In the second list, the position of Nin-girsu at the head is due to the fact that the inscription commemorates the dedication of a sanctuary to that god.

But Nin-girsu, despite his rank as the chief god of Lagash, belongs to a second class of deities.

Standing far above him is the triad, Anu, Bel, and Ea, the gods that personify, as we have seen, the great divisions of the universe,--heaven, earth, and water.

These gods, accordingly, take precedence of Nin-girsu in the first list.

In a succeeding chapter, the significance of this triad for the Babylonian religion will be fully set forth.