Ningishzida

Ningishzida is a snake god who is also a tree god, which in a country where the year dies and comes back is less of a contradiction than it sounds: what goes underground returns. He is Ninazu's son and belongs to the underworld, and he is drawn with horned serpents growing from his shoulders. Gudea of Lagash took him as a personal god and is shown on his seal being led by him into a greater god's presence. In the Adapa myth he and Dumuzi stand as doorkeepers at the gate of heaven, which is a strange posting for two gods who spend so much time below.

Parentage

• Ninazu

Domains

• vegetation
• underworld

Sources

• Reference treatment of Ningishzida, his spheres, his snake associations and his parentage.