Why was Telipinu a central figure in Hittite myths?

In the context of Anatolian religion, Telipinu was a central figure in Hittite mythology primarily because he was a key protagonist in a well-attested type of myth concerning the disappearance of a deity.12

These myths describe how Telipinu, the son of the weather god, would withdraw in anger, causing a blight to fall upon the Earth and paralyzing nature with a state of "Torpor". Because he was essential to the life and vigor of the world, his absence necessitated a divine search conducted by other major deities, including the sun god, the weather god, and the mother goddess Hannahanna. The myths typically conclude with the god being found—often by a bee sent by Hannahanna—and returning to restore fertility and life to the land.12

It is important to distinguish this mythological deity from the historical King Telipinus, who reigned during the 16th century BCE and is known for his political reforms and the Edict of Telipinus, rather than for the divine attributes described in Hittite religious texts.34