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Nungal (Sumerian: 𒀭𒎏𒃲 d Nun-gal, "great princess"), also known as Manungal and possibly Bēlet-balāṭi, was the Mesopotamian goddess of prisons, sometimes also associated with the underworld. She was worshiped especially in the Ur III period in cities such as Nippur, Lagash and Ur.
Nungal, a prominent deity in the ancient Sumerian pantheon, is revered as the goddess of music, poetry, and joy. Believed to have been worshipped as early as 3000 BCE, Nungal holds a significant place in Sumerian mythology and religion.
Mar 21, 2023 · The Hymn to Nungal (c. 2000-1600 BCE) is a Sumerian poem praising Nungal, the goddess of prisons and rehabilitation (also associated with the underworld), as well as the prison house she presided over.
- Joshua J. Mark
- What is the Hymn to Nungal?The Hymn to Nungal is a Sumerian poem, dated to c. 2000-1600 BCE, describing the "gods' jail" presided over by the goddess Nungal who punishes the...
- Who was Nungal?Nungal was the Sumerian goddess of prisons, also associated with the underworld, who judged those accused of crimes. She was the daughter of Ereshk...
- Where is Nungal's prison house located?Nungal's prison house seems to be located in the underworld or an afterlife plane apart from the mortal realm.
- Why is the Hymn to Nungal important?The Hymn to Nungal is important as a popular piece of ancient Sumerian literature and also for the light it sheds on how prison may have been exper...
Among these, Nungal earned an esteemed position as the Goddess of Astronomy and Venus. With her astronomical knowledge, she guided the Sumerians in understanding the movements of the stars and planets. As the embodiment of Venus, Nungal became a symbol of fertility, love, and divine beauty.
Manungal (or simply Nungal) is a goddess of the underworld, worshipped by the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Akkadians. She is the consort of the god Birdu. Her title was the "Queen of the Ekur" where she held the "tablet of life" and carried out judgement on the wicked.
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Jul 31, 2014 · 27-31 Nungal, its lady, the powerful goddess whose aura covers heaven and earth, resides on its great and lofty dais. Having taken a seat in the precinct of the house, she controls the Land from there.
The goddess Nungal (or Manungal) has commanded increased attention since the definitive publication of the 120-line hymn in her honor by Sjoberg under the title "Nungal in the Ekur."' Her role as patron-deity of prisons-indeed the very existence of prisons in early Mesopotamia-has.
