Ninhursag

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(Redirected from Ninmah)

In Sumerian mythology, Ninhursag (or Ki) was the earth and mother-goddess she usually appears as the sister of Enlil.

Ninhursag means 'Lady of the Sacred Hills'. She had many other names: Ki 'Earth', Nintur 'Lady Birth', Ninmah 'Lady August', Dingirmah, Aruru, Uriash, and as wife of Enki was usually called Damgalnunna.

In Akkadian she was Belit-ili 'Lady of the gods' and Mama and as wife to Ea, Enki's Akkadian counterpart, she was called Damkina. Her prestige decreased as Ishtar's increased, but her aspect as Damkina mother of Marduk, the supreme god of Babylonia, still held a secure place in the pantheon.

In union with Enki she also bore Ninsar, goddess of the pasture(?).

The Legend of Enki and Ninhursag, whereby which the semen of Enki fertilises the barren stony ground of Ninhursag, to bring forth Lady Greenery (Ninsar), gives an indication of her previous importance.