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Sebitti

The Sebitti or Sebittu are a group of seven minor war gods in Neo-Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian and especially Assyrian tradition. They also appear in sources from Emar. Multiple different interpretations of the term occur in Mesopotamian literature.

The word Sebitti and its multiple variations are typically translated with a meaning along the lines of "the seven", "group of seven" or "the seven of them". They are always presented as masculine deities, and are kin in one way or another (either brothers or half brothers). Their most prominent characteristic across all versions, is their warlike nature.

Assyriologist Frans Wiggermann enumerates the following known identities of this group:

The Sebitti can be anthropomorphic representation, of the Pleiades or another stellar or atmospheric phenomenon.

The Sebitti can appear as sons of Enmešarra, a poorly known antagonistic figure known from some myths about Enlil, Ninurta and Marduk. Some texts refer to the group as "the great gods", a name they share with the seven sons whom they can be identified with.

In one, very late (Seleucid or Parthian period has been proposed), myth they are portrayed as enemies of the gods and sons of Enmešarra, who seemingly desired to obtain Marduk' power and position. The narrative presents their defeat, and death at the hands of Nergal and Marduk, portrayed as allies.

Groups of foreign gods, such as the "divine seven of Elam" from the list An-Anum associated with the goddess Narunde (identified as their sister) and the obscure god Zamahhunde (identified as "their jester")

As minor gods in the state pantheon of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, the Sebitti were called upon all there to assist kings in their conquests, and "smite his enemies", their sigils would appear on chariots along with those of other astral beings.

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