[[152]] The elder Bel was Enlil of Nippur and the younger Merodach of Babylon. According to Damascius the elder Bel came into existence before Ea, who as Enki shared his attributes.
[[153]] This is the inference drawn from fragmentary texts.
[[154]] A large portion of the narrative is awaiting here.
[[155]] A title of Tiamat; pron. ch guttural.
[[156]] There is another gap here which interrupts the narrative.
[[157]] This may refer to Ea's first visit when he overcame Kingu, but did not attack Tiamat.
[[158]] The lightning trident or thunderstone.
[[159]] The authorities are not agreed as to the meaning of "Ku-pu." Jensen suggests "trunk, body". In European dragon stories the heroes of the Siegfried order roast and eat the dragon's heart. Then they are inspired with the dragon's wisdom and cunning. Sigurd and Siegfried immediately acquire the language of birds. The birds are the "Fates", and direct the heroes what next they should do. Apparently Merodach's "cunning plan" was inspired after he had eaten a part of the body of Tiamat.
[[160]] The waters above the firmament.
[[161]] According to Berosus.