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 Hesiod's Greek Theogony; it can be argued that the succession of the gods is a reflection of their power, and that this power ultimately leads to a redistribution of position within the gods. In the Babylonian Enuma Elish, each generation of god is proclaimed stronger than the previous one, and ultimately this culmination of power leads Marduk to kill his great-great-grandmother. In the Illuyanka myths (version 2) there is a decrease in power in the line of succession but the power is returned to the Storm God in the form of his heart and eyes. In the Theogony of the Greek poet Hesiod, even gods and monsters (Cyclopes) 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 increases with each generation of succession and ultimately culminates in a redistribution of power. In the Enuma Elish this increase in power is first noted with the birth of Anshar and Kishar stating that they "... [exceed] 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 only with the birth of Marduk (the heir of Ea) that the power of the line of succession seems to reach its peak. Marduk is described as “unfit for understanding” and “full of suggestions.” It is said that he was "perfect" and that he was "highly exalted above them." It is Marduk who has the courage of the gods to fight his great-great grandfather...... middle of paper ......n happens when the son of the Storm God recovers his father's heart and eyes and he restores them. With this restoration of position the Storm God is able to defeat the Serpent at Sea. Works Cited Branscome, David, comp. "Greek Hesiod, Theogony, verses 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 between 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 between East and West. Comp. David Branscome. Print.Branscome, David, comp. “Hittite “The Illuyanka Tales” (2 versions) [Harry R. Hoffner, Hittite Myths, 2nd edition, Scholars Press, 1998, pp.11-14].” Ancient mythology between East and West. Press.
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