Summary page for Asalluha, the Sumerian god of magic, wisdom, and healing.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Purification and Healing, Magic and Incantations, Wisdom and Intelligence
Archetype:
Sage Archetype (Wisdom, Intelligence, Counsel, Incantations): Shared Enki’s intelligence, wisdom, and mastery of incantations. He was often invoked in magical formulas alongside Enki.
Protector Archetype (Purification, Healing, Guardian Against Evil): Oversaw purification priests of E-abzu. He also featured in exorcism incantations to banish demons.
Heroic Deity Archetype (Warrior, Strength, Heroism): Described as “the strong prince” and “the hero.”
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Asalim, Asalluha, Asalluhe, Asalluhi, Asar, Asaralimnuna, Asaralim, Asariluchi, Asarluhi, Asarnuna
Other Pantheons:
Babylonian Pantheon: He was syncretized with Marduk during the Old Babylonian period. Became one of Marduk’s fifty names in Enūma Elish.
Asalluha was primarily revered for his powers in magic, purification, and wisdom, though he also had warrior-like attributes, possible storm connections, and an ambiguous link to disease.
God of Incantations & Exorcism: Master of magic and protective spells. He was invoked in rituals to drive out evil spirits.
God of Purification & Healing: He oversaw purification priests of E-abzu and played a key role in cleansing and healing rituals.
Divine Messenger & Mediator: Acted as an intermediary between humans and Enki.
Grantor of Wisdom to Kings: Bestowed wisdom upon Mesopotamian rulers.
Patron God of Kuara: He was worshipped as the chief deity of Kuara.
Warrior & Heroic Figure: He was called “the strong prince” and “the hero.”
Linked to Disease & Plagues: Some texts associated him with plagues. He had the power to cancel incantations.
Parents:
Ninhursaga: goddess of Mountains, Animals, Wildlife, Birth, Fertility, Earth
Enki: god of Water, Fish, Justice, Wisdom, Magic, Shipmenders, Crafts, Healing, Fertility, Art, Exorcism
Consorts:
Sarpanitu a.k.a. Erua: goddess of pregnancy, mother goddess
Children:
Nabu: god of Writing, Wisdom, Scribal Arts
No Known Visual Depictions: No statues, carvings, or artistic representations survived.
Symbolic Imagery in Hymns: He was called “the strong prince” and “the hero.” He was compared to a leopard, symbolizing strength and cunning, also referred to as a bison, representing nobility and warrior-like strength.
While no direct artistic depictions exist, hymns describe Asalluha as a powerful and protective figure, possibly linked to storm deities like Ishkur and Ninurta.
Weapons:
No Known Weapons
Sacred Animals:
Leopard: He was described as a leopard in hymns. It symbolized strength, aggression, and his heroic traits.
Bison: He was linked through his alternate name, Asaralimnuna. It represented power, nobility, and warrior-like strength.
Symbolism:
Divine Authority & Kingship
Scepter: Represented rulership and divine legitimacy, invoked for kings like Hammurabi.
Number 50: Linked to Marduk’s supreme power in Enūma Eliš.
Power & Warrior Imagery
Bison: Symbolized strength, leadership, and warrior-like power.
Leopard: Represented aggression, heroism, and divine authority.
Storm Imagery: Possibly connected to chaos, destruction, and early storm-god traits.
Magical & Ritual Associations
Incantation Tablets & Ritual Tools: Linked to magic, exorcism, and purification ceremonies.
Water Symbolism: Represented cleansing, wisdom, and divine purification, tied to Enki.
Celestial Associations:
No Direct Celestial Associations: No surviving texts link Asalluha to planets, stars, or constellations.
Possible Connection to Jupiter: While Asalluha had no known celestial ties, his later identification with Marduk suggests a possible indirect link to Jupiter.
Realms:
The Abzu: A subterranean freshwater abyss, home of Enki. It symbolized wisdom, magic, and purification.
Possible Connection to the Netherworld: In some texts, he was associated with underworld-related deities.
Realm of Incantations & Purification: A metaphysical domain of magic and divine cleansing. Controlled purification rituals, exorcisms, and protective incantations. Worked with Enki to combat demons and impurities.
Worship Places:
Kuara: His primary cult center, near Eridu.
Nippur: Here, he was worshiped alongside Enki’s divine circle.
Ur: He was included in offering lists during the Old Babylonian period.
Larsa: Was honored in religious texts and offerings.
Girsu: Received regular offerings during the Ur III period.
Eridu: He was indirectly linked due to Enki’s influence.
Rituals & Divinations:
Sacred Rituals
Incantation & Exorcism Rituals: His name was used for purification and banishing demons.
Purification Priest Rituals (E-Abzu Rites): Priests performed sacred washings and blessings.
Royal Enthronement Rituals: He was invoked to legitimize kingship and divine rulership.
Divination Practices
Incantation-Based Divination: Dialogues between Asalluhi and Enki were used for guidance.
Dream Interpretation & Trance Rituals: Worshipers sought divine wisdom through visions.
Festivals:
Possible Connection to the Akitu Festival: Asalluhi may have been honored before merging with Marduk.
Biblical References:
Asalluha does not appear by name in the Bible.
Indirect Connection Through Marduk:
Since Asalluha was syncretized with Marduk in the Old Babylonian period. Biblical references to Marduk (Merodach) may indirectly relate to Asalluha.
Jeremiah 50:2 – Mentions Marduk (Merodach) as a Babylonian god condemned by prophets.
“Marduk filled with terror. Her idols will be put to shame.”
Isaiah 46:1 – Marduk (Merodach) is listed with Bel as fallen Babylonian deities.
“Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are burdensome.”
Mythology Themes
Asalluha was a crucial figure in Mesopotamian mythology, influencing themes of purification, kingship, exorcism, and divine fate. His role evolved over time, eventually merging with Marduk.
Guardian Against Spirits & Demons: Master of exorcisms and purification rituals. Was invoked to protect people from malevolent forces.
Determiner of Fate & Kingship: Bestowed divine authority upon kings.
Possible Connection to the Underworld: Linked to deified kings and underworld deities.
Warrior & Heroic Figure: Called “the strong prince” and “the hero.” Was compared to a bison, storm, and leopard.
Exorcist of Supernatural Beings: Defended against demons and malevolent spirits. Acted as a divine purifier in incantation rituals.
Mythology Stories With Mentions of Asalluha
Enūma Eliš (Babylonian Creation Myth): Became one of Marduk’s fifty names.
Marduk-Ea Type Incantations: Served as a mediator between humans and Enki, sought divine guidance for healing rituals.
Prayer to Asalluha for Hammurabi: Bestowed kingship and divine legitimacy to Hammurabi.
Legitimation-Type Incantations: Acted as an exorcist, driving out demons. Recited the Incantation of Eridu in purification rites.
Sin-Iddinam’s Prayer to Ninisina: Associated with both plagues and healing. Implied ability to cancel or reverse incantations.
Visit All Sumerian Gods & Goddesses
- J.A. Coleman, The Dictionary of Mythology: An A-Z of Themes, Legends, and Heroes (Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2007)
- Yaǧmur Heffron & Nicole Brisch, Asalluhi (god) (ORACC and the UK Higher Education Academy, 2019)
- Multiple Translators, A prayer to Asarluḫi for Ḫammu-rābi (Ḫammu-rābi D) (The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, 1999)
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Asalluhe Sumerian deity (Encyclopedia Britannica, Jul 20, 1998)
- Multiple Authors, Asalluhi (Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia, 26 August 2024)
- Andreas Johandi, The God Asar/Asalluḫi in the Early Mesopotamian Pantheon (Academia, 2019)