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Questions and Answers
What role did Ereshkigal hold among the Anunnaki?
What role did Ereshkigal hold among the Anunnaki?
- Leader of the Igigi
- God of the Storm
- Guardian of the Underworld Gates
- Queen of the Underworld (correct)
Which group is described as the sixth generation of gods forced to labor for the Anunnaki?
Which group is described as the sixth generation of gods forced to labor for the Anunnaki?
- Mortals
- Chthonic deities
- Igigi (correct)
- Anunnaki
How did the names Anunnaki and Igigi differ in their usage during the Middle Babylonian Period?
How did the names Anunnaki and Igigi differ in their usage during the Middle Babylonian Period?
- Anunnaki referred to underworld deities, while Igigi were heavenly deities. (correct)
- Anunnaki were the gods of labor, while Igigi were the gods of creation.
- Anunnaki referred to celestial gods, while Igigi were underworld deities.
- Anunnaki depicted goddesses, while Igigi only referred to gods.
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, how did Utnapishtim describe the Anunnaki?
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, how did Utnapishtim describe the Anunnaki?
Which deity was acknowledged as the national god of ancient Babylon?
Which deity was acknowledged as the national god of ancient Babylon?
What significant action did the Anunnaki undertake in gratitude during the Babylonian period?
What significant action did the Anunnaki undertake in gratitude during the Babylonian period?
What was the main role of Marduk in the Babylonian cosmology?
What was the main role of Marduk in the Babylonian cosmology?
What does the term 'chthonic' refer to when describing the Anunnaki?
What does the term 'chthonic' refer to when describing the Anunnaki?
What action does Marduk take after leading his army into Nippur?
What action does Marduk take after leading his army into Nippur?
Who is the head of the revolt against the Eshumesha gods?
Who is the head of the revolt against the Eshumesha gods?
What is the role of Nabu in the conflict between Marduk and the Eshumesha gods?
What is the role of Nabu in the conflict between Marduk and the Eshumesha gods?
What happens to the Eshumesha gods after Marduk defeats them?
What happens to the Eshumesha gods after Marduk defeats them?
What is the earliest known period for the usage of the term Anunnaki?
What is the earliest known period for the usage of the term Anunnaki?
What does Damkianna warn against in the Poem of Erra?
What does Damkianna warn against in the Poem of Erra?
Which deities are typically regarded as members of the Anunnaki?
Which deities are typically regarded as members of the Anunnaki?
In the mythologies of the Hurrians and Hittites, what does the term 'Anunnaki' refer to?
In the mythologies of the Hurrians and Hittites, what does the term 'Anunnaki' refer to?
In which literary text do the Anunnaki decree the fates of mankind?
In which literary text do the Anunnaki decree the fates of mankind?
What do the Hurrian and Hittite texts frequently identify the Anunnaki with?
What do the Hurrian and Hittite texts frequently identify the Anunnaki with?
How many Anunnaki are mentioned in Inanna's Descent into the Netherworld?
How many Anunnaki are mentioned in Inanna's Descent into the Netherworld?
What common description is used for the number of Anunnaki in ancient Hurrian and Hittite texts?
What common description is used for the number of Anunnaki in ancient Hurrian and Hittite texts?
Which celestial body is Inanna believed to represent?
Which celestial body is Inanna believed to represent?
What consistent role do major deities of the Sumerian pantheon play regarding cities?
What consistent role do major deities of the Sumerian pantheon play regarding cities?
What is stated about Enlil’s celestial orbit?
What is stated about Enlil’s celestial orbit?
What belief is associated with fear of the Anunnaki?
What belief is associated with fear of the Anunnaki?
Study Notes
Anunnaki Overview
- Earliest usages trace back to Gudea's reign (c. 2144-2124 BC) and the Third Dynasty of Ur.
- Anunnaki refers to powerful deities, descendants of the sky-god An, in Sumerian religion.
- Notable members likely included An, Enlil, Enki, Ninhursag, Nanna, Utu, and Inanna.
Variability of Anunnaki Descriptions
- Sumerian texts are inconsistent in the number and functions of the Anunnaki.
- No complete list of Anunnaki names survives, often referred to collectively in literature.
- Initially depicted as heavenly deities with immense powers, engaging in rituals honoring Enki.
Deities and Their Functions
- Anunnaki decree fates of mankind; each major deity served as the patron of specific Sumerian cities.
- Inanna associated with planet Venus; Utu with the sun; Nanna with the moon; An with stars; Enlil and Enki associated with northern and southern skies respectively.
- Notably, a text cites up to fifty Anunnaki linked to Eridu and only seven in the Underworld serving as judges in Inanna's trial.
Historical Context and Cultural Variations
- In Akkadian literature, Anunnaki depicted as Underworld deities, similar to descriptions in Sumerian mythology.
- Igigi deities, introduced in the Old Babylonian Period (c. 1830-1531 BC), were sometimes conflated with Anunnaki.
- The Igigi, forced into labor by Anunnaki, rebelled leading to the creation of humanity by Enki.
Anunnaki in Epic Literature
- In the Epic of Gilgamesh (c. 1200 BC), Anunnaki portrayed as judges of the Underworld who mourn humanity's destruction during the flood.
- Later texts such as the Enûma Eliš assign roles and duties to Anunnaki by Marduk.
Conflict and Power Dynamics
- The Poem of Erra depicts Anunnaki as antagonistic towards humans and the gods of Nippur.
- A Neo-Assyrian text details Marduk leading Anunnaki to disrupt Nippur, leading to divine conflict and trials.
Hurrian and Hittite Perspectives
- Hurrian and Hittite mythologies from the second millennium BC identify similar gods with the Anunnaki.
- In Hurrian, Anunnaki referred to as "former ancient gods" and depicted in various treaties.
- Mythology often includes eight Anunnaki, linking Hittite deities to the Mesopotamian pantheon.
Key Cultural Teachings
- Babylonian hymns emphasize reverence, sacrifice, and prayer as means to appease the Anunnaki.
- Punishments and blessings linked to the behavior of humans towards the Anunnaki in cultural narratives.
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Description
Explore the origins and roles of the Anunnaki deities in Sumerian mythology, tracing back to early civilizations. This quiz delves into the inconsistencies of Sumerian texts, the functions of major deities, and their significance in various Sumerian cities. Test your understanding of these powerful figures and their celestial associations.
