Ninhursag
Ninḫursaĝ (Sumerian: 𒀭𒎏𒄯𒊕 Ninḫarsang; DNIN-ḪAR.SAG̃) sometimes transcribed Ninursag, Ninḫarsag, or Ninḫursaĝa, also known as Damgalnuna or Ninmah, was the ancient Sumerian mother goddess of the mountains, and one of the seven great deities of Sumer. She is known earliest as a nurturing or fertility goddess. Temple hymn sources identify her as the "true and great lady of heaven" (possibly in relation to her standing on the mountain) and kings of Lagash were "nourished by Ninhursag's milk". She is the tutelary deity to several Sumerian leaders.
| Ninhursag 𒀭𒊩𒌆𒄯𒊕 | |
|---|---|
Mother goddess, goddess of fertility, mountains, and rulers | |
Akkadian cylinder seal impression depicting a vegetation goddess, possibly Ninhursag, sitting on a throne surrounded by worshippers (circa 2350–2150 BC) | |
| Symbol | Omega-like symbol |
| Personal information | |
| Siblings | Enlil, Enki, Adad |
| Consort |
|
| Children |
|
| Equivalents | |
| Elamite equivalent | Kiririsha |
| Syrian equivalent | Shalash |
| Hittite equivalent | Ḫannaḫanna |
| Ugaritic equivalent | Athirat |
| Part of a series on |
| Ancient Mesopotamian religion |
|---|
|
|
Her most well known myths are Enki and Ninhursag describing her dealings with Enki resulting from his sexual exploits, and Enki and Ninmah a creation myth wherein the two deities compete to create humans. She is referenced or makes brief appearances in others as well, most notably as the mother of Ninurta in the Anzu Epic.