Tablet inscribed in Sumerian with Temple Hymns
One of the hymns recorded on this tablet is on the temple of Enlil in Nippur. The supreme god Enlil was worshipped in many cities, but the Nippur temple was his principal abode. According to Sumerian mythology, Nippur was one of the primordial cities where heaven and earth met. It was also located strategically, connecting northern and southern Mesopotamia— making it an attractive political node for rulers of Mesopotamia, including Enheduanna’s father, King Sargon.
Tablet inscribed in Sumerian with Temple Hymns
Mesopotamia, Nippur (modern Nuffar)
Old Babylonian period (ca. 1894–1595 BC)
Clay
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia, USA, Excavated 1890–93; CBS 07073 + N 1193 + N 7018 + N 7028 + N 7900
Courtesy of the Penn Museum
Sidney Babcock: Enheduanna compiled and wrote short hymns written for sanctuaries located in cities throughout Mesopotamia. These hymns unified the religious landscape by associating the temples of the south with those in the north, perhaps in line with the broader political aspirations of Enheduanna’s father, king Sargon. One of the hymns recorded on this tablet is about the temple of the supreme god Enlil in Nippur. According to Sumerian mythology, Nippur was a primordial city where heaven and earth met. It was also located strategically—connecting northern and southern Mesopotamia—making it an attractive political node for rulers:
Nimet Habachy:
O [ ], shrine where fate is determined,
[ ], foundation, raised by a ziggurat,
[ ], residency of Enlil,
your [ ], your right and your left are Sumer and Akkad.
O House of Enlil, your interior is cool, your exterior determines fate.
your doorjamb and your beam are a high mountain,
your projecting gate-tower is a glorious mountain.
your [ ] is a princely holy area,
your base brings together heaven and earth.
Your prince, the great prince Enlil, the good lord,
the lord of the boundary of heaven, the lord who determines fate,
O shrine of Nippur, great mountain of Enlil,
he erected a house in your holy area and took a seat upon your dais.