Monday, March 23, 2026 · 天火 · tianmu.org
Disputations
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Texts
The Debate between Bird and FishA Sumerian disputation poem in which Bird and Fish quarrel over their merits, destroy each other's nests and eggs, and bring their case before King Shulgi and Enki, who rules in Bird's favour.The Debate between Grain and SheepA Sumerian disputation poem in which the grain goddess Ašnan and the sheep goddess Lahar are brought down from the sacred mound by Enki and Enlil to nourish the world. Drunk on wine and beer, they quarrel over which is greater. Enki adjudicates in favor of grain.The Debate Between Summer and WinterA Sumerian debate poem in which two divine brothers — Emesh (Summer) and Enten (Winter) — each claim superiority before their father Enlil. After heated argument, Enlil declares Winter the winner, as controller of the life-giving waters. One of the finest examples of the Sumerian "disputation" genre.The Debate between the Hoe and the PloughA Sumerian disputation poem in which the hoe and plough quarrel before Enlil over which is more useful; Enlil adjudicates in the hoe's favour and praises Nisaba.