Ishum

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ishum or Išum was a minor god in Akkadian mythology, the son of Shamash and sukkal of Erra (Nergal).

According to Joan Goodnick Westenholz his mother was the goddess Sudaĝ (an alternate name of Shamash's wife Aya[1]); however due to association between Sudaĝ and Sud (Ninlil) the latter was listed as Ishum's mother in a single mythical text.[2] Manfred Krebernik assumes that Sud and Sudaĝ were only confused with each other rather than ex. conflated.[3]

Ishum is featured prominently in the late Babylonian poem of Erra and Ishum, where he primarily acts as a buffer, debating with the god of destruction to stave off his onslaught and give a pause between assaults. Much of his role and character developed from the Sumerian figure of Endursaga, being called the chief herald or high constable, watchman of the silent streets, herald of the silent night, and lamp of the people.[4][5]

References[]

  1. ^ M. Krebernik, Sudaĝ [in:] Reallexikon der Assyriologie und vorderasiatischen Archäologie vol 13, 2013, p. 241-242
  2. ^ J. M. Asher-Greve, J. G. Westenholz, Goddesses in Context: On Divine Powers, Roles, Relationships and Gender in Mesopotamian Textual and Visual Sources, 2013, p. 77
  3. ^ M. Krebernik, Sudaĝ [in:] Reallexikon der Assyriologie und vorderasiatischen Archäologie vol 13, 2013, p. 242
  4. ^ Michael., Jordan (1992). The encyclopedia of gods. London: Kyle Cathie. ISBN 185626131X. OCLC 59998102.
  5. ^ George., A.R. (2015). "The Gods Išum and Ḫendursanga: Night Watchmen and Street-lighting in Babylonia" (PDF). Journal of Near Eastern Studies. Chicago: The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. 74: 1–8. doi:10.1086/679387.
Retrieved from ""