But Ea must be introduced into the episode.

It is not sufficient that Bel, the original subduer of Tiamat, should pay homage to Marduk; Ea also greets his son, and bestows his name upon him,[143]--that is, transfers his powers to his son.

There is a special reason for this.

The overthrow of Tiamat is followed by the creation of man.

This function properly belongs to Bel, both as the god of earth and as the subduer of Tiamat.