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How to Write a Hymn: Material Features in Manuscripts of Akkadian Poetry

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Abstract

This paper investigates the materiality of cuneiform tablets, with a focus on paratexts in manuscripts of Akkadian literary texts, especially hymns and prayers. It explores how paratextual features, such as horizontal rulings, reflect and enhance poetic structures. Particular attention is paid to the corpus of the Great Hymns and Prayers, where couplet divisions could offer insights into their poetic form and textual evolution. By combining material and literary analysis, the study highlights the interplay between paratexts and poetry in Akkadian literature.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: Sept. 2, 2024 | Accepted: Nov. 22, 2024 | Published Dec. 19, 2024 | Language: en

Keywords Materiality • Prayers • Poetry • Hymns • Paratexts • Akkadian • Literature • Assyriology

Copyright © 2024 Geraldina Rozzi. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/KASKAL/5235-1939/2024/01/020