Summary page of Haia, the Sumerian god of store-houses, scribal arts, grains, and thresholds.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Store-Houses, Scribal Arts, Grains, Thresholds
Archetype:
Sage: associated with wisdom, scribal knowledge, and record-keeping.
Protector: as “lord of the retaining wall” (Lugalkisa’a), connected with protection.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Haia, Haja, Haya, Indagara, Nindara
God of scribal arts, revered as a divine accountant and archivist.
Recorded important documents and the years of a king’s reign.
Served as an agrig (official) of the god Enlil.
Husband of Nisaba/Nunbarshegunu, goddess of writing and grain.
Recognized as the father of Sud/Ninlil, Enlil’s wife.
Celebrated in a Sumerian hymn during Rim-Sin of Larsa’s reign.
Possibly linked to grain, though this connection is debated.
Referred to as the “Nissaba of wealth,” associated with prosperity.
Parents:
No known information exists about the parents of Haia
Siblings:
None Known
Consorts:
Nunbarshegunu – goddess of Flood, Justice, Grain, Scribal Arts, Writing, Accounting, Surveying, Wisdom
Children:
Ninlil – goddess of Grain, Air, Healing
Artists did not create identifiable images of Haia in ancient times.
A writing tool, possibly named after him, symbolized his connection to scribal arts.
An Old Babylonian text linked the peacock to his name, but no clear symbolism was established.
His role as a “door-keeper” might have suggested a symbolic link to maintaining boundaries or entries.
Weapons:
None Known
Sacred Animals:
Peacock: The peacock might have been connected to Haya, as hinted by the term “dḫa-iàmušen” in ancient texts.
Symbolism:
giš dḫa-ià – wooden instruments related to scribal activity. This writing tool was possibly named after Haia. Thus, symbolizing his role in scribal arts.
He was called the “Nissaba of wealth,” representing prosperity and abundance.
The peacock symbolically connected to Haia, though its significance is uncertain.
Celestial Associations:
None Known
Realms:
Worshipped in southern Mesopotamia, especially in Umma, Ur, and Ku’ara.
Associated with the “tablet of life,” it was located in a mythical realm for divine record-keeping.
Worship Places:
Ur (Ekišnugal Temple): He had a shrine in the temple of Nanna, the moon god.
Umma: Worshiped in this southern Mesopotamian city during the early periods.
Ku’ara: Another southern Mesopotamian city where Haia’s cult was active.
Shaduppum: A temple dedicated to Haia existed during the Old Babylonian period.
Assur (Temple of Aššur): He had a shrine in the temple of Aššur during the Neo-Assyrian period.
Planned Temple by Sennacherib: Sennacherib planned a temple for Haia, but its location is unknown.
Rituals & Divinations:
Offerings in Ur III Period: Ritual offerings were made to Haia, often near gate shrines.
Procession of the Gods of Subartu: Haia presided over this ritual procession during a festival in Assur.
Exorcism Formula (Gattung II): He was invoked in exorcism rituals as the “solidifier of the boundaries of vast heaven.”
Festivals:
Procession of the Gods of Subartu: Haia presided over this procession during a festival in Assur.
New Year’s Festival in Assur: Haia participated in this major Neo-Assyrian festival marking the start of the year.
The festival celebrated the renewal of the king’s power and the Assyrian state’s stability. It symbolized the renewal of the cosmos and the re-establishment of order from chaos. The festival facilitated interaction between the divine and the mortal worlds. Gods were believed to descend to earth during this time to participate in the festivities, and their statues were paraded and worshipped.
Mythology Themes:
He mainly appeared in supportive and administrative roles, not as a lead figure.
Associated with wisdom, record-keeping, and blessings for kings.
Connected to themes of familial relations, especially as the father of Ninlil.
Mythology Story With Mentions of Haia:
“Enlil and Sud”: He was mentioned as the father of Sud (Ninlil), Enlil’s wife.
Hymn from Larsa: Celebrates his wisdom, connection to Ur, and role as a divine accountant. The hymn asks Haia to bless the king and track his reign on the “tablet of 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)
- Mark Weeden, ‘Haya (god)’, Ancient Mesopotamian Gods and Goddesses (Oracc and the UK Higher Education Academy, 2019)
- Multiple Authors, Haya (god) (Wikipedia.com, April 23, 2023)