The Enuma Elish

The Enuma Elish is the Babylonian creation myth that recounts the origins of the world and the gods. It begins with the primordial waters of Apsu and Tiamat, representing freshwater and saltwater, respectively. From their union arose the first generation of gods. However, these younger gods disturbed Apsu, who plotted to eliminate them. Tiamat, angered by Apsu’s death at the hands of the younger gods, created monstrous beings to wage war against them. Marduk, a young and powerful god, volunteered to confront Tiamat, armed with a net and wind. In an epic battle, Marduk defeated Tiamat, splitting her body to create the heavens and the earth. He also fashioned the first humans from her blood, tasked with serving the gods. This creation myth not only establishes Marduk as the chief deity of Babylon but also illustrates themes of order emerging from chaos, the struggle for power, and humanity's relationship with the divine.