Kur (cuneiform)

Kur is a Sumerian cuneiform sign that can represent several different logographic words and syllabic values. Its most common logographic meaning is "mountain," "foreign land," or "underworld." The precise semantic range of "kur" has been the subject of scholarly debate, as the conceptual boundaries between these meanings were likely fluid in ancient Mesopotamian thought.

As "mountain," kur can refer to literal mountains, often denoting mountainous regions to the east and north of Sumer, which were seen as sources of resources and also as dangerous frontiers.

As "foreign land," kur can denote any territory outside of Sumerian control or cultural influence. This usage emphasizes the distinction between the "civilized" Sumerian heartland and the "uncivilized" or unknown lands beyond.

As "underworld," kur represents the Sumerian land of the dead, also known as Irkalla. This usage reflects the perceived location of the underworld beneath the earth, often associated with mountains and remote regions.

In addition to its logographic uses, "kur" also has a syllabic value of /kur/. This syllabic value is used in the spelling of Akkadian words and names written using the Sumerian cuneiform script. The sign can also function as a determinative, indicating that the preceding word refers to a mountain, land, or the underworld. The specific meaning of “kur” in any given text depends heavily on the context.