Apsu and Tiamat, the primordial freshwater and saltwater, mingled their waters and from their union emerged the first generation of gods — Lahmu and Lahamu, the silt-born pair who preceded all creation.
After Apsu's death, Tiamat took Kingu as her new consort and elevated him to command her army of monsters, fastening the Tablet of Destinies upon his breast as a sign of supreme authority.
Tiamat bore the Mushussu dragon-serpent as one of eleven monsters she spawned to wage war against the younger gods, arming her brood with venom and clothing them in radiance terrible as gods.
Tiamat raised an army of eleven monsters against the younger gods, and Marduk alone dared face her. Their cosmic battle in the Enuma Elish resulted in Tiamat's death and the creation of the world from her body.
Marduk slew Tiamat in single combat during the primordial war recounted in the Enuma Elish. He drove the Imhullu wind into her mouth, then split her body to fashion the heavens and earth.
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and improve your experience. Learn more