The Ancients Babylon's Epic of Creation
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Jan 23, 2025 In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Sophus Helle, a leading expert on ancient Mesopotamian literature and translator of pivotal texts, shares insights on the Enuma Elish, Babylon's own Epic of Creation. He reveals how this ancient narrative glorifies Marduk, Babylon’s supreme god, and highlights its profound influence on biblical texts like Genesis. The conversation also dives into the cosmic battle between Marduk and Tiamat, and how Marduk transforms chaos into order, reshaping the universe. Discover the cultural significance of these myths in shaping beliefs and identity.
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Babylonian Religion Shift
- Enuma Elish elevated Marduk, Babylon's god, as king of the gods, changing Babylonian religion.
- This shift transitioned Babylonian culture from polytheism, with multiple gods, to henotheism, with one supreme god.
Critical Reactions
- Enuma Elish sparked criticism from Babylonians, Assyrians, and Jewish writers.
- The Book of Genesis, with borrowed language, exemplifies critical reactions to Enuma Elish.
Primordial Waters
- Enuma Elish begins with no words, only primordial waters, Apsu (freshwater) and Tiamat (saltwater).
- These waters represent a state of fluidity, lacking shapes, names, and destinies, unlike the ordered cosmos created later.
