Hittite mythology encompasses the religious beliefs and practices of the Hittites, an ancient Anatolian people who established an empire in the region of modern-day Turkey in the 17th-13th centuries BCE. The Hittite pantheon included a diverse array of deities, with each one holding specific domains and attributes.
One of the most prominent deities in Hittite mythology was the weather god, Tarhunt. He was associated with storms, the fertility of the earth, and warfare. Another significant figure was the sun goddess of Arinna, who was revered as the queen of all deities and the protector of the Hittite kingdom.
The Hittites also believed in the existence of an underworld, ruled by the god of the land of the dead, Telepinu. Myths and rituals surrounding Telepinu were crucial for ensuring fertility and prosperity in the earthly realm.
Scholars have drawn parallels between Hittite mythology and the mythologies of other ancient civilizations, such as the Sumerians and Akkadians. The Hittite pantheon and religious practices provide valuable insights into the cultural and religious landscape of the ancient Near East.
While many details of Hittite mythology have been lost to history, archaeological discoveries and written records have enabled modern researchers to reconstruct significant aspects of their religious beliefs and mythological narratives.
Hittite Deities
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