Dimmed popular traditions, which will be set forth in their proper place, point to his having been at one time regarded as a powerful chieftain armed with mighty weapons, but engaged in conflicts for the ultimate benefit of mankind.

On the whole, he is a beneficent deity, though ready to inflict severe punishment for disobedience to his commands.

We must distinguish, then, in the case of En-lil, at least four phases: 1.

His original role as a local deity; 2.

The extension of his power to the grade of a great 'lord' over a large district; 3.