Ninurta (deity)
Ninurta is a significant deity in Sumerian and Akkadian mythology, initially revered as the god of agriculture and rain. He eventually evolved into a youthful figure associated with violent storms, martial strength, and hunting. As the son of Enlil, the Lord of the Storm, and Ninlil, the Lady of the Wind, Ninurta was also known by the earlier name Imdugud, which means "rain cloud." His depiction often includes symbols of warfare, such as a bow, a sickle sword, or the mythical mace Sharur, which could transform and speak.
Ninurta's narratives include his legendary battles, most notably against the storm-bird Anzu, to reclaim the tablets of destiny, a tale that underscores his valor and wisdom. The main center of his worship was in Nippur, where he was honored alongside his parents. His cult had profound influences in Assyria, where he was regarded as a patron of royalty and linked to the planet Saturn, paralleling the Greek deity Kronos. Festivals, hymns, and agricultural manuals from ancient times highlight his multifaceted role as a god of war, wisdom, and the south wind, reflecting the rich tapestry of beliefs surrounding this ancient figure.
Ninurta (deity)
Symbols: The plough; mace (Sharur)
Culture: Sumerian
Mother: Ninlil
Father: Enlil
Siblings: Nergal; Suen
Ninurta, who initially was the Sumerian and Akkadian deity of agriculture and rain, later became a young god associated with violent storms and martial prowess. He was the son of Enlil, Lord of the Storm, and Ninlil, Lady of the Wind. Some accounts considered him to be the god of hunting and war as well. He has also been identified as Ningirsu, the patron deity of the ancient city of Girsu; known today as Tell Telloh, this city is located in Iraq. A few early commentaries portray him as a solar deity too.
Ninurta’s earliest name was Imdugud, which meant "rain cloud." In earlier times, the god often took the form of a thundercloud and was depicted as a big black bird with outstretched wings in flight, and from its lion’s head came roaring thunder cries. Over time, the form and name were transferred to an ancient enemy of the god. A later myth speaks of how Ninurta fought Anzu to retrieve from him the tablets of destiny.
At his main center of worship at Nippur, he was considered to be a member of a triad that included his parents Enlil and Ninlil. He was married to Bau, called Ninnibru (Queen of Nippur) in Nippur. Ninurta was often shown bearing a bow and arrow, a sickle sword, or a mace known as Sharur (a mythological weapon). The Sumerian legend known as the Deeds and Exploits of Ninurta states that Sharur can take the form of a winged lion and is also capable of speech.
In Mythology
There were several myths associated with Ninurta. The foremost of the tales of his exploits was the one in which he was known as Lugale (his name in the Sumerian language). This particular tale describes how Ninurta defeated the demon Asag and its stone army using his magical mace Sharur. The myth also says that with this victory, Ninurta gained the power to decide the fates of the conquered stones and assign them roles in society. Another work about Ninurta was known in Sumerian as Angim Dimma, meaning "the return of Ninurta." The Angim Dimma is actually a hymn in praise of the victorious god. This myth describes the return of the triumphant Ninurta to Nippur and begins with praises of Ninurta’s victories on the battlefield. However, when he returns to Nippur, laden with spoils and accompanied by a large retinue, his triumphal, speedy progress through the city threatens the stability of the entire country. In response to the request of Enlil’s officer Nusku, Ninurta slows his pace. The myth then speaks of how the assembled gods are overawed by Ninurta’s achievements and trophies, and they therefore they sing his praises.
The most important myth associated with Ninurta was the one known as Ninurta and the Tablets of Destiny. The myth states that the storm-bird Anzu (which has been equated with Imdugud in later myths) stole the tablets of destiny from heaven. Anzu used the powers of the tablets to turn back time and destroyed Ninurta’s weapons. The two divinities engaged in a fierce fight, and Anzu assumed the forms of various monsters in the course of their battle. Ninurta slayed each of these monsters in turn and collected from them valuable items, such as copper and gypsum as well as a magilum boat (a ship of the netherworld). Eventually, Ninurta succeeded in defeating Anzu and recovered the tablets of destiny.
Another version of the myth says that Ninurta had to retrieve the tablets from Apsu, which was the underwater world of Enki. According to the myth, a young eaglet was responsible for the safekeeping of these tablets, but the bird dropped the tablets into Apsu when Ninurta attacked it. The eaglet then complained to its attacker, Ninurta, and asked him to retrieve the tablets. When the eaglet and Ninurta went to Apsu to persuade Enki to hand over the tablets of destiny, Enki refused their request. Angered by this refusal, Ninurta attacked Enki’s officer. In retaliation, Enki created a giant turtle, which then attacked Ninurta. Ninurta defended himself from the attack. Enki then dug a pit into which Ninurta fell, trapping him there until Enki acceded to the pleas of Ninurta’s mother Ninlil and set him free.
Ninurta was not only a war god and patron of agriculture, but he has also been described as the god of wisdom in some of the mythological literature of Sumeria. The farmer’s almanac, a manual on how to cultivate barley written in Sumerian around 1700 BCE, contains invocations to Ninurta. In Assyria, he was a patron deity of the royal families and was believed to be the son of Ashur, head of the Assyrian pantheon, and Ishtar, the goddess of fertility.
Origins and Cults
Ninurta’s cult dates back to the oldest period of Sumerian mythology. Inscriptions discovered at Lagash attest to the fact that Ninurta was referred to as Ningirsu, the patron deity of the ancient city of Girsu. The main cult center of Ninurta was at Nippur, and it was here that he was worshipped along with his parents Enlil and Ninlil. The main temple at Nippur dedicated to him was known as E-Shumesa. Some accounts consider the goddess of healing, Gula, as his consort, but a majority of the accounts state that Bau, the queen of Nippur, was his consort. The Gudsisu festival was a major event celebrated in his honor at Nippur. His association with agriculture predates the annual tradition of this plowing-season festival.
Hymns and incantations address him as not only an agricultural and war god but also as the god of the south wind. He assumes the role of a god of the wind by displacing his mother Ninlil, who was earlier considered to be the goddess of the south wind. Ninurta played an important role in Assyrian mythology, serving as the patron of the royals. All of the Assyrian kings invoked him before hunting and war. Ninurta played an important role in the Assyrian pantheon, as demonstrated by the decision of King Ashur-nasir-pal II (883–59 BCE) to shift his capital to the city of Kalhu. It was there that the king constructed the first temple to honor Ninurta. In the astral-theological system, Ninurta was considered to be the planet Saturn. The Greeks equated him with Kronos (sometimes spelled Cronos), and Romans identified him with their deity, Saturn.
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