Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Wild Cows
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Lady of the Wild Cows, Nin Sun, Ninsumun, Ninsumuna, Ninsumunak, Ninsun, Ninsuna
Other Pantheons:
Babylonian = Sirtur
Ninsun was known as the “Lady of the Wild Cows.”
She was famous for being Gilgamesh’s mother.
Ninsun could interpret dreams.
She often appeared in stories about guidance and protection.
Ninsun was linked to cattle, showing fertility and care.
Parents:
Some texts mention Ninsun’s parentage to be that of sky god An and earth goddess Ki. However, there is no definite consensus.
Siblings:
None Known
Consorts:
Lugalbanda – human King of Uruk and a Mythical Hero
Other texts refer to her consort being Enki – god of Water, Fish, Justice, Wisdom, Magic, Shipmenders, Crafts, Healing, Fertility, Art, Exorcism
Ninsun was depicted as a cow goddess, symbolizing fertility and motherhood.
She was often shown with wild cows, representing her title “Lady of the Wild Cows.”
Her imagery included symbols of motherhood and royalty, fitting her status as a divine mother and queen.
Ninsun’s temples and inscriptions depicted her as a protective and nurturing figure.
Weapons:
None Known
Sacred Animals:
Wild cows were sacred to Ninsun.
Symbolism:
Ninsun symbolized motherhood and fertility.
She was associated with the title “Lady of the Wild Cows.”
Celestial Associations:
None Known
Realms:
Ninsun was associated with the city of Uruk and her main cult center was KI.KALki.
She played a role in the royal and divine realms, being a mother to kings and gods.
Worship Places:
Ninsun was worshipped in temples across Sumer, especially in Uruk and Ur.
Her main cult center was in the city KI.KALki.
Rituals & Divinations:
Worship likely included prayers and offerings, given her status as a mother goddess.
Ninsun was known for dream interpretation, especially in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Ninsun helped her son understand his dreams.
She advised Gilgamesh to reject Inanna’s advances in the Bull of Heaven story.
Ninsun played a role in legitimizing kings’ rule by being their divine mother in historical inscriptions.
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, Ninsun (Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia, 26 October 2023)
- Nicole Brisch, ‘Ninsumun (Ninsun) (goddess)’, Ancient Mesopotamian Gods and Goddesses (Oracc and the UK Higher Education Academy, 2019)
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Ninsun (Britannica Encyclopedia, Mar 30, 2016)