Arinna

Definition

Arinna is a significant goddess in Hittite mythology, often considered the sun goddess and associated with light, warmth, and fertility. She is viewed as a central figure in the Hittite pantheon, embodying the natural forces that were vital to life and agriculture, thus reflecting the unique features of Hittite religious practices and beliefs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arinna was commonly worshipped at the temple of Arinna, which was one of the most important religious sites in Hatti.
2. The goddess is often depicted alongside other deities in Hittite reliefs and texts, emphasizing her importance in the pantheon.
3. Arinna is believed to have played a crucial role in the agricultural cycle, ensuring fertility for crops through her connection to the sun.
4. The worship of Arinna reflects the Hittite culture's emphasis on nature and its forces, showcasing their dependence on agriculture.
5. Arinna's mythology includes narratives that highlight her protective qualities over cities and people, linking her to both life and sustenance.

Review Questions

• How does Arinna's role as a sun goddess reflect the Hittites' understanding of nature and its influence on their agricultural practices?
  • Arinna's position as a sun goddess highlights how the Hittites perceived natural forces as essential for their agricultural success. Her connection to light and warmth was vital for crop growth, making her a symbol of fertility. This underscores the Hittites' deep reverence for nature, as they recognized that their livelihoods depended on divine powers that governed the environment.
• Compare Arinna's significance within the Hittite pantheon to that of Tarhunt and Kumarbi, focusing on their respective attributes and areas of influence.
  • Arinna stands out in the Hittite pantheon as a goddess associated with fertility and agriculture, while Tarhunt is primarily viewed as a storm god linked to rain and protection. Kumarbi, on the other hand, is tied to creation myths and fertility but focuses more on underworld themes. Together, they represent a balanced cosmic order where Arinna governs life-giving forces, Tarhunt provides necessary storms for crops, and Kumarbi oversees cycles of life and death.
• Evaluate how the worship practices associated with Arinna contribute to our understanding of Hittite civilization's values and societal structure.
  • The worship practices dedicated to Arinna reveal much about Hittite civilization’s values, particularly their strong emphasis on agriculture and community well-being. The rituals held at her temple not only sought her favor for fruitful harvests but also reinforced social cohesion among the people who depended on agriculture. By elevating Arinna within their spiritual hierarchy, the Hittites demonstrated how integral divine favor was to their survival and prosperity, which ultimately reflects their societal reliance on natural resources.

Related terms

Hittite Pantheon: The collection of gods and goddesses worshipped by the Hittites, including major deities like Tarhunt and the Storm God.

Tarhunt: The storm god of the Hittites, often associated with rain and thunderstorms, and considered a protector of the city and its people.

Kumarbi: A deity in Hittite mythology known as the father of gods and associated with the underworld and agricultural fertility.