Division of the world among gods (1)

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Poseidon’s description of the division of the world among the gods in Iliad by lot is a motif also in Atrahasis.

Atrahasis Epic (SBV) 1.12-18:
They cast lots, the gods took their shares: Anu went up to heaven, Enlil took the earth for his subjects. The bolt which keeps the sea in check they gave to Ea the Prince. Those of Anu went up to the heavens, those of Ea went down to the Apsu.

Homer, Iliad 15.187-195:
“For we are three brothers, begotten of Kronos, and born of Rhea, - Zeus, and myself, and the third is Hades, that is lord of the dead below. And in threefold wise are all things divided, and unto each have been apportioned his own domain. I verily, when the lots were shaken, won for my portion the grey sea to be my habitation for ever, and Hades won the murky darkness, while Zeus won the broad heaven amid the air and the clouds; but the earth and high Olympus remain yet common to us all. Wherefore will I not in any wise walk after the will of Zeus; nay in quiet let him abide in his third portion, how strong soever he be.”

Sources (list of abbreviations) (source links will open in a new browser window)
Atrahasis Epic (SBV) 1.12-18
Homer, Iliad 15.187-195

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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