Like The debate between Sheep and Grain, The debate between Bird and Fish also begins with a short creation myth, explaining how the marsh environment characteristic of southern Iraq came into existence. An area of many hundreds of square kilometres, the shallow brackish water extended in broad lagoons and narrow channels running between the immense beds of reeds (growing up to six metres or more in height). Not only was this region of considerable economic importance as a source of fish and game, but it also stimulated the imagination of the ancient Mesopotamians as a locale where fugitives could hide and where secret sexual encounters took place (see Enlil andNinlil, Group C).
This debate is conducted on a highly acrimonious level. Although the various benefits of fish and birds to mankind are discussed by the participants—the personified Fish and Bird—much of their discourse is devoted to insulting each other. Thus Fish does not have a proper body with limbs, and it stinks; while Bird is vain, leaves its droppings everywhere and troubles people with its constant squawking.
A short narrative section in the middle describes how Fish overturns Bird’s nest and smashes her eggs. Bird gets her revenge by snatching Fish’s spawn from the water. With hostilities raised to this level of tension, the contestants decide to register a formal lawsuit at Eridug, the city of the god Enki who has a special concern for the marsh areas. A formal verdict is finally delivered by king Sulgi, the most illustrious king of the Third Dynasty of Urim, and a role model of just kingship. Despite the arguments on both sides, and perhaps because of Fish’s savage attack on Bird’s eggs, Bird is adjudged the winner. But in this case, the argument seems to rest as much on the pleasure created to man and the gods by Bird’s beautiful plumage and attractive singing, as on any economic reasons.
World History
