A Who's Who of World Mythology : Anshar and Kishar


The children of Lahmu and Lahamu, Anshar and Kishar were the second divine couple to rise from the chaos caused by the mingling of Apsu, the primordial sweet water, and Tiamat, the primordial salt water. Anshar (Ansar) means “Host of Heaven,” and Kishar (Kisar) means “Host of Earth.” The god Anshar may have been an early form of Asshur (Assur), a moon and war god and the national deity of Assyria. They were followed by their sons, An or Anu, god of heaven and Ea, god of fresh water and wisdom, and Ki, goddess of the earth and underworld. The also brought forth the Igigi, the spirits of the sky, and the Anunnake, the spirits of the earth and underworld.