Mad’s Liberation Saga: Priest, Goddess, and Rebellion

This extensive text, „MAD 2“ details Mad’s journey and his efforts to free enslaved people from the control of powerful deities like Marduk and Enki. Mad, a priest, initially believes Ram is an old warrior, only to later discover Ram is a goddess who intends to inhabit his body. The narrative follows Mad’s escape from Abzu, his experiences as a slave, and his growing conviction that freedom is paramount. He rallies fellow slaves with his enchanting melodies and a growing resistance against their oppressors, ultimately leading to a confrontation between the Sumerian and Babylonian forces. The story concludes with Mad contemplating his purpose and the heavy burden of the suffering he witnessed, hinting at an ongoing struggle for liberation despite personal loss and disillusionment.

 

Mad 2 Özgür Ä°nsan: Freedom’s Call in Ancient Mesopotamia

This detailed briefing document reviews the main themes and most important ideas or facts from the provided source, „MAD 2“, with appropriate quotes.

Briefing Document: „MAD 2 Özgür Ä°nsan“ – Themes, Characters, and Plot

Source: Excerpts from „MAD 2“ by M. Mehmet Ãœnver.

1. Overview and Core Themes

„MAD 2 Özgür Ä°nsan“ is a novel that explores themes of freedom, identity, sacrifice, and the corrupting influence of power and religion. The narrative focuses on the protagonist, Mad, a „savior“ figure, and his journey to liberate himself and others from various forms of servitude, both physical and metaphorical. The text critiques the manipulation by divine and priestly authorities and highlights the resilience and longing for freedom among the oppressed.

Key Themes:

• The Nature of Freedom: Freedom is not merely the absence of physical chains but an internal state of being. Mad constantly strives for and advocates for true freedom, which includes mental liberation from fear and indoctrination. As he states, „Freedom, for him, meant nothing more than surrender if he gave up on the thought of freedom for a moment.“
• Critique of Divine and Religious Authority: The narrative consistently portrays gods and priests as manipulative, self-serving, and often cruel. They use „Me’s“ (divine decrees/powers), fear, and false promises to control humans and maintain their power. Mad’s ultimate goal is to challenge and dismantle these systems. „He didn’t want to shed human blood for the sake of either Babylonian or Sumerian lands; on the contrary, he wanted to prevent people from slaughtering each other for evil spells.“
• The Power of Belief and „Good Magic“: Mad’s „magic“ is often associated with inspiration, hope, and compassion, contrasting sharply with the „evil magic“ of the gods and priests, which instills fear and enforces obedience. His ability to move people through his music (the „magic flute“) and his ideas demonstrates the power of empathy and truth over coercion.
• Sacrifice and Selflessness: Characters like Ram, Pugat, and ultimately Mad himself, make significant sacrifices for the freedom and well-being of others. Ram sacrifices her divine presence to free Mad, and Mad is willing to sacrifice his own comfort and safety for the slaves.
• The Journey of Self-Discovery: Mad’s experiences in Abzu and among the slaves force him to confront his own identity, purpose, and the true meaning of being a „savior.“ He learns that liberation is not a solitary act but requires collective awakening.

1. Main Characters and Important Relationships

• Mad: The protagonist and „savior“ figure. He is initially a temple priest in Arge, captured and enslaved in Uruk, then imprisoned by Enki in Abzu. His core motivation is freedom, both for himself and others. He possesses a „magic flute“ that can influence emotions and inspire hope. He is idealistic but learns the harsh realities of the world. He believes his „strongest magic is this passion for freedom in his heart.“
• Pugat: Daughter of Ninshubur, she is a loyal and brave warrior who plays a crucial role in Mad’s liberation from Abzu and his journey. She is deeply concerned for Mad’s safety and eventually insists on accompanying him. Her growth shows her evolving from a practical warrior to someone who understands the deeper struggle for freedom. She recognizes Mad’s unique qualities, despite his lack of traditional „heroic“ traits.
• Ram (Ninhursag): A goddess, initially disguised as an old woman who trained Mad as a priest in Arge. She secretly sacrifices her divine form to release Mad from Abzu, remaining inside a warrior’s body (implied to be the warrior who later aids Pugat). She represents a more benevolent, albeit hidden, divine influence. Her statement, „gods are masters at hiding themselves and their truths,“ is central to the narrative’s critique of divinity.
• Ninshubur: Inanna’s former chief assistant and Pugat’s mother. She is wise, experienced, and deeply committed to Sumerian well-being. She orchestrates much of the strategic planning for Mad’s mission to Babylon and the defense of Arge. She represents a pragmatic and protective maternal figure.
• Enki: The „Wise God“ of Sumer, who cunningly entraps Mad in Abzu. He is manipulative and self-serving, making deceptive agreements to maintain his power and control.
• Inanna: The Sumerian goddess rescued by Mad. While initially appearing as a benevolent figure, her actions are later revealed to be intertwined with divine politics and self-interest, causing Mad some disillusionment. She promises Mad that his name will be given to a temple, but this does not happen in Uruk due to other gods‘ resistance.
• Marduk: The „Warrior God“ of Babylon. Portrayed as a ruthless and ambitious deity who seeks to consolidate power by weakening Sumer through a diversion of the Euphrates River (canal construction). His priests, like Nemrud, enforce his will through fear and false promises. „Marduk’s goal is to be the sole God on earth and in the sky. A God unseen, yet whose presence is felt everywhere, whose fear is lived.“
• Nemrud: Marduk’s chief priest, a cunning and manipulative figure who uses both threats and deceptive kindness to control the slaves and advance Marduk’s agenda. He epitomizes the corrupt religious authority.
• Shemud: Marduk’s military commander, Nemrud’s counterpart in enforcing the canal project. He is equally ruthless but more direct in his methods.
• Hakko: A slave in the canal trenches, originally from Nippur. He is initially cynical and focused on personal vengeance against those who wronged him, but eventually comes to trust and support Mad, symbolizing the potential for collective awakening.
• Sidar: A mercenary warrior who accompanies Mad to Babylon and also ends up in the canal. He is practical, resilient, and becomes an early ally to Mad in the trenches. He understands the sacrifices required for freedom.
• Kasis: An Arge warrior disguised as a food distributor in the canal, providing crucial intelligence and aid to Mad.
• ShamaÅŸ, Ninkur, AnÅŸar, Daylan: Fellow slaves in Mad’s team in the canal, initially skeptical but gradually persuaded by Mad’s vision of freedom. They represent the enslaved populace who need to overcome their ingrained fear and fatalism.
• Mikku: A cruel and powerful slave overseer in the canal, who embodies the oppressive force of the system. He is a former soldier who found new purpose in brutality.

III. Key Plot Points and Narrative Progression

1. Abzu and Escape:

• Mad is imprisoned in Abzu by Enki as a condition for Inanna’s release. Abzu is a timeless, isolated paradise, but Mad longs for true freedom and human connection.
• Ram, disguised as an old warrior (Hammar is implied to be Ram’s human form in Babylon, but here it’s clearly stated that Ram entered the warrior to free Mad), sacrifices her divine form to free Mad, entering the warrior’s body and remaining in Abzu in Mad’s place.
• Pugat, with the help of Ninshubur and her team, excavates tunnels to reach Mad.
• Mad and Pugat escape Abzu, experiencing their reunion as a deeply emotional moment.

1. Return to Arge and Unveiling Truths:

• Mad and Pugat return to a rebuilt and fortified Arge, led by Ninshubur.
• Mad learns that Ram is alive and is actually the goddess Ninhursag, who disguised herself and entered the warrior’s body to save him.
• He also learns that Inanna, despite being rescued, did not prioritize him and that the Sumerian gods, including Tammuz (Inanna’s husband), are wary of or resentful of an „ordinary mortal“ being a „savior.“ Inanna entrusted Ninshubur with rebuilding the temple in Arge, implying a shift in focus.
• Mad is disillusioned by the gods‘ politics and their focus on power rather than true well-being.

1. The Threat of Babylon and Marduk’s Canal:

• Enki, through his envoys, „forces“ Mad into a new „agreement“: Mad must go to Babylon to stop Marduk from diverting the Euphrates River, which would devastate Sumerian lands. If Mad fails, Enki threatens Arge.
• This „agreement“ is a cunning trap by Enki to use Mad’s unique „magic“ (his capacity to inspire and liberate) against Marduk, without engaging in direct conflict himself.
• The Sumerian gods are shown to be fearful of Marduk and prioritize their own power and survival over the well-being of their people.

1. The Journey to Babylon and the Canal Trenches:

• Mad, Pugat, and a group of Arge warriors (led by MaÅŸnu) embark on the dangerous journey to Babylon.
• Ninshubur devises a plan for the warriors to infiltrate Babylon and Sippar (where the canal is being built) disguised as traders or criminals, to gather intelligence and sabotage the canal from within.
• Mad and Sidar (a resourceful warrior) intentionally get arrested in Babylon to be sent to the canal trenches, where the enslaved people are forced to work. Mad’s aim is to reach and inspire the slaves.

1. Life in the Trenches and Mad’s „Magic“:

• Life in the canal trenches is brutal, characterized by harsh labor, limited food, and constant threat of abuse from overseers like Mikku. Slaves live in fear and resignation.
• Mad quickly recognizes that the real „magic“ holding the slaves captive is fear and indoctrination, not physical chains. He believes „the only way to break bad spells was through good spells.“
• He uses his „magic flute“ (büyülüdil) to play melodies that bring peace and hope to the slaves, subtly inspiring them and earning their trust and respect. This music is described as reaching their souls, making them feel like they are „wandering in Dilmun in their dreams.“
• Mad strategically reveals his identity as the „savior“ and „priest of Arge“ to carefully chosen slaves (Hakko, ShamaÅŸ, Ninkur, AnÅŸar, Daylan), emphasizing his commitment to their freedom and the existence of a free land (Arge).
• He confronts the prevailing mindset that their „destiny“ is slavery, arguing that freedom is a choice and that the gods‘ power is tied to their temples and priests. „If the gods did not have their instruments, how could they harm people?“
• Mad and his allies among the slaves begin to subtly slow down the work on the canal.

1. Nemrud’s Counter-Measures and Escalation:

• The slowing of the canal progress attracts the attention of Nemrud and Shemud, who come to Sippar to investigate.
• Nemrud offers false promises of reward (service in Marduk’s temple/ziggurat) and increased rest to the slaves, while also threatening severe punishment for resistance and offering rewards for revealing the „Arge rebel.“
• Nemrud’s speech reveals his understanding that kindness can be more effective than fear in controlling the slaves: „A single good deed shown to them, a single magical word that soothes their hearts, is more meaningful to them than the freedom they would carry on their backs like a burden throughout their lives.“
• Mad and his allies realize the danger of these new tactics and plan to counteract them.

1. Sabotage and Growing Rebellion:

• Mad devises a plan to use „magic herbs“ (senna) in the slaves‘ food to cause widespread illness, further slowing down the canal construction. Kasis helps implement this plan.
• The resulting illness confirms Mad’s strategic brilliance and further emboldens the slaves‘ belief in the „savior.“
• The death of an old slave further solidifies Mad’s resolve and allows him to demonstrate compassion by performing a funeral rite and playing his flute, further distinguishing himself from the cruel authorities.
• Mad successfully reconciles with Hakko after a previous misunderstanding, showing his growth in dealing with interpersonal conflicts. Hakko’s change of heart is significant, as he was initially resistant to the idea of „saving slaves.“
• The increasing number of deaths in the trenches, coupled with the illness, reinforces the urgency of Mad’s plan.

1. The Grand Plan and Collective Action:

• Mad reveals his full plan to his trusted circle of slaves: not only to slow the canal work but to eventually lead them to Arge, a land of freedom with no slaves.
• He emphasizes the growing numerical advantage of the slaves over the soldiers and the opportune moment to escape before Marduk can fully consolidate his power and attack Sumer.
• The discussion about the canal as „a gift from the gods for the slaves to be free“ reframes their suffering as an opportunity.
• The slaves‘ initial fear and skepticism are gradually replaced by hope and a willingness to take action, especially after experiencing the effectiveness of Mad’s „magic“ and the contrast between his genuine concern and the gods‘ manipulation.

1. The Imminent Confrontation:

• The increased resistance and slowing of work by the slaves alert the authorities. Mikku reports the „savior“ rumors, and troop numbers at the canal increase.
• Ninshubur receives a cryptic message from Inanna, indicating that Enki and other gods are forming an alliance to attack Marduk, potentially escalating the conflict and putting the slaves in even greater danger. This forces Ninshubur to reconsider her strategy and prioritize the rescue of the Sumerian warriors (and implicitly, the slaves) from the trenches.
• The narrative sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation between Mad’s growing „army“ of liberated slaves and Marduk’s forces, with the fate of Sumer and the promise of freedom hanging in the balance.

1. Significant Quotes

• „Mad insanların yaÅŸadığımız yeryüzünü nasıl kendi elleriyle yaÅŸa-nılmaz ve katlanılmaz kıldığı gerçeÄŸini gözler önüne seriyor.“ (Mad reveals how humans have made the world uninhabitable and unbearable with their own hands.) – From the Foreword, setting the overarching theme.
• „Mad kurtarıcı bir kiÅŸilik olarak amacına ulaşırken, onu çekici kılan ÅŸey; topluma itiraz etmesi deÄŸil, toplumdan bağımsız kendisini ta-nıyabilmesi ve bağımsız kimliÄŸi ile topluma yeniden kurtarıcı tarzda dönüş yapabilmesiydi.“ (As a savior figure, what made Mad attractive in achieving his goal was not his objection to society, but his ability to recognize himself independently from society and return to society as a savior with his independent identity.) – From the Foreword, defining Mad’s unique nature.
• „Özgürlük düşüncesinden bir an vazgeçmek onun için teslimiyetten baÅŸka mana ifade etmiyordu.“ (For him, giving up the thought of freedom for a moment meant nothing but surrender.) – Mad’s core philosophy while imprisoned in Abzu.
• „Unutma, tanrılar kendilerini ve gerçeklerini saklamakta ustadırlar! Tanrıların en büyük hüneri gerçekleri kurnaz-ca gizleme yetenekleridir!“ (Remember, gods are masters at hiding themselves and their truths! The greatest skill of the gods is their ability to cunningly conceal the truth!) – Inanna’s confession to Mad, revealing the deceptive nature of the gods.
• „Benim yüzümden kimse zarar görmemeli… Ne Arge’de korun-mak için kale duvarları örülmeli ne de kimse buraya saldırmayı dü-şünmeli.“ (No one should be harmed because of me… No castle walls should be built in Arge for protection, nor should anyone consider attacking here.) – Mad’s selfless motivation to leave Arge to protect its people.
• „O deli gitse bile, senin birlikte gitmene izin veremem!“ (Even if that madman goes, I cannot allow you to go with him!) – Ninshubur’s concern for Pugat, highlighting Mad’s perceived recklessness.
• „Neden anlamıyorlardı? Mad yeni bir Arge faciası daha yaÅŸamak istemiyordu. YaÅŸanacak felaketler ve yeni katliamlardan sorumlu tutulmak istemiyordu. Bir kurtarıcı, yaÅŸatan olmalıydı, öldürten deÄŸil.“ (Why didn’t they understand? Mad didn’t want another Arge disaster. He didn’t want to be held responsible for disasters and new massacres. A savior should be a life-giver, not a killer.) – Mad’s internal struggle and sense of responsibility.
• „Rahiplerin kötü büyülerini yine iyi büyüler yapan rahipler bozabilir.“ (Only priests who perform good spells can break the evil spells of priests.) – Mad’s belief in combating manipulation with truth and positive influence.
• „Marduk’un amacı, yeryüzünde ve gökyüzünde tek Tanrı olmak. Hem de nerede olduÄŸu görülmeyen ama, her yerde varlığı hisse-dilen, korkusu yaÅŸanılan bir Tanrı!“ (Marduk’s goal is to be the sole God on earth and in the sky. A God unseen, yet whose presence is felt everywhere, whose fear is lived!) – Ninshubur’s description of Marduk, highlighting his ambition and the nature of his power.
• „Bu tür yeminlerin rahiplerin ta-pınaklara hizmet için seçildiklerinde ettikleri yeminden ne farkı var-dı? Her kentin yazgısını elinde tutan tanrıların, ne yiyeceklerinden ne giyeceklerine kadar insanlar üzerinde söz sahibi olan tapınakların ve yüksek kale surlarıyla korunmak zorunda kalan kentlerin durumu zaten ortada deÄŸil miydi?“ (What was the difference between these oaths and the oaths priests took when chosen to serve the temples? Wasn’t the situation of the cities, where gods held the destiny of every city and temples had authority over people from what they ate to what they wore, and cities had to be protected by high castle walls, already obvious?) – Mad’s internal critique of the system of gods, temples, and priests.
• „O hâlde Mad kendisinin de ne olduÄŸunu bilemediÄŸi büyüyü nasıl kullanacaktı? Hem, neticede o da bir büyü idi. Güçlü olması, iyi büyü manasına gelmiyordu ki?“ (So how was Mad to use a magic whose nature he himself didn’t know? After all, it was still a kind of magic. Being powerful didn’t necessarily mean it was a good magic, did it?) – Mad’s uncertainty about his own power and the nature of „magic.“
• „Kölelerin olmadığı kent iÅŸte, böyle bakımsız ve ruhsuzdu. Åžaşılacak ÅŸeydi! Demek; kente canlılığı bile köleler veriyordu.“ (A city without slaves was neglected and soulless. It was astonishing! So, it was the slaves who gave vitality to the city.) – Mad’s realization about the true source of a city’s vibrancy and wealth.
• „Benim beklediÄŸim kur-tarıcı yaÅŸamla gelir, ölümle deÄŸil!“ (The savior I await comes with life, not with death!) – ShamaÅŸ’s initial skepticism about Mad’s mission, highlighting the slaves‘ desire for survival over abstract freedom.
• „Acılara karşı bu denli duyarsız kalmak, yalnızca kendini düşünmek ancak, kötü büyülerin iÅŸareti olabilir. Ä°zin ver sendeki büyüleri bozayım!“ (To remain so insensitive to suffering, to think only of oneself, can only be a sign of evil spells. Let me break the spells within you!) – Mad’s powerful statement to ShamaÅŸ, identifying selfishness as a „bad spell.“
• „Köleler her zaman korkuyla terbiye edilmezler, bazen de iyilikle ikna edilirler, tıpkı bugün olduÄŸu gibi.“ (Slaves are not always disciplined by fear; sometimes, they are persuaded by kindness, just as it was today.) – Nemrud’s cynical understanding of slave psychology, used to manipulate them.
• „Demek, yazgı deÄŸiÅŸiyormuÅŸ!“ (So, destiny can change!) – Ninkur’s hopeful realization after Hammar saves him from the snake, reflecting a shift in the slaves‘ fatalistic worldview.
• „Bu seferki lapa daha önce yediklerimiz gibi deÄŸil, sahiden çok lezzetli. Ä°nan-mazsanız alın, kenarından tadın! Bakın ben nasıl yiyorum!“ (This time the porridge isn’t like what we’ve had before; it’s truly delicious. If you don’t believe me, take some and taste it! Look how I’m eating it!) – ShamaÅŸ’s deceptive claim to encourage others to eat the „magical“ porridge, highlighting the practical application of Mad’s plan.