Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Vegetation, Underworld
Archetype:
Death and Rebirth God
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Gizidu, Nin Gishzida, Ningis Zi Da, Ningis Zia, Ningishzida, Ningizzida
Other Pantheons:
Babylonian = Gish Bar
Ningishzida was known as “Lord of the Good Tree.”
He was associated with vegetation, the underworld, and sometimes war.
He was commonly linked with snakes.
Ningishzida provided grass for domestic animals.
He was connected to alcoholic beverages, specifically wine.
He shared characteristics with underworld deities and snake gods.
Parents:
Ninazu – god of Boundaries, Magic, Healing
Ningirida – goddess of Protective Deity of Enegir
Siblings:
None Known
Consorts:
Azimua – goddess of a Scribe Of The Underworld
Belili – goddess of Moon, Underworld, Love, Trees, Wells and Springs, Wine
Children:
None Known
Ningishzida was known as “Lord of the Good Tree.”
He was a god of vegetation and the underworld.
Ningishzida was often linked with snakes and the dead.
He appeared as a gatekeeper for the sky god Anu.
Ningishzida’s symbol was the Hydra constellation.
Weapons:
Ningishzida was sometimes seen as a warrior god. However, specific weapons were not mentioned in the researched Sumerian texts.
Sacred Animals:
Snakes were associated with Ningishzida, including mythical ones like mushussu, ushumgal, and bashmu.
Mushussu
The Mushussu had a serpentine or dragon-like form, often depicted with scaly body, long neck, and a tail. It might have the forelegs of a lion, the hind legs of an eagle, and the head of a snake or dragon, showcasing a chimera-like appearance that combines features of multiple animals.
Ushumgal
The term “Ushumgal” can be translated as “great serpent” or “great dragon” in Sumerian. While specific descriptions vary, the Ushumgal was generally portrayed as a large, dragon-like creature, often with formidable jaws, wings, and a long, coiling body. Its depiction combined elements of serpents and dragons, symbolizing its strength and predatory prowess.
Bashmu
The Bashmu, also known as Bašmu, was a mythical creature from Mesopotamian mythology. It was often depicted as a serpentine dragon with horns, a long body, and possibly the legs of a lion and the wings of a bird. Its form combined elements of various creatures, making it a fearsome hybrid beast in the mythological bestiary of ancient Mesopotamia.
Symbolism:
Ningishzida was symbolized by the “Good Tree,” possibly a vine.
Caduceus – The caduceus-like symbol (right) is interpreted as a representation of the god himself.
He was connected with death and rebirth through his underworld journeys.
Celestial Associations:
The constellation Hydra represented Ningishzida.
Realms:
Ningishzida was linked to the underworld, where he played significant roles.
He also had connections to the celestial realm as a gatekeeper for Anu.
Worship Places:
Ningishzida’s main temple was in Gishbanda.
He also had temples in Lagash, Girsu, and Ur.
His worship spread to Uruk, Isin, and other Mesopotamian cities.
Rituals & Divinations:
He was involved in temple building and renovation ceremonies.
Ningishzida’s themes include life, death, and rebirth, tied to vegetation cycles.
His journey to the underworld was an annual event, symbolizing death and renewal.
In the myth of Adapa, Ningishzida served as a gatekeeper of Anu’s celestial palace.
He was part of the Epic of Gilgamesh, where he was associated with the land of no return.
Ningishzida and Dumuzi were mourned in lamentations, reflecting their roles as dying and reviving gods of vegetation.
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, Ningishzida (Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia, February 15, 2024)