Summary page for Ningishzida, the Sumerian god of snakes, dragons, and the underworld.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Vegetation, Agriculture, Snakes, Dragons, Underworld, Justice
Archetype:
Underworld Deity: He stood at the gates of the underworld and ruled the underworld as “chair-bearer of the netherworld.”
Warrior: Titled “warrior of splendor” and governor of Ur. Symbolized victory and used the sickle sword (pāštu).
Death and Rebirth Deity: Traveled to the underworld during vegetation’s death (mid-summer to mid-winter). He was associated with Dumuzi as a dying god of vegetation.
Justice Deity: Acted as a judge in the underworld and on earth. He represented fairness, reliability, and law in Mesopotamian texts.
Protector: Was seen as a “reliable god” who protected and guided others.
Group:
Transtigridian Snake Gods: Belonged to a group linked to the underworld, vegetation, and snakes. This group included his father Ninazu, with shared roles in justice and chthonic powers.
Dragon and Serpent Deities: Connected to mythical dragons like the mušhuššu and the Hydra constellation. He shared these serpent-related titles with his father, Ninazu.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Gizidu, Gizzida, Niggissida, Nin Gishzida, Ningis Zi Da, Ningis Zia, Ningishzida, Ningišzida, Ningizzida
Other Pantheons:
Babylonian god Gish Bar or Gishbanda was closely tied to Ninigishzida.
Underworld Judge and Guardian: Served as “chair-bearer” at the entrance to the underworld and guarded the netherworld alongside the chief gatekeeper.
God of Vegetation and Agricultural Cycles: Revered as the “Lord Productive Tree” and “Lord of Pastures.” Ruled over vegetation, growth, and decay. Provided grass for animals and supported agriculture.
Snake and Dragon Symbolism: Depicted with serpent heads and riding a dragon. Associated with mythical creatures like the mušhuššu, ushumgal, and bashmu. He was also connected to the Hydra constellation in astrology.
Justice and Law: Acted as a judge in both the underworld and on earth. Seen as a fair and reliable god of law and justice.
Warrior and Protector Role: Titled “warrior of splendor” and served as military governor of Ur. Linked to victory and the goddess Irnina, a personification of triumph.
Patron of Innkeeping and Alcoholic Beverages: In some accounts, he was called “lord of the innkeepers” and linked to wine and beer.
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’s art emphasized his connection to serpents, healing, and divine protection.
Depiction with Snakes and Dragons
He was shown with two serpent heads growing from his shoulders.
Rode a dragon in artistic depictions.
Associated with mythical creatures like the mušhuššu, ushumgal, and bashmu.
Depicted with intertwining serpents, influencing the later caduceus symbol.
Linked to the Hydra constellation in Mesopotamian astrology.
Cylinder Seals and Artifacts
Featured prominently on Ur III cylinder seals with snakes and dragons.
Gudea’s seal depicted dragons growing from his shoulders.
Appeared on statues and boundary stones alongside divine symbols like crescents.
Depictions in Clay Plaques
Found on Old Babylonian clay plaques dated between 2003 and 1595 BCE.
One plaque showed him flanked by two small human figures.
Discovered in Nippur’s Scribal Quarter, Southern Mesopotamia (modern Iraq).
Weapons:
Sickle sword (pāštu): The sickle sword represented his role as a protector and warrior.
Sacred Animals:
Serpents and Snakes: Represented in serpent form in early depictions. He was associated with mythical snakes like muš-mah, ushumgal, and bashmu.
Ningishzida’s symbols highlighted his ties to life, healing, protection, and the natural world.
Symbolism:
Serpents and the Caduceus Symbology: He was depicted with intertwining serpents, inspiring the later caduceus symbol. Also had serpent heads growing from his shoulders in human form.
Tree and Vine Symbolism: His name meant “Lord Productive Tree” and “Little Tree,” referencing trees and winding roots. He was associated with vines, wine, and agricultural growth.
Celestial Associations:
Hydra Constellation: It symbolized his connection to serpents and the underworld.
Realms:
Ningishzida’s realms emphasized his roles in the underworld, the heavens, and seasonal life cycles.
The Netherworld (Underworld): He was one of the ruling deities of the underworld, and he spent part of the year there. As an underworld deity, he held the title “chair-bearer of the netherworld.” He also stood at the entrance to the underworld with the main gatekeeper.
The Heavens (Celestial Realm of Anu): In addition to the underworld duties, he also served as a doorkeeper for the sky god Anu in myths.
Agricultural Cycles and the Seasonal World: Represented the seasonal cycle of growth, decay, and renewal.
Ningishzida’s worship included grand temples, seasonal rituals, and festivals celebrating agriculture, justice, and cosmic order.
Worship Places:
Worshiped in cities like Eshnunna, Lagash, Uruk, Isin, Larsa, Babylon, Umma, and Nippur.
Gišbanda (Gishbanda): Main cult center located near Ur, in the orchard region.
Temple: E-Gishbanda: His primary temple, “House of Gishbanda,” located in his home city.
Temple: E-Niggina: “House of Truth,” located in Ur after his cult moved there.
Temple: E-Badbarra: “House, Outer Wall,” located in Lagash, built by Gudea.
Temple in Girsu: Built by Gudea, though its name remains unknown.
Temple: Kur-a-še-er-ra-ka: “Mountain of Lament,” located in Gišbanda.
Rituals & Divinations:
Royal Laments: Featured in rituals like “The Death of Ur-Namma.”
Temple Renovations: These are mentioned in rituals for laying temple bricks alongside other deities.
Seasonal Observances: Rituals tied to the cyclical death and rebirth of vegetation.
Incantations: Invoked as a netherworld deity or protector of vegetation.
Justice Rituals: Honored as a reliable god of justice and law.
Festivals:
Annual Festival: Held in the third month of the year during the Ur III period.
Seasonal Celebrations: Linked to vegetation’s death and rebirth (mid-summer to mid-winter).
Other Deity Festivals: Participated in Ningirsu and Bau’s marriage festival.
Mythology Themes
Descent to the Netherworld: Symbolized life’s cyclical nature through his journey to the underworld.
Seasonal Death and Rebirth: Represented the seasonal cycles of vegetation’s decline and renewal.
Guardian and Judge: Acted as a gatekeeper and judge in the underworld.
Serpent and Dragon Companions: Associated with mythical creatures like the mušhuššu and intertwined serpents.
Warrior and Protector: Played the role of a divine warrior linked to justice and protection.
Mythology Stories With Mentions Of Ningishzida
Ningishzida’s mythology portrayed him as a guardian of the underworld, a symbol of nature’s cycles, and a protector of kings.
Ningishzida’s Journey to the Netherworld
Traveled to the underworld during vegetation’s death (mid-summer to mid-winter).
The Adapa Legend
Served as a doorkeeper for Anu’s celestial palace.
Appeared as one of the deities absent from the earthly realm.
The Death of Ur-Namma
Participated in royal lamentations for Ur-Namma, king of Ur’s Third Dynasty.
Linked to rituals guiding kings into the afterlife.
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Mentioned as a deity with whom Gilgamesh would dwell after death.
Symbolized mortality and the afterlife’s connection to kingship.
In the Desert by the Early Grass
Mourned alongside Dumuzi as a dying deity of vegetation.
Represented the loss and renewal of nature’s fertility.
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)
- Multiple Authors, Ningishzida Sumerian deity (Encyclopedia Britannica, Oct 20, 2016)
- Adam Stone, Ningišzida (god) (ORACC and the UK Higher Education Academy, 2019)
- Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin, Ningishzida (World History Encyclopedia, 26 February 2015)