Tashmetum

ancient goddess

Also known as: Tashmit

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July 14, 2026

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Tashmetum was an ancient Mesopotamian goddess, primarily associated with Nabu, the god of writing and vegetation. Her Akkadian name translates to "Lady of Hearing and Favour," indicating her role as a listener and bestower of grace. She was considered the queen of Borsippa and the stepdaughter of Marduk, the chief god of Babylon. Tashmetum was rarely invoked independently of Nabu, whose name means "speaking," highlighting their complementary roles: Nabu spoke, and Tashmetum listened. While Nabu was a prominent deity in both Babylonia and Assyria, Tashmetum's worship was closely tied to his.1

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2 Britannica Sources

Ashur
Nabu

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Nabu
…Assyrian Nissaba; and the Akkadian Tashmetum, queen of Borsippa, stepdaughter of Marduk, and, as her abstract Akkadian name indicates, Lady of Hearing and of Favour. She was rarely invoked apart from her husband, Nabu, whose name means “speaking.” Thus, while Nabu speaks, Tashmetum listens.
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…Assyrian Nissaba; and the Akkadian Tashmetum, queen of Borsippa, stepdaughter of Marduk, and, as her abstract Akkadian name indicates, Lady of Hearing and of Favour. She was rarely invoked apart from her husband, Nabu, whose name means “speaking.” Thus, while Nabu speaks, Tashmetum listens.
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Calah
…of writing, and his consort Tashmetum (Tashmit). The temple library and an annex contained many religious and magical texts and several “treaties,” including the last will and testament of Esarhaddon (reigned 680–669). In the outer town the most-important building is Fort Shalmaneser, an arsenal that occupied at least 12 acres.…
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…of writing, and his consort Tashmetum (Tashmit). The temple library and an annex contained many religious and magical texts and several “treaties,” including the last will and testament of Esarhaddon (reigned 680–669). In the outer town the most-important building is Fort Shalmaneser, an arsenal that occupied at least 12 acres.…
Read More