Inara (goddess)

Inara, in Hittite–Hurrian mythology, was the goddess of the wild animals of the steppe and daughter of the Storm-god Teshub/Tarhunt.[1] She corresponds to the "potnia theron" of Greek mythology, better known as Artemis. Inara's mother is probably Hebat and her brother is Sarruma.

Myths

After the dragon Illuyanka wins an encounter with the storm god, the latter asks Inara to give a feast, most probably the Purulli festival.[2] Inara decides to use the feast to lure and defeat Illuyanka, who was her father's archenemy, and enlists the aid of a mortal named Hupasiyas of Zigaratta by becoming his lover. The dragon and his family gorge themselves on the fare at the feast, becoming quite drunk, which allows Hupasiyas to tie a rope around them. Inara's father can then kill Illuyanka, thereby preserving creation.[1][2]

Inara built a house on a cliff and gave it to Hupasiyas. She left one day with instructions that he was not to look out the window, as he might see his family. But he looked and the sight of his family made him beg to be allowed to return home. It is not known what happened next, but there is speculation[3] that Inara killed Hupasiyas for disobeying her,[1] or for hubris,[4] or that he was allowed to return to his family.[2]

The mother goddess Hannahannah promises Inara land and a man during a consultation by Inara. Inara then disappears. Her father looks for her, joined by Hannahannah with a bee. The story resembles that of Demeter and her daughter Persephone, in Greek myth.[1]

See also

Notes and references

  1. 1 2 3 4 Christopher Siren. Hittite/Hurrian Mythology REF 1.2. Retrieved April 27, 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 Leeming, David Adams (2005). The Oxford companion to world mythology. Oxford University Press US. p. 194. ISBN 9780195156690.
  3. ↑ By Oliver Gurney, says Siren.
  4. ↑ Biggs, Robert D.; Roth, Martha Tobi (2007). Martha Tobi Roth, ed. Studies presented to Robert D. Biggs, June 4, 2004. Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. p. 128. ISBN 9781885923448.
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