Hymns, Sumerian; Sumerian language -- Texts; Sumerians -- Religion
As examples of the liturgical compilation texts the reader is referred
especially to the following tablets. On pages 290-292 the writer has
described the important compiled liturgy found by CHARLES VIROLLEAUD.(15)
It is an excellent example of a Nippurian musical prayer service. It
contained eleven _kišubs_, or prayers, and they are recast in such manner
that the whole set forth one idea which progresses to the end. The liturgy
has in fact almost reached the stage of a composition. And in these same
pages the reader will see how this service finally resulted in a canonical
liturgy, for the completed product has been recovered. On pages 309-310
will be found a fragment, part of an ancient liturgy to Enlil of the
compiled type. Here again we are able to produce at least half of the
great liturgy into which the old service issued. In the preceding part of
this volume, pages 184-187, is given the first song of a similar liturgy
addressed to the mother goddess.
Undoubtedly the most important liturgical tablet which pertains to the
ordinary cults in the Nippur collection is discussed on pages 279-285. The
breviary, which probably belongs to the cult of the moon-god, derives
importance from its great length, its theological ideas, especially the
mention of the messengers which attend the Logos or Word of Enlil, and its
musical principles. Here each song has an antiphon which is unusual in
precanonical prayer books of the ordinary cults.(16) Students of the
history of liturgies will be also particularly interested in the unique
breviary compiled from eight songs of prostration, a lamentation for the
ancient city of Keš with theological references. This song service was
popular at Nippur, for remains of at least two copies have been found in
the collection. A translation is given on pages 311-323.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account