The Limit of Transmission
Babylonian Wisdom Literature and Wisdom in Non-cuneiform Literatures
abstract
This essay discusses the limits of transmission of Babylonian literature to other non-cuneiform literatures. It will ask can a limit be set as to what is Babylonian, specifically Babylonian Wisdom Literature, in non-cuneiform sources. Three interconnected issues will be addressed: who speaks words of wisdom? Who is the conveyor of wisdom, that is, who is the chief carrier of knowledge which is considered as wisdom? What words of wisdom are spoken? What wisdom themes are expected to be met upon the transmission route and how are words of wisdom spoken? How can genre instruct us to identify a structure typical of Babylonian wisdom literature which can be traced elsewhere? Examples from major works of Babylonian Wisdom Literature will be cited throughout.
Keywords: Jotham’s Fable • Babylonian Wisdom Literature • The Book of Qohele • Wisdom Literature of the Eastern Mediterranean bas • The Babylonian Theodicy • The Epic of Gilgameš