Succession in Myths

In a succession myth, the familial relationship between the gods is significant. In the three works: The Babylonian Enuma Elish, The Hittite Illuyanka Myths (version 2) and the Greek Theogony by Hesiod; it can be argued that the succession of the gods is a reflection of their power and that this power eventually leads to a redistribution of position within the gods. In the Babylonian Enuma Elish, each generation of god is proclaimed to be stronger than the last and eventually this culmination of power leads to Marduk killing his great-great grandmother. In the Illuyanka myths (version 2) there is a decrease of power in the line of succession but the power is restored to the Storm God in the form of his heart and his eyes. In the Greek poet Hesiod’s Theogony, gods and monsters (Cyclopes) also become more powerful with each succession, as in the Enuma Elish, and Zeus overthrows his father fulfilling the prophecy given by Heaven and Earth.

In both the Enuma Elish and Hesiod’s Theogony, power is increased with each generation of succession and eventually culminates to a redistribution of powers. In the Enuma Elish this increase in power is first noted with the birth of Anshar and Kishar by stating that they, “… [Surpass] the others.” Their Heir, Anu, was also said to surpass them (“of his fathers the rival”) and Anu’s son, Nudimmud (Ea) was said to be, “…of his fathers the master.” But it is not until the birth of Marduk (Ea’s heir) that the power of the succession line seems to reach its peak. Marduk is described as “unsuited for understanding”, and “filled with awesomeness”. He is said to be ,“perfect” and that, “greatly exalted was he above them.” It is Marduk that has the courage out of the gods to battle his great-great gra...

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...n occurs when the Storm God’s son retrieves his father’s heart and eyes and restores them to him. With this restoration of position the Storm God is able to defeat the Serpent at the sea.

Works Cited

Branscome, David, comp. "Greek Hesiod, Theogony, Lines 1-210 "invocation to the Muses and Creation" [Hugh G. Evelyn-White, Tr. Hesiod, Theogony and Works and Days. Cambridge, MA., Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1914.]." Ancient Mythology East and West. Print.

"Sumerian/Babylonian When on HIgh (Enuma Elish) "Creation and Marduk." [Dennis Bratcher, Tr. Http://www.cresourcei.org/enumaelish.html]." Ancient Mythology East and West. Comp. David Branscome. Print.

Branscome, David, comp. "Hittite "The Illuyanka Tales" (2 Versions)[Harry R. Hoffner, Hittitee Myths, 2nd Ed., Scholars Press, 1998, Pp.11-14]." Ancient Mythology East and West. Print.