Overview of Anunnaki in Sumerian Religion

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Questions and Answers

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?

Mortals

Chthonic deities

Igigi (correct)

Anunnaki

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?

As judges of the Underworld. Signup and view all the answers

Which deity was acknowledged as the national god of ancient Babylon?

Marduk Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did the Anunnaki undertake in gratitude during the Babylonian period?

Constructed the temple Esagila Signup and view all the answers

What was the main role of Marduk in the Babylonian cosmology?

He assigned the Anunnaki their positions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'chthonic' refer to when describing the Anunnaki?

Underworld deities. Signup and view all the answers

What action does Marduk take after leading his army into Nippur?

Cause a flood that disturbs the resident gods Signup and view all the answers

Who is the head of the revolt against the Eshumesha gods?

Mushteshirhablim Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Nabu in the conflict between Marduk and the Eshumesha gods?

To alert the gods about the danger Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the Eshumesha gods after Marduk defeats them?

They are put on trial before the Anunnaki Signup and view all the answers

What is the earliest known period for the usage of the term Anunnaki?

c. 2144–2124 BC Signup and view all the answers

What does Damkianna warn against in the Poem of Erra?

Another war between the Anunnaki and the Eshumesha gods Signup and view all the answers

Which deities are typically regarded as members of the Anunnaki?

An, Enlil, Enki, Ninhursag, Nanna, Utu, Inanna Signup and view all the answers

In the mythologies of the Hurrians and Hittites, what does the term 'Anunnaki' refer to?

The first generation of deities banished to the Underworld Signup and view all the answers

In which literary text do the Anunnaki decree the fates of mankind?

Enki and the World Order Signup and view all the answers

What do the Hurrian and Hittite texts frequently identify the Anunnaki with?

The Mesopotamian Anunnaki Signup and view all the answers

How many Anunnaki are mentioned in Inanna's Descent into the Netherworld?

Seven Signup and view all the answers

What common description is used for the number of Anunnaki in ancient Hurrian and Hittite texts?

They are always identified as eight in number. Signup and view all the answers

Which celestial body is Inanna believed to represent?

Venus Signup and view all the answers

What consistent role do major deities of the Sumerian pantheon play regarding cities?

They serve as patrons and protectors of specific cities. Signup and view all the answers

What is stated about Enlil’s celestial orbit?

It is a continuous, symmetrical circle around the north celestial pole. Signup and view all the answers

What belief is associated with fear of the Anunnaki?

It is said to extend one's life. Signup and view all the answers

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.