Shamash (Akkadian: šamaš [a]), also known as Utu (Sumerian: d utu 𒀭𒌓 "Sun" [2]) was the ancient Mesopotamian sun god. He was believed to see everything that happened in the world every day, and was therefore responsible for justice and protection of travelers.

Shamash, in Mesopotamian religion, the god of the sun, who, with the moon god, Sin, and Ishtar, the goddess of Venus, was part of an astral triad of divinities. Shamash, as the solar deity, exercised the power of light over darkness and evil.

The shamash is the candle used to light the other candles of the Hanukkah menorah. In Hebrew, shamash (pronounced shah-MAHSH) literally means “helper” (not to be confused with shemesh, which is spelled the same and means “sun”).

Jan 31, 2017 · Utu (also known as Shamash, Samas, and Babbar) is the Sumerian god of the sun and divine justice. He is the son of the moon god Nanna and the fertility goddess Ningal in the Sumerian tradition but was known as Shamash (Samas) to the Akkadians who claimed Anu or Enlil as his father.

In Mesopotamian religion Shamash was the Akkadian name of the sun god, corresponding to Sumerian Utu. In mythology, Shamash was the son of the moon god Sin (known as Nanna in Sumerian), and thus the brother of the goddess Ishtar (Sumerian: Inanna), who represented the great "star" of Venus.

Jan 11, 2016 · Shamash was the Sun god in the mythology of the ancient Near East. He was associated with truth, justice, and healing and was one of the most active gods in the pantheons of ancient Sumer, Babylonia, and Assyria.

Oct 8, 2024 · Among these deities, Shamash stands out as one of the most significant figures in the pantheon, revered as the Sun God. His role transcends mere illumination; he is also the embodiment of justice, providing moral guidance and order in both the divine and human realms.

Mar 12, 2015 · Shamash was the ancient Mesopotamian sun god. Known as Utu in the Sumerian tradition, he was the twin brother of Inanna and the son of the moon god, Nanna. In Akkadian culture he was called Šamaš, and was the son of Anu or Enlil and his wife was Aya (Black and Green, 182-4; Horry).

May 15, 2024 · Shamash, the Mesopotamian sun god, was a prominent figure in the ancient Mesopotamian pantheon and a prominent figure in daily life. He was associated with justice, law, healing, and the passage of time, representing order, …

Dec 20, 2017 · The shamash – the "attendant" candle that is used to kindle the other lights – is set apart from the other candles (often higher or lower), on the ninth branch of the menorah. Many Jews have a tradition to use a beeswax candle for the shamash. Learn how to light the menorah.