Place of Origin: Mesopotamia and the Levant
Origin Date: c. 2500 BCE
Domain: Storms, rain, thunder, and lightning
Symbols: Thunderbolt, Bull, Club
Attributes: Control over storms and rain, Fertility and agriculture
Epithets: Baal (Lord), Ramman (Thunderer)
Equivalents: Sumerian: Iškur, Akkadian: Adad
Religion: Proto-Semitic religion
Sacred Texts: Akkadian texts, Sumerian texts
Iconography: Depicted as a powerful, bearded man holding a club or thunderbolt
Relations: Consort: Shala (grain goddess), Parents: Sin and Ningal (or Dagon)
Description
Hadad was a significant deity in Proto-Semitic religion, primarily known as the god of storms and rain. He was worshipped by early Semitic peoples across the ancient Near East, with his influence spanning various cultures and regions.
Hadad was revered as the powerful god of storms and rain, essential for agricultural societies dependent on seasonal rains. He was often depicted as a bearded man holding a thunderbolt or club, symbolizing his control over the elements. Hadad was associated with fertility and the life-giving qualities of rain, as well as the destructive power of storms.
Narratives
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Hadad (as Adad) appears in the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh, where he sends storms and floods upon the earth.
Source: Akkadian texts
The Atrahasis Epic
Hadad (as Adad) is involved in sending the deluge to destroy humanity, as part of the gods' plan to manage the population.
Source: Akkadian texts
Worship Practices
Rituals and Offerings: Devotees performed rituals involving animal sacrifices, food, and drink to honor Hadad and seek his favor for rain and protection from storms.
Prayers and Hymns: Prayers and hymns dedicated to Hadad were recited, asking for his blessings and protection.
Temples and Shrines: Temples dedicated to Hadad were common, serving as centers for worship and community gatherings.