Antu (goddess)

In Akkadian mythology, Antu or Antum is a Babylonian goddess. She was the first consort of Anu, and the pair were the parents of the Anunnaki and the Utukki. Antu was a dominant feature of the Babylonian akit festival until as recently as 200 BC, her later pre-eminence possibly attributable to identification with the Greek goddess Hera. Antu was replaced as consort by Ishtar or Inanna, who may also be a daughter of Anu and Antu. She is similar to Anat.

Antu
Personal information
ConsortAnu
ChildrenThe Anunnaki, the Utukki, Inanna (Possibly)
Greek equivalentHera, Dione,[1] Gaia[2]
Roman equivalentJuno, Tellus[2]

The Akkadians believed that clouds were Antu's breasts and that rain was her breast milk.[3]

Antu was a later development of Ki, an earlier Sumerian earth goddess.[3] She was also conflated with Kishar.[4]

References

  1. Burkert 2005, p. 300.
  2. http://www.halexandria.org/dward377.htm
  3. Nemet-Nejat 1998, p. 182.
  4. Brisch, Nicole (2012). "Anšar and Kišar (god and goddess)". Ancient Mesopotamian Gods and Goddesses. Oracc and the UK Higher Education Academy. Retrieved 19 June 2013..
  • Jordan, M. (2002). Encyclopedia of Gods, Kyle Cathie Limited.
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