Anzu - Standard and Old Babylonian Version Summary and Analysis

The author begins by noting that these two versions of the myth differ only in their length, complexity, and naming convention. The plot of the myth revolves around the theft of the Tablet of Destinies from the gods and the battle to regain the powerful talisman by the story's hero. The standard version of the myth begins in the first person, signifying the teller of the myth is introducing the story. After the introduction, the gods assemble and speak of the birth of Anzu, a lion-headed eagle figure born in the mountains of Hehe. Ellil chooses Anzu to guard the innermost chamber of his temple. When Anzu sees Ellil bathe himself, he dreams of gaining the power of Ellil by stealing the Tablet of Destinies, which controls the rites...