Facts about Gugalanna in Mesopotamian Myth
- 06
A drought and famine afflicted the land for seven years as a consequence of Gugalanna's rampage on earth before the bull was defeated.
- 05
Slaying Gugalanna was considered a grave offense against the gods, as the bull was a divine creature sent directly by Anu.
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After Gugalanna is slain by Gilgamesh and Enkidu, Inanna mourns his death while Enkidu defiantly throws the bull's hindquarter at her.
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Gugalanna's name translates to 'Great Bull of Heaven' in Sumerian, reflecting his association with celestial power and the constellation Taurus.
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In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gugalanna is sent down to earth by the sky god Anu at the request of Inanna to punish Gilgamesh for rejecting her.
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The Bull of Heaven, Gugalanna, was the husband of Ereshkigal, queen of the underworld, in ancient Mesopotamian mythology.