Shul-utul (Sumerian: 𒀭𒂄𒀖𒇻, Dšul-utul₁₀)[1] or Shul-utula[2] was the personal god of the rulers of the Mesopotamian Ur-Nanshe dynasty of Lagash.[2] His name means "youngling shepherd" in Sumerian.[3]
Despite his role as the personal deity of kings, Shul-utul was not regarded as a deity associated with ruling, and it is possible his role was instead connected to personal luck.[4] It is also possible that, similar to Ninshubur, he was envisioned as capable of mediating with higher ranked gods on behalf of humans under his protection.[4] One document states that he helped kings with building temples in Girsu.[3] He is mentioned in inscriptions in association with rulers such as Entemena and Eannatum.[5]
Shut-utul is mostly attested in association with temples of other deities.[6] Seven foundation figurines from the Ibgal temple, which dedicated to Inanna,[6] are assumed to be depictions of Shul-utul.[7] He was also worshiped in Emah (Sumerian: "exalted house"[8]), a shrine of Nanshe located in Girsu.[9]
The only certain attestation of Shul-utul from the Ur III period is the personal name Ur-Shul-utul.[7] None are known from later periods.[7]
- ^ "Sumerian Dictionary". oracc.iaas.upenn.edu.
- ^ a b Kobayashi 1989, p. 23.
- ^ a b Selz 1995, p. 279.
- ^ a b Kobayashi 1989, p. 24.
- ^ Selz 1995, pp. 279–280.
- ^ a b Selz 1995, p. 280).
- ^ a b c Michalowski 2013, p. 289.
- ^ George 1993, p. 119.
- ^ George 1993, p. 120.