Inanna and Enmerkar
Let us challenge him to bring us the sacred treasure, the shining gem, The lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, which is hidden in the mountains.
He sent his own messenger to Enmerkar with these words: 'If you are indeed favored by the gods, if your power is great, Then bring us the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, which is hidden in the mountains.
The lord of Aratta has demanded the sacred treasure, The shining gem, the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, Which is hidden in the mountains.
I shall reveal the hidden treasure, the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky.'"
He found the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, shining in the darkness.
Lines 71-75: "Enmerkar sent his messenger to the lord of Aratta, With the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, as a gift.
The sacred treasure, the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, is yours.'"
The city of Aratta is portrayed as being rich in precious materials such as gold, silver, and lapis lazuli, and it is known for its skilled craftsmen.
Lapis lazuli is found in limestone in the Kokcha River valley of Badakhshan province in north-eastern Afghanistan, where the Sar-i Sang mine deposits have been worked for more than 6,000 years.
Garden of Eden – Desert or Steppe
It is described as having roots of bright lapis lazuli planted in the cosmic abyss and is depicted with cherub-like figures standing beside it, reminiscent of the guardians of Eden in the Bible.
Take and read out from the lapis lazuli tablet
Let these flies be the lapis lazuli of my necklaceBy which I may remember it (?) daily (?)[forever (?)].'The warrior Ellil spotted the boat And was furious with the Igigi.'We, the great Anunna, all of us,Agreed together on an oath!No form of life should have escaped!How did any man survive the catastrophe?'Anu made his voice heardAnd spoke to the warrior Ellil,'Who but Enki would do this?He made sure that the [reed hut] disclosed theorder.'Enki made his voice heardAnd spoke to the great gods,'I did it, in defiance of you!I made sure life was preserved [(5 lines missing)Exact your punishment from the sinner.And whoever contradicts your order(12 lines missing)I have given vent to my feelings!'Ellil made his voice heardAnd spoke to far-sighted Enki,'Come, summon Nintu the womb-goddess!Confer with each other in the assembly.