Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Door-keeper, Messenger, and Adviser to Enki
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Isimu, Isimud, Isinu, Usmû
Other Pantheons:
Akkadian = Usumu
Roman = Janus
Isimud was known as the two-faced messenger and attendant of the god Enki.
He acted as a doorkeeper and advisor.
Isimud often appeared in myths involving messages or communication.
He was portrayed as a loyal servant carrying out Enki’s orders.
Parents:
None Known
Siblings:
None Known
Consorts:
None Known
Children:
None Known
Isimud was depicted as having two faces.
He served as an attendant, messenger, and doorkeeper for Enki. In art he either stood alone or next to his master, Enki.
Unlike other attendants, Isimud did not always carry a staff, his badge of office.
His images come from a time span across many centuries. Isimud’s images were found not only in Mesopotamia but also in Syria and the Hittite Empire.
Weapons:
None Known
Sacred Animals:
None Known
Symbolism:
As a two-headed god, he was later associated with Janus.
Celestial Associations:
None Known
Realms:
Resided with Enki in: E-Kur, Abzu, Dilmun
E-Kur: Sumerian Garden Of The Gods
Abzu: Subterranean ocean of freshwater
Dilmun: Sumerian Earthly Paradise
Worship Places:
Isimud was worshipped in Uruk and Babylon.
He did not have his own temple but was worshipped in the Eanna complex or Bīt Rēš.
Rituals & Divinations:
In the first millennium BCE, Isimud received offerings in building rituals.
He was part of the akītu ceremony, forming a trio with Nuska and Papsukkal.
The name Isimud or Usmû resembles the word “usumia,” meaning “two-faced,” used in omen texts.
Festivals:
Akitu ceremony was a festival that lasted 12 days coinciding with the beginning of New Year. This was around the spring equinox. It included rituals of purification and renewal.
Note: The month of January is named after the Roman deity Janus the two-headed god of doorways, beginnings, and endings. Isimud is likened to him but preceded him.
In “Inanna and Enki,” Isimud told Enki that he had given the divine decrees to Inanna. He then warned Inanna to return them. He acted as a messenger between Inanna and Enki.
In “Enki and Ninhursag,” he navigated Enki’s boat and helped convey messages.
During “Enki’s Journey to Nippur,” Isimud played a role as Enki’s messenger.
“Enuma Elish” and “Atrahasis” mention Isimud, but his specific actions were less detailed.
In the tale of Ninurta and the Turtle, Isimud played a crucial role as a mediator and advisor. Acting as a diplomatic figure, Isimud tried to navigate the conflict between Enki and Ninurta, aiming to prevent an outright confrontation.
Visit All Sumerian Gods & Goddesses
- J.A. Coleman, The Dictionary of Mythology: An A-Z of Themes, Legends, and Heroes (Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2007)
- Matt Clayton, Sumerian Mythology: Captivating Myths Of Gods, Goddesses, And Legendary Creatures of Ancient Sumer and Their Importance To The Sumerians (Captivating History, 2019)
- Multiple Authors, Isimud (Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia, 12 January 2024)