Isimud

A cylinder seal depicting the gods Ishtar, Shamash, Enki and behind him stands Isimud (circa 2300 BCE).

Isimud (also Isinu; Usmû;[1] Usumu (Akkadian)) is a minor god, the messenger of the god, Enki, in Sumerian mythology.[2]

In ancient Sumerian artwork, Isimud is easily identifiable due to the fact that he is always depicted with two faces facing in opposite directions in a way that is similar to the ancient Roman god, Janus.[3]

Myths

Isimud is featured in the legend of "Inanna and Enki" in which he is the one who greets Inanna upon her arrival to the E-Abzu temple in Eridu. He also is the one who informs Enki that the Mes have been stolen. In the myth, Isimud also serves as a messenger, telling Inanna to return the Mes to Enki or face the consequences. In the legend, Isimud plays a similar role to Ninshubur, Inanna's sukkal.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Jeremy A. Black (1992). Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia. University of Texas Press. p. 75.
  2. ↑ Rafique Ali Jairazbhoy (1965). Oriental influences in Western art. p. 227.
  3. ↑ Ariel Golan (2003). Prehistoric Religion: Mythology, Symbolism. p. 333.
  4. ↑ http://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/section1/tr131.htm
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