Erra

Mesopotamian deity

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June 26, 2026

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Erra is a Mesopotamian deity associated with war and pestilence. The Erra epic, written by Kabti-ilani-Marduk in 764 BCE, is a myth detailing his destructive nature. This epic is significant for its original plot and the extensive discourses of the gods involved. Erra is also identified with other deities such as Irra, Meslamtaea, and Sharrapu, and his cult was widespread in Mesopotamia. While not a central figure in many myths, Erra played a role in the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Deluge story.12

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history of Mesopotamia
Adad-nirari III and his successors
…764, after an epidemic, the Erra epic, the myth of Erra (the god of war and pestilence), was written by Kabti-ilani-Marduk. He invented an original plot, which diverged considerably from the old myths; long discourses of the gods involved in the action form the most important part of the epic.…
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…764, after an epidemic, the Erra epic, the myth of Erra (the god of war and pestilence), was written by Kabti-ilani-Marduk. He invented an original plot, which diverged considerably from the old myths; long discourses of the gods involved in the action form the most important part of the epic.…
Read More

Mesopotamian religion
Myths
…a myth usually called the Erra Epic, which reads almost like a polemic against Enuma elish. It tells how the god of affray and indiscriminate slaughter, Erra, persuaded Marduk to turn over the rule of the world to him while Marduk was having his royal insignia cleaned, and how Erra,…
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…a myth usually called the Erra Epic, which reads almost like a polemic against Enuma elish. It tells how the god of affray and indiscriminate slaughter, Erra, persuaded Marduk to turn over the rule of the world to him while Marduk was having his royal insignia cleaned, and how Erra,…
Read More