Hittite mythology
Hittite mythology
bronze-age
Hittite mythology and Hittite religion were the religious beliefs and practices of the Hittites, who created an empire centered in what is now Turkey from c. 1600 BC to 1180 BC.
Hittite mythology
Hittite mythology is the set of myths and religious beliefs of the ancient Hittites, an Indo-European people who lived in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) from around 1600 BCE to 1200 BCE. Some of the most famous myths of Hittite mythology include:
-
The story of Kumarbi
This is the Hittite version of the "cosmogonic cycle" which tells the story of the god Kumarbi, who overthrows his father Anu and becomes the ruler of the gods. Kumarbi also impregnates the mother goddess and gives birth to the storm god Teshub and other deities.
-
The story of Teshub and the dragon
The god Teshub fought and defeated the dragon Illuyanka, a symbol of chaos and destructive forces.
-
The story of Telipinu
This is the story of the god Telipinu, who is responsible for the fertility of the land and the well-being of the people. Telipinu goes into a rage and causes a drought, but he is eventually placated and returns to bring fertility back to the land.
-
The story of the Sun-goddess of Arinna
This is the story of the Sun-goddess of Arinna, one of the most important deities of the Hittite pantheon. She is the goddess of the sun, and her daily journey across the sky was seen as a representation of the cycle of life and death.
-
The story of the god of the underworld
The god of the underworld, known as Allani or "the god of the land of the dead" is an important figure in Hittite mythology. He is responsible for the afterlife and the fate of the souls of the dead.
These myths were an important part of Hittite religion and were often depicted in art and referenced in religious texts and rituals. They played a significant role in shaping the beliefs and worldview of the Hittite people. The Hittite myths were passed down through oral tradition, and many of them were recorded in the Hittite language on clay tablets. They are still studied today for their historical and cultural significance.
Hittite mythology Legends
Teshub
Teshub is the Hittite storm god, associated with thunder and rain. He is depicted as a mighty warrior wielding a thunderbolt.
Hebat
Hebat is the Hittite earth goddess, associated with fertility and motherhood. She is depicted as a nurturing figure bringing abundance to the land.
Hahhimas
Hahhimas is the Hittite god of wisdom and magic, revered for his knowledge and mystical powers. He is often invoked for guidance and protection.
Telepinu
In Hittite mythology, Telepinu is the god of agriculture and fertility. He was once lost but found again, bringing about the revival of the land.
Illuyanka
Illuyanka is a serpent-like dragon in Hittite mythology, often depicted as a formidable adversary. He engaged in battles with the storm god Teshub.
Shaushka
Shaushka is the Hittite goddess of love and fertility, revered for her role in bringing forth life and prosperity. She is often depicted as a nurturing figure associated with the abundance of nature.
Arma
Arma is the Hittite god of the moon, associated with night and darkness. He is often depicted as a mysterious and elusive deity.
Kumarbi
Kumarbi is a primordial god in Hittite mythology, associated with chaos. He is the father of the storm god Teshub and engaged in a struggle for power with him.
Allanzu
Allanzu is the Hittite god of the underworld, ruling over the realm of the dead. He is often depicted as a fearsome figure presiding over the afterlife.
Wurusemu
Wurusemu is the Hittite sun goddess, symbolizing light and warmth. She is often depicted as a radiant figure bringing life to the world.
Sea God Illuyankas
Illuyankas is also associated with the sea in Hittite mythology, where he is depicted as a powerful deity controlling the waters.
Hittite mythology Creatures
Hedammu
Destruction, Chaos
A destructive force in Hittite mythology, often associated with chaos, calamity, and natural disasters.
Hittite-mythology
Hurrian Storm God
Weather Control, War
A powerful deity in Hittite mythology, often associated with storms, thunder, and warfare, depicted as a warrior wielding lightning and thunderbolts.
Hittite-mythology
Hannahannah
Motherhood, Fertility
A mother goddess in Hittite mythology, associated with fertility, childbirth, and protection of children, often depicted as a nurturing figure.
Hittite-mythology
Irsirra
Messenger, Divine Emissary
A divine messenger in Hittite mythology, often depicted as a bird or a winged deity delivering messages between gods and mortals.
Hittite-mythology
Teshub
Thunder, War
The Hittite god of sky, thunder, and storms, associated with war and victory, often depicted as a warrior wielding a thunderbolt.
Hittite-mythology
Kamrusepa
Healing, Magic
A goddess of healing and magic in Hittite mythology, often depicted as a divine healer and protector of women and children.
Hittite-mythology
Tarhun
Rain, Fertility
The Hittite god of sky and storm, associated with rain, fertility, and the protection of agriculture, often depicted as a bull or a bull with lightning.
Hittite-mythology
Lamma
Protection, Guardian
A protective deity in Hittite mythology, often depicted as a winged bull or a lion with protective powers, guarding against evil forces.
Hittite-mythology
