Utu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Utu (Shamash) |
|
|---|---|
| Sun god God of justice, morality, and truth |
|
.jpg)
Representation of Shamash from the Tablet of Shamash (c. 888 – 855 BC), showing him sitting on his throne dispensing justice while clutching a rod-and-ring symbol
|
|
| Abode | Heavens |
| Planet | Sun |
| Symbol | Mace, Saw, Sun rays from shoulders, Sun Disk |
| Mount | Sun chariot |
| Personal information | |
| Consort | Sherida |
| Children | Kittu ("Truth") and Misharu ("Justice") |
| Parents | usually Nanna and Ningal, but sometimes the son of An or Enlil |
| Siblings | Ereshkigal (older sister) and Inanna (twin sister), Ishkur/ Hadad (in some sources) |
| Greek equivalent | Helios |
| Roman equivalent | Sol |
Utu was an important sun god in ancient Mesopotamia. People in Sumer, a very old civilization, called him Utu. Later, people from the Assyrian and Babylonian empires called him Shamash. He was known as the god of the sun, justice, truth, and doing what is right.
Utu/Shamash was believed to ride across the sky in his sun chariot every day. From his chariot, he could see everything that happened on Earth. He was seen as a protector who helped people in trouble and made sure justice was served. His most important temples were in the ancient cities of Sippar and Larsa.
Utu/Shamash was also the twin brother of the goddess Inanna. She was known as Ishtar in Assyrian and Babylonian stories. Inanna/Ishtar was a powerful goddess, sometimes called the Queen of Heaven.
Stories About Utu/Shamash
Utu/Shamash appears in many ancient Mesopotamian myths and legends. He often helped heroes and protected people.
Helping Heroes in Myths
- In Sumerian stories, Utu helped a shepherd named Dumuzid. When evil demons called galla tried to drag Dumuzid to the Underworld, Utu protected him.
- After a huge flood, Utu appeared to a hero named Ziusudra. Ziusudra was the only human who survived the Great Flood, and Utu brought light and hope to him.
- In the famous Epic of Gilgamesh, Utu/Shamash plays a key role. He helps the hero Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu. They face a scary monster named Humbaba, who guards a special forest. Utu/Shamash helps Gilgamesh defeat Humbaba.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Shamash para niños
