In Sumerian mythology, Ninsun or Ninsuna ("lady wild cow") is a goddess, best known as the mother of the legendary hero Gilgamesh, and as the tutelary goddess of Gudea of Lagash.

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Ninsun is depicted as a human queen who lives in Uruk with her son as king. Since the father of Gilgamesh was Lugalbanda, it stands to reason that Ninsun procreated with Lugalbanda to give birth.

Also in the Epic of Gilgamesh, Ninsun is summoned by Gilgamesh and Enkidu to help pray to the god Shamash to help the two on their journey to the Country of the Living to battle Humbaba.

Ninsun is called "Rimat-Ninsun", the "august cow", the "Wild Cow of the Enclosure", and "The Great Queen".

Notes

Gula in the latter became a Babylonian goddess.

Ninsun was originally named Nininsina according to Pabilsag's journey to Nibru.

According to the ancient Babylonian text, Nininsina wedded Pabilsag near a riverbank.

By Pabilsag she bore Damu.

References

• Michael Jordon, Encyclopedia of Gods, Kyle Cathie Limited, 2002