Ab



Deity Overview

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Pantheon:

Sumerian Pantheon

Deity Of:

Wisdom, Creation

Archetype:

Creator: Ab played the role of a creator, bringing forth the fundamental aspects of existence in the universe.

Sage: Ab symbolized the archetype of wisdom, revered as the lord of wisdom and ancient knowledge.

Group:

Primordial Deity: Ab was the primordial god who existed before creation and played a key role in its formation.

Other Names (a.k.a.):

None Known

Other Pantheons:

None Known


Known For

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Lord of Wisdom: Ab was revered as the embodiment of ancient wisdom, symbolizing deep knowledge and understanding.

Primordial Creator: Ab was recognized as a primordial deity who existed before creation, responsible for bringing forth the first elements of existence.

Father of Abzu: Ab was known for fathering Abzu, connecting him to the primordial waters in Sumerian mythology.

Consort of Ziku: Ab was also known as the consort of Ziku, the goddess of Primordial Essence and Spirit In All Things, further emphasizing his role in creation and the divine order.


Parentage & Lineage

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Parents:

Ab was a primordial deity, that existed before the creation

Siblings:

No Siblings

Consorts:

Ziku: goddess of Primordial Essence and Spirit In All Things

Children:

Abzu: god of Underground Cavern of Sweet Water

Namma: goddess of Primordial Salt Waters


Iconography & Artistic Depictions

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There is little to no mention of Ab in the Sumerian culture.

(Given that a reference was found, we chose to include this deity in the list)

There was no iconography of the god.  He was the primordial essence and thus permeated into every aspect of creation.


Deity Attributes

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Weapons:

None known nor needed. Existed before creation.

Sacred Animals:

Existed before the creation of animals.

Symbolism:

Wisdom: The details focused on his roles as a creator and a figure of wisdom, but without any particular symbols identified.

Celestial Associations:

Existed before the creation of the cosmos.

Realms:

Existed before the creation of realms.


Worship Practices

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Worship Places:

No known worship was dedicated to Ab.

Rituals & Divinations:

The information researched focused on his significance as a creator and wise deity without mentioning divinatory traditions and rituals.

Festivals:

None Known


Mythology Themes & Mentions

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Ab’s role was the primordial creator and lord of wisdom.


Explore Additional Details

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Visit All Sumerian Gods & Goddesses

A circular icon representing the Sumerian pantheon with symbols for Anu, Nanna, Inanna, Utu, and Enki, outlined in gold and set against a deep blue and gold celestial background.
A stylized family tree of Sumerian deities with geometric symbols, including a star for Anu, crescent moon for Nanna, eight-pointed star for Inanna, solar disk for Utu, and water vase for Enki, set against an earthy-toned background.
An icon of an unrolled scroll with cuneiform markings, flanked by minimalist golden symbols of Sumerian deities, including a star for Anu, crescent moon for Nanna, eight-pointed star for Inanna, circle with rays for Utu, and water vase for Enki.
A stylized ziggurat symbolizing Sumerian deities, flanked by a crescent moon and radiant sun for Nanna and Utu, with intricate cuneiform patterns at the base and flowing arcs symbolizing divine harmony.
A glowing ziggurat framed by symmetrical crescent moons and stars, with golden cuneiform script in an arc above, set against a twilight blue background symbolizing Sumerian deities.

References

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  • J.A. Coleman, The Dictionary of Mythology: An A-Z of Themes, Legends, and Heroes (Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2007)

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