15 Demigods, mortal Heroes, and Monsters p4 (Sumerian Mythology)
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This article is from the Sumerian Mythology FAQ, by Christopher Siren cbsiren@cisunix.unh.edu with numerous contributions by others.
15 Demigods, mortal Heroes, and Monsters p4 (Sumerian Mythology)
Gugalanna (Gugal-ana)
He is Ereshkigal's husband, and according to Kramer, the Bull of Heaven.
(Wolkstein and Kramer p. 55) Black and Green tentatively identify him with
Ennugi, god of canals and dikes, rather than the Bull of Heaven. (Black
and Green p. 77) After Gilgamesh spurned Inanna, she sends the Bull of
Heaven to terrorize Erech. (Kramer 1963 p. 262)
Huwawa
Guardian of the cedar of the heart in the the "Land of the living",
Huwawa has dragon's teeth, a lion's face, a roar like rushing flood water,
huge clawed feet and a thick mane. He lived there in a cedar house. He
appears to have attacked Gilgamesh, Enkidu and company when they felled
that cedar. They then come upon Huwawa and Gilgamesh distracts him with
flatery, then puts a nose ring on him and binds his arms. Huwawa grovels
to Gilgamesh and Enkidu and Gilgamesh almost releases him. Enkidu argues
against it and when Huwawa protests, he decapitates Huwawa.
(See also the his Babylonian analog, Humbaba, in the Assyro-Babylonian
Mythology FAQ)
Gods in Kur with palaces who are due reverence:
Namtar - "Fate", the demon responsible for death. Namtar has no hands
or feet and does not eat or drink. (Pritchard p. 51)
Hubishag
Ningishzida - the god of dawn
Dimpemekug - due gifts, no palace
Neti - the chief gatekeeper
the scribe of Kur - due gifts, no palace
The Sumerians had many other deities as well, most of which appear to
have been minor.
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