In Mandaeism, Shamish or Šamiš (Classical Mandaic: ࡔࡀࡌࡉࡔ) is the Mandaic name for the Sun.[1] Shamish is one of the seven classical planets (Classical Mandaic: ࡔࡅࡁࡀ, romanized: šuba, lit. 'The Seven'), who are part of the entourage of Ruha in the World of Darkness.[2][3]
| Shamish | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Seven Planets | |
| Affiliation | Yawar Ziwa, Simat Hayyi, Yurba |
| Abode | World of Darkness |
| Planet | Sun |
| Parents | Ruha and Ur |
| Equivalents | |
| Akkadian | Shamash (Utu) |
Etymology
editShamish's name is derived from š-m-š, the Semitic root for 'sun'. Shamish is also cognate with the Akkadian Šamaš.[4]
Associations and comparisons
editShamish is associated with the uthras Yawar-Ziwa (Dazzling Light) and Simat-Hiia (Treasure of Life). He is also identified with the uthra Yurba, who is described in detail in chapter 52 of the Mandaean Book of John.[5]
In the Right Ginza, the Yazuqaeans (i.e., Zoroastrians) are associated with Shamish, an allusion to Mithra.[6]
According to Iraqi-American poet Lamia Abbas Amara, "[Mandaean] priests have long beards and never cut their hair because they wish to look like Šamiš, the sun. Power resides in hair, like the sun’s rays."[7]: 33
Shamish is also associated with the false deity Adunai (derived from Hebrew Adonai).[4] As a result, Mandaean scriptures contain exhortations for Mandaeans not to worship Shamish.
References
edit- ^ Müller-Kessler, Christa (2018). "Šamaš, Sîn (Sahra, Sira), Delibat (Ištar, al-‘Uzzā), und Kēwān (Kajjamānu) in den frühen mandäischen magischen Texten und bei ihren Nachbarn. Eine Bestandsaufnahme." ISIMU 20/21: 259–295.
- ^ Aldihisi, Sabah (2008). The story of creation in the Mandaean holy book in the Ginza Rba (PhD). University College London.
- ^ Gelbert, Carlos (2011). Ginza Rba. Sydney: Living Water Books. ISBN 9780958034630.
- ^ a b Bhayro, Siam (2020-02-10). Cosmology in Mandaean Texts. Brill. pp. 572–579. doi:10.1163/9789004400566_046. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
- ^ Gelbert, Carlos (2017). The Teachings of the Mandaean John the Baptist. Fairfield, NSW, Australia: Living Water Books. ISBN 9780958034678. OCLC 1000148487.
- ^ Shapira, Dan D.Y. (2004). "Manichaeans (Marmanaiia), Zoroastrians (Iazuqaiia), Jews, Christians and Other Heretics: A Study in the Redaction of Mandaic Texts". Le Muséon. 117 (3–4): 243-280. doi:10.2143/MUS.117.3.516929.
- ^ Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (2002). The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-515385-5. OCLC 65198443.