Un Balag Du Dieu Soleil Utu (MAH 16066)

Abstract

This article consists of an edition of the unique, hitherto unpublished balag MAH 16066. Three “narrative” kirugu sections originally totaling 70 lines are followed by an originally 110-line litany that, as shown in a synoptic table, is parallel at several points to at least nine other Old Babylonian second millennium BCE liturgical texts. The composition appears to be associated with a concrete ceremony. As interesting as the core text is the closing line, found also in other balags, with its benediction built on the construction šùd(u)-bi … gi4-gi4 to invoke the blessing deities named in the litany.