An

Definition

An is the Sumerian god of the sky and is often regarded as one of the most significant deities in Sumerian mythology. He is known as the father of the gods and represents authority and governance, playing a central role in the pantheon of Sumerian religious beliefs and practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. An's name is derived from the Sumerian word for 'heaven,' reflecting his status as the sky god.
2. He was worshiped primarily in the city of Uruk, where his temple was one of the earliest ziggurats built in honor of a deity.
3. An was associated with kingship and divine authority, believed to grant legitimacy to rulers through divine right.
4. In myths, An played a key role in creating the world and establishing order among other deities.
5. His influence waned over time as other gods like Enlil and Marduk gained prominence in later Mesopotamian religions.

Review Questions

• How does An's role as the sky god influence the structure and hierarchy of the Sumerian pantheon?
  • An's position as the sky god establishes him at the top of the Sumerian pantheon, symbolizing ultimate authority and governance. This hierarchical structure positions other deities, like Enlil and Inanna, under his rule, reinforcing their roles as subordinate forces within the cosmos. His influence also extends to kingship, where rulers claim divine support from An to legitimize their reign.
• Discuss how An's worship at Uruk reflects broader themes in Sumerian religion and society.
  • The worship of An at Uruk illustrates significant themes in Sumerian religion, particularly the connection between urban centers and divine patronage. The construction of ziggurats dedicated to An signifies not just religious devotion but also the centralization of political power within city-states. An's presence in Uruk emphasizes how religion intertwined with governance and community identity, making him essential to both spiritual and civic life.
• Evaluate the transformation of An's significance over time within Mesopotamian religions and its impact on subsequent mythologies.
  • Over time, An's prominence began to decline as other deities like Enlil emerged as more powerful figures in Mesopotamian religions. This shift reflects changing societal values and priorities within these cultures, illustrating how religious beliefs evolved alongside political dynamics. The reduced emphasis on An paved the way for new mythological narratives that prioritized different attributes of divinity, influencing later mythologies in ancient Babylon and Assyria, where new gods rose to take his place.

Related terms

Enlil: Enlil is the Sumerian god of wind and storms, often considered the king of the gods and a powerful figure in Sumerian mythology, second only to An.

Ziggurat: A ziggurat is a massive terraced structure that served as a temple in ancient Mesopotamia, often dedicated to a specific god, including An.

Pantheon:

The pantheon refers to all the gods worshipped in a particular religion or mythology, and in Sumerian culture, it includes major deities like An, Enlil, and Inanna.