Kishar

Definition

Kishar refers to the primordial goddess of the earth in Babylonian mythology, representing the dry land and often associated with the cosmic order. She is considered a vital aspect of creation, forming a complementary pair with her counterpart, the god Anshar, who embodies the heavens. Together, they symbolize the foundational elements of existence within the Babylonian cosmological framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kishar is often depicted as a primordial force that contributes to the stability and structure of the universe, highlighting her role in Babylonian cosmogony.
2. In the Enuma Elish, Kishar and Anshar give birth to other deities, further developing the pantheon and establishing divine authority in the cosmos.
3. Kishar's relationship with Anshar emphasizes the duality of earth and sky, illustrating how ancient Babylonians understood their world in terms of interconnected opposites.
4. The worship of Kishar reflects the importance of fertility and agriculture in ancient Babylonian society, as she embodies the life-sustaining aspects of the earth.
5. Kishar is sometimes associated with various geographical locations in Babylonian texts, reinforcing her identity as a goddess connected to specific lands and territories.

Review Questions

• How does Kishar's role as a primordial goddess illustrate the concept of duality in Babylonian mythology?
  • Kishar's role as a primordial goddess illustrates duality through her partnership with Anshar, the god of the heavens. This pairing emphasizes the interdependence of earth and sky in creation, showcasing how ancient Babylonians viewed their universe as balanced and ordered. The complementary nature of Kishar and Anshar highlights how these dual forces work together to establish stability in both cosmology and society.
• Discuss how Kishar's characterization in the Enuma Elish contributes to our understanding of Babylonian creation myths.
  • In the Enuma Elish, Kishar is central to the narrative as she represents both earth and stability. Her relationship with Anshar helps form a lineage of deities that populate the cosmos, illustrating how creation myths served not only as explanations for origins but also as reflections of social hierarchies. Kishar's portrayal reveals how essential concepts like fertility and agriculture were intertwined with spiritual beliefs in ancient Babylonian culture.
• Evaluate how Kishar's significance can be seen in both religious practices and societal structures within ancient Babylon.
  • Kishar's significance extends beyond mythology into everyday life in ancient Babylon, where she symbolized fertility, agriculture, and stability. Religious practices likely included rituals honoring her to ensure bountiful harvests, linking her directly to societal well-being. Additionally, her representation alongside Anshar reflects a structured hierarchy that mirrors societal organization, emphasizing how deeply intertwined religion and daily life were for Babylonians.

Related terms

Anshar: Anshar is the god of the heavens in Babylonian mythology, often paired with Kishar as a representation of the cosmic order.

Enuma Elish: The Enuma Elish is the Babylonian creation myth that describes the origins of the world and features Kishar and Anshar among other deities.

Marduk: Marduk is the chief deity of Babylon, who rises to power during the Enuma Elish and ultimately defeats Tiamat, establishing order from chaos.