Mesopotamian Gods and Deities

Gods & Deities

As I delved into the religion more, it appears there are mainly 2 groups of gods which split up the Mesopotamian Empire at the time. These were the:

• ·         Sumerian
• ·         Babylonian

Generally, the gods from both generations were the same deity, just different epithets of the deity. But as there was a split, they were named differently, treated differently and different in their overall character. The reasoning behind the whole similarity is due to the Babylonian Empire adapting most of their beliefs from the Sumerian Empire before they invaded them and took over from Sumeria.

As this was evident, even though my previous post mentioned me developing art based around four factions, I would instead have maybe 2 and use the gods and demons (weren't said to be a bad thing, deriving from the word 'daemon' which means spirit) mentioned in the prophecies, tablets and religion to create it.

Research for Gods and my perception:

Name: Apsu/Apzu

Religion Part: Babylonian (known in Sumeria but not as deity)

Worshipped for: The God of Underwater Ocean

Link to other Deities: Tiamat, another goddess of water. When proven to be weaker than her, he became her consort to which they would create new gods and goddesses, Anu & Ea.

Story Extract: "When above the heavens did not yet exist nor the earth below, Apzu the fresh water ocean was there, the first, the begetter, and Tiamat, the saltwater sea, she who bore them all; they were still mixing their waters, and no pasture land had yet been formed, nor even a reed marsh..."

N/A. (2012, August 25). Abzu. Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abzu

My perception: In the Babylonian empire, he was known to be made out of fresh water. A primal being meant he was a leader of some form. Combining these 2 elements, I would form some type of primal sea creature in the form of water and the creature itself. Water being the main aspect to use, I would adapt that in different forms. Using different styles and techniques to depict water in the form of a primal being.

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Name: An (means heaven)

Religion Part: Sumerian

Worshipped for: God of Heaven

Link to other Deities: Consorted by the Goddess Antu and father to Annunaki & Uttuki

Story Extract: "Anu was a sky-god, the god of heaven, lord of constellations, king of gods, Consort of Antu, spirits and demons, and dwelt in the highest heavenly regions. It was believed that he had the power to judge those who had committed crimes, and that he had created the stars as soldiers to destroy the wicked. His attribute was the royal tiara."

N/A. (2012, September 17). Anu. Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anu

My perception: Seeming to be quite powerful as a god, if I was to design and create him in my own form, I would make this particular god be seen as powerful and scary. Using the stars as some form of weapon, aspects of heaven in the design of either his clothing or his overall look. Overall combining elements of strength, power, elements and religion in a design to make this God.

These are just some of the descriptions I would create so I can create my characters and creatures from the Mesopotamian Region.