The Decline of the Role of the Mother Goddess in Mesopotamia in Light of Literary Texts (Myths and Epics)

Abstract

The worship of the Mother Goddess arose from the resurgence of women's role in the Neolithic period following their discovery of agriculture, which led to positive societal changes. Humans transformed this power into a divine force embodied in the form of the Mother Goddess, thus making the female the first to ascend the throne of divinity for a period of time. However, her influence began to wane as a result of clashes with these new changes, because Her man partner could be able to reveal his identity in existence (thanks to her, as she was the primary inspiration for all his creations), particularly during the metal period and to after the historical eras. Through cunning and physical strength, men seized her existential maternal authority. This dominance extended beyond the secular realm into the religious sphere, allowing them to claim both thrones. With this dominance, they began to control the written word, thus clearing the field for themselves and their opinions. Despite this male encroachment, the Mother Goddess retained her position, albeit in a diminished form compared to her previous status.