BOOK OF GLEANINGS.
CHAPTER SIX: THE COMPANIONSHIP OF YADOL.
(1) Concerning our father Hurmanetar, these things were written in the scroll of Pakhamin, scribe of the Firehawks. Generation had grown out of generation and the Lord of Light and Life had hidden Himself, for He knew the Nature of man and none could find Him. Time passed and they sought Him no more.
(2) Then high riding, ass borne, came one who was to reveal the Light to men, praises to the Lord of Light and Life for Hurmanetar the Lightbringer! He wandered the hillsides among shepherds who tended their flocks with care,
and he learned their ways. This was the wisest of men and his body was filled to overflowing with manly powers; wide striding he measured the mountains broad pastures. In anger his face burned like the sun at noontide, while in benevolence it shed the calm glow of the moon in the night quietness. In courage and skill
none could match him. He was a child like no other, before others crawled he stood upright; he learned his letters at three years, he could read and write at five, he taught those who attended the temple with him when he was seven. He was ten when his foster-father joined his fathers and the estate was divided through the women. At twelve he changed the course of the river falling down from the mountains to lead it through new pastures, and thus his mother became rich. At thirteen he was sent to the Shepherd of the City and trained with spear and shield. At seventeen he slew the king's right hand man and fled to the mountains of Akimah. Like a beast of prey he wandered at will, he was the mountain dweller, firm of limb and swift- footed, taking according to his whim from those who passed his way. Mighty was his bow of anshan wood, sinew-strung it sped swiftly his straight-shot arrows.
(3) High on the mountains wandered another, Yadol his name, one who lived on herbs and wild honey, tall and long-haired, for no knife had ever touched it. His hand tamed a wild wolf cub and it was his companion, wherever he went it followed. The wild beasts did not molest him and he walked freely among them.
(4) Hurmanetar was a trapper of wild breasts and he dug a pit at the place where they came down to water, and other traps were set. Yadol passed that way and the pit was filled in and the traps broken, the ensnared deer was set free. When Hurmanetar returned and found the pit filled in and the traps broken, his heart was seized by a whirlwind, he raged against the skies, he swore against the trees. He sought, for days he sought but could not come upon Yadol the evasive one, the cunning one. His traps were useless, his pits a vain labour. He hungered and because he hungered became less cautious. When he lay in wait among the bushes to waylay men who passed, he was not held back by thought of their number but loosed his arrows and leapt among them. Hurmanetar attacked stormy-hearted; like a whirlwind he attacked, but when they saw he was one alone they stood fast. Hurmanetar turned back into the bushes, but arrows sent after him found their mark. For three days he lay in his place upon the mountain and his leg swelled up and he thirsted, for he could not get water. He lay in a body of pain and his spirit prepared to depart from him. A wolf came and his hand sought a stone, but weakness held his arm, so it could not be cast. Then lo, the wolf licked his hand and departed. Then Yadol came, in his hand was a skin filled with fresh water and he knelt beside Hurmanetar and gave him a
drink. Yadol dressed the wounds and brought herbs to eat, and so it came to pass that Hurmanetar grew strong again.
(5) Thereafter, Hurmanetar and Yadol dwelt together within a cave among the mountains, but Yadol would neither slay for meat nor eat of it. Yet they roamed the wide mountains together in joyous companionship, and their days sped swiftly by. But Hurmanetar longed for other things and therefore was tempted to attack men who passed, for he desired fine meats and garments and ornaments for his body.
(6) These things were brought to the ears of the king and those about the king said, "Let us take men and go up into the mountain and slay this wild hill wanderer, this manslayer and robber." But the king bade them hold their
hands, for he desired to see the man for himself, he wanted him taken alive and he said, "Should any man slay him, that man is mine." The king, therefore, took counsel of the wisemen, saying, "How shall we take this man, if man he be and not a spirit of the mountains. I would look upon him with my own eyes, for I know of none such as he. One such there once was, but he is no more." Then one among the wise men said, "This man of the mountains, if man he be, will follow the ways of men, therefore let us procure a harlot from the temple, a woman of pleasure, and let her go and take him; ensnare the hunter in the well baited trap." The king said, "This is no new thing, and perchance it can bring the wild man of the mountains down to me in chains of silk, even into the city; therefore, go and put your words into deeds." Then a man was sent to the temple and he brought back Hesurta, a woman of pleasure, in exchange for gold, and she was taken to the hunters who knew the ways of the mountains.
(7) They set off, journeying for some days, the hunters and the harlot and those with her, until they came to a place where there was a waterhole, close by the way of Elamki. They passed beyond the waterhole to the spring above, sending men into the surrounding forest. The day came when one returned saying, "The wild man comes." Then the chief of the hunters said to the woman. "O woman, bare your breasts and sit beside the waters, use the wiles of your calling, have no shame but welcome him boldly. When he comes up close reveal your secrets, drawing him to you; teach him the art of the harlot that ensnares men."
(8) The woman was not loath to take him, responding well to the task, sitting by the waters, singing. However, Hurmanetar circled warily about the place, but discovered nothing and no harm came to him. He drew closer and when he did the harlot revealed her secret charms and was well pleased by the eagerness he displayed. She instructed him in the harlot's art and they dallied there for several days; but the hunters did not come to take him, for they found no way to come upon him furtively. Then, after seven days Hurmanetar departed, passing up the
incline of the mountainside without looking back. The harlot was afraid because the hunters murmured against her, but it was not her fault and the chief of hunters said, "Wait and see, let us bide a while yet." Hurmanetar returned to the place where the wild deer grazed, but Yadol was not there and when he crossed the
wind of the deer they fled away. He went to the cave where they shared their rest, but Yadol was not there. The wolf alone lay close by and Hurmanetar called out to it, but the wolf stayed afar off, it would not come near because Hurmanetar was not purified from contact with the harlot.
(9) For a day and a night Hurmanetar stalked the mountainside wide striding along its paths, but he did not find Yadol; therefore, he returned to the place where he had left the woman. She greeted him warmly, making him welcome with cooked meats, rejoicing in her heart. They remained there for three days and she tamed him to the need for a woman. Then the day came when she said, "You are wise, you are strong even as a bull, why run wild upon the mountainsides with one who deserts you at will? Come with me unto the king, for he has heard tales of your might and would close his eyes to your deeds. He will give you a house and gold, and I, Hesurta, will become your servant. The temple of love will be opened for you and I will show you the delights within. Come
and dwell under the shadow of the king, for he is mighty, he is the wild bull which roars over men." Hurmanetar thought and said, "No, I will not go before the king, for he does no good in my sight. Do not the people murmur against him, saying, "Woe for these days, the hand of the king rests heavily upon us, his pride
knows no bounds and no maiden is left virgin for her husband. Neither the daughter of a man of blood nor the wife of a prince walks freely in the city. Are not all its doors shut like the doors of prisons?" The woman thought awhile, then said, "Who tells these things of the king, are their words established? He is the
great king, a mountain licked by ten thousand tongues, the king whose whisper fills the judgement hall, whose voice echoes a thousand leagues away. He is the glorious king, a man perfect in strength and proportion, his body is one to delight the eyes of any woman. None other has his wisdom and knowledge. Therefore, men talk against him, for it is the nature of men to be jealous of those who so much excel them." "Let us go, let the king see you face to face and rejoice, for you are alike. O come with me to where each day brings new delights, where the young women are gaily robed and the young men wonderful to look upon. Come
to where breezes are filled with sweet smells, where beds are soft and rooms perfumed. Come to the place where life is enjoyed. Come, serve the king, as you are now so was he in his youth, but youth departs, albeit slowly. He is the never resting one, the son of The Lady of Battles. Come and do not fear, all will be made ready for you; even now the wise men tell of your coming, and men wait to escort you in peace."
(10) Hurmanetar was swayed by her words and said, "So let it be, where you go there go I." Then Hesurta gave him a necklace she had brought and led him to the tents of the hunters. But when they saw him face to face they were
afraid, such was the light held in the eyes of the stalwart, wide striding one. Yet they recognised him as a man like themselves and their fear passed. So it was that Hurmanetar went with them and with the woman, and came to the city and went before the king, and the king looked upon him with favour. He gave Hurmanetar wine and he was drunk; and oil for his body and he was anointed. He was arrayed in three robes, he became a man of rank; he was given a house and servants, he was given a watchman. He became captain of the guards and none was like him.
(11) To the woman of pleasure, the harlot, the king gave bracelets of gold and sent her away, saying, "Go to your proper place, for you have completed the thing required of you. There you will be great among women, while here you will be degraded among them." Hesurta departed in sorrow, for even a harlot can feel faint stirrings of affection through the oft soiled winding cloth which enwraps her sordid spirit.
(12) Hurmanetar learned the ways of the palace and walked as he willed, but soon he became restless, for his thoughts turned towards Hesurta. He missed her ways. Yet many women cast their glances towards him, but behind these was the threat of the sword. He was not a man of smooth and subtle ways, being unskilled in the deceit which flourishes under the shadow of kings. Though favoured by the king and safe under his mantle, he was a man alone in the palace and courtyards. He set out to find Hesurta, seeking her at the temple of pleasure within the temple gate where she had served as a harlot, but the priest said, "The woman is no longer here, for a harlot, given gold, thinks herself a queen, and the women have driven her out." Hurmanetar sought her
throughout the city, but she was nowhere to be found. Persisting, he eventually found her at a harlot's post beside the river, among wineskins and men of the waters. There was one who sat with her and he was a man of blood, therefore armed. So when Hurmanetar came up to them seeking to talk with the woman, he drew his sword. When the man of blood saw that Hurmanetar was undismayed by this and prepared to settle the issue he mocked him, saying, "Why should men fight when women are plentiful and we have half a measure of com?" Hurmanetar bought the woman from those who grow rich on the defiled bodies of women and established her in his house. The men about the king murmured against him, speaking poisoned words in the ear of the king. The
women of the palace also turned from him. Meeting Hesurta on the street they caught her and tore her veil off her face, while men of subtle ways who served the king mocked behind their hands. The men of blood serving the king set their faces against Hurmanetar, while in the city men said, as he passed, "There goes the great one who bathes in dirty water." Therefore, Hurmanetar departed from the city, going to dwell without its walls among men who tilled the soil.
(13) It was not long before the day came when the woman saw that Hurmanetar was downcast and so she said to him, "O man of might, when my eyes rest upon you I am raised above all women and now my heart is cleansed of all that polluted it, my body rejoices in freedom and my life is a song of gladness. Yet I am saddened because my heart tells me you are sorrowful and not at ease within yourself, that half your heart remains in the mountains. Therefore, hear what I say, go there once more while I remain here to await your return, perhaps this time you will find Yadol." Her words made Hurmanetar sad and he said, "How can I go away and leave you here, who will protect you? What man can I place over you who will not know you? Yet go to the mountain I must, therefore you shall come with me."
(14) They departed, crossing by way of Hamrama, and came to the mountains high standing and steep-sided. They searched many days, but Yadol could not be found, neither would any bird or beast approach them. They wandered the mountains, they searched the valleys and they grew weary in the search. They returned to the foot of the mountains, below the place where shepherds dwelt and into the tillage where there was a city. It was the time of Akitoa, and Sharah, chief of the city dwellers, was to be married. Being invited to remain in the city as
guest, they stayed there. When the days of feasting commenced men came in from the mountains and tillage, and there was much dancing and singing. Hurmanetar and Hesurta were made welcome, taking their places among the guests and storytellers, eating and drinking their fill. There was strong drink brewed from com and wine from the palm, and Hurmanetar became overfilled with these and, drunk, he fell asleep. While he slept a man came upon Hesurta and seized her, saying, "Come, let us be together, so I may have pleasure and you may have silver. I know you are a woman of many pleasures, a servant to the vices of men." When she denied him his desire he sought to take her by force, but she drew a knife and slew him, for a woman cannot be taken by
man except she surrender herself to his needs.
(15) Hearing the clamour, men came and seeing what had happened they seized the woman. Others took Hurmanetar and both were brought before the headman who delivered them to a place of confinement. When the feasting was over they were brought before Pitosi, one who sat in judgement. Pitosi said to Hurmanetar, "You have come among us as a guest and a man of good standing, therefore we know not whether you have been wronged or whether a man of this city has been slain unjustly. If you have been wronged, then also establish the standing of
this woman. It is said that she is a harlot without standing; this being so, then you shall pay the price of he who is slain to his kindred and no more will be required of you."
(16) Hurmanetar answered Pitosi thus, "You are one filled with the essence of wisdom, who justly occupies the seat of judgement. I ask with due humility that you give ear to my plea for this woman who may not speak for herself. Denounce her I cannot, instead I will claim her as wife under the of Hudashum, for she has dwelt with me for twenty months and in that time has not known another man, nor have I cause for complaint." Hearing this, and because Hurmanetar made claim to the law of Hudashum, Pitosi sent for Enilerich, priest of the Great Temple, that he should say whether or not Hesurta stood before him as the wife of Hurmanetar. When the priest came he enquired of the woman whether she were a virgin when Hurmanetar took her. Had she said "yes", then the passage of three months would have given her the standing of a wife; but she answered "no". The priest asked her if she were a widow when Hurmanetar took her. Had she answered "yes," then the passage of twenty months would have given her the standing of a wife; but she answered "no." Then the priest asked if she were a harlot when Hurmanetar took her and she answered "yes." Therefore, as seven years had not yet passed since Hurmanetar first took her, she could not have the standing of a wife. Nor could she claim to be a harlot of the temple, for she had left its protection.
(17) Now the mark of a harlot was upon her and Hurmanetar had forfeited his standing in the place of judgement. So Pitosi gave judgement upon them and it was decreed that when Gaila came they would be led to the enclosure of death and there tied back to back. The woman would be strangled with cords, after the manner of harlots, while Hurmanetar would be left to carry her as a burden within the enclosure for seven days. Then, if the gods willed; all he might take with him being three handfuls of com and a gourd of water. The judgment was fulfilled, Hurmanetar lived. He departed and went his way and the kindred of the slain men failed to catch him. Hurmanetar passed across the land, coming at last to the temple of the Seven Illuminated Ones, and his mother was there. She dwelt alone with only an old serving woman, for now the temple was desolate and without walls. For two years Hurmanetar dwelt with his mother, but then his heart went out again to the companion he had left upon the mountainside. He said to his mother, "I must depart, for my heart cries out for one who saved my life
and whose ways are mine. Great is the love of man for woman, but greater the love of man for man." So Hurmanetar came again to the mountains and lo, he had entered the forest but half a day when he came upon Yadol. How warm was the greeting, how strong the embrace! Hurmanetar said, "Long have I sought you and found you not, yet I come again and you are here." Yadol answered, "It was because of the harlot, I was here but you saw me not, nor could I make myself known to you."
(18) Hurmanetar returned with Yadol to the place where his mother dwelt and they remained there, none knowing what they were, for they were garbed as priests. They tilled the ground about the place, enjoying its fruitfulness, and both were nourished by the wisdom of Hurmanetar's mother.
(19) Nintursu was the last of the line of Sisuda. Ten thousand generations (200,000) had passed since the beginning and a thousand generations (20,000) since the recreation. The Children of Yah and The Children of Men had passed into dust and only men remained. One hundred generations (2,000) had passed since the overwhelming deluge and ten generations (200) since The Destroyer last appeared. Once man lived for less than two score years (40), now his years were three score and ten (70). Once Yah had walked with men and men knew only Yah. Now He was hidden behind many veils and few saw Him, and then but dimly and with great distortion. Where once there was one Yah now gods were as numbered as the stars. Yet the Great Key remained in the midst of men and it was here, at the Temple of the Seven Illuminated Ones, the Key of Life, the Key which was given into the keeping of our father Hurmanetar. It is a secret thing, something exceedingly great. It is not lost but has come down to us and is known in our times.
(20) Now, one day, as Hurmanetar sat beneath a tree, enjoying its shade at the height of noon, he saw a stranger approaching. The man was weary and staggered, so Hurmanetar sent his servant to bring him into the shade. The
servant hastened out and brought him in. He was given refreshment and his feet washed, and when this had been done Hurmanetar asked him where he was bound and the stranger replied, "I go to Tagel, for in that place there is a mighty man and a just one who will give ear to my plea, for untoward things are happening in the great city, things which should not be, the people cry out in the place of assembly, but they cry to the wind. Gilnamnur has seized the heart of the king and now rules. In twelve days I am pledged to marry, but there is no lightness of a bridegroom in my heart, for the king elects to be first with the bride. This is the custom come down to us from the gods of old, but my heart is wrung like a grape. I cannot find it within me to give her into his keeping on the
wedding night. Therefore, I go to find one who can challenge him at the door of the bridal chamber, as the custom permits, for this is no low born woman. But this is a thing none has heard of as having been done before in our times, for men fear the gods. I know of none other who may stand before the king as one sanctified." Hurmanetar heard him and replied, "Be of good heart and go no further, for I am that man." Hearing this the stranger, filled with gratitude, fell upon his knees before Hurmanetar and said, "How can I thank you, how can I
repay you, what can I give?" But Hurmanetar answered, "When a man does what has to be done, then payment and reward sully the deed." Then he called Yadol and said, "Prepare, for we go into the city of the king, and because he was sanctified Hurmanetar claimed the protection of Erakir. Then they offered prayers in the antechamber between Heaven and Earth.
(21) They dwelt with the brother of the bridegroom until the day of the wedding feast came, for the bridegroom was not of this city. When the feast was over, and before the guests departed, the bridal chamber was made ready with the bride within, and the young messenger of the temple went about making his call. Then the king came to the antechamber, passing by the husband who was to wait without. But there, standing before the door, was Hurmanetar, his right hand on the pillar, for none might otherwise challenge the king, and in his left hand were
the reeds.
(22) Those who were gathered there, the men and the women, drew back and men of the king's guard came forward, each claiming the right to enter the combat on behalf of the king; for one man could precede the king but no more. Such was the custom. The choice of whom to fight from among those who came forward lay with Hurmanetar, and because he chose the captain of the guard, a man skilled in war, the people were amazed. But Hurmanetar knew the man's weakness. No more than five blows were struck when Hurmanetar, leaping to the
left hand side of the captain of the guard, drove up under his armpit, so that he fell to the ground and died. Then Hurmanetar and the king girded themselves and fought in the high courtyard, and it was a fight such as men had not seen before. The young and the old, agility against experience, stamina against cunning, they were both equal in the fight. They slashed at each other until their weapons broke and their shields split. They grappled, they stamped, they rolled in the dust, they lashed out at each other, and the combat went on until the
water ran out, and still they both stood. Then they could not fight with weapons but stood disarmed, and this time neither might cause the death of the other. They circled each other warily, keeping away from the balustrade. Then Hurmanetar jumped aside and with a swift movement caught the king to him, twisting him so
they both fell down into the courtyard below the ground, and the king fell over his shoulder, so that his breastbone broke and he remained on the ground. Then the king's guard gathered about him and a man skilled with medicines came forward; though grievously hurt the king would not die. Hurmanetar gave his seal and right to the husband and with Yadol parted the men who stood about in silence, for they could not harm them. So Hurmanetar and Yadol departed from the land, for it became closed to them and, mounted on mountain asses, they set out on the way of Anhu.
(23) Hurmanetar crossed the wide plains with Yadol until they came safely to the stream of bitter waters, brought there by Mamanatum, and so they came up to Machur close by the forest of cedars and dwelt there. This is the place where there was a temple to Humbanwara the Guardian.
COMMENTARY.
The chapter starts with the remark: ‘Concerning our father Hurmanetar’ setting the scene for the “Epic” which now ensues. There are 8 major parts which is in keeping with what also occurs in the standard version of Gilgamesh. They are: (1) Hurmanetar the Lightbringer is a mighty superhero and Yadol is a vegetarian wild man sharing strong brotherly love and ‘joyous companionship.’ (2) A harlot who tempts Enkidu away from the wild in the Akkadian version, and Hurmanetar in the Gleanings version. (3) The barbaric practice of droit de seigneur carried out by Gilgamesh in the standard version, by the king above, is challenged and overcome. (4) Gilgamesh/Hurmanetar goes to stay with his mother and she takes in Enkidu/Yadol as if he were her own. (5) A ‘Bull from heaven’ motif both in action and dreams appears strongly in both versions. (6) A great cedar forest with the ogre Humbaba as its guardian features in both stories. (7) Hurmanetar/Gilgamesh is attacked by lions, kills them and wears their skins. (8) Hurmanetar/Gilgamesh is keen to investigate what happens in the afterlife and he braves the Underworld to try and find Yadol/Enkidu after his death. Otherwise, Yah of Light and Life had withdrawn Himself. Generation passed generation. He knew man’s nature. None could find Him. They sought Him no more.
So Hurmanetar the Lightbringer brought Light to men, praises to the Yah of Light and Life! He wandered hillsides. Tended the flocks of shepherds with care. Learned their ways. The wisest of men. Body overflowing with manly powers. Like the sun at noon his face burned with anger but with benevolence the calm glow of the moon in nighttime. None could match his courage and skill. A child prodigy like none other; stood upright before others crawled; letters at three years; read and write at five; taught in the temple at seven; when foster-father passed away at ten estate was divided up through the women; at twelve, changed course of a river coming from mountains leading to new pastures and making mother rich; at thirteen sent to Shepherd of the City for training in spear and shield and at seventeen killed the king’s right hand man and fled to the mountains. Whatever was in him from birth was in one way or another showing now. He wandered at will like a beast of prey. He was a mountain dweller. Firm limbed and swift-footed he took from whoever at his whim. Mighty bow of Anshan wood swiftly sped his straight-shot arrows.
High on the mountains was another called Yadol. He lived on herbs and wild honey. Tall and long-haired which was never cut. Hand tamed a wild wolf cub as his companion who followed wherever he went. Wild beasts didn’t molest. He walked freely among them. (Question is did he teach the cub to eat herbs?)
Hurmanetar was a trapper of wild beasts. When Yadol passed by he would fill in the traps and set the beast free. Hurmanetar’s heart was seized by a whirlwind, he raged against the skies, swore at the trees. He sought for Yadol but couldn’t find him. He hungered and so was less cautious. When he lay in wait for waylay men their number didn’t concern him so he shot arrows and leapt among them. They saw, however, he was only one so stood firm. When he departed back to the bushes their arrows hit their mark. For three days he lay in his place. Leg swelled. He thirsted. His spirit prepared to depart. Yadol’s wolf found him. Then Yadol came too with water and herbs. He dressed the wounds too. So he became strong again.
They lived together within a cave. As I like to say, ‘kindred spirits in some deep mysterious way.’ Were they fully human or something else? The Samarites say Yadol was not mortal man. Gilgamesh/Gilameshoar/Nimrod was said to be “two-thirds divine” by the Babylonian story so what does that make Hurmanetar? Yadol would neither slay nor eat meat. Joyous companionship ensued. Days sped swiftly by. Hurmanetar desired other things so continued attacking men desiring fine meats, garments and ornaments. In short, realistically, a trail of destruction followed him. Yet like Nebuchadnezzar with Daniel good was coming from the relationship. Who’s to say Yah doesn’t put people in the way to bring them to Him? Every day of our lives is mapped out. When we die if we’re one of the Children of Light go to be with Him or if not to punishment until our hearts return to us. After seven years soaked with the dew of heaven Nebuchadnezzar returned to his heart down here.
This news came to the king. Those about said, “let’s take men into the mountain and slay this man slayer and robber” but the king was curious to meet him. Which king is this? There’s no mention of Uruk (another name for Eraka) in the Book of Gleanings but other information I’ve found clearly shows this is Nimrod. Wouldn’t he think about the child which was slain as a baby? The remark, “One such there once was, but he is no more” shows he’s thinking about it but doesn’t make the connection. Hurmanetar, for his part, might not even know there had been a plot on his life. Nevertheless, Yah works on all the details. The wise men suggest a honeypot trap with a harlot procuring him through the wiles of a woman. The king likes the idea. It is put into motion. In exchange for gold, Hesurta is brought from the temple. The hunters take her with them into the mountains.
They passed a waterhole and went on to the spring above. The men separated into the forest around. On a certain day one returned saying, "The wild man comes." The “trap” was set. The art of the harlot that ensnares men.
He came and they spent time together but the hunters could find no way to creep up on him furtively. After seven days he left passing up the incline of the mountain without looking back. The chief of the hunters and the harlot talked. Let’s abide ourselves a little longer. He returned to where the wild deer graze but couldn’t find Yadol. Even the wolf wouldn’t come near because he wasn’t purified with contact through a harlot. Don’t we see into the spiritual here? Likewise, when we eat meat and it rots inside us don’t the animals around wonder when its their turn? How can such as these look after those in zoos or shepherd flocks?
He stalked for a day and a half but couldn’t find him. Wasn’t he there the whole time but knew how to hide from him - a lesson in the spirit from one who knows and one who doesn’t? So he returned to her. She greeted him. Over three days she tamed him to the need for a woman. Then she talked, “Come with me unto the king, for he has heard tales of your might and would close his eyes to your deeds. He will give you a house and gold, and I, Hesurta, will become your servant.” He said, "No, I will not go before the king, for he does no good in my sight. Do not the people murmur against him, saying, "Woe for these days, the hand of the king rests heavily upon us, his pride knows no bounds and no maiden is left virgin for her husband...” The last bit is true. Probably it all is but with skill she changed his mind.
So she led him to the tent of the hunters. When they saw him they were afraid. Such were his ways. Yet they saw him like themselves and the fear passed. They came to the city and met the king who looked on him with favour. He was given a house with servants. He became captain of the guards. None was like him.
The king sent Hesurta away with bracelets of gold. She departed in sorrow for even these feel faint stirrings of affection such is that which covers her sordid spirit.
Hurmanetar learned the palace ways but wasn’t smooth and subtle like those in the shadow of kings. Soon his thoughts turned to Hesurta. He searched long and hard and eventually found her. He bought for money and established her in his house. Soon murmuring came before the king speaking poison in his ear. To his credit there’s no sign he talked with Hurmanetar. Women of the palace turned from him. They caught her in the street too. Men before the king spoke behind their hand. Those on the street said to one another, "There goes the great one who bathes in dirty water." Such are the ways of lower carnal manifestation/behaviour. Therefore, they departed out of the city to men who tilled the soil.
Being a woman one day she saw he was downcast. "When my eyes rest upon you my body rejoices in freedom and my life is glad. Yet I am saddened because half your heart remains in the mountains. Therefore, go. Perhaps this time you will find Yadol." He replied, “Who will protect you? Go to the mountain I will but you will come with me.”
They crossed by way of Hamrama and came to the mountains. Yadol was searched for but not found. Bird and beast wouldn’t come close either. They eventually gave up. Returned to the edge of the mountains. This was the place where shepherds dwelt. A city was there. A marriage was being held. They were invited as guests and stayed there. Dancing and singing commenced. Taking their place eating and drinking their fill. Overcome with drink he slept. While asleep someone cane on her with force to take her and wouldn’t be denied so taking a knife she killed him. A woman cannot be taken by man except she surrender herself.
In the clamour men saw what had happened and seized her. Hurmanetar was taken too. Both were put in a place of confinement. Afterwards they were brought before Pitosi who sat in judgment. "You have come among us as a guest and a man of good standing, therefore we know not whether you have been wronged or whether a man of this city has been slain unjustly. If you have been wronged, then also establish the standing of this woman. It is said that she is a harlot without standing; this being so, then you shall pay the price of he who is slain to his kindred and no more will be required of you."
Hurmanetar replied. “You sit justly in seat of judgment. I speak for this woman who cannot speak for herself. I claim her as with under law of Hudashum. She has lived twenty months with me and not known another man. Nor do I have complaint. As he had made claim to the last Enilerich, priest of the Great Temple, asked questions. Was she a virgin when he took her? No. Was she a widow when he took her? No. Was she a harlot when he took her? Yes. As seven years hadn’t passed she didn’t have the standing of a wife. Nor was she a harlot of the temple having left its protection.
So was thus pronounced a harlot. Hurmanetar had lost his standing. When Gaila came they were escorted to the enclosure of death where she was strangled with cords. As a punishment he carried her for seven days. So what becomes of Hesurta’s spirit? According to the story she was merely protecting herself. The standards of the place she was at ruled against her and she died. She’d lived an awful life but with Hurmanetar begun to turn it around. Yet, whenever they searched for Yadol he couldn’t be found and the beasts avoided him. What can be said then? The devil doesn’t take charge because of sin. The wheat is separated from the chaff. We are here to be more spiritual and improve the Earth. Had she arrived at this point? It was her time, in the spirit, to depart. In the afterworld she will return to her heart such is the Love of Yahuah. It would appear she needed to be purified. Afterwards he could take three handfuls of stuff and a gourd of water. Then he left. The men of the slain failed to catch him. He arrived at the temple of Seven Illuminated Ones. His mother was there. She lived alone. An old serving woman was with her. The temple was desolate without walls. For two years he lived with her. Then he departed to find the person who had saved his life. He came back to the mountains. After a day and a half he found Yadol. The greeting was warm. The embrace strong. "It was because of the harlot, I was here but you saw me not, nor could I make myself known to you."
They returned to his mother dressed as priests to avoid detection. They tilled the land. Enjoyed its fruitfulness. Both were nourished by the wisdom of his mother.
Nintursu was his true mother. Not the foster one who brought him up in Kithis. She was last of line of Sisuda. Was this Hanok who built the great ship or the person who paid for it and entered just before the deluge or is it a mistake that there were two? A thought comes to mind from this. As one line ends is Yah starting another with Hurmanetar? Later in the story we have Hurmanetar looking for Yadol. In the Babylonian story there is Utnapishtim/Noah/Hanok meaning ‘a living beacon of righteousness‘ whereas Gilgamesh/Lugadur/Nimrod means ‘the Revealer of Salvation.’ Nimrod, in the Biblical story, builds a tower with the intention of breaking through to Yah and making war. Yet here it seems his name means ‘the Revealer of Salvation’ which in a way he is with bastard son, Hurmanetar. Is this symbolising the latter as not part of the former but ‘the Revealer of Salvation?’
We have a timeline here too. ‘Ten thousand generations had passed since the beginning and a thousand generations since the recreation. The Children of Yah and The Children of Men had passed into dust and only men remained. One hundred generations had passed since the overwhelming deluge and ten generations since The Destroyer last appeared. Once man lived for less than two score years , now his years were three score and ten.’ Its yet more mention of a change of order with Hurmanetar. (Or looking at it another way, is he one in a long line of those who listen to Yahuah - the wheat separated from the chaff.) If we take twenty (20) years for a generation like other sources do and work back from him around 2,700 BC then (1) 22,700 BC is the recreation and (2) another 200,000 years is the beginning. Of course, there’s no way of proving this. Even modern day news is contested on detail. All ancient history comes to us now in third or fourth hand. Also, 100 generations since the deluge is 2,000 years. This last bit is concerning The Destroyer who last come it notes ten generations back. Details of this, at time of the Egyptians is in Book of Manuscripts chapters 3-5 as well as 1 Enoch chapter 1 (our time now) those ‘living in the day of tribulation, when all the wicked and godless are to be removed.‘ Once Yah had walked with men. Men had known only Him. Now, if they saw Him at all, through many veils, it’s dimly and with great distortion. Once there was one Yah now as numbered as the stars. Yet the Great Key, here at the Temple of the Seven Illuminated Ones, the Key of Life, had been given to our father Hurmanetar. It is secret and exceedingly great. Not lost but has come down and known in our time. Let’s look at the information then. (1) A man carrying the metaphysical key of knowledge! (2) Wisdom came to the land by the hand of our father Hurmanetar. (3) He is to be born of a maiden bound to the Temple of the Seven Enlightened Ones. (4) Then high riding, ass borne, came one who was to reveal the Light to men, praises to the Lord of Light and Life for Hurmanetar the Lightbringer! (5) This was the wisest of men... (6) Both were nourished by the wisdom of Hurmanetar's mother. (In subsequent chapters:) (7) But when she saw him and spoke with him, Daydee found no fault with him and looked upon him with favour. (8) Perhaps no man of his day properly honoured Yadol, for he was beyond their understanding, but Hurmanetar loved him... (9) Time enough you will have, therefore record the things of which we have spoken, that they may be guiding lights to men. (And:) (10) “Your heart has guided you rightly when counselling caution, for you are ill equipped to catch this rare bird of beauty when unaided by wisdom. For a woman's errand let us send a woman, the nightingale sings in the presence of the owl but hides in silence when the hawk roosts nearby."
One day a stranger approached as Hurmanetar sat under a tree. He was weary. His servant brought the man forward into the shade. After refreshment and feet washing he was asked where he goes. "I go to Tagel. In that place is a mighty and just man who will hear my plea. Untoward things happen in the great city. People cry out in the place of assembly. Gilnamnur has seized the heart of the king and now rules. I am pledged to marry but there’s no lightness of a bridegroom in my heart. The king elects to be first with the bride. I cannot find it within me to give her. I go to find one who can challenge him at the door of the bridal chamber. This is no low born woman. But this is a thing none has heard of. I know of none other who may stand before the king as one sanctified." Hurmanetar replied, "Be of good heart and go no further, for I am that man." The stranger was filled with gratitude and fell on his knees. “How can I thank you?” "When a man does what has to be done, then payment and reward sully the deed." Yadol came too. Because he was sanctified Hurmanetar claimed the protection of Erakir. They offered prayers in between Heaven and Earth. Then they left.
They stayed at the brother of the bridegroom. The bridegroom was of another city. When the feast was over the guests departed and the bridal chamber made ready. The young messenger of the temple went about making his call. The king passed the groom who was without to go in but Hurmanetar was there at the door holding the pillar such is the custom.
The people drew back. Men of the king’s guard came forward to challenge first on behalf of the king. Hurmanetar chose the captain for although a fighting man he knew his weakness. There were no more than five blows before Hurmanetar jumped to the captain’s left and drove up under his armpit so he fell and died. So the king likewise girded himself. They fought in the high courtyard. It was such a fight not seen before. Young v old. Agility v experience. Stamina v cunning. Grappling, stamping, rolling and lashing the contest went on until water ran out. Then disarmed they circled warily. Hurmanetar jumped aside. A swift movement and caught the king to him and twisting fell into the courtyard below. The king fell over him and broke his collarbone. Hurmanetar gave his seal to the husband. He and Yadol departed. The land became closed to them. They set out on the way to Anhu.
They crossed the wide plains. Arrived safely at the streams of bitter waters. Coming up to Machur by the forest of cedars they dwelt there. A temple to Humbanwara the Guardian was there.
We’re halfway through the eight major motifs in Hurmanetar’s life now. These being: Hurmanetar the Lightbringer, a harlot who tempts him from the wild, stays with his mother who takes in Yadol as if he were her own and the barbaric practice of droit de seigneur challenged, and the perpetrator overcome. We still have: a bull motif both in action and dreams, a great cedar forest with the ogre Humbanwara as its guardian is mentioned above, he is attacked by lions, kills them, wears their skins and keen to investigate the afterlife he braves the Underworld trying to find Yadol after his death. Next we come to the bull of heaven with a battle near the cedar forest.