Mylitta, also known as the goddess of fertility and sexuality was one of the most important deities in Mesopotamia. She was said to be a divine witness for all sacred marriages.
The goddess Mylitta is first mentioned in the Sumerian sources, but she has her roots in earlier times. The Goddess may have been worshipped by other names and roles before she was given her current title. Mylitta’s name means “god-given” o “The one who comes from the heart”.
Mylitta is usually depicted as a woman wearing a horned cap, earrings and jewels around her neck. She appears to have been very beautiful with big thighs. The latter is an indication that she was associated with fertility. Mylitta was also called ‘the bride’ because of her sexual role in marriage ceremonies…
When Ancient Mesopotamian men got married they would offer their new wives to Mylitta so that she could bless them with children soon after the wedding ceremony happened.
Mylitta wore different clothes depending on where she was worshipped or if she was meant to be seen by all people of any rank. Her headdress signified divinity.
Mylitta was worshipped alongside her husband My!es, who represented fertility and new life. He was also the patron god of cattle, sheep and goats.
Despite her importance in Ancient Mesopotamia, Mylitta’s cult seems to have spread over all Mesopotamia. She may even have been known of by other cultures of Asia minor, though she is never mentioned there by name…
She appears with slight variations in many texts belonging to the Assyrian King Assurbanipal (7th century BC), usually together with M!y!. Only on one tablet do they appear separately. On this tablet she stands atop a lion while wreathing herself with lotus flowers. Two pairs of wings are placed on either side of her head.
She was related to sexual pleasure, fertility, marriage and gave birth to the gods. Mylitta was not only worshipped by men but also women (courtesans) who were known as ‘the wives of Mylitta’…
Just like many other Mesopotamian deities she received several epithets. Her most common ones are “The Holy one from Uruk”, “The Bride” and “Mistress of All the Gods”. The latter might indicate that she was thought to be omnipotent like many other Mesopotamian goddesses…
Mylitta’s cult is last mentioned during the Seleucid period (323-64 BC), but her worship was still popular amongst the people of Mesopotamia for centuries to come.
The goddess Mylitta seems to have been an archetype rather than a deity that was worshipped by specific communities only. Her importance in Ancient Mesopotamian religion cannot be overestimated…
It's a good thing to know about all those gods and goddesses. Most of the memories fade away quickly. They only existed exists in the minds of those who worship them.