The Dragon Stone

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Location:
Sumeria, Near East

Images:

Description:
Anzu is a Sumerian storm god. He stole the tablets setting out the laws of the Universe. The sun-god Ninurta was ordered to kill Anzu. They fought, and Ninurta won. In later versions, Ninurta and Marduk are sometimes interchanged.

Anzu is also known as Zu and Anzud. He is often referred to as a bird. His appearance varies from a more eagle-like form to a four legged form with a cat's head.

Lugalbanda and the Anzu Bird

This story follows the exploits of a man called Lugalbanda, as translated in the Electronic Text Corpus (Black, J.A., 1998). At this time, Anzu was known to nest in the mountains. He had built a nest from juniper and box tree wood. In this nest, Anzu's baby lived. Lugalbanda waited for Anzu to leave the nest and approached the baby. He fed it sheep's fat and cakes made with honey. The baby fell asleep, and Lugalbanda decorated the nest and waited.

Meanwhile, Anzu had been hunting wild bulls. Anzu and his wife returned to the nest with the bulls. Anzu called out to the baby. After several cries, the baby had still not responded. Anzu assumed the worst; that the baby had been kidnapped. As Anzu entered the nest the truth became clear. He saw the baby settled and the gifts laid out. He called that he would reward whoever had done this.

Lugalbanda came out, and Anzu gave him strength and speed. He also advised that Lugalbanda should not tell anyone of the gifts he has been given. The story ends, as far as Anzu is concerned, with Lugalbanda leaving and Anzu returning home.

This last story is particularly interesting, as Anzu is described both as an individual and as a species. Later references in the story talk about Anzu babies being abandoned. Possibly they are talking about the baby being left alone while its parents hunt.

Selected References: Black, J.A. (1998)

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