Atrahasis, Tablet II

Tablet II

Synopsis

Tablet II is less straightforward than Tablet I, owing to both the fragmentary and repetitious nature of the text. In the end, I am not sure how much weight we can place on a chronological account, but the overall account has a few important themes. Ellil again became annoyed at the noise of the people, and ordered a famine in the land. The people used the same technique as with the previous plague: they ignored the other gods and appeased Adad, with offerings and a temple, into lifting the drought. The famine lasted 6 years, which culminated in cannibalism in the last years. Then enter Atrahasis into the story. He communes with Enki, or Ea, who guides him during the famine. The end becomes even more confusing, but it seems that Enki and Ellil had an argument, and Ellil demands a flood. Ellil also seems to be upset with the Igigi, who created humans and are now destroying them.

Commentary

• Is there a connection between the fact that the Bible reports Noah as being 600 years old at the time of the flood, and the Atrahasis discusses the passing of a period of 600 years? (Gen 7:6)
• The realms of the gods are divided into heavens, earth, and sea. (Gen 1:6-10)
• The Mesopotamians seem to have a notion that there are vast quantities of water below the surface of the earth, which recalls the Biblical flood which was not caused by the constant downpour, as much as by the rising of the depths over the earth. (Gen 7:11)