How did Hittites explain sickness and misfortune when demons were not blamed?

When Hittites experienced sickness or misfortune, they often attributed these events to divine displeasure rather than demons. The relationship between humans and gods was viewed as that of a servant to a master, where the gods provided for human well-being but expected service in return.1

If a person suffered, it was often interpreted as a consequence of an offense committed against a deity. To address this, the Hittites utilized divination to identify the specific cause of the god's anger. Experts such as the "bird-watcher," the seer, and the "old woman" employed methods like augury and haruspicy to determine the nature of the offense.2

Once the cause was identified, the individual sought to appease the deity through confession and expiation. By acknowledging their guilt, the worshiper hoped to satisfy the master’s spirit, thereby resolving the misfortune and restoring their well-being.1