Enuma Elish Literary Analysis

In every tradition of folklore and mythology, Creation is generally the crown jewel of each culture. There are common themes that run through each tale, despite their differences in culture. This is certain in the Hebrew story of Creation, as well as the Mesopotamian Creation story “Enuma Elish”, whose differences abound. Where they are similar, however, is reflective of their rather close proximity in regard to region of origin. Effective collaboration between families and governing bodies are rather large components of both Hebrew and Mesopotamian culture, and is rather evident in both the Hebrew Creation, as well as “Enuma Elish”. Likewise, regret and repentance following Creation by the Creators is evident in both myths. As evidenced in

In “Enuma Elish”, Apsu and Tiamet, are the creators, as evidenced in the myth’s opening lines: “When the sky above was not yet named, and the earth beneath did not yet bear a name, and the primeval Apsu who begat them, and chaos Tiamet, the mother of them both” (Enuma Elish, lines 1-5). Apsu and Tiamet are indicative of the waters: Apsu represents the fresh water, which provides refreshment, and is essential to our survival. Likewise, Tiamet, indicative of the sea, represents nourishment—as the ocean is the source of most Mediterranean food, as well as the cornerstone of their economy. As indicated in the opening line, the sky and earth were conceived, as well as their children—the gods. However, the Earth and Sky as it is known today was not seen until Tiamet was defeated by Marduk, her grandson, and her body torn in two to create the Earth and

While mankind was fashioned using the blood of Tiamesh’s husband, Kingu, in the Hebrew tradition, man was formed from the dirt, and became animate upon receiving the ruach, or breath of God, within their lungs. God’s creation of man was rather uneventful as he is, in the Hebrew tradition, the only being in existence with such power. Multiple entities exist in “Enuma Elish”, which could certainly lead to conflict and a struggle for power. Despite the difference in materials, a common theme emerges: mankind could not exist without some sort of divine impartation—in the Hebrew myth, it is the Breath of God, while the “Enuma Elish” tradition utilizes the blood of the Supreme Leader of the world to provide animation for their creations. It is also important to discuss their use for mankind, which in both cases was essentially the same: servitude. In the Hebrew culture, it is generally accepted that mankind was created for the sole purpose of worship and adoration of God—which is symbolized throughout their scripture as temple worship: this requires tending to sacrifices, offering grain and livestock, as well as perpetually lit incense. In Genesis, man was given “dominion” over the Earth, and the creatures that lived within it. Likewise, in “Enuma Elish”, mankind was created to be in service to the allies of Marduk, and complete all of