Nintu

Nintu, also known as Ninhursag, Ninmah, and Mami, is a prominent goddess in Mesopotamian mythology, particularly in Sumerian and Akkadian traditions. Her primary role is that of a mother goddess and a creator deity, often associated with the earth, mountains, and childbirth. She is considered a mother to many gods and goddesses and is sometimes depicted as the wife of Enlil or Anu, the chief gods of the Sumerian pantheon.

One of Nintu's most significant roles is her involvement in the creation of humanity. According to some myths, she, along with other gods, shaped humans from clay. She is often credited with giving life to the first humans and is depicted as a nurturing and protective figure. Her association with the earth and fertility further emphasizes her maternal aspect, connecting her to the cycles of nature and the abundance of the land.

Nintu's iconography varies, but she is frequently depicted as a woman, sometimes adorned with headdresses or symbols related to her divine status. She is often shown holding infants or symbols of life. Her worship was widespread throughout Mesopotamia, with various cult centers dedicated to her. While her prominence may have shifted over time with the evolution of Mesopotamian religions, her fundamental role as a life-giving mother goddess remained a constant and influential aspect of their mythology.