am ......; under my rule the cattle-pens and sheepfolds are extended wide. Utu endowed me with eloquence (?); my judgments create concord in Sumerand Akkad. Ningublaga has given me strength. In the whole extent of heaven and earth, no one can escape from a battle with me. 31-42. I am Ur-Namma, king of Urim, the protecting genius of my city. I strike against those guilty of capital offences, and make them tremble. The fear I cause ....... My judgments makeSumer and Akkad follow a single path. I place my foot on the necks of thieves and criminals. I clamp down on evildoers, who will be caught like snakes. I ...... fugitives, and their intentions will be set right. I make justice apparent; I defeat wickedness. As if I were fire, even my frowning is enough to create concord. My word ....... ...... the lands, the foreign countries ......Urim ....... Their food offerings make Nanna rejoice in E-kic-nu-jal. 43-49. After my seed had been poured into the holy womb, Suen, loving its appearance (?), made it partake of Nanna's attractiveness. Coming forth over the Land like Utu, Enlil called me by an auspicious name, and Nintur assisted at my birth. As I came forth from the womb of my mother Ninsumun, a favorable allotted destiny was determined for me. 50-56. In me, Ur-Namma, the lands of Sumer and Akkad have their protecting genius. I am a source of joy for the Land; my life indeed creates! ......, the fields are resplendent (?) under my rule. In the fields growing with ......, ...... did not multiply under my rule. In the desert, the roads are made up as for a festival, and are passable because of me. The owner of the fields ......; it rises (?) up to his chest. I have freed the sons of the poor from their duty of going to fetch firewood. 57-69. After the storm ......, and the month had been completed (?) for me, Enlil chose me by extispicy on a day very auspicious for him. He spoke fairly to Sumer, and caused me to arise (?) from my family (?). Because of my broad understanding and wisdom, An the king entrusted ...... into my hands. I am the cosmic bond of Sumer. I am ...... good ....... I am ....... I am ...... of the Land. 3 lines fragmentary I, the lord, ....... 70-78. I, Ur-Namma, born on high, ...... shining. The people line up in front of me. Enlil has given me the task of keeping the Land secure, with unscathed (?) troops. I am clad in linen in the jipar. I lie down on the splendid bed in its delightful bedchamber. I cause the people to eat splendid food; I am their Enkimdu (i.e. the god of irrigation and cultivation) . I am the good shepherd whose sheep multiply greatly. I open the ...... of the cattle-pens and sheepfolds. I am peerless. ...... the pastures and watering-places of shepherds (?). 79-85. Since I have been adorned (?) with their rulership, no one imposes taxes on my abundant crops which grow tall. My commands bring about (?) joy in the great fortresses of the mountains. The joy of my city and the territory (?) of Sumer delights me. I release water into the canals of Sumer, making the trees grow tall on their banks. I have lifted the yoke of its male prostitutes. 1 line unclear 86-100. I returned ...... to Urim. I made ...... return (?) to his country ...... like ....... I loaded its grain on barges, I delivered it to its storehouses. I returned its ...... citizens to their (?) homes. I ...... their earth-baskets. I ...... the savage hands of the Gutians, the ....... After I had made the evil-doers return (?) to their ......, I restored (?) the walls that had been torn down; my outstanding mind ....... ...... the shrine of Urim ....... I am the foremost workman (?) of Enlil; I am the one who ...... food offerings. 7 lines fragmentary or missing 101-110. ...... at a banquet with me in the city. ...... joyful dance ....... I have brought abundance to Enlil's temple on the king's canal: I have directed ships both to Kar-jectina ofEnlil and to the lapis-lazuli quay of Nanna. Alcohol and syrup have been poured out beforeEnlil. To me, the shepherd Ur-Namma, let life be given as a reward! For Nanna, my master, I have built his temple; as if it were a verdant hillside, I have set up the E-kic-nu-jal in a great place. I have surrounded (?) its terrace with a gold and lapis-lazuli fence. 111-115. I am the creature of Nanna! I am the older brother of Gilgamec! I am the son borne by Ninsumun, a princely seed! For me, kingship came down from heaven! Sweet is the praise of me, the shepherd Ur-Namma! Ur-Namma the canal-digger (Ur-Namma D) A version from Nibru 1-5. Who will dig it? Who will dig it? Who will dig the Asila-kug canal? Who will dig the Pabi-luhcanal? ...... Ur-Namma will dig it. ...... will dig it. 6-14. ......, ...... Acimbabbar you are on your ...... because of Enlil. The watercourse of ...... is full of fish, and the air above is full of birds. The fresh water of ...... is full of fish, the air above is full of birds. ...... honey-plants are planted, and the carp grow fat. ...... honey-plants are planted, and the carp grow fat. The gizi reed of ...... is so sweet that the fish eat them. The gizireed of ...... is so sweet that the fish eat them. Since my ...... was founded, it is teeming with fish and birds. Since ...... was founded, it is teeming with fish and birds. 15-16. Its ...... is the master of Eridug -- your provider (?) (Ur-Namma) is exultant. Nudimmud, the master of Eridug -- your provider (?) is exultant. 17-18. May the fresh water bring ......; may they be carried in baskets to me. May the fresh water bring ......; may they be carried in baskets to me. A version of unknown provenance 1-5. Who will dig it? Who will dig it? Who will dig the canal? Who will dig the Kece-kug canal? Who will dig the canal? Who will dig the Pabi-luh canal? Who will dig the canal? Wealthy Ur-Namma will dig it. The trustworthy, prosperous youth will dig it. 6-20. My king, Lord Acimbabbar, you are on your throne because of Enlil. Youthful Suen, LordAcimbabbar, you are on your throne because of Enlil. I, the king, whose fate was already decreed in the true womb, who raises his head in authority, Ur-Namma, the youth who caught the eyes of the Great Mountain Enlil, was chosen by Nunamnir in Sumer and Akkad. He decreed my fate in Nibru, in the mountain of life. He beamed at me approvingly and bestowed the kingship on me. In Urim, in the E-mud-kura, he made the foundation of my throne firm. He ...... the holy sceptre to guide the numerous people in my hand. He ...... the staff and the shepherd's crook to ...... the expanding and teeming people. Lord Acimbabbar ...... a long-lasting life. Enlil ...... of the four quarters of the world. He ...... a lasting name, a name worthy to be praised. Enki presented me with my broad wisdom. 21-33. ln my city I dug a canal of abundance and named it the Kece-kug canal; in Urim, I dug a canal of abundance and named it the Kece-kug canal. I named it the Pabi-luh canal, a lasting name worthy to be praised. The watercourse of my city is full of fish, and the air above it is full of birds. The watercourse of Urim is full of fish, and the air above it is full of birds. In my city honey-plants are planted, and the carp grow fat. In Urim honey-plants are planted, and the carp grow fat. The gizi reed of my city is so sweet that the cows eat them. The gizi reed ofUrim is so sweet that the cows eat them. Since my ......, it is teeming with fish and birds. InUrim ....... May the watercourse bring them (the fish) into my canal, may they be carried in baskets to him. May the watercourse bring them into Urim, into my canal, may they be carried in baskets to him. 34-35. Its king is the master of Eridug -- your provider (?) (Ur-Namma) is exultant. Nudimmud, the master of Eridug -- your provider (?) is exultant. 36-39. King of the four quarters, you who make Enlil content, Ur-Namma, provider of Nibru, supporter of Urim, with you (?) the people pass the time joyously at (?) moonlight over the Land of Urim. 40. Ur-Namma, king of Urim, sweet is your praise! A version from Urim 1-10. unknown no. of lines missing 1 line fragmentary Who will dig it? Who will dig the ...... canal? Who will dig the canal? Who will dig the Jisala-jara canal? Who will dig the canal? Wealthy Ur-Namma will dig it. Who will dig the canal? Prosperous Culgi will dig it. Who will dig the canal? 11-28. I, the king, whose fate was already decreed in the true womb, who raises his head in authority, Ur-Namma, the youth who caught the eyes of the Great Mountain Enlil, was chosen by Nunamnir in Sumer and Akkad. He decreed my fate in Nibru, in the mountain of life. InUrim, in the E-mud-kura, he made the foundation of my throne firm. He placed the awesome crown, the adornment of kingship, on my head. He put (?) the holy staff to guide the numerous people in my hand. He ...... the staff, the shepherd's crook into my hand, and the nose-rope to lead the living. He ...... the amazing house ....... 2 lines fragmentary 1 line missing ...... strengthened the roots of E-kic-nu-jal, ......, E-temen-ni-guru, a delightful residence. 1 line unclear ...... standing in silver ....... 29-36. ......, and I named it the Kece-kug canal. I named it the Pabi-luh canal, a lasting name worthy to be praised. The watercourse of my city is full of fish, and the air above it is full of birds. The city of the Kece-kug canal is full of fish, and the air above it is full of birds. The watercourse of the Pabi-luh canal is full of fish, and the air above it is full of birds. Its abundance brings fish and birds for me to the E-kic-nu-jal. Its banks are lush with licorice, a honey-sweet plant to eat. Its arable tracts grow fine grain sprouting abundantly like a forest. 37-39. King of the four quarters, favourite of Enlil, shepherd Ur-Namma, the provider of Sumerand Akkad, beloved of Enlil, it is you (?) who makes ...... of Urim pass the time joyously ....... 40. Ur-Namma, king of eternal fame, sweet is your praise! A cir-namcub (?) to Nanna for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma E) approx. 6 lines missing 1-8. Those who leave through your gate are an uncontrollable flood. Shrine Urim, your interior is a mountain of abundance, your exterior a hill of plenty. No one can learn the interior of theE-kic-nu-jal, the artfully fashioned mountain. Your place of marvel is ...... of cedar, your name makes the Land rejoice. Your lord is the one called as the beautiful lord, the child ofNinsumun, the ornament of all the lands. Urim, your great divine power is the gods's shackle on the Land. Your name be praised indeed! 9-12. Your gate is the blue sky imbued with fearsomeness; only when it is open does Utuilluminate from the horizon. Your platform is where the fates are determined by the gods; you make just decisions. Your name be praised indeed! 13-19. In your interior, the evildoer dare not lay hold of the holy statutes. E-kic-nu-jal, the evil-doer cannot even come to know your interior, which is a dragon. House, your terrace ...... Enlil...... your offerings. At your Dubla-mah, the place where the fates are determined, the great gods determine the fates. Worthy of the E-temen-ni-guru, born ......, your name be praised indeed! 20-24. The beautiful lord ...... the true shepherd Ur-Namma, ...... Urim ....... The silent house ...... like Utu. Your name be praised indeed! Ur-Namma ......, adorned with a lapis lazuli beard ....... 25-34. In his pure heart Acimbabbar has chosen Ur-Namma, the king endowed with allure, the radiance covering the nation. Wickedness cannot pass unnoticed before his eyes. Ur-Nammahas accomplished an achievement, justice! The king, who knows (?) the spreading branches,Ur-Namma acts (?) as constable. The eloquent one of the lord, who knows (?) the spreading branches, Ur-Namma acts (?) as constable. The king, Ur-Namma, refreshes himself at the house of Suen. 35-40. She has determined a fate for the king, for the Tigris and the Euphrates and for Ur-Namma. Its lady, the lady of possessions, the lady of ......, has determined a fate for Ur-Namma. The woman of the princely seed has treated him kindly. Ur-Namma ....... A cir-namcub to Nanna for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma F) 1-6. Imbued with allure from the shining rooftops, Urim, your foundation rests on abundance. City, your lord rides high in joy, Ur-Namma rides high indeed; the one adorned with a lapis-lazuli beard rides high indeed! He is the tallest among all the lords, appearing as the noblest among them. 7-12. Those who leave through your gate are an uncontrollable flood. Shrine Urim, your interior is a mountain of abundance, your exterior a hill of plenty. No one can learn the interior of the E-kic-nu-jal, the artfully fashioned hill. Your temple is a shimmering mountain; your very name is merciful. Your lord is the one called as the beautiful lord, the child of Ninsumun, the ornament of all the lands. 13-17. House, your great divine power is the shackle of the gods put on the Land. Your gate is named by your god, the beautiful god; only when it is is open does Utu illuminate from the horizon. Your platform, the place where the fates are determined by the gods, in order to make just decisions, is where the Anuna, the gods of heaven and earth, take counsel. 18-24. Your ...... makes (?) the faithful woman joyous, the father proud. In your interior the evildoer dare not lay hold of the holy statutes. House whose offerings of the temple terrace devastate the rebel lands. At your Dubla-mah, the place where the fates are determined, the great gods determine the fates. Suen chose Sumer and Akkad, the black-headed people, andUr-Namma in his heart. 25-35. Let me give praise to the king endowed with allure, the radiance covering the nation, Lord Ur-Namma! In his heart Acimbabbar has chosen Ur-Namma, Ur-Namma who is endowed with allure, the radiance covering the nation, placing thereby a shackle on all the lands and blocking the way with a strong bolt. The king is worthy of Suen! Wickedness cannot pass unnoticed before his eyes. Ur-Namma has accomplished an achievement, justice! He fills the wicked land with his battle-cry. The rebellious land is overthrown, Ur-Namma acts (?) as the constable. 36-44. She has determined a fate for the king and the temple of Suen, for the Tigris and theEuphrates and for Ur-Namma. As the sun rises from the horizon, may the population multiply! May he pass the ...... of Ninsumun! ...... admiration. Its lady, the lady who loves possessions, who loves him, has determined a fate for Ur-Namma; Ningal, its lady, the lady who loves possessions, the woman of princely seed, has determined a fate for Ur-Namma. 45-51. The shepherd Ur-Namma is elevated; in the house of Suen, he is the one adorned with a lapis lazuli beard. May he pass ......! ...... is good, is sweet in its luxuriance. Like Ninlil who gives birth in a storm, child of Ninsumun, she has given birth to you. May holy An sit with the shepherd! ...... with the shepherd Ur-Namma.     52. A cir-namcub of Nanna. A balbale to Enlil for Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma G) 1-8. 6 lines missing Enlil ...... to Ur-Namma. He bestowed on him (?) early floods, grain and speckled barley. 9-15. Ur-Namma, may the people flourish in prosperity under your rule. You (?) ...... the plough and good barley, and your cultivated fields will be rich. You (?) ...... trees, seeds, good barley, the plough, and the fields. You (?) ...... the plough and good barley ....... King, cultivate the fields with oxen, and your cultivated fields will be rich; Ur-Namma, cultivate the fields with them, and your cultivated fields will be rich. The oxen will make (?) your cultivated fields fertile; your cultivated fields will be rich. 16-27. My king, when you have finished with all the work on the fields of Enlil; Ur-Namma, when you have finished with all the work on the fields of Enlil, may the rains of heaven make the furrows that you laid out sprout abundantly. King, faithful farmer, you have ...... the levees and ditches in the wide fields; Ur-Namma, faithful farmer, you have ...... the levees and ditches on the wide fields. Like the rising Utu, the levees and ditches ....... My king, ......; Ur-Namma, ....... 2 lines missing 2 lines fragmentary     28. A balbale of Enlil. A praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma H) Segment A 1-4. Ur-Namma, king of the Land ....... ...... far and distant (?) ....... ...... ebony ....... 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing Segment B 1-6. 1 line fragmentary ...... with silver and lapis lazuli ....... ...... like silver ...... in the Land. ...... in (?) the desert. Lion (?) and dragon ....... Ur-Namma, king of the Land, far and distant (?) unknown no. of lines missing A praise poem of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma I) Segment A unknown no. of lines missing 1-6. He is the ...... of his god; all the foreign countries are full (?) of his fame. He carries out his plans, and Sumer is ...... by his greatness. Utu marches before the king. 1 line unclear unknown no. of lines missing Segment B 1-2. 1 line fragmentary ...... gate ...... spectacle. 3-6. King, white mec tree growing in a pleasant spot in Urim, a shady canopy of numerous large branches facing the sky, years of abundance extending over all foreign countries for those who keep close (?) to your shade. An looks with favour at ......, ...... with joy ....... 7-12. Ur-Namma, son of Ninsumun, king given strength by Enlil, tenderly cared for by Ninlil, enthroned by the will of Ninhursaja, provided with superior intelligence by Enki, 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing Segment C 1. May Ninsumun, the mother who gave you birth, hold you against her chest in the E-kic-nu-jal.