Translation Challenge: Enki Divides the Languages
Posted: Fri May 01, 2026 2:23 pm
Translation Challenge: "The Chant of Nudimmud", a Tower of Babel variant story from Sumer. (I cant find the source from which I sourced the version I used, but an alternative translation is here [LINK] (lines 134-155)for localizing the Terrestrial placenames into your conlang)
Ardinian
Puorekh puorekh parpeios soi muc, lathas soi muc;
There was neither fear nor terror,
Khafea soi muc mir dhuopon mir.
Puorekh aoret Zioxrae ir Ikhoromei
Lison odae ueth udhileas soi…
Ardinian
Once, there was no snake, there was no scorpion
Puorekh puorekh parpeios soi muc, lathas soi muc;
There was no hyena, there was no lion,
Nustelios soi muc, Oruo soi muc;There was neither dog nor wolf,
Buo soi muc mir rumuo mir;
There was neither fear nor terror,
Mankind had no rival -
Odas thurui beiallom muc.At that time, the lands of Zioxra (and) Ikhorome,
Puorekh aoret Zioxrae ir Ikhoromei
(Lands now of) contrasting-corresponding tongues : Cuor the great land of the princely attributes
Aoret mamavilaie gekheaie: Cuor Aorakora ir Kazado(and) Izetha, the distinguished land,
Izētha aora rikhmevisThe land of the Talaqs who sleep in the open,
Aora Talaclaroie vikh ela tiromis cormeodIn all of heaven and earth the 'civilized’ people
Huo semes ir areodo edennaitVerily were able to address Aetholas in one language.
Socuvikh andoza ath Aetholau liso udhilea gekheodThereupon the one who is at the same time lord, prince and king,
Geimur od ueth gamas ir mohu ir aruoros puoro hamo set,Zuruphoro who is at the same time lord, prince and king,
Zuruphoro ueth gamas ir mohu ir aruoros puoro hamo set,He who is at the same time lord, prince and king,
Ueth gamas ir mohu ir aruoros puoro hamo set,Zuruphoro the lord of abundance, the lord who fulfils (his) promises,
Zuruphoro gamas ctolsae gamas huoparurdallatThe lord of understanding, the wisest of the nation,
Gamas fansae, khamevumigor hebaiThe leader of the gods
Aidonoie dhueltiosDisplaying wisdom, the lord of Uteas,
Khamabeio Gamas UteaeIn their mouths placed confused languages (and) contention -
Ev odae scabeo khiulaim fodheilaim ir parkhadum makhoiThe language of mankind which had been one.
Lison odae ueth udhileas soi…