Hittite religion

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June 29, 2026

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Hittite religion was a complex polytheistic system that incorporated deities from various peoples inhabiting ancient Anatolia, including the Hittites, Hattians, and Hurrians. The Hittites themselves spoke an Indo-European language, but the Hattian language, likely spoken by the earliest inhabitants of the region, became extinct by the time of the Hittite New Empire.123

The Hittite pantheon was vast, with many deities having distinct names and roles in different cities. However, the most prominent deity was the weather god, often referred to as the "weather god of Hatti," who was associated with kingship and victory. The great goddess of Arinna, known as Arinnitti, was the patroness of the state and considered the sun goddess, though she may have had chthonic origins. Other significant deities included a male sun god (Istanu), a moon god (Arma), a god of hunting (Kurunda), and a goddess of love and war (disguised under the logogram of Ishtar).2

The relationship between humans and gods was akin to that of a servant and master. Gods were believed to live their own lives and required service, food, clothing, and entertainment from their worshipers, who depended on the gods for well-being. Rituals, including prayers and magic, were used to appease gods who had withdrawn their favor. The state cult was well-documented, with the king and queen playing central roles in numerous festivals, which often involved libations and cultic meals. The Hittite state placed important matters, such as royal decrees and treaties, under the protection of national deities.14

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