#2. Absolutism

This Mesopotamian Epic of Creation tells the tale of Marduk rising up to save the gods from the wrath of Tiamat, the “mother ocean” (11). As Foster states in his intro to the creation story, the epic that unfolds can be seen as a Babylonian argument for the “necessity of absolute rule” (9). I would argue that the Epic of Creation demonstrates the tremendous value of confiding much power in the hands of a capable leader especially in times of eminent turmoil; the epic continues to show that a good, single leader can also be valuable in peaceful times.

The story of Marduk shows that granting power to a single entity during times of stress is quite useful. After Anshar attempts to delegate the task of stopping Tiamat from wreaking havoc on the divine community and these attempts fail, Marduk steps in to offer his services. His price is gaining the power to become the sole ruler of the gods (22). When this power is granted, Marduk, is able to subdue Tiamat and bring peace where other, lesser powers could not. Marduk’s success shows that granting absolute power to one, qualified leader is beneficial if not essential for the best results during extreme situations. It is made clear before these events, however, that Marduk is no ordinary god. From birth it is said that his senses, abilities, and even figure surpassed all other gods (14), and I believe that the author was attempting to show that only extraordinary individuals are capable of successful autocratic rule.

Following the fall of Tiamat, Marduk’s rule continues to thrive as he successfully “regulates the moon, sun, weather, and subterranean waters” and also “links various parts of the cosmos” (32). Marduk then goes on to create mankind to “bear the gods’ burden” (38). Basically, all of his actions create an order to the world that simplifies and explains everyone’s role. His great actions therefore create a sense of dependence on the qualities of a single great individual that was arguably seen as a necessity in Babylonian culture. However, it is clear, that Marduk is an incredibly exceptional god and therefore his rule was also exceptional. In conclusion, absolute rule works when the right person is in charge.