In the Enuma Elish, the creation epic of Sumerian mythology Apsu fathered upon Tiamat the heavens and the earth. She brought forth the Elder gods, the grandparents of Anu and Ea. Tiamat was the "shining" goddess of salt water who roared and smote in the chaos of original creation. She and Abzu filled the cosmic abyss with the primeval waters. She is "Ummu-Hubur who formed all things," and when she was angered at her children she fashioned monsters to battle the gods, who were her own offspring, sea-serpents of terrifying size, storms and fish-men and scorpion-men. Tiamat had the Tablets of Destiny, and in the primordial battle she gave them to Kingu, the god she had chosen for her spouse. But Anu (replaced by Marduk in the late version that has survived) overcame her, armed with the winds and a net and an invincible spear.

And the lord stood upon Tiamat's hinder parts,

And with his merciless club he smashed her skull.

He cut through the channels of her blood,

And he made the North wind bear it away into secret places.

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