Lyrics
When on high no name was given to heaven
Refers to a time when heaven had no name on high.
Nor below was the netherworld called by name
Describes a time when the netherworld below had no name.
Apsu was their progenitor
Apsu is introduced as the originator of the gods.
And Tiamat was she who bore them all
Tiamat is mentioned as the one who gave birth to all gods.
GIGIM XUL! UGGAE!
Invocation of GIGIM XUL and UGGAE, addressing as evil spirit and god of death.
Evil spirit! God of death!
-Evil spirit! God of death!
-GIGIM XUL! UGGAE!
-Evil spirit! God of death!
-Evil spirit! God of death!
-They were mingling their waters together
Describes a state where the waters were mingling without obstacles.
No cane brake was intertwined
-Nor thicket matted close
-When no gods at all had been brought forth
Refers to a time when no gods existed.
None called by names, no destinies ordained
No gods were named, and destinies were not ordained.
Then were the gods formed within these two
The gods were formed within Apsu and Tiamat.
In the cella of destinies
References the cella of destinies, where the wise god and lord were begotten.
The abode of designs
-The most capable, the sage of the gods
-The Lord was begotten
-The mighty firstborn
Describes Marduk as the mighty firstborn, champion, hastener to battle, and warrior.
Champion of his father
-Hastener to battle
-The warrior – Marduk!
-In the midst of Apsu
States that Marduk was formed in the midst of Apsu and holy Apsu.
Marduk was formed
-In the midst of holy Apsu
-Was Marduk formed!
-GIGIM XUL! UGGAE!
Repetition of the invocation of GIGIM XUL and UGGAE, addressing as evil spirit and god of death.
Evil spirit! God of death!
-Evil spirit! God of death!
-GIGIM XUL! UGGAE!
-Evil spirit! God of death!
-Evil spirit! God of death!
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