Solar and Chthonic Deities in Ancient Anatolia: The Evolution of the Chthonic Solar Deity in Hittite Religion

The “Sun-goddess of the earth” and less clearly defined category “chthonic solar deities” Hittite religion have been objects various studies in recent years. This paper aims to examine significance these categories deities within festival texts. Although Sun-goddess earth achieves some prominence local cult contexts, such as at Zippalanda Nerik, she otherwise remains a marginal deity. contrasts with her general magical rituals. chthonic represent tangible deity type that is associated death netherworld, but also does not attain overarching state pantheon. Finally, addresses question, what cultural milieu can we trace beginnings earth? Efforts identify origins Hattian north-central Anatolia will be critiqued, favoring Luwian instead most likely from which tradition emerged, later flourished traditions especially became widespread society Late Bronze Age Anatolia.