This second Lugalbanda narrative reverses the structure of the first, beginning with its hero still stranded in the mountains and ending with him reunited first with his king, Enmerkar, and then with his city, Unug. In addition, it introduces another actor to the drama, the monstrous and terrifying Anzud bird, the divinely appointed guardian of this mountainous region who plays the role of helper to Lugalbanda, providing him with the gift of speed that is essential to the second part of the narrative.
Alone in the mountains, Lugalbanda resolves to befriend Anzud by lavishing attention on his fledgeling and turning his nest into a palatial residence. Lugalbanda’s plan is successful and in return Anzud offers him various kinds of worldly success. What he requests instead as his destiny is miraculous speed. His wish granted, the bird in the sky and the hero below set off to find Enmerkar’s troops, and in doing so leave behind the liminal landscape of the mountains. Advising Lugalbanda not to reveal his newly granted power, Anzud departs and Lugalbanda rejoins the troops with startling suddenness, offering less than full answers to the questions with which he is greeted.
The military narrative now resumes, describing the siege of Aratta as unsuccessful and Enmerkar as despondent. The king needs a messenger to return to Unug and seek support from its patron deity Inana whom he fears is abandoning him. Lugalbanda volunteers, provided that he is allowed to go alone and thus keep his mysterious power secret. After a miraculously swift journey he reaches Unug and delivers Enmerkar’s passionate plea to Inana. Her reply promises Enmerkar victory but only if he can capture a certain fish which will serve to restore the strength of his army. But while it is Enmerkar who is promised success, and access to the wealth of Aratta, it is holy Lugalbanda who is praised in the final line of the poem.
World History
