In Sumerian mythology, Ninhursag (or Ki) was the earth and mother-goddess. She may have been in some traditions the offspring of Nammu were originally An (the heavens or sky,) and Ki, (the Earth). But she usually appears as the sister of Enlil.

Ninhursag means 'Lady of the Foothills'. She had many other names: Nintur 'Lady Birth', Ninmah 'Lady August', Dingirmah, Aruru, and as wife of Enki was usually called Damgalnunna.

In Akkadian she was Belit-ili 'Lady of the gods' and Mama and as wife to Ea, Enki's Akkadian counterpart, she was called Damkina. Her prestige decreased as Ishtar's increased, but her aspect as Damkina mother of Marduk, the supreme god of Babylonia, still held a secure place in the pantheon.

In union with Enki she also bore Ninsar, goddess of the pasture(?).

External links

• Encyclopedia Mythica