Isimud

Isimud (also Isinu; Usmû;^[1] Usumu (Akkadian)) is a minor god, the messenger of the god, Enki, in Sumerian mythology.^[2]

In ancient Sumerian artwork, Isimud is easily identifiable due to the fact that he is always depicted with two faces facing in opposite directions in a way that is similar to the ancient Roman god, Janus.^[3]

Myths

Isimud is featured in the legend of "Inanna and Enki" in which he is the one who greets Inanna upon her arrival to the E-Abzu temple in Eridu. He also is the one who informs Enki that the Mes have been stolen. In the myth, Isimud also serves as a messenger, telling Inanna to return the Mes to Enki or face the consequences. In the legend, Isimud plays a similar role to Ninshubur, Inanna's sukkal.^[4]

References

^ Jeremy A. Black (1992). Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia. University of Texas Press. p. 75.
^ Rafique Ali Jairazbhoy (1965). Oriental influences in Western art. p. 227.
^ Ariel Golan (2003). Prehistoric Religion: Mythology, Symbolism. p. 333.
^ http://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/section1/tr131.htm

Michael Jordan, Encyclopedia of Gods, Kyle Cathie Limited, 2002

[1] Jeremy A. Black (1992). Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia. University of Texas Press. p. 75.

[2] Rafique Ali Jairazbhoy (1965). Oriental influences in Western art. p. 227.

[3] Ariel Golan (2003). Prehistoric Religion: Mythology, Symbolism. p. 333.

[4] ttp://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/section1/tr131.htm

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