Isimud
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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 because he is always depicted with two faces facing in opposite directions in a way that is similar to the ancient Roman god Janus.[3]
Mythology
Isimud appears 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.[4] In the myth, Isimud also serves as a messenger, telling Inanna to return the mes to Enki or face the consequences.[5] Isimud plays a similar role to Ninshubur, Inanna's sukkal. Isimud also appears in the myth of Enki and Ninhursag, in which he acts as Enki's messenger and emissary.[5]
References
- ^ Black & Green 1992, p. 75.
- ^ Ali Jairazbhoy 1965, p. 227.
- ^ Golan 2003, p. 333.
- ^ "Inana and Enki: translation". etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk.
- ^ a b Black & Green 1992, p. 110.
Bibliography
- Ali Jairazbhoy, Rafique (1965), Oriental influences in Western art, p. 227
- Black, Jeremy; Green, Anthony (1992), Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia: An Illustrated Dictionary, The British Museum Press, ISBN 0-7141-1705-6
{{citation}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help) - Golan, Ariel (2003), Prehistoric Religion: Mythology, Symbolism, p. 333
- Jordan, Michael (2002), Encyclopedia of Gods, Kyle Cathie Limited
| Primordial beings | | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary deities | ||
| Other major deities | ||
| Minor deities | ||
| Demons, spirits, and monsters | ||
| Mortal heroes | ||