An Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh Epic Part 6

The mother of Gish, who knows all things, Spoke to Gish: "Some one, O Gish, who like thee In the field was born and Whom the mountain has reared, Thou wilt see (him) and [like a woman(?)] thou wilt rejoice.

Heroes will kiss his feet.

Thou wilt spare [him and wilt endeavor]

To lead him to me."

He slept and saw another Dream, which he reported to his mother: ["My mother,] I have seen another [Dream.] My likeness I have seen in the streets [Of Erech] of the plazas.

An axe was brandished, and They gathered about him; And the axe made him angry.

I saw him and I rejoiced, I loved him as a woman, I embraced him.

I took him and regarded him As my brother."

The mother of Gish, who knows all things, [Spoke to Gish]: ["O Gish, the man whom thou sawest,]

[Whom thou didst embrace like a woman].

Col II.

(means) that he is to be a.s.sociated with thee."

Gish understood the dream.

[As] Enki[du] was sitting before the woman, [Her] loins(?) he embraced, her v.a.g.i.n.a(?) he opened.

[Enkidu] forgot the place where he was born.

Six days and seven nights Enkidu continued To cohabit with [the courtesan].

[The woman] opened her [mouth] and Spoke to Enkidu: "I gaze upon thee, O Enkidu, like a G.o.d art thou!

Why with the cattle Dost thou [roam] across the field?

Come, let me lead thee into [Erech] of the plazas, to the holy house, the dwelling of Anu, O, Enkidu arise, let me conduct thee To Eanna, the dwelling of Anu, The place [where Gish is, perfect] in vitality.

And thou [like a wife wilt embrace] him.

Thou [wilt love him like] thyself.

Come, arise from the ground (that is) cursed."

He heard her word and accepted her speech.

The counsel of the woman Entered his heart.

She stripped off a garment, Clothed him with one.

Another garment She kept on herself.

She took hold of his hand.

Like [a G.o.d(?)] she brought him To the fertile meadow, The place of the sheepfolds.

In that place they received food; [For he, Enkidu, whose birthplace was the mountain,]

[With the gazelles he was accustomed to eat herbs,]

[With the cattle to drink water,]

[With the water beings he was happy.]

(Perhaps one additional line missing.)

Col. III.

Milk of the cattle He was accustomed to suck.

Food they placed before him, He broke (it) off and looked And gazed.

Enkidu had not known To eat food.

To drink wine He had not been taught.

The woman opened her mouth and Spoke to Enkidu: "Eat food, O Enkidu, The provender of life!

Drink wine, the custom of the land!"

Enkidu ate food Till he was satiated.

Wine he drank, Seven goblets.

His spirit was loosened, he became hilarious.

His heart became glad and His face shone.

[The barber(?)] removed The hair on his body.

He was anointed with oil.

He became manlike.

He put on a garment, He was like a man.

He took his weapon; Lions he attacked, (so that) the night shepherds could rest.

He plunged the dagger; Lions he overcame.

The great [shepherds] lay down; Enkidu was their protector.

The strong man, The unique hero, To [the shepherds(?)] he speaks:

(About five lines missing.)

Col. IV.

(About eight lines missing.)

Making merry.

He lifted up his eyes, He sees the man.

He spoke to the woman: "O, courtesan, lure on the man.

Why has he come to me?

His name I will destroy."

The woman called to the man Who approaches to him [144] and he beholds him.

"Away! why dost thou [quake(?)]

Evil is the course of thy activity." [145]

Then he [146] opened his mouth and Spoke to Enkidu: "[To have (?)] a family home Is the destiny of men, and The prerogative(?) of the n.o.bles.

For the city(?) load the workbaskets!

Food supply for the city lay to one side!

For the King of Erech of the plazas, Open the hymen(?), perform the marriage act!

For Gish, the King of Erech of the plazas, Open the hymen(?), Perform the marriage act!

With the legitimate wife one should cohabit.

So before, As well as in the future. [147]

By the decree p.r.o.nounced by a G.o.d, From the cutting of his umbilical cord (Such) is his fate."

At the speech of the hero His face grew pale.

(About three lines missing.)

Col. V.

(About six lines missing.)

[Enkidu] went [in front], And the courtesan behind him.

He entered into Erech of the plazas.