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The Kesh Temple Hymn
From Wikipedia:
The Kesh Temple Hymn or Liturgy to Nintud or Liturgy to Nintud on the creation of man and woman is a Sumerian myth, written on clay tablets as early as 2600 BC. Along with the Instructions of Shuruppak, it is the oldest surviving literature in the world.
The hymn is composed of 134 lines, formally divided into eight songs or "houses" or "temples", each of which ends with three rhetorical questions discussing the birth of Nintud's warrior son, Acgi
Lines one to twenty one describe the election and praise of Kesh as recorded by Nisaba, twenty two to forty four liken the temple to the moon against the sky containing the life sources of Sumer and its cosmic dimensions filling the world. Lines forty five to fifty seven give a metaphorical description of the temple reaching both for the heaven and descending into the underworld. Lines fifty eight to seventy three discuss the complexities of the temple with vast quantities of oxen and sheep. The temple is likened to the trees from which wood was used in its construction. The gods and functions of the temple are described and praised during temple dedication with different parts of the temple described: its interior and exterior appearance, its gate, courtyard, door and walls. The hymn ends on the conclusion to approach the temple
An English translation of the original Sumerian can be found here: http://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/section4...
The Kesh Temple Hymn or Liturgy to Nintud or Liturgy to Nintud on the creation of man and woman is a Sumerian myth, written on clay tablets as early as 2600 BC. Along with the Instructions of Shuruppak, it is the oldest surviving literature in the world.
The hymn is composed of 134 lines, formally divided into eight songs or "houses" or "temples", each of which ends with three rhetorical questions discussing the birth of Nintud's warrior son, Acgi
Lines one to twenty one describe the election and praise of Kesh as recorded by Nisaba, twenty two to forty four liken the temple to the moon against the sky containing the life sources of Sumer and its cosmic dimensions filling the world. Lines forty five to fifty seven give a metaphorical description of the temple reaching both for the heaven and descending into the underworld. Lines fifty eight to seventy three discuss the complexities of the temple with vast quantities of oxen and sheep. The temple is likened to the trees from which wood was used in its construction. The gods and functions of the temple are described and praised during temple dedication with different parts of the temple described: its interior and exterior appearance, its gate, courtyard, door and walls. The hymn ends on the conclusion to approach the temple
An English translation of the original Sumerian can be found here: http://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/section4...
3 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2601
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 7, 2018
The Kesh Temple Hymn is the sister oldest surviving piece of literature along side The Instructions of Shuruppak, prompting my read. While the latter is a list primarily community ethics, the former embraces Sumerian religion.
I find the Hymn interesting in of itself: a passage through time and a challenge to decipher. I'm terrible at interpreting poetry and other highly symbolic language, but I like to try. Articles online suggest the text details Sumerian creation myths. I wouldn't be surprised. One deity is associated with the ocean and one with the sky. They are connected by a towering form I wasn't sure if it was meant to resemble a tree or a man-made tower. However, there was emphasis on a woman who birthed a hero, and who could be better? Nature symbolism and a humanly mother are such mainstays in creation mythology I find myself pondering other religions half the age of this text. It's amazing how far back these entwined stories go--at least 4,600 years, as of The Kesh Temple Hymn.
Even though the language is nothing special, it's moderately poetic. The passage has eight sections, and the ending to each section varies and stems from the first:
"Will anyone else bring forth something as great as Kec? Will any other mother ever give birth to someone as great as its hero Acgi? Who has ever seen anyone as great as its lady Nintud?"
Considering how drab or confusing historical texts can be, I find this read to be an enlightening experience overall. The intellectual satisfaction of reading something so old and the flowing language offsets my lack of understanding the metaphors.
I find the Hymn interesting in of itself: a passage through time and a challenge to decipher. I'm terrible at interpreting poetry and other highly symbolic language, but I like to try. Articles online suggest the text details Sumerian creation myths. I wouldn't be surprised. One deity is associated with the ocean and one with the sky. They are connected by a towering form I wasn't sure if it was meant to resemble a tree or a man-made tower. However, there was emphasis on a woman who birthed a hero, and who could be better? Nature symbolism and a humanly mother are such mainstays in creation mythology I find myself pondering other religions half the age of this text. It's amazing how far back these entwined stories go--at least 4,600 years, as of The Kesh Temple Hymn.
Even though the language is nothing special, it's moderately poetic. The passage has eight sections, and the ending to each section varies and stems from the first:
"Will anyone else bring forth something as great as Kec? Will any other mother ever give birth to someone as great as its hero Acgi? Who has ever seen anyone as great as its lady Nintud?"
Considering how drab or confusing historical texts can be, I find this read to be an enlightening experience overall. The intellectual satisfaction of reading something so old and the flowing language offsets my lack of understanding the metaphors.
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September 28, 2019I am doinh my masterd degree on the Kesh temple hymn. You vannot read this work superficially. It contains ancient themes, such ss the temple is a cosmic house. The repetition tells us that this is oral peotry anf meant to be sung. One cannot understand this hymn from a 21 century perspective. It shoul bee seen for what it is - an expression of an very ancient world...
August 13, 2013
Well, it is a hymn, but even so it's very repetitive. :P I liked some of the imagery, and I was interested in their fascination with the abzu (underground water which feeds springs, etc.), but overall it was more tedious to read than The Instructions of Shuruppak.
November 26, 2024
Started re-reading Siddhartha… As I read, this thought came to my mind: “What is the earliest documented religion?” I found that the Kesh Temple Hymnn is the oldest surviving literature in the world. I put Siddhartha down and decided to read it. I love that the oldest surviving literature praises goddess Nintud/Ninhursag. I love to see female figures exist and praised in positions of power in religion. I also become jealous because WHERE DID WE GO WRONG? Haha. I really loved how they were able to capture the beauty of the Kesh temple. Oh how I wish to lay my eyes on such lush, fertile land. I like the idea of the Abzu, “the vast freshwater ocean that lay beneath the earth (as opposed to the salt sea, which was thought to surround the earth….. [serving] as the source of all wells, springs, rivers, streams and lakes.” (Bloch, ???)
The only thing I didn’t enjoy about reading this was the fact that I know that I’m missing out on much more than what the English translators were able to capture. But whatever…. I’ve been having to come to terms with the fact that language often falls short in conveying the true essence of what is felt/what wants to be communicated.
The hymn describes the creation, framework, and operation of the Kesh temple which is comprised of eight "houses". At the end of each houses’ description, 3 questions are asked:
“Will anyone else bring forth something as great as Kesh? Will any other mother ever give birth to someone as great as its hero Acgi? Who has ever seen anyone as great as its lady Nintud?”
It was very interesting reading about the many Gods/Goddesses references throughout the hymm. This inspired me to learn more about Mesopotamia… If my AP World History teacher exposed us this type of literature, maybe I wouldn’t have found the subject so boring. I think in general if AP World History curricula didn’t follow the Western colonization framework, then I would’ve defintely been more interested.
In highschool, my white history teachers emphasized the power dynamics in gender roles and economic/ political systems. This type of focus made it harder to see beyond the structure that mirrored modern society. For example, I didn’t know ceremonies like potlatches existed until college. Potlatch is “a communal practice of Indigenous nations in the Pacific Northwest. In the potlatch, held on a variety of special occasions —births, deaths, weddings, festivals — wealthy people compete to see who can give away the most possessions to the gathered celebrants and they vie with each other to destroy the most accumulated wealth in a massive bonfire. The potlatch works to level wealth in the community by consuming surplus, which might otherwise enable some to develop more permanent forms of power through excess accumulation.” (Osterweil, 2019) This kind of econmic practice/civil duty is not exposed to us.
If our U.S. curricula included more “radical” and spiritual literature, it could inspire everyone to have more unique ideas and bigger dreams.
The only thing I didn’t enjoy about reading this was the fact that I know that I’m missing out on much more than what the English translators were able to capture. But whatever…. I’ve been having to come to terms with the fact that language often falls short in conveying the true essence of what is felt/what wants to be communicated.
The hymn describes the creation, framework, and operation of the Kesh temple which is comprised of eight "houses". At the end of each houses’ description, 3 questions are asked:
“Will anyone else bring forth something as great as Kesh? Will any other mother ever give birth to someone as great as its hero Acgi? Who has ever seen anyone as great as its lady Nintud?”
It was very interesting reading about the many Gods/Goddesses references throughout the hymm. This inspired me to learn more about Mesopotamia… If my AP World History teacher exposed us this type of literature, maybe I wouldn’t have found the subject so boring. I think in general if AP World History curricula didn’t follow the Western colonization framework, then I would’ve defintely been more interested.
In highschool, my white history teachers emphasized the power dynamics in gender roles and economic/ political systems. This type of focus made it harder to see beyond the structure that mirrored modern society. For example, I didn’t know ceremonies like potlatches existed until college. Potlatch is “a communal practice of Indigenous nations in the Pacific Northwest. In the potlatch, held on a variety of special occasions —births, deaths, weddings, festivals — wealthy people compete to see who can give away the most possessions to the gathered celebrants and they vie with each other to destroy the most accumulated wealth in a massive bonfire. The potlatch works to level wealth in the community by consuming surplus, which might otherwise enable some to develop more permanent forms of power through excess accumulation.” (Osterweil, 2019) This kind of econmic practice/civil duty is not exposed to us.
If our U.S. curricula included more “radical” and spiritual literature, it could inspire everyone to have more unique ideas and bigger dreams.
March 11, 2025
The Kesh Temple Hymn is the earliest extant piece of human literature, fictional/religious, contemporary with Instructions of Shuruppak. I'm reading early texts because I figured, if I'm into reading, I might as well start at the beginning. The beginning of reading. Y'know?
The Hymn was pretty cryptic for me, but still very enjoyable. Flowery, grand language spoke to an incredible temple. It seemed to me like it was describing a real life physical temple space, but that the space itself mirrored an eightfold sort of cosmological/religious system?
One of my favorite parts was early on - "Good house, built in a good location... floating in the heavens like a princely barge." Yeah I'd say that's a pretty good location!!
As a hymn, and due to oral tradition in general, there was lots of repetition, but I found it all fun and cute. The first bit was kind of funny, actually.
"The princely one, the princely one came forth from the house. Enlil, the princely one, came forth from the house. The princely one came forth royally from the house."
Ah yes, the poison for Kuzco. Kuzco's poison.
It was descriptive of the physical space, the heavenly space, the planning, and even the functions and rituals to some degree. It's a shame, though, because reading it, you really feel like you're missing out on so much due to the translation, some of the missing pieces, and because - well, imagine this in its original form, being sung or performed!
I enjoyed the ending, too - "Draw near, man, to the city - but do not draw near! Draw near, man, to the house Kec - but do not draw near! Draw near, man, to its hero Acgi - but do not draw near!" etc. etc. It's enticing and awe-inspiring all at once.
One last important note, Kesh is NOT the same as Kish; Kish is a place we know plenty about, but Kesh's location is still undetermined.
Anyway, an enjoyable and historic read.
The Hymn was pretty cryptic for me, but still very enjoyable. Flowery, grand language spoke to an incredible temple. It seemed to me like it was describing a real life physical temple space, but that the space itself mirrored an eightfold sort of cosmological/religious system?
One of my favorite parts was early on - "Good house, built in a good location... floating in the heavens like a princely barge." Yeah I'd say that's a pretty good location!!
As a hymn, and due to oral tradition in general, there was lots of repetition, but I found it all fun and cute. The first bit was kind of funny, actually.
"The princely one, the princely one came forth from the house. Enlil, the princely one, came forth from the house. The princely one came forth royally from the house."
Ah yes, the poison for Kuzco. Kuzco's poison.
It was descriptive of the physical space, the heavenly space, the planning, and even the functions and rituals to some degree. It's a shame, though, because reading it, you really feel like you're missing out on so much due to the translation, some of the missing pieces, and because - well, imagine this in its original form, being sung or performed!
I enjoyed the ending, too - "Draw near, man, to the city - but do not draw near! Draw near, man, to the house Kec - but do not draw near! Draw near, man, to its hero Acgi - but do not draw near!" etc. etc. It's enticing and awe-inspiring all at once.
One last important note, Kesh is NOT the same as Kish; Kish is a place we know plenty about, but Kesh's location is still undetermined.
Anyway, an enjoyable and historic read.
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June 22, 2023Enlil is the chief deity of the Sumerian pantheon, and his domain is the wind, air, earth, and storms. He was the patron deity of Nippur, and the text was discovered at the temple library in the city.
In the myth, Enlil grants permission to build the temple in Kesh, and identifies which parts of the temple in which different gods live. Kesh is the best, founded by An (the forefather of gods), blessed by Enlil, and the temple hymn was handed down by Enlil himself via the goddess of writing, Nisaba. Kesh inhabits the space between heaven and the underworld, and the gods are present within.
Refrain: "Will anyone else bring forth something as great as Keš? Will any other mother ever give birth to someone as great as its hero Acgi [warrior god and son of Nintur]? Who has ever seen anyone as great as its lady Nintur [possibly another name for Ninhursag, Acgi's mother]?"
The hymn refers to musical elements that may have been played during recitation of the hymn: "The bull's horn is made to growl; the drumsticks are made to thud. The singer {cries out} {(1 ms. has instead:) declaims} to the ala drum; {the grand sweet tigi is played for him} {(some mss. have instead:) the sweet tigi is well tuned}."
The end of the hymn identifies the Kesh temple as a holy place to visit, yet urging the visitor to remain cautious of the power contained within. "Draw near, man... but do not draw near!"
In the myth, Enlil grants permission to build the temple in Kesh, and identifies which parts of the temple in which different gods live. Kesh is the best, founded by An (the forefather of gods), blessed by Enlil, and the temple hymn was handed down by Enlil himself via the goddess of writing, Nisaba. Kesh inhabits the space between heaven and the underworld, and the gods are present within.
Refrain: "Will anyone else bring forth something as great as Keš? Will any other mother ever give birth to someone as great as its hero Acgi [warrior god and son of Nintur]? Who has ever seen anyone as great as its lady Nintur [possibly another name for Ninhursag, Acgi's mother]?"
The hymn refers to musical elements that may have been played during recitation of the hymn: "The bull's horn is made to growl; the drumsticks are made to thud. The singer {cries out} {(1 ms. has instead:) declaims} to the ala drum; {the grand sweet tigi is played for him} {(some mss. have instead:) the sweet tigi is well tuned}."
The end of the hymn identifies the Kesh temple as a holy place to visit, yet urging the visitor to remain cautious of the power contained within. "Draw near, man... but do not draw near!"
February 15, 2020
Reminds me of the fulsome descriptions of featured residences in popular home & garden magazines.
To be fair(er), even in translation it has an artful construction, with refrains at the end of each section and winning (if sometimes obscure) imagery. The very last segment - ‘draw near to the house - but do not draw near! draw near to the house -but do not draw near!’ - reads like an antiphonal chorus, intended to enact attraction and awe.
To be fair(er), even in translation it has an artful construction, with refrains at the end of each section and winning (if sometimes obscure) imagery. The very last segment - ‘draw near to the house - but do not draw near! draw near to the house -but do not draw near!’ - reads like an antiphonal chorus, intended to enact attraction and awe.
February 2, 2018
The Kesh Temple Hymn or Liturgy to Nintud or Liturgy to Nintud on the creation of man and woman is a Sumerian tablet, written on clay tablets as early as 2600 BC.[1] Along with the Instructions of Shuruppak, it is the oldest surviving literature in the world.
August 19, 2020
Going to have to put "draw near to the house - but do not draw near!" on the door to the apartment some time soon...
April 29, 2021
Enlightening !
February 20, 2022
Great and vivid imagery, all of this feels extremely grand given the age.
August 5, 2022
One of the oldest surviving literature pieces of the world. Not that much different than other hymns that were written thousands of years later.
July 14, 2025
1.1; imperfect translation but in practice rhetoric which provides singular insights into Sumerian religion. Limited value beyond this.
November 19, 2025
I recommend it for reading only for people interested in that time period of history. (Read in English translation by The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature)
February 1, 2025
⭐⭐⭐ OK/Good.
June 19, 2020
Compiled from fragments of different editions, from about 2600 BCE, the unknown author(s) describe(s) eight homes (or temples). This is one of the oldest extant fragments of literature too. While some readers might be disappointed with the repetitive language, other readers might appreciate (if not be impressed by) the generous use of similes which are still in use today.
August 12, 2016
Very repetitive. And you need to look up the gods' names, etc. for context or it's just gibberish. Still, along with "Instructions of Shuruppak", isn't it cool to know that you're reading the oldest thing ever (known) recorded in history?
July 20, 2023
ENTRE TODAS LAS COSAS #1
realment m gustaron bastant (aora q lo leo d nuevo, cn + calma i mejor transcribío) las comparaciones cn la naturaleza, my kind of fav n it is my jam. it is also epic that está dividío en HOUSES, ningún texto c le iwalaría en epicidá !
realment m gustaron bastant (aora q lo leo d nuevo, cn + calma i mejor transcribío) las comparaciones cn la naturaleza, my kind of fav n it is my jam. it is also epic that está dividío en HOUSES, ningún texto c le iwalaría en epicidá !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2014
Oldest written work so far discovered, right? Seems rather silly to rate something so old, 2 stars because it was okay?
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February 17, 2026I will see into Kesh real estate, sounds like an excellent place.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews