Summary page for Nanshe, the Sumerian goddess of fish, marshlands, justice, and social welfare.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Sea, Fish and Fishing, Marshlands, Birds, Divination, Dream Interpretation, Justice, Social Welfare
Group:
Anunnaki: a group of Sumerian deities who played key roles in mythology and cosmology. Nanshe’s association with justice, social welfare, and freshwater placed her among these influential deities. Her familial ties to Enki, Ninhursag, and other prominent gods further solidify her place within the Anunnaki pantheon.
Archetype:
Animal Goddess: Connected to fish and birds.
Justice Deity: Oversaw fairness and was invoked against marketplace cheating.
Sea Goddess: Linked to aquatic life and responsible for providing fish to Enlil.
Protector: Guarded the poor, forgotten, and lonely.
Sage: Known for searching the hearts of people.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Nanse, Nanše, Nanshe, Nazi, Sirara, dNa-áš, Na-an-še, Na-aš-še, and dNa-zi.
Revered as the goddess of justice, social welfare, and dream interpretation.
Protected orphans, widows, and indebted households, ensuring fairness and compassion.
Oversaw weights, measures, and fairness in commerce as the “Lady of the Storerooms.”
Provided wisdom and interpreted dreams for gods and humans, including Gudea of Lagash.
She watched over marshlands, fresh water, and the creatures inhabiting these biomes.
She ensured social justice through her temple, which supported the poor and sick.
Acted as a kind yet firm enforcer of oaths and fairness.
Inspired devotion, choosing rulers and guiding them in her sacred temple.
Parents:
Enki – god of Water, Fish, Justice, Wisdom, Magic, Shipmenders, Crafts, Healing, Fertility, Art, Exorcism
Ninhursag – goddess of Earth, Animals, Wildlife, Birth, Fertility
Siblings:
Abu – god of Plants, Vegetation
Azimua – goddess of a Scribe Of The Underworld
Enshagag – god of Dilmun, was appointed by Enki as Lord of Dilmun
Ninkasi – goddess of Fulfilling Wishes, Beer, Wine
Ninsutu – goddess of Healing
Ninti – goddess of Calendars
Nintul – god of Protection of Magan
Consorts:
Nindar – god of Lagash
Children:
None Known
Artistic works emphasized her ties to nature, water, and fairness.
Often shown holding a vase with water and fish flowing from it.
Associated with birds like geese, swans, or sacred seagulls, symbolizing her water connection.
Her emblem was the u5-ku bird, possibly a swan, seagull, or cormorant.
Represented on terracotta plaques, seated with geese, from southern Iraq (2003-1595 BCE).
Featured in seals sitting on large birds, linked to her aquatic realm.
Symbols included six-pointed stars and solar discs, tying her to justice and divination.
Appeared in hymns with symbolic fish like the “scepter fish” and “fire fish.”
Weapons:
None Known
Sacred Animals:
The sacred fish symbolized her connection to water and life.
She was mentioned in hymns alongside symbolic fish, such as the “scepter fish” and “fire fish.”
Depicted with birds, like geese or swans, in art and hymns.
The pelican represented her devotion and selfless care for humanity.
Her emblematic bird, u5-ku, was possibly a swan, goose, or sacred seagull.
Symbolism:
Represented by the fish and pelican, emphasizing water, life, and compassion.
She was called bēlet kudurri, meaning “lady of the boundary stone,” symbolizing justice.
Artistic depictions included six-pointed stars and solar discs, symbolizing divinity.
Often shown with a vase, pouring water, and fish, symbolizing abundance.
She was celebrated as the “dream interpreter of the gods,” linking her to prophecy.
Celestial Associations:
Linked to the six-pointed star and solar disc in artistic depictions.
The solar disc symbolized her connection to justice and Utu-Shamash, the sun god.
She was represented on seals as dancing above water, framed by celestial symbols.
Realms:
Nanshe was connected to marshlands and the sea.
Believed to dwell in the open sea and play among the waves.
Linked to marshlands and responsible for the Persian Gulf’s waters and creatures.
She ruled over the realms of social welfare and dream interpretation.
Worship Places:
Nina (Tell Zurghul): Her primary cult center featured the Esirara temple.
Sirara: A sacred district in Nina with a major temple.
Lagash: Home to her main temple, which focused on worship and social justice.
Girsu: Included shrines like Šešgarra and Eagasulim for her worship.
Gu’abba: Contained the Igigal shrine, also called the “House of Wisdom.”
Kisala and Sulum: Sites of additional sanctuaries, though exact locations are unknown.
Babylon: The Esagil temple complex housed her chamber, Ešbanda (“Little Chamber”).
Rituals & Divinations:
Sacrifices, often of ewes (female sheep), were made in her honor.
Ancient Sumerians held purification ceremonies at her temple to prepare for worship.
She was celebrated at a great festival on the first day of the new year.
Performed the Ordeal, where guilt or innocence was tested through water immersion.
Required visitors to prove purity and be free of sin before seeking guidance.
She offered dream interpretations and divination, earning her fame as a divine soothsayer.
Guided leaders like Gudea through dream interpretation and prophetic visions.
Festivals:
New Year Festival: Held on the first day of the year at her temple. Included ritual cleansing and participation in the Ordeal. Attracted visitors from across the region.
Marriage Festival: Celebrated annually, honoring her union with Nindara.
Mythology Themes
Healer: In Enki and Ninhursag, Nanshe cured Enki’s throat illness.
Contrast to Inanna: In Enki and the World Order, she was shown as selfless and kind, unlike Inanna.
Defender of the Vulnerable: She consistently aided the disenfranchised, including orphans, widows, and refugees.
Symbol of Justice: Stories emphasized her role as a fair and compassionate deity.
Mythology Stories With Mentions of Nanshe
Enki and Ninhursag: Nanshe was created to heal Enki’s illness caused by consuming plants.
The Gudea Cylinders: She interpreted Gudea’s dream and guided him in building a temple.
Nanshe and the Birds: She gathered birds for the Anzû and Anunna gods to assign fates.
Enki and the World Order: She remained silent and dignified, contrasting with Inanna’s complaints.
The Home of The Fish: She hosted a banquet for fish, showcasing her connection to aquatic life.
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, Nanshe (Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia, December 1, 2023)
- Samuel Noah Kramer, Sumerian Mythology: A Study of Spiritual And Literary Achievement in the Third Millenium B.C. (General Press, 2021)
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Nanshe Mesopotamian Goddess (Britannica Encyclopedia, November 22, 2000)
- Joshua J. Mark, Nanshe (World History Encyclopedia, 11 Nov 2024)