Who is the goddess dragon?

Answered by John Hunt

The goddess dragon referred to in the question is Tiamat. Tiamat is a prominent figure in Mesopotamian mythology, specifically in the Enuma Elish, which is the Babylonian creation myth. She is often depicted as a primordial goddess, associated with the chaos of the primeval waters.

In the Tiamat mythos, there are two distinct parts to her story. In the first part, Tiamat is depicted as a creator goddess, involved in a sacred marriage between different waters. This union gives rise to successive generations, leading to the peaceful creation of the cosmos. Tiamat is seen as a nurturing and life-giving force in this aspect of the myth.

However, in the second part of the myth, Tiamat’s role changes drastically. She becomes a monstrous and destructive force, representing chaos and disorder. Tiamat’s children, including Kingu, Lahamu, and Lahmu, rebel against the younger gods and align themselves with her. Tiamat herself takes on the form of a fearsome dragon, with multiple heads and a powerful presence.

The younger gods, led by Marduk, rise up against Tiamat and her allies in an epic battle. Marduk ultimately defeats Tiamat by piercing her with his spear and splitting her into two halves, which become the heavens and the earth. From her body, Marduk creates the world as we know it.

Tiamat’s transformation from a peaceful creator goddess to a fierce dragon symbolizes the shift from order to chaos. She becomes a representation of the forces that must be conquered in order for civilization to thrive. This mythic battle between Marduk and Tiamat is seen as a metaphor for the struggle between order and chaos, and the triumph of the younger generation over the old.

It is worth noting that Tiamat’s story has been interpreted and reimagined in various ways throughout history. Different cultures and individuals may have different perspectives on her character and significance. Nonetheless, her role as a powerful goddess dragon in Mesopotamian mythology remains a significant aspect of her identity.