ORIGIN Mesopotamian (Babylonian-Akkadian).
Weather god.
KNOWN PERIOD OF WORSHIP circa 1900 BC or earlier to circa 200 BC.
SYNONYMS Ramman (thunder); IS ˇKUR (Sumerian).
CENTER(S) OF CULT Karakara and at Aleppo and Mari [Syria].
ART REFERENCES reliefs, stelae, glyptics, etc.
LITERARY SOURCES cuneiform texts including Atrahasis, inscriptions.
Adad is derived from the older (Sumerian) model of Isˇkur. At Mari [Syria] he enjoyed a major cult following. Occasionally the subject of a sacred marriage ceremony in parts of Mesopotamia and Syria. His father is the supreme sky god ANU. He is described as a benevolent giver of life in the fields but is also a more violent storm god. His name in Akkadian cuneiform means “wind.” His animal is the bull.
In human form he is depicted wearing horned headdress and tiered skirt or robe decorated with astral symbolism. He may carry a scimitar embellished with a single panther head and his symbol is the lightning fork often fixed upon a pair of pincers.
See also HADAD [Syrian].
Witch's Well 