Summary page for An, the Sumerian god of sky, heavens, and creation.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Sky, Heaven, Creation
Archetype:
Creator: Credited with creating the universe and cosmic order and fathered gods like Enlil and Enki.
Destroyer: Created destructive entities like the Sebettu and other demons. He ordered massacres when humans disturbed the gods.
Sky God: Supreme deity ruling over the skies and heavens. He dominated the pantheon as the god of heaven.
Sage: Acted as a wise, distant overseer of universal balance. He infused other gods with benevolence as he withdrew into the heavens.
Protector: Bestowed kingship and stability on earth. Guarded human rule through unalterable decisions.
Justice Deity: Controlled divine laws (meh) that governed the universe. Dispensed justice as heaven’s patriarch.
Group:
Annunaki: Led the Annunaki, gods of the earth and judges of the dead. Associated with divine authority and cosmic order.
Sumerian Triad: Part of the Sumerian triad of high gods. Typically included An, Enlil, and Ninhursag or sometimes Enki.
Sky Gods: Linked with other celestial deities like Nanna (moon god) and Enlil (air god) and resided in the “great above,” a heavenly realm.
Demons and Minor Groups: Created destructive entities like Lamaštu, Asag, and the Sebettu. These beings served as instruments of divine power.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
An, Ana, Anat, Anath, Anatu, Anu, Anum
Other Pantheons:
Akkadian Pantheon: Adopted as “Anu,” equivalent to the Sumerian “An.”
Babylonian Mythology: Aligned with Babylonian narratives in the “Enuma Elish.”
Egyptian Pantheon: Paralleled with Ra, the sun god. Linked to Osiris in some traditions.
Syrian Pantheon: Compared to Amurru, a Western Semitic deity.
Persian Pantheon: Attributes are sometimes associated with Ahura Mazda, a god of Persian creation.
Main Roles in Mythology
Creator God: Separated heaven from earth and fathered key gods like Enlil.
Supreme Ruler: Oversaw the cosmos and assigned roles to other deities.
Sky God: Represented the heavens, with the star as his symbol.
Progenitor: Revered as “Father of the Gods” and source of divine power, the Anunnaki, which meant the offspring of An.
Conferrer of Kingship: Granted kingship on earth and legitimized rulers.
Remote Figure: Became distant as gods like Enlil and Marduk rose in prominence.
What An Was Revered For
Worshipped as the creator of the universe and divine order.
Honored for unalterable decisions and authority over gods and kings.
Respected as the source of cosmic stability and celestial hierarchy.
Consorts:
Ki – goddess of Primordial Earth
Some accounts ascribe Namma – goddess of Primordial Subterranean Waters, Creation, Magic, Protection – as his consort instead of or in addition to Ki.
Children:
Enki – god of Water, Fish, Justice, Wisdom, Magic, Shipmenders, Crafts, Healing, Fertility, Art, Exorcism
Enlil – god of Air, Earth, Storms, Wind, Agriculture
Gatumdug – goddess of Fertility, Healing
Ninhursaga – goddess of Earth, Animals, Wildlife, Birth, Fertility
Nunbarshegunu – goddess of Flood, Justice, Grain, Scribal Arts, Writing, Accounting, Surveying, Wisdom
Primary Symbols
Bull: Depicted as a bull, symbolizing strength and cosmic authority.
Star: Associated with a star, representing his rule over the heavens.
Horned Cap: Worn to signify divinity and supreme status.
Human Depictions: Shown in human form but linked to sacred beasts like the bull.
Mountain Imagery: Depicted as a mountain alongside Ki, symbolizing his foundational role in creation.
Cultural Art Depictions: Featured in a stele with King Šamši-Adad V, represented by a horned crown.
Abstract Representation: An’s iconography remained obscure, reflecting his abstract role as the personification of heaven.
Weapons:
Sebettu (Seven Demons): An gave the Sebettu to Erra to punish noisy humans. The Sebettu acted as destructive entities used for divine retribution.
Bull of Heaven: Owned by An, the Bull of Heaven symbolized immense power. Used as a mythological weapon for vengeance and cosmic justice.
Overall Role: An’s weapons embodied divine authority and the capacity for destruction.
Symbolism:
Primary Symbols of An
Star: Represented his connection to the heavens and cosmic authority.
Horned Crown or Cap: Denoted divine power, rulership, and status as the supreme god.
Throne with a Crown: Symbolized his role as King of the Gods.
Numbers and Numerology
60: Associated with An, reflecting ultimate power in the sexagesimal system.
Materials and Objects Related to An
Luludānitu Stone: Represented the highest heaven, An’s celestial domain, made of reddish stone.
Sacred Animals:
The Bull: An was closely associated with the bull, symbolizing strength and power. He was often depicted as a bull in early iconography.
The Bull of Heaven: Initially envisioned as An’s form, it later became a separate entity. It was owned by An used as a destructive force in mythology, and featured prominently in the Epic of Gilgamesh as a divine weapon.
Celestial Associations:
Stars: The star was An’s primary symbol, representing his celestial authority.
Bull of Heaven: Linked to the Bull of Heaven, associated with the constellation Taurus.
Heavens (“Great Above”): Personified the heavens, encompassing the sky and celestial domains. The “great above” was the realm of the sky gods.
Levels of Heaven: Ruled the highest heaven, described as being made of luludānitu stone. This highest level symbolized celestial order and divine authority.
Realms:
Heaven: Ruled over heaven, the celestial realm, as its supreme deity. Heaven, or “the great above,” included the sky and space above.
Highest Level of Heaven: Inhabited the highest of three heavens, symbolized by reddish luludānitu stone. This realm represented divine authority and separation from earthly realms.
Cosmic Division: Oversaw the sky, with the earth ruled by Enlil and the underworld by Ereshkigal.
Realm of Influence: Maintained cosmic order and the universe’s structure from the heavens.
Worship Places:
Uruk (Erech): An’s primary holy city, home to the é-an-na temple and later the Reš temple.
Der: Another significant “city of Anu,” highlighting his widespread devotion.
Lagaš: Gudea built a temple here during his reign (ca. 2144–2124 BCE).
Ur: Ur-Namma created a garden and shrine dedicated to An (ca. 2112–2095 BCE).
Babylon: An was honored in the Esagil temple, signifying his presence in Babylonian worship.
Nippur, Sippar, Kish: Cities where An received offerings, reflecting regional reverence.
Assur: A double temple (é-me-lám-an-na) was dedicated to An and Adad.
Rituals & Divinations:
Royal Hymns and Prayers: Invoked An for protection and legitimacy of kingship (e.g., Rim-Sin, Ur-Ninurta).
Daily Offerings: Gifts, tributes, and sacrifices were made to seek An’s favor and maintain cosmic order.
Astronomical Observations: Uruk’s ziggurat served as an observatory, linking celestial movements to earthly events.
Ceremonial Kingship: An’s role in granting kingship involved ceremonial practices tied to divine legitimacy.
Festivals:
Akitu Festival: Marked the spring equinox and renewal of cosmic harmony. An’s statue played a central role, symbolizing his supreme authority.
Seasonal Offerings: Regular offerings at Uruk were likely aligned with agricultural and calendrical cycles.
Mythology Themes
Creation and Cosmic Order: Played a central role in separating heaven and earth, creating the universe.
Divine Authority: Oversaw cosmic hierarchy and delegated roles to gods and spirits.
Conflict and Resolution: Associated with struggles involving gods, demons, and humanity, enforcing balance.
Punishment and Compassion: Balanced harsh retribution with moments of understanding and mercy.
Mythology Stories With Mentions of An
Enuma Elish: Attempted diplomacy with Tiamat but failed, prompting gods to change tactics. His actions led to Marduk’s rise as the champion of the gods.
Epic of Gilgamesh: Granted the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh after he rejected Inanna. The Bull was later defeated by Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
Atrahasis: Referenced as a key figure in the divine hierarchy during the flood myth.
Erra and Išum: Gave the Sebettu (seven destructive spirits) to Erra to punish noisy humans.
The Myth of Adapa: Summoned Adapa to explain his actions, showing compassion by offering immortality. Deceived by Enki to prevent Adapa from gaining eternal life.
Cosmic Division Myth: Claimed dominion over the heavens in the division of the cosmos.
Inanna and the Huluppu Tree (Implied): Bequeathed divine authority to Inanna, reinforcing her power in Sumerian myths.
Visit All Sumerian Gods & Goddesses
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- Gloria Lotha, Anu Mesopotamian god (Britannica.com, Februray 25, 2023)
- J.A. Coleman, The Dictionary of Mythology: An A-Z of Themes, Legends, and Heroes (Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2007)
- Joshua J. Mark, Anu (Worldhistory.org, January 20, 2017)
- Kathryn Stevens, An/Anu (god) (Oracc.Museum.Upenn.Edu, 2013)
- 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, Anu (Wikipedia.com, December 13, 2023)
- Saugat Adhikari, Top 10 Sumerian Gods and Goddesses (AncientHistoryLists.com, September 2, 2022)