Summary page for Ninsun, the Sumerian goddess of wild cows, fertility, and dream interpretation.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Wild Cows, Dream Interpretation, Fertility
Archetype:
Animal Deity: Represented as a wild cow linked to herdsmen’s hopes.
Group:
Associated with the Anunnaki gods, who arranged her marriage to Lugalbanda.
Paralleled with Sumerian mother goddesses Ninhursag and Ninlil.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Lady of the Wild Cows, Nin Sun, Ninsumun, Ninsumuna, Ninsumunak, Ninsun, Ninsuna
Other Pantheons:
Connected to Babylonian traditions through the goddess Sirtur.
Celebrated as the mother of Gilgamesh, a hero of Mesopotamian mythology.
Revered as the wife of Lugalbanda, a deified king of legend.
Embodied wisdom and maternal care, symbolizing divine nurturing and protection.
Interpreted dreams, providing guidance and insight to worshipers.
Represented the ideal qualities of livestock as the “Lady of the Wild Cows.”
Associated with fertility and the nurturing of offspring.
Regarded as the divine mother of kings in the Third Dynasty of Ur.
Played a prominent role in the Epic of Gilgamesh, in both Sumerian and Babylonian versions.
Worshiped across Mesopotamian cities, including Uruk, Nippur, and Ur.
Parents:
None Known
Some texts mention Ninsun’s parentage as that of sky god An and earth goddess Ki. However, there is no definite consensus.
Siblings:
None Known
Consorts:
Lugalbanda – human King of Uruk and a Mythical Hero
Other texts refer to her consort being Enki – god of Water, Fish, Justice, Wisdom, Magic, Shipmenders, Crafts, Healing, Fertility, Art, Exorcism
Artistic portrayals emphasized her role as a divine mother and protector.
Known as the “Lady of the Wild Cows” in inscriptions.
Represented in bovine form, symbolizing fertility and nurturing qualities.
Compared to wild cows, emphasizing her maternal and protective nature.
Depicted in a Louvre relief seated on a throne, denoting authority.
Shown wearing a flounced robe, a marker of divine status in Mesopotamian art.
Featured with long hair, a distinct element of her human representations.
Weapons:
None Known
Sacred Animals:
The cow was her primary sacred animal.
She was often compared to wild cows, symbolizing nurturing and fertility.
Her title, “Lady of the Wild Cows,” emphasized her connection to bovine qualities.
Symbolism:
The cow symbolized her maternal and protective attributes.
Her epithets, such as “Rimāt-Ninsun,” reinforced her association with wild cows.
Celestial Associations:
Associated with the sun god Shamash through prayers and intercession.
Depicted pleading with Shamash in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
No other direct links to specific stars, planets, or constellations were found to be related to the goddess.
Realms:
She was closely associated with the city of Uruk in mythology.
Worshiped in major Mesopotamian cities, including Nippur, Ur, Lagash, and Umma.
Her main cult center was KI.KALki.
She played a role in the royal and divine realms, being a mother to kings and gods.
Worship Places:
KI.KALki: Her main cult center.
Ur: Worshiped in the temple E-mah (“Exalted House”), rebuilt by Ur-Nammu.
Uruk: Honored in the Egalmah (“Exalted Palace”), later linked to her worship.
Lagash: A major location of her worship.
Nippur: Offerings were made during lunar festivals in her honor.
Umma: Recognized as another site of her worship.
Worshiped in other minor cities across southern Mesopotamia.
Rituals & Divinations:
Received offerings during lunar festivals, especially in Nippur.
Revered for interpreting dreams, a central divinatory practice.
Interpreted Gilgamesh’s dreams in the Epic of Gilgamesh, showcasing her prophetic role.
Honored as a wise and protective maternal deity through ceremonies.
Festivals:
Honored during lunar festivals in Nippur, especially during the Ur III period.
Celebrated during the New Year festival of Ishtar in Seleucid Uruk.
Mythology Themes
Represented as a maternal figure offering guidance and protection.
Linked to heroic themes, especially in Gilgamesh’s journey and destiny.
Associated with afterlife themes, acknowledging Gilgamesh’s fate in the underworld.
Played a role in legitimizing royal power during the Third Dynasty of Ur.
Mythology Stories With Mentions Of Ninsun
Featured prominently in the Epic of Gilgamesh as Gilgamesh’s wise and protective mother.
Interpreted Gilgamesh’s dreams and sought protection from Shamash for him.
Accepted Enkidu as part of her family in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Advised Gilgamesh to reject Inanna’s proposals in Gilgamesh and the Bull of Heaven.
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, Ninsun (Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia, 26 October 2023)
- Nicole Brisch, ‘Ninsumun (Ninsun) (goddess)’, Ancient Mesopotamian Gods and Goddesses (Oracc and the UK Higher Education Academy, 2019)
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Ninsun (Britannica Encyclopedia, Mar 30, 2016)