Ninlils

Ninlil is a prominent goddess in ancient Mesopotamian mythology. She is primarily known as the consort of the god Enlil, the king of the gods and the god of wind, air, and earth. Ninlil's name is often interpreted as "Lady of the Air" or "Lady of the Breath," linking her closely to her husband's domain.

Her origins and parentage are not consistently detailed across all myths, but she is frequently associated with the city of Nippur, which was Enlil's primary cult center. In some traditions, she is described as the daughter of the god Nunurra or Ningal.

Ninlil plays a significant role in several key Mesopotamian myths. One of the most well-known is the myth of Enlil and Ninlil, which explains the origin of the underworld deities. In this story, Enlil is smitten with Ninlil and pursues her. After a series of encounters, he impregnates her, and she gives birth to various underworld gods, including the moon god Nanna (Sin) and the goddess Ninurta.

She is often depicted as a mother goddess and a queenly figure, embodying fertility and nurturing qualities. While her role is often secondary to Enlil's, she is consistently recognized as an important deity within the Mesopotamian pantheon. Her worship was widespread, and she was invoked in prayers and rituals, particularly in relation to fertility and the well-being of her worshipers.