Anu is a Mesopotamian sky god and a member of the triad of deities completed by Enlil and Ea (Enki).
Anu holds a significant, yet often less prominent, position within the complex pantheon of ancient Mesopotamian religion. As the personification of the sky, he was theoretically considered the supreme deity.
Key Characteristics of Anu
Based on historical texts and interpretations of Mesopotamian mythology:
- Identity: Anu is recognized as the Mesopotamian sky god. He represents the heavens and the divine authority associated with the upper realms.
- The Divine Triad: He forms a central trinity with two other major deities:
- Enlil: God of the wind, air, and earth.
- Ea (or Enki): God of water, wisdom, magic, and crafts.
- This triad represented the main cosmic realms: sky, earth/air, and water.
| Deity Name | Realm Represented | Role in Triad |
|---|---|---|
| Anu | Sky | Member of Triad |
| Enlil | Earth/Air | Member of Triad |
| Ea (Enki) | Water/Wisdom | Member of Triad |
Anu's Role in Mythology and Cults
Despite being theoretically the highest god, Anu's active role in the mythology, hymns, and cults of Mesopotamia was relatively small. This is a common characteristic among many sky gods in various ancient pantheons, who often represent overarching authority but are less involved in daily human affairs or dramatic narratives compared to younger, more active deities.
His importance was often symbolic, representing the ultimate divine source and authority, even if other gods like Enlil or Marduk held more direct sway over events in myths and were more frequently worshipped in daily life.
Anu's primary sanctuary was the Eanna temple in Uruk, shared with the goddess Inanna (Ishtar).
