Nergal (Lord Who Prowls By Night)

Irkalla (Underworld), deathlike dreaming in a tomb
Erra, mighty Usumgallu (Dragon-Serpent)
Enthroned in Kutha
Nergal, Lord who Prowls by Night.

Erra stirred by the Seven Sebitti
Furious warriors, rebel gods
Seven Udug-Hul consuming, destroying
Blazing radiance of Terror, Melammu.

In the West, Utu has shone forth for you
Awe-inspiring dais radiating across the abyss
Nergal, who can kill and bring life back
Holding the keys to the Netherworld.

In the East, Nergal is imbued with a terrible radiance
Lord of War and Destruction, spiller of blood
Nergal, dragon covered in gore
Drinking the blood of living creatures.

Usumgallu (Dragon) who is covered in gore
Battle-mace drips blood and flesh
Nergal whose power has filled heaven and earth
Nergal, angry sea, unleash your awe and terror!
*Hymn adapted from a late Sumerian hymn to Nergal and the Erra-myth.