Gilgames was the son of a royal mother, whose son was fated to slay his grandfather, and who was consequently confined in a tower.

But an eagle carried him to a place of safety, and when he grew up he delivered Erech from its foes, and made it the seat of his kingdom.

He slew the tyrant Khumbaba in the forest of cedars, and by means of a stratagem tempted the satyr Ea-bant to leave the woods and become his counsellor and friend.

Istar wooed him, but he scorned her offers, and taunted her with her misdeeds to the hapless lovers who had been caught in her toils.

In revenge the goddess persuaded her father Anu to create a winged bull, which should work havoc in the country of the Babylonians.