The mother in Mesopotamian narratives

Mothers, when mentioned, hold a crucial role in Sumerian and Akkadian literature.1 In the follow- ing paragraphs, three case studies from Mesopotamian literatures are examined. The first is that of the goddess Nisaba in the Sumerian myths celebrating the marriage of her daughter Sud with Enlil (Enlil and Sud) or the couple’s illicit union (Enlil and Ninlil). The second is that of the unnamed mother of the god Martu in the Sumerian myth celebrating his marriage with the daughter of the god Numušda (The Marriage of Martu). The third is that of the goddess Ninsun (or Ninsumun) in the Akkadian Epic of Gilgameš. All three figures analysed serve as guides and counsellors for their child. They provide instruc- tion and advice, determining their decisions and, thus, the development of the narrative. Moreover, Nisaba’s management of the marriage agreement and Martu’s mother’s part in the son’s wedding arrangements emphasise the mother’s predominant familial and social role, particularly under- scored by the father’s complete absence in the story.