Difference between revisions of "Ninhursag" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
 
(43 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
[[Image:Ninhursag1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Ninhursag with the spirit of the forests next to the seven spiked cosmic tree of life. Relief from [[Susa]]. (Some believe the goddess here is not Ninhursag but [[Ninlil]].]]
+
{{Images OK}}{{submitted}}{{approved}}{{copyedited}}
−
In [[Sumerian mythology]], '''Ninhursag''' (NIN.URSAG) was the earth and mother-[[goddess]], one of the major deities of ancient [[Sumer]]. She is principally a fertility goddess and the goddess of sacred mountains. Temple hymn sources identify her as the "true and great lady of heaven," and kings of Sumer were "nourished by Ninhursag's milk." She is typically depicted wearing a horned head-dress and tiered skirt, often with bow cases at her shoulders, and not infrequently carries a mace or baton surmounted by an ''omega'' motif or a derivation, sometimes accompanied by a lion cub on a leash. She is the tutelary deity to several Sumerian rulers.
+
[[Image:Ninhursag1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Ninhursag with the spirit of the forests next to the seven spiked cosmic tree of life. Relief from [[Susa]]. (Some believe the goddess here is not Ninhursag but [[Ninlil]].)]]
 +
In [[Sumerian mythology]], '''Ninhursag''' (NIN.URSAG) was the earth and mother [[goddess]], one of the major [[deity|deities]] of ancient [[Sumer]]. Also known as '''Nintu''' and sometimes identified with '''Ki,''' she was principally a goddess of [[fertility]] and sacred mountains. Temple [[hymn]] sources identify her as the "true and great lady of heaven," and kings of Sumer were "nourished by Ninhursag's milk."
  
−
In one creation myth, Ninhursag and the sky god [[An]] are born together from the primordial sea and become the parents of the other gods. In the flood story of Atrahasis, as the "womb-goddess," she is chosen by the other gods to be the creator of humankind. In the myth of ''[[Enki]] and Ninhursag'', she heals Enki of a dreadful disease and gives birth to eight more deities, including Ninti, the "Lady of the Rib." Analysts have seen parallels between this myth and the story of [[Adam and Eve]] in the [[Garden of Eden]].  
+
One of the oldest of the [[Mesopotamia]]n gods, Ninhursag both subsumed the characteristics of similar deities like [[Ki]] (earth) and others, and was later herself subsumed by the fertility goddess [[Inanna]]/[[Ishtar]]. She is known to have had temples at [[Eridu]] and [[Kish (Sumer)|Kish]], and other locations.
  
−
One of the oldest of the [[Mesopotamia]]n gods, Ninhursag both subsumed the characteristics of other deities and was later herself subsumed by them, especially the fertility goddess [[Inanna]]/[[Ishtar]]. She is known to have had temples at [[Eridu]], [[Kish (Sumer)|Kish]], and elsewhere.
+
She is typically depicted wearing a horned head-dress and tiered skirt, often with bow cases at her shoulders, and not infrequently carries a mace or baton surmounted by an ''omega'' motif or a derivation, sometimes accompanied by a lion cub on a leash. She is the tutelary deity to several Sumerian rulers.
 +
{{toc}}
 +
In the myth of ''[[Enki]] and Ninhursag,'' she heals the major deity Enki of a dreadful disease and gives birth to eight more gods, including Ninti, the "Lady of the Rib." In the flood story of [[Atrahasis]], as the "womb-goddess" Nintu, she is chosen by the other gods to be the creator of humankind, whom she fashions out of a mixture of blood and clay. Analysts have noted numerous parallels between myths involving Ninhursag and the [[Genesis]] account in the [[Bible]], including the story of [[Adam and Eve]] in the [[Garden of Eden]].
  
 
== Names ==
 
== Names ==
−
Ninhursag means literally "Lady of the Mountain," from the [[Sumerian language|Sumerian]] ''Nin'' ("lady") and ''Ḫursag ("sacred mountain"). She had many august titles, including ''Ninmah'' ("Great Queen"); ''[[Nintu]]'' ("Lady of Birth")''; ''[[Mama]]'' or Mami (Mother); Sister of [[Enlil]]; and ''Belet-Ili'' (Lady of the Gods). Minor titles applied to her include Ninzinak (Lady of the Embryo); Nindim (Lady Fashioner); Nagarsagak (Carpenter of Insides); Ninbahar (Lady Pottery); Ninmag (Lady Vulva); Ninsigsig (Lady of Silence); Mudkesda (Blood-Stauncher); Amadugbad (Mother Spreading the Knees); Amaududa (Mother Who Gives Birth); Sagzudingirenak (Midwife of the Gods); Ninmenna (Lady of the Diadem).
+
[[Image:Hammurabi's Babylonia 1.svg|thumb|250px|Map of ancient [[Mesopotamia]]: Ninhursag is known to have had temples at [[Eridu]] and [[Lagash]] in the south, and [[Kish]], near [[Babylon]].]]
 +
Ninhursag means literally "Lady of the Mountain," from the [[Sumerian language|Sumerian]] ''Nin'' ("lady") and ''Ḫursag'' ("sacred mountain"). She had many august titles, including ''Ninmah'' ("Great Queen"), ''[[Nintu]]'' ("Lady of Birth"), ''[[Mama]]'' or Mami (Mother), Sister of [[Enlil]], and ''Belet-Ili'' (Lady of the Gods). Minor titles applied to her include ''Ninzinak'' (Lady of the Embryo), ''Nindim'' (Lady Fashioner), ''Nagarsagak'' (Carpenter of Insides), ''Ninbahar'' (Lady Pottery), ''Ninmag'' (Lady Vulva), ''Ninsigsig'' (Lady of Silence), ''Mudkesda'' (Blood-Stauncher), ''Amadugbad'' (Mother Spreading the Knees), ''Amaududa'' (Mother Who Gives Birth), ''Sagzudingirenak'' (Midwife of the Gods), and ''Ninmenna'' (Lady of the Diadem).
  
−
According to one legend, her name was changed from Ninmah to Ninhursag by her son [[Ninurta]] in order to commemorate his creation of the mountains. In one Babylonian investiture ritual, as Ninmenna (Lady of the Diadem), she placed the golden crown on the king in the ''[[Eanna]]'' temple.
+
According to one legend, her name was changed to Ninhursag from Ninmah by her son [[Ninurta]] in order to commemorate his creation of the mountains. In one Babylonian investiture ritual, as Ninmenna (Lady of the Diadem), she placed the golden crown on the king in the ''[[Eanna]]'' temple.
  
−
Some take the view that [[Ki (goddess)|Ki]] (earth), the primordial goddess of the earth and consort of [[An]] (heaven), was identical to or an earlier form of Ninhursag. Ki does not seem to have been regarded as a deity in her own right and there is no evidence of a distinct cult for her. Arguing against Ki's identity with Ninhursag is the fact that Ki is depicted as the the mother of [[Enlil]], whereas in other sources Ninhursag is his sister. This type of confusion, however, is not unusual in ancient Mesopotamian [[mythology]], in which variants of myths are common and deities evolved and exchanged characteristics with one anther over long periods of time. Moreover, incestuous relations between brother and sister god were not unusual.
+
Some take the view that [[Ki (goddess)|Ki]] (earth), the primordial goddess of the earth and consort of [[An]] (heaven), was identical to or an early form of Ninhursag. Ki does not seem to have been regarded as a deity in her own right and there is no evidence of a distinct cult for her. Arguing against Ki's identity with Ninhursag is the fact that Ki is depicted as the the mother of [[Enlil]], whereas Ninhursag is usually his sister. This type of confusion, however, is not unusual in ancient Mesopotamian [[mythology]], in which variants of myths are common and deities often exchanged characteristics with one anther over time.
  
−
Some of the titles above were once associated with independent goddesses, such as Ninmah and Ninmenna, who later became identified and merged with Ninhursag. She also seems to have been sometimes identified with [[Ninsar]] (Lady Greenery) and [[Ninkurra]] (Lady Pasture), or even [[Uttu]] (the spinner), who are her daughters in the tale of ''[[Enki]] and Ninhursag''.
+
Some of the titles above were once associated with apparently independent goddesses, such as Ninmah and Ninmenna, who later became identified and merged with Ninhursag. She also seems to have been sometimes identified with [[Ninsar]] (Lady Greenery), [[Ninkurra]] (Lady Pasture), and [[Uttu]] (the Spinner), who are her daughters in the tale of ''[[Enki]] and Ninhursag''.
  
−
In later Mesopotamian religion many of Ninhursag's own characteristics were attributed to [[Inanna]]/[[Ishtar]], the goddess of love, fertility, and war.
+
In later [[Mesopotamian religion]], many of Ninhursag's own characteristics were attributed to [[Inanna]]/[[Ishtar]], the goddess of love, fertility, and war.
  
 
== Mythology ==
 
== Mythology ==
−
{{Mesopotamian myth (7)}}
+
In the writings of the [[Akkad]]ian princess and priestess [[Enheduanna]], Ninhursag/Ki was one of the most powerful images of the Divine Feminine. She was depicted as [[Nammu]]'s daughter. Together with the sky god [[Anu]], Ninhursag/Ki was conceived in Nammu's oceanic womb. Anu and Ninhursag came to life embracing each other within the primeval sea. Ninhursag/Ki is thus both sister and consort to Anu, and the two of them became the parents the [[Anunnaki]]], the ancient deities of Sumerian myth. As the universe continued to evolve, Ninhursag came to rule more the rocky mountains and sacred hills.
−
In the legend of ''[[Enki]] and Ninhursag'', Ninhursag bore a daughter to Enki, the god of the fresh waters, named [[Ninsar]] ("Lady Greenery"). Ninsar in turn bore Enki a daughter named [[Ninkurra]]. Ninkurra, then bore Enki a daughter named [[Uttu]]. On Ninhursag's advice, Uttu buried Enki's seed in the earth, whereupon eight plants sprung up—the very first plants on earth. Enki, seeing the plants, ate them, and became ill in eight organs of his body. Ninhursag cured him, taking the fertile plants into her own body and giving birth to eight deities: [[Abu (god)| Abu]], [[Nintulla]] (Nintul), [[Ninsutu]], [[Ninkasi]], [[Nanshe]] (Nazi), [[Dazimua]], [[Ninti]], and [[Enshag]] (Enshagag).
 
  
−
In the text ''Creator of the Hoe'' Ninhursag completed the birth of mankind after the heads of humans had been uncovered by Enki's hoe, the crucial instrument which he had invented.
+
In the legend of ''[[Enki]] and Ninhursag,'' Ninhursag bore a daughter named [[Ninsar]] ("Lady Greenery") to Enki, the god of wisdom and the fresh waters. Ninsar in turn bore Enki a daughter named [[Ninkurra]]. Ninkurra, then bore Enki a daughter named [[Uttu]]. On Ninhursag's advice, Uttu buried Enki's seed in the earth, whereupon eight plants sprung up—the very first plants on earth. Enki, seeing the plants, ate them, and became ill in eight organs of his body. Ninhursag cured him, taking the fertile plants into her own body and giving birth to eight more deities: [[Abu (god)| Abu]], [[Nintulla]] (Nintul), [[Ninsutu]], [[Ninkasi]], [[Nanshe]] (Nazi), [[Dazimua]], [[Ninti]], and [[Enshag]] (Enshagag).
  
−
In the legend of Atrahasis, Ninhursag appears as Nintu/Mami, the womb-goddess. She is chose by the gods to create humans in order to relieve the gods from their work of digging canals and farm labor. She shapes clay figurines mixed with the flesh and blood of a slain minor deity, and ten months later, humans are born. Later, when overpopulaion becomes a problem Ninhursag solves the problem by seeing to it that one third of human pregnancies will not succeed. She also institutes celibacy among certain priestesses in order to help keep the population down.
+
In the text ''Creator of the Hoe,'' Ninhursag accomplished the birth of mankind after the heads of humans had been uncovered by Enki's hoe, the crucial instrument of farming, which he had invented.
  
−
In other creation texts Ninmah (another name for Ninhursag) acts as a midwife while the mother goddess [[Nammu]] makes different kinds of human individuals from lumps of clay at a feast given by Enki to celebrate the creation of humankind.
+
In the legend of [[Atrahasis]], Ninhursag appears as [[Nintu]]/Mami, the womb-goddess. She is chosen by the gods to create humans in order to relieve the gods from their work of digging canals and farm labor. She shapes clay figurines mixed with the flesh and blood of a slain minor deity, and ten months later, humans are born. Later, when over-population becomes a problem, Ninhursag sees to it that one third of human pregnancies will not succeed. She also institutes [[celibacy]] among certain priestesses in order to help keep the population down.
  
−
In the writings of the Akkadian princess and priestess Enheduanna, Ninhursag-Ki was one of the most powerful images of the Divine Feminine. She was depicted as the daughter of the primeval goddess of the sea, [[Nammu]]. Together with the sky god An, Ninhursag-Ki was conceived in Nammu's oceanic womb. Anu and Ninhursag came to life embracing each other arms within the primeval sea. Ninhursag-Ki thus both sister and consort to An, and the two of them became the parents the [[Anunnaki]]], the ancient deities of Sumerian myth. (However, it should be noted that other Mesopotamian myths describe the process of creation differently.) As the universe continued to elvove, Ninhursag came to rule more specifically mountains and sacred hills. Ninhursag-Ki had temples in several ancient cities, including Kish, Lagash and Tell Obeid.
+
In other creation texts, Ninmah/Ninhursag acts as a midwife, while the mother goddess [[Nammu]], the primeval sea goddess, makes different kinds of human individuals from lumps of clay at a feast given by Enki to celebrate the creation of humankind.
  
 
== Worship ==
 
== Worship ==
−
[[Image:Greek uc omega.png|thumb|125px|[[Omega]] was the Ninhursag's symbol long before the creation of the Greek [[alphabet]].]]
+
[[Image:Greek uc omega.png|thumb|150px|[[Omega]] was the Ninhursag's symbol long before the creation of the Greek [[alphabet]].]]
−
Ninhursag symbol, the ''omega'' (Ω), has been depicted in art from around 3000 B.C.E., though more generally from the early second millennium. It appears on some boundary stones, on the upper tier, indicating her importance.  
+
Ninhursag's symbol, the ''omega'' (Ω), has been depicted in art from around 3000 B.C.E., though more generally from the early second millennium. It appears on some boundary stones, on the upper tier, indicating her importance.  
  
−
Her temple, the E'Saggila (from [[Sumerian language|Sumerian]] E = House, SAG = Sacred, Ila (Akkadian) = Goddess), was located on the sacred mound of [[Eridu]], although she also had a temple at [[Kish (Sumer)|Kish]].
+
Her temple, the E'Saggila (from [[Sumerian language|Sumerian]] E = House, SAG = Sacred, Ila (Akkadian) = Goddess), was located on the sacred mound of [[Eridu]]. She also had a temple at [[Kish (Sumer)|Kish]] and Lagash.
  
−
==Excerpts from ''Enki and Ninhusag''==
+
In art, Ninhursag is often depicted with a tiered skirt, often with a horned head-dress. She sometimes carries bow cases at her shoulders, and/or a mace or staff with an ''omega'' motif at its top. She is sometimes accompanied by a lion cub on a leash. Many of these characteristics were also taken on by later goddesses such as [[Ninlil]] and [[Inanna]], making it difficult to distinguish them from Ninhursag in iconography.
  
−
There was a time in the land of Dilmun, when all was untouched by man. There was no old age, there was no death nor disease, for all was yet pure. There Enki laid down with Ninhusag his spouse, She who was the queen of the pure place, of its vacant city...
+
==Excerpts from ''Enki and Ninhursag''==
 +
Pure is Dilmun land. Virginal is Dilmun land. Pristine is Dilmun land. Enki laid her down all alone in Dilmun… No eye-diseases said there: "I am the eye disease." No headache said there: "I am the headache." No old woman belonging to it said there: "I am an old woman." No old man belonging to it said there: "I am an old man." …The waters rose up from it into her great basins. Her city drank water aplenty from them. Dilmun drank water aplenty from them…
  
−
The wise one turned his attention to ensuring that life and sustenance would seize upon his gifts. In the marsh, Enki looked towards Ninhursag, the country's mother, and he knew what needed to be done. He moved towards her, digging his phallus into the dikes and into the reed beds, sending forth fresh waters, but she would not receive him that easily. "No man takes me in the marsh!" she exclaimed resisting his determined advance. Enki, the lord of fresh water did indeed desire this great goddess, who alone accounted for the fertile earth, and whose union with him would spell abundant life. He cried out, invoking her great nature. "By the life's breath of heaven, I adjure you! Lie down with me in the marsh, it would be joyous!" He lay down with her then, and she conceived... Ninhursaga's pregnancy was that of a goddess, her first month was as a day to us, and by the end of her second month it was as two days. On the ninth day she gave birth, the delivery was flawless and Ninnisig was born. Her name was associated with greenery...
+
Enki… toward Ninhursag (Nintu), the country's mother, Enki… was digging his phallus into the dikes, plunging his phallus into the reedbeds. The goddess pulled his phallus aside and cried out: "No man take me in the marsh." Enki cried out: "By the life's breath of heaven I adjure you. Lie down for me in the marsh, lie down for me in the marsh, that would be joyous." ... she conceived... But her one month was one day, but her two months were two days… The mother of the country, like juniper oil, gave birth to Ninsar. In turn Ninsar went out to the riverbank. Enki was able to see up there from in the marsh… He clasped her to the bosom, kissed her, ... and she conceived…. Ninsar… gave birth to Ninkurra. In turn Ninkura went out to the riverbank… She gave birth to Uttu, the exalted woman. Ninhursag (Nintu) said to Uttu: "Let me advise you, and may you take heed of my advice… Enki is able to see up here. He will set eyes on you."
  
−
[[Image:Copia de Enki.jpg|220px|thumb|[[Enki]], the god of wisdom and fresh water, was Ninhursag's consort, whom she healed through a process of rebirthing his various diseased body parts, giving birth to eight additional divine children.]]
+
[[Image:Copia de Enki.jpg|225px|thumb|[[Enki]], the god of wisdom and fresh water, was Ninhursag's consort, whom she healed through a process of rebirthing his various diseased body parts, giving birth to eight additional divine children.]]
  
−
When Ninnisig had grown, she went out to the riverbank. Enki could see up there form the marsh, he saw how attractive she had grown... He kissed her he lay down with her and she conceived. On the ninth day, like her mother, she gave birth and Ninkura was born. Her name was associated with cultivation. Enki... would lie with her and on the ninth day She would give birth to Ninimma whose name spoke of thirst. Upon Enki’s coupling as well with this young woman at the riverbank, she conceived and on the ninth day bore Uttu, the exalted lady... When one day Uttu stood on the riverbank, Ninhursaga came to her bearing advice, "Listen carefully, I have some important advice for you. Enki can see you here... Do not let him take you without a proper courtship, without gifts, as he did your mother." Uttu followed the advice of the one that had given birth to her great-grandmother. She returned to her house, and Enki, who had his eye on her, followed. As he knocked on the door, she knew what he wanted and called out, "Bring me cucumbers and apples, bring me grapes in their clusters. Then you may enter, and you may take hold of my halter." ...He clasped her to the bosom, he aroused her, and they had intercourse. He poured his seed and she conceived. But before long, Uttu became distraught. "My thighs feel strange" She cried out, "My body, my heart. Something is wrong."
+
…Enki made his face attractive and took a staff in his hand. Enki came to a halt at Uttu's, knocked at her house: "Open up, open up." (She asked): "Who are you?" (He answered): "I am a gardener. Let me give you cucumbers, apples, and grapes for your 'Yes'." Joyfully Uttu opened the house… Enki aroused Uttu. He clasped her to the bosom, lying in her crotch, fondled her thighs, fondled her with the hand. He made love to the young female and kissed her. ... Uttu, the beautiful woman, cried out: "Woe, my thighs." She cried out: "Woe, my liver. Woe, my heart."
  
−
Ninhursag heard her distress and she came at once. She removed Enki's seed from her descendants thighs, and with it she caused eight plants to grow. She grew the 'tree' plant, the 'honey plant', the 'vegetable' plant, the alfalfa grass...
+
She grew the "tree" plant, she grew the "honey" plant, she grew the "vegetable" plant… Enki was able to see up there from in the marsh… (Enki ate the plants and) determined the destiny of the plants, had them know it in their hearts. Then Ninhursag cursed the name of Enki (and he became ill)…
  
−
Enki had returned to the marsh and again he was peering up there... " What is this one? What is that one?"... Enki determined the destiny of these plants, he had each of them know it in their hearts, he defined their role. When Ninhursag saw this she was enraged. She had created the plants yet Enki had undertaken to determine their fates! She cursed the name Enki, "Until his dying day, I will never look upon him with my life-giving eye."
+
Ninhursag asked: "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "The top of my head ''(ugu-dili)'' hurts me." She gave birth to Ab-u out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "The locks of my hair ''(siki)'' hurt me." She gave birth to Nin-siki-la out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My nose ''(giri)'' hurts me." She gave birth to Ningiriudu out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My mouth ''(ka)'' hurts me." She gave birth to Nin-ka-si out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My throat ''(zi)'' hurts me." She gave birth to Na-zi out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My arm ''(a)'' hurts me." She gave birth to A-zimua out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My ribs ''(ti)'' hurt me." She gave birth to Nin-ti out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My sides ''(zag)'' hurt me." She gave birth to En-sag out of it.<ref>Angel Fire, [http://www.angelfire.com/oh/AncientKnowledge/enki&ninhursanga.html Enki and Ninhursanga.]  Retrieved August 13, 2019.</ref>
  
−
Enki's life was endangered, his health afflicted, and the gods were distraught at the falling out of Enki and his partner. They sat in the dust in despair. Ninhursag had withdrawn and none of the gods knew how to approach her... Ninhursag agreed to return and she made her way to the temple where the gods quickly removed her clothing and ushered the weakened Enki to her.
+
==Ninhursag and the Bible==
 +
[[Image:Creation-of-Eve.gif|thumb|250px||Some commentators see the [[Bible]]'s Eve as related to Nin-ti, Ninhursag daughter known as the "Lady of the Rib."]]
 +
Several comparisons have been made between the mythology of Ninhursag  and the story of [[Adam and Eve]] in the [[Bible]]. Some scholars hold that the idea of an Edenic [[paradise]] is of Sumerian origin. It was known as Dilmun, the land of Ninhursag, Enki, and the other immortals. Significantly, in the Bible, both the [[Tigris]] and [[Euphrates]] are mentioned in reference to the location of the [[Garden of Eden]], where God walked the Earth.
  
−
There were eight parts of Enki that hurt him and to these Ninhursag now looked with life giving eye. She sat him by her vagina and addressed him, "My kinsman, what part of you hurts you?" " Ugu-dili, the top of my head, hurts me" She took the affliction into her womb and gave birth to Abu out of it.,"Siki, the locks of my hair, hurt me." She gave birth to Ninsikila out of it. "My giri, nose, hurts me" She gave birth to Ningiritud out of it. "My mouth hurts me." She gave birth to Ninkasi out of it. "Zi, my throat hurts me." She gave birth to Na-zi out of it. "My arm hurts me" She gave birth to Azimua out of it. "My ribs, ti, hurt me" She gave birth to Ninti out of it. "My sides, zag, hurt me." She gave birth to Enzag out of it. Thus was Enki healed, and four sons and four daughters were born to them.
+
Other creation stories involving Ninhursag speak of her as creating humans out of clay, paralleling God's creation of Adam out of clay in the Book of [[Genesis]]. In the legend of [[Atrahasis]], she controls population growth after the [[Great Flood]]; in Genesis, God does something similar by shortening humans' lifespan after Noah's Flood.  
  
−
==Ninhursag and the Bible==
+
Additional parallels are seen between the Genesis account and the myth of ''Enki and Ninhursag''. Enki, the god of fresh water, and Utu, the god of the sun, cooperate to bring life-giving water to Dilmun, a process suggestive of the biblical creation account: "There went up a mist from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground" (Genesis 2:6). The Sumerian myth specifies that Ninhursag gives birth to her children easily and without pain. This contrasts with God's curse upon Eve to give birth in pain after the [[Human Fall]], similar to Uttu's birth pangs after she leaves the marshes and conceives Enki's child on dry land. Meanwhile, Enki's lust for sex and his eating of the sacred plants in the Sumerian [[paradise]], after which he is cursed by Ninhursag, echoes [[Adam and Eve]]'s eating of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, after which they are cursed by God. Finally, in the Sumerian myth one of Enki's diseased body parts that Ninhursag heals and conceives through was his rib. Ninhursag soon gives birth to Nin-ti, ("Lady Rib"), a motif that is echoed in the Biblical story of Eve, who was taken from Adam's rib.
−
[[Image:Creation-of-Eve.gif|thumb|250px||Sine commentators see the Bible's Eve as to Nin-ti, Ninhursag daughter known as the "Lady of the Rib."]]
 
−
Several comparisons have been made between the mythology of Ninhursag  and the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible. Some scholars hold that the idea of an Edenic [[paradise]] is of Sumerian origin. It was known as Dilmun, the land of Ninhursag, Enki and the other immortals. In the Bible, both the Tigris and Euphrates are mentioned in reference to the location of the Garden of Eden, where God walked the Earth.
 
  
−
After Ninhursag suggests a need for water Enki and the Sun god Utu cooperate to meet he request, a process possible suggestive of the biblical creation account: "There went up a mist from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground (Genesis 2:6). The Sumerian myth specifies that Ninhursag gives birth to her children easily and without pain contrasting with God's curse upon Eve after she is cast out of the Garden. Meanwhile, Enki's lust for sex and his the eating of the sacred plants in the Sumerian paradise echoes Adam and Eve's eating of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Finally, in the Sumerian myth one of Enki's body parts that starts dying was his rib. Ninhursag soon gives birth to eight goddesses, including Nin-ti, ("Lady of the rib"), a motif that is echoed in the Biblical story of Eve, "the Mother of All Living" who was taken from Adam's rib. (Kramer, 1981).
+
==Notes==
−
 
+
<references/>
−
==See also==
 
−
*[[Ereshkigal]]
 
−
*[[Eve (Bible)]]
 
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
−
* Michael Jordon, ''Encyclopedia of Gods'', Kyle Cathie Limited, 2002.
+
* Dalley, Stephanie. ''Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, The Flood, Gilgamesh and Others.'' Oxford University Press, 1991. ISBN 9780192817891.
 +
* Dickin, Alan P. ''On a Faraway Day: A New View of Genesis in Ancient Mesopotamia''. Columbus, GA: Brentwood Christian Press, 2002. ISBN 9781556304651.
 +
* Finkel, Irving L., and Markham J. Geller. ''Sumerian Gods and Their Representations.'' Groningen: STYX Publications, 1997. ISBN 9789056930059.
 +
* Kramer, Samuel Noah. ''Enki and Ninhursag; A Sumerian "Paradise" Myth.'' New Haven, Conn: American Schools of Oriental Research, 1945. {{OCLC|6296366}}
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
−
*[http://www.pantheon.org/articles/n/ninhursag.html Encyclopedia Mythica]
+
All links retrieved November 14, 2022.
−
*[http://www.gatewaystobabylon.com/myths/texts/retellings/enkininhur.htm Retellings]
 
  
−
[[Category:Ancient Mesopotamia]]
+
*[http://www.gatewaystobabylon.com/myths/texts/retellings/enkininhur.htm Retelling of the myth of Enki and Ninhursag] ''www.gatewaystobabylon.com''
 +
 
 +
[[Category:mythology]]
 
[[Category:religion]]
 
[[Category:religion]]
 +
[[category:literature]]
 +
[[category:Archaeology]]
 +
 
{{credit|225962165}}
 
{{credit|225962165}}

Latest revision as of 04:51, 15 November 2022

Ninhursag with the spirit of the forests next to the seven spiked cosmic tree of life. Relief from Susa. (Some believe the goddess here is not Ninhursag but Ninlil.)

In Sumerian mythology, Ninhursag (NIN.URSAG) was the earth and mother goddess, one of the major deities of ancient Sumer. Also known as Nintu and sometimes identified with Ki, she was principally a goddess of fertility and sacred mountains. Temple hymn sources identify her as the "true and great lady of heaven," and kings of Sumer were "nourished by Ninhursag's milk."

One of the oldest of the Mesopotamian gods, Ninhursag both subsumed the characteristics of similar deities like Ki (earth) and others, and was later herself subsumed by the fertility goddess Inanna/Ishtar. She is known to have had temples at Eridu and Kish, and other locations.

She is typically depicted wearing a horned head-dress and tiered skirt, often with bow cases at her shoulders, and not infrequently carries a mace or baton surmounted by an omega motif or a derivation, sometimes accompanied by a lion cub on a leash. She is the tutelary deity to several Sumerian rulers.

In the myth of Enki and Ninhursag, she heals the major deity Enki of a dreadful disease and gives birth to eight more gods, including Ninti, the "Lady of the Rib." In the flood story of Atrahasis, as the "womb-goddess" Nintu, she is chosen by the other gods to be the creator of humankind, whom she fashions out of a mixture of blood and clay. Analysts have noted numerous parallels between myths involving Ninhursag and the Genesis account in the Bible, including the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Names

Map of ancient Mesopotamia: Ninhursag is known to have had temples at Eridu and Lagash in the south, and Kish, near Babylon.

Ninhursag means literally "Lady of the Mountain," from the Sumerian Nin ("lady") and Ḫursag ("sacred mountain"). She had many august titles, including Ninmah ("Great Queen"), Nintu ("Lady of Birth"), Mama or Mami (Mother), Sister of Enlil, and Belet-Ili (Lady of the Gods). Minor titles applied to her include Ninzinak (Lady of the Embryo), Nindim (Lady Fashioner), Nagarsagak (Carpenter of Insides), Ninbahar (Lady Pottery), Ninmag (Lady Vulva), Ninsigsig (Lady of Silence), Mudkesda (Blood-Stauncher), Amadugbad (Mother Spreading the Knees), Amaududa (Mother Who Gives Birth), Sagzudingirenak (Midwife of the Gods), and Ninmenna (Lady of the Diadem).

According to one legend, her name was changed to Ninhursag from Ninmah by her son Ninurta in order to commemorate his creation of the mountains. In one Babylonian investiture ritual, as Ninmenna (Lady of the Diadem), she placed the golden crown on the king in the Eanna temple.

Some take the view that Ki (earth), the primordial goddess of the earth and consort of An (heaven), was identical to or an early form of Ninhursag. Ki does not seem to have been regarded as a deity in her own right and there is no evidence of a distinct cult for her. Arguing against Ki's identity with Ninhursag is the fact that Ki is depicted as the the mother of Enlil, whereas Ninhursag is usually his sister. This type of confusion, however, is not unusual in ancient Mesopotamian mythology, in which variants of myths are common and deities often exchanged characteristics with one anther over time.

Some of the titles above were once associated with apparently independent goddesses, such as Ninmah and Ninmenna, who later became identified and merged with Ninhursag. She also seems to have been sometimes identified with Ninsar (Lady Greenery), Ninkurra (Lady Pasture), and Uttu (the Spinner), who are her daughters in the tale of Enki and Ninhursag.

In later Mesopotamian religion, many of Ninhursag's own characteristics were attributed to Inanna/Ishtar, the goddess of love, fertility, and war.

Mythology

In the writings of the Akkadian princess and priestess Enheduanna, Ninhursag/Ki was one of the most powerful images of the Divine Feminine. She was depicted as Nammu's daughter. Together with the sky god Anu, Ninhursag/Ki was conceived in Nammu's oceanic womb. Anu and Ninhursag came to life embracing each other within the primeval sea. Ninhursag/Ki is thus both sister and consort to Anu, and the two of them became the parents the Anunnaki], the ancient deities of Sumerian myth. As the universe continued to evolve, Ninhursag came to rule more the rocky mountains and sacred hills.

In the legend of Enki and Ninhursag, Ninhursag bore a daughter named Ninsar ("Lady Greenery") to Enki, the god of wisdom and the fresh waters. Ninsar in turn bore Enki a daughter named Ninkurra. Ninkurra, then bore Enki a daughter named Uttu. On Ninhursag's advice, Uttu buried Enki's seed in the earth, whereupon eight plants sprung up—the very first plants on earth. Enki, seeing the plants, ate them, and became ill in eight organs of his body. Ninhursag cured him, taking the fertile plants into her own body and giving birth to eight more deities: Abu, Nintulla (Nintul), Ninsutu, Ninkasi, Nanshe (Nazi), Dazimua, Ninti, and Enshag (Enshagag).

In the text Creator of the Hoe, Ninhursag accomplished the birth of mankind after the heads of humans had been uncovered by Enki's hoe, the crucial instrument of farming, which he had invented.

In the legend of Atrahasis, Ninhursag appears as Nintu/Mami, the womb-goddess. She is chosen by the gods to create humans in order to relieve the gods from their work of digging canals and farm labor. She shapes clay figurines mixed with the flesh and blood of a slain minor deity, and ten months later, humans are born. Later, when over-population becomes a problem, Ninhursag sees to it that one third of human pregnancies will not succeed. She also institutes celibacy among certain priestesses in order to help keep the population down.

In other creation texts, Ninmah/Ninhursag acts as a midwife, while the mother goddess Nammu, the primeval sea goddess, makes different kinds of human individuals from lumps of clay at a feast given by Enki to celebrate the creation of humankind.

Worship

Omega was the Ninhursag's symbol long before the creation of the Greek alphabet.

Ninhursag's symbol, the omega (Ω), has been depicted in art from around 3000 B.C.E., though more generally from the early second millennium. It appears on some boundary stones, on the upper tier, indicating her importance.

Her temple, the E'Saggila (from Sumerian E = House, SAG = Sacred, Ila (Akkadian) = Goddess), was located on the sacred mound of Eridu. She also had a temple at Kish and Lagash.

In art, Ninhursag is often depicted with a tiered skirt, often with a horned head-dress. She sometimes carries bow cases at her shoulders, and/or a mace or staff with an omega motif at its top. She is sometimes accompanied by a lion cub on a leash. Many of these characteristics were also taken on by later goddesses such as Ninlil and Inanna, making it difficult to distinguish them from Ninhursag in iconography.

Excerpts from Enki and Ninhursag

Pure is Dilmun land. Virginal is Dilmun land. Pristine is Dilmun land. Enki laid her down all alone in Dilmun… No eye-diseases said there: "I am the eye disease." No headache said there: "I am the headache." No old woman belonging to it said there: "I am an old woman." No old man belonging to it said there: "I am an old man." …The waters rose up from it into her great basins. Her city drank water aplenty from them. Dilmun drank water aplenty from them…

Enki… toward Ninhursag (Nintu), the country's mother, Enki… was digging his phallus into the dikes, plunging his phallus into the reedbeds. The goddess pulled his phallus aside and cried out: "No man take me in the marsh." Enki cried out: "By the life's breath of heaven I adjure you. Lie down for me in the marsh, lie down for me in the marsh, that would be joyous." ... she conceived... But her one month was one day, but her two months were two days… The mother of the country, like juniper oil, gave birth to Ninsar. In turn Ninsar went out to the riverbank. Enki was able to see up there from in the marsh… He clasped her to the bosom, kissed her, ... and she conceived…. Ninsar… gave birth to Ninkurra. In turn Ninkura went out to the riverbank… She gave birth to Uttu, the exalted woman. Ninhursag (Nintu) said to Uttu: "Let me advise you, and may you take heed of my advice… Enki is able to see up here. He will set eyes on you."

Enki, the god of wisdom and fresh water, was Ninhursag's consort, whom she healed through a process of rebirthing his various diseased body parts, giving birth to eight additional divine children.

…Enki made his face attractive and took a staff in his hand. Enki came to a halt at Uttu's, knocked at her house: "Open up, open up." (She asked): "Who are you?" (He answered): "I am a gardener. Let me give you cucumbers, apples, and grapes for your 'Yes'." Joyfully Uttu opened the house… Enki aroused Uttu. He clasped her to the bosom, lying in her crotch, fondled her thighs, fondled her with the hand. He made love to the young female and kissed her. ... Uttu, the beautiful woman, cried out: "Woe, my thighs." She cried out: "Woe, my liver. Woe, my heart."

She grew the "tree" plant, she grew the "honey" plant, she grew the "vegetable" plant… Enki was able to see up there from in the marsh… (Enki ate the plants and) determined the destiny of the plants, had them know it in their hearts. Then Ninhursag cursed the name of Enki (and he became ill)…

Ninhursag asked: "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "The top of my head (ugu-dili) hurts me." She gave birth to Ab-u out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "The locks of my hair (siki) hurt me." She gave birth to Nin-siki-la out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My nose (giri) hurts me." She gave birth to Ningiriudu out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My mouth (ka) hurts me." She gave birth to Nin-ka-si out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My throat (zi) hurts me." She gave birth to Na-zi out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My arm (a) hurts me." She gave birth to A-zimua out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My ribs (ti) hurt me." She gave birth to Nin-ti out of it. "My brother, what part of you hurts you?" "My sides (zag) hurt me." She gave birth to En-sag out of it.[1]

Ninhursag and the Bible

Some commentators see the Bible's Eve as related to Nin-ti, Ninhursag daughter known as the "Lady of the Rib."

Several comparisons have been made between the mythology of Ninhursag and the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible. Some scholars hold that the idea of an Edenic paradise is of Sumerian origin. It was known as Dilmun, the land of Ninhursag, Enki, and the other immortals. Significantly, in the Bible, both the Tigris and Euphrates are mentioned in reference to the location of the Garden of Eden, where God walked the Earth.

Other creation stories involving Ninhursag speak of her as creating humans out of clay, paralleling God's creation of Adam out of clay in the Book of Genesis. In the legend of Atrahasis, she controls population growth after the Great Flood; in Genesis, God does something similar by shortening humans' lifespan after Noah's Flood.

Additional parallels are seen between the Genesis account and the myth of Enki and Ninhursag. Enki, the god of fresh water, and Utu, the god of the sun, cooperate to bring life-giving water to Dilmun, a process suggestive of the biblical creation account: "There went up a mist from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground" (Genesis 2:6). The Sumerian myth specifies that Ninhursag gives birth to her children easily and without pain. This contrasts with God's curse upon Eve to give birth in pain after the Human Fall, similar to Uttu's birth pangs after she leaves the marshes and conceives Enki's child on dry land. Meanwhile, Enki's lust for sex and his eating of the sacred plants in the Sumerian paradise, after which he is cursed by Ninhursag, echoes Adam and Eve's eating of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, after which they are cursed by God. Finally, in the Sumerian myth one of Enki's diseased body parts that Ninhursag heals and conceives through was his rib. Ninhursag soon gives birth to Nin-ti, ("Lady Rib"), a motif that is echoed in the Biblical story of Eve, who was taken from Adam's rib.

Notes

  1. ↑ Angel Fire, Enki and Ninhursanga. Retrieved August 13, 2019.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, The Flood, Gilgamesh and Others. Oxford University Press, 1991. ISBN 9780192817891.
  • Dickin, Alan P. On a Faraway Day: A New View of Genesis in Ancient Mesopotamia. Columbus, GA: Brentwood Christian Press, 2002. ISBN 9781556304651.
  • Finkel, Irving L., and Markham J. Geller. Sumerian Gods and Their Representations. Groningen: STYX Publications, 1997. ISBN 9789056930059.
  • Kramer, Samuel Noah. Enki and Ninhursag; A Sumerian "Paradise" Myth. New Haven, Conn: American Schools of Oriental Research, 1945. OCLC 6296366

External links

All links retrieved November 14, 2022.

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Ninhursag&oldid=1087453

Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Copyright Logo
Powered by MediaWiki