Ninurta is a Sumerian god who is associated with hunting, war, law, and farming. In the earliest records, he is regarded as a healer who can cure humans of their sickness. As the situation in Mesopotamia grew more militarized, Ninurta became a warrior deity. Although he had previously been associated with agriculture, he retained many of his earlier traits. It’s believed that Ninurta was the inspiration for the mythological figure of Nimrod, who is mentioned in the Book of Genesis as a powerful hunter.

In the Second Book of Kings, he is mentioned under the name Nisroch. During the 19th century, Assyrian stone reliefs depicting winged and eagle-headed figures from the Ninurta temple at Kalhu were commonly referred to as Nisrochs, but they actually appeared in works of fantasy literature.

In Sumerian mythology, Ninurta’s greatest achievement is defeating Asag, the cruel monster created by An and given birth to by Earth in an attempt to take his throne. He not only kills Asag, but he also helps build the foundations of agriculture, which is the life-giving activity of the land.

He is often depicted as a warrior, with upraised wings and a bow and arrow. In Babylonian art, he is also said to have run on the back of a lion-tailed creature. Ninurta is known for carrying a mace called Sharur, which is capable of providing reasoning and speech.

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