Gatumdug

Gatumdug (also spelled Gatumdag) was a Sumerian mother goddess, primarily associated with the city of Lagash. She was considered one of the major deities of the Lagash pantheon, often depicted as a prominent and powerful figure.

Her role encompassed various aspects of motherhood and fertility. She was regarded as a mother of kings, playing a significant part in legitimizing their rule and ensuring the prosperity of the city-state. Royal inscriptions from Lagash frequently invoke Gatumdug's blessings upon the ruler and the land.

Beyond her role as a royal mother, Gatumdug was also seen as a protector of the populace, particularly women and children. She was believed to oversee childbirth and ensure the health and well-being of her worshippers. Temples and shrines dedicated to her existed within Lagash, where offerings and prayers were made seeking her divine favor.

While Gatumdug's influence was strongest in Lagash, she was also known and venerated in other Sumerian cities. Her importance gradually diminished over time as other deities rose in prominence within Mesopotamian religion, but she remained a significant figure in the religious landscape of early Sumer.