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| − | [[File:Fishgods.png|400px|right]]It is within the body of work, "''The Historia Illius Itineris'' [https://www.historilliusitineris.com]" that Austin predominantly emphasises learning about the Fish Gods for the Metaphors of Movement work. The concept of fish gods or divine beings associated with fish is found in various cultures and religious beliefs throughout history. In ancient Egyptian religion, for example, the goddess Hatmehit was worshipped as the goddess of fishing and fish. Similarly, the ancient Greek god Poseidon was also associated with fish and the sea. In Hinduism, Matsya, the fish avatar of Lord Vishnu, is revered as the saviour of mankind. | + | [[File:Fishgods.png|400px|right]] |
| | + | Fish, fish-shaped beings and deities associated with water occur in different religious traditions. These categories overlap, but they are not identical. A sea god need not be a fish god, and the use of a fish as a symbol does not establish that one religion inherited the worship of another deity. |
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| − | In some Native American cultures, the fish was seen as a symbol of abundance and fertility, and was worshipped as a giver of life and sustenance. Some indigenous cultures in Africa also held a belief in fish gods, often associated with the Nile River and its abundant fish population.
| + | Andrew T. Austin discusses these themes in [https://www.historiailliusitineris.com ''The Historia Illius Itineris'']. The examples below provide historical reference points for comparing images while keeping the traditions distinct. |
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| − | It is worth noting that the idea of fish gods and the symbolism associated with fish can vary widely depending on the culture and historical context.
| + | == Hatmehyt == |
| | + | The Egyptian goddess Hatmehyt is associated with Mendes in the Nile Delta. A fish appears on her crown and down her back in surviving representations. This differs from describing her as a mermaid. The Metropolitan Museum's record of a fish on a standard explains its local association with the goddess. [https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/552438 Met collection record 89.2.610.] |
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| − | Here is a list of some of the fish gods and goddesses from different cultures and traditions:
| + | == Matsya == |
| − | | + | [[File:Matsya_avatar.jpg|400px|right]] |
| − | #'''Hatmehit''' - Ancient Egyptian goddess of fishing and fish
| + | Matsya is Vishnu's fish avatar. Representations can combine a human upper body with a fish form. The image belongs to Hindu accounts of divine manifestation and should not be assimilated to every other water deity simply because a fish appears. [https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/78267 Met collection: ''Matsya Avatara (Vishnu's Fish Avatar)''.] |
| − | #'''Poseidon''' - Ancient Greek god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses
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| − | #'''Matsya''' - Hindu avatar of Lord Vishnu, known as the fish saviour
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| − | #'''Oannes''' - Babylonian god of wisdom and the arts, depicted as a half-man half-fish being
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| − | #'''Dagon''' - Philistine god of agriculture and fertility, also associated with fish and the sea
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| − | #'''Atargatis''' - Syrian goddess of fertility, also associated with fish and the sea
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| − | #'''Nüwa''' - Chinese goddess of creation and fertility, sometimes depicted holding a fish
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| − | #'''Xochiquetzal''' - Aztec goddess of fertility, beauty, and sexual pleasure, often depicted with a fish symbol
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| − | #'''Kujata''' - Islamic mythological being, described as a giant bull with a fish tail
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| − | #'''Ryugu no kami''' - Japanese god of the sea, often associated with turtles and fish
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| − | == In Christianity == | |
| − | [[File:Jesus-fish.png|200px|right]]The worship of fish gods is a phenomenon that dates back to ancient times, when civilizations across the world revered fish as a symbol of fertility, abundance, and divinity. The practice continued through various religions, including Christianity, which adopted several fish-related symbols and motifs into its iconography and traditions. | |
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| − | One of the most recognizable symbols of Christianity is the fish, which has been used as a symbol of the faith since its early days. According to legend, during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians, believers used the fish symbol as a secret sign to identify themselves to each other. The symbol was derived from the Greek word "Ichthus," which means "fish" and was an acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior."
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| − | The fish also has a more spiritual significance in Christianity. It is said that Jesus performed several miracles involving fish, including feeding the multitudes with just a few loaves and fishes. As a result, fish became a symbol of abundance and divine providence.
| + | == Oannes and the apkallu == |
| | + | Oannes belongs to the tradition of Mesopotamian sages. A fish-cloaked figure is not necessarily a god depicted with a fish body: the cloak is itself part of the representation. Stephanie Dalley's study of the ''apkallu'' relates the fish-cloaked type to Berossos's description of Oannes. [https://www.religionswissenschaft.uzh.ch/idd/prepublications/e_idd_apkallu.pdf Dalley, "Apkallu", ''Iconography of Deities and Demons in the Ancient Near East''.] |
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| − | Furthermore, the fish was also associated with baptism in early Christianity. The act of baptism involved immersing oneself in water, much like a fish swimming in the sea. Thus, the fish became a symbol of rebirth and renewal through baptism.
| + | Surviving objects provide a firmer basis for discussing the image than an unsourced claim about a particular temple or ritual. [https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_-90999 British Museum, fish-cloaked apkallu figurine.] |
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| − | The Christian symbolism of fish can also be seen in the use of the "Ichthys" symbol in Christian art and architecture. The symbol appears in mosaics, frescoes, and other religious artwork, often surrounded by other symbols of the faith such as the cross or the dove.
| + | == Dagan and Dagon == |
| | + | [[File:Dagon.png|200px|right]] |
| | + | Dagan, also called Dagon in biblical contexts, should not simply be identified as a fish god. The academic ''Ancient Mesopotamian Gods and Goddesses'' project describes the fish interpretation as erroneous. His precise functions and the derivation of his name require more caution than a simple fish or grain etymology allows. [https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/amgg/listofdeities/dagan/index.html AMGG, "Dagan".] |
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| − | == Hatmehit ==
| + | The accompanying illustration can be read as a later imaginative representation; it is not evidence that ancient worshippers represented the deity in that form. |
| − | Hatmehit was an ancient Egyptian goddess associated with the Nile delta and fish. She was considered a fertility goddess and was worshipped as the consort of the god Horus, who was the god of the sky and protector of the Pharaoh.
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| − | In Egyptian mythology, Hatmehit was depicted as a woman with a fish tail or as a mermaid. The fish symbolized her connection to the Nile delta and the fertility that the river brought to the land. The delta was considered the birthplace of Horus and was a rich and fertile region that was vital to the ancient Egyptian economy.
| + | == Atargatis and Derceto == |
| − | | + | [[File:Atargatis.png|400px|right]] |
| − | Hatmehit was considered a nurturing and life-giving goddess, and her worship was particularly important in the delta region. She was associated with the flooding of the Nile, which was crucial for the success of the crops and the abundance of the land. As a result, she was worshipped as a fertility goddess and was seen as the mother of the land and the people.
| + | Ancient accounts associate the Syrian goddess with sacred fish and water. However, the forms and places must be distinguished. ''On the Syrian Goddess'', attributed to Lucian, contrasts a partly fish-shaped Derceto with the fully human female image at Hierapolis. This makes a single universal "mermaid goddess" description misleading. [https://sacred-texts.com/cla/luc/tsg/tsg07.htm ''The Syrian Goddess'', sections 14 and 31, translation by H. A. Strong, with notes by John Garstang (1913).] |
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| − | In addition to her role as a fertility goddess, Hatmehit was also considered a protective goddess. She was associated with the goddesses Tawaret, who was the goddess of childbirth, and Nekhbet, who was the goddess of motherhood. Together, these goddesses were considered to protect women during pregnancy and childbirth and were revered for their ability to bring new life into the world.
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| − | Despite being a well-known goddess in ancient Egypt, the worship of Hatmehit declined over time and she is not as well-known today as some of the other major Egyptian deities. Nevertheless, she remains an important part of ancient Egyptian religious and cultural history and continues to be studied by scholars and researchers.
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| | == Poseidon == | | == Poseidon == |
| − | Poseidon was the ancient Greek god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. He was one of the twelve Olympian gods and was considered one of the most powerful deities in Greek mythology. Poseidon was the brother of Zeus and Hades and was known for his tempestuous temper and unpredictable nature. | + | Poseidon is a Greek god associated with the sea, rather than a deity normally represented as a fish. In ''Odyssey'' 9, Odysseus and his companions blind the Cyclops Polyphemus, who calls on his father Poseidon to punish Odysseus. The direction of the injury matters to the subsequent voyage. [https://classics.mit.edu/Homer/odyssey.9.ix.html Homer, ''Odyssey'', book 9, Samuel Butler translation.] |
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| − | In Greek mythology, Poseidon was born to the Titans Cronus and Rhea and was imprisoned in Tartarus along with his brothers and sisters after Cronus overthrew his father, Uranus. After the Titans were defeated by the Olympians, Poseidon was given control over the sea and was considered the god of all things maritime, including earthquakes and horses.
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| − | Poseidon was often depicted as a powerful figure, with a trident in his hand, symbolizing his control over the sea and its powerful forces. He was also associated with horses and was believed to have created the first horse by striking the ground with his trident. In addition to his role as the god of the sea, Poseidon was also considered the god of earthquakes, and his anger was often blamed for causing earthquakes and other natural disasters.
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| − | Poseidon was worshipped throughout the ancient Greek world, and his cult was particularly strong in coastal cities, where fishermen and sailors sought his protection and guidance. He was also associated with the creation of many of the Aegean Islands, and several cities, including Athens, claimed to have been founded by him.
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| − | In addition to his role as a god, Poseidon also played a significant role in Greek mythology as a central figure in many stories and legends. For example, he was known for his love affair with the sea nymph Amphitrite and was said to have competed with Athena and Zeus for control of the city of Athens. He was also associated with the story of the giant Polyphemus, who blinded Odysseus and his crew, and was eventually defeated by the cunning hero.
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| − | == Matsya ==
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| − | [[File:Matsya_avatar.jpg|400px|right]]Matsya is a Hindu god and avatar of Lord Vishnu, one of the primary deities in Hinduism. Matsya is considered to be the first avatar of Lord Vishnu and is depicted as a half-man, half-fish figure. Matsya is revered in Hindu mythology for his role in saving the world from a great flood and for preserving the knowledge and civilization of ancient times.
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| − | The story of Matsya is told in the Hindu epic the Matsya Purana, which is one of the eighteen major Puranas in Hinduism. In this story, the world was in great peril as a huge deluge threatened to destroy all life. Lord Vishnu appeared as the avatar Matsya to save the world and the knowledge and civilization of ancient times.
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| − | Matsya is depicted as a large, magnificent fish with a human face and arms. He is often depicted holding a conch shell and a discus, two of the most important symbols of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Matsya saved the world by pulling the boat of Manu, the first man, who carried all the knowledge and civilizations of the time. In this way, Matsya is seen as the preserver of the knowledge and civilization of ancient times.
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| − | Matsya is considered one of the most important avatars of Lord Vishnu and is revered as a symbol of hope and salvation. The story of Matsya is considered a allegory for the cyclical nature of creation and destruction in Hinduism and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving knowledge and culture for future generations.
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| − | In addition to his role as an avatar of Lord Vishnu, Matsya is also worshipped as a deity in his own right. He is revered as the god of the aquatic world and is considered the protector of all aquatic creatures. Fishermen and sailors often seek his protection and offer him prayers and offerings.
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| − | == Oannes ==
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| − | Oannes was a Babylonian god associated with wisdom, the arts, and the sea. He is depicted as a half-man, half-fish being and is considered to be one of the first examples of a mermaid or merfolk-like figure in human history. The exact origins of Oannes are not well documented, but it is believed that he was worshiped in the ancient city of Babylon, along the banks of the Euphrates River.
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| − | Oannes is mentioned in several ancient texts, most notably by the Babylonian priest and historian Berossus. According to Berossus, Oannes was the first being to emerge from the sea and teach humanity various arts and sciences, including writing, agriculture, and mathematics. He is described as being a wise and knowledgeable being who was kind and benevolent to humans.
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| − | It is believed that Oannes may have been a personification of the wisdom and knowledge that was associated with the sea. In ancient times, the sea was often seen as a symbol of mystery and the unknown, and it was believed that those who could navigate and understand its ways were endowed with great wisdom. Oannes may have been a way of expressing this idea and giving it a divine form.
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| − | In art, Oannes was often depicted as a fish-tailed being with the head and body of a man. This depiction was likely influenced by the ancient Sumerian god Enki, who was also associated with the sea and wisdom. The fishtail symbolized Oannes' connection to the sea and his ability to bring knowledge and wisdom to humanity.
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| − | Despite being a prominent deity in ancient Babylon, the worship of Oannes declined over time, as the city and its culture evolved and changed. Today, Oannes is remembered as an important part of religious and cultural history and continues to be studied by scholars and researchers.
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| − | == Dagon ==
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| − | [[File:Dagon.png|200px|right]]Dagon was a Philistine deity, worshiped as the god of agriculture and fertility, as well as being associated with the sea. He is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Judges, where he is described as the god of the Philistines.
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| − | The exact origins of the worship of Dagon are not known, but it is believed that he may have originated from the ancient Near East, where the worship of a similar deity was common. The name "Dagon" is thought to have come from the Akkadian word "dagan," which means "grain." This suggests that Dagon was originally a fertility deity, associated with the harvest and the prosperity of crops.
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| − | Over time, Dagon became associated with the sea and was worshiped as a maritime deity. This is likely due to the Philistines' location on the coast of the eastern Mediterranean and their dependence on the sea for trade and commerce. The worship of Dagon spread throughout the Philistine cities and became a prominent part of their religious beliefs.
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| − | Dagon was often depicted as having a human upper body and the tail of a fish. This depiction may have been influenced by other Near Eastern deities, such as Oannes, who was also depicted as a half-man, half-fish being. The fishtail symbolized the deity's connection to the sea and his ability to bring abundance and prosperity to those who worshipped him.
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| − | In the Hebrew Bible, Dagon is mentioned in several passages, most notably in the story of the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines. According to the biblical account, after the Philistines captured the Ark, they placed it in the temple of Dagon in Ashdod. The following morning, they found that the statue of Dagon had fallen to the ground, with its head and hands broken off. This was seen as a sign of the power of the God of the Israelites and was interpreted as a rejection of Dagon by the deity.
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| − | Despite this setback, the worship of Dagon continued among the Philistines, and he remained a prominent deity in their religion for many centuries. The exact date and circumstances of the end of Dagon worship are not known, but it is believed to have declined with the decline of the Philistine culture.
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| − | == Atargatis ==
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| − | [[File:Atargatis.png|400px|right]]Atargatis was a major goddess in the ancient Near East and was worshipped in the kingdoms of Syria and Assyria. She was associated with fertility, motherhood, and the protection of the land and its people. Atargatis was also considered a goddess of the sea and was revered for her power over the waters.
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| − | In ancient Syrian religion, Atargatis was the supreme deity and was worshipped as the mother of all life. She was associated with the Great Mother, a symbol of the earth and its fertility. Atargatis was also considered a fertility goddess and was associated with the growth and abundance of crops and livestock. Her cult was particularly important in the cities of Hierapolis (modern-day Syria) and Ascalon (modern-day Israel), where she was worshipped as the protector of the land and its people.
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| − | Atargatis was depicted as a mermaid or as a woman with a fishtail, symbolizing her connection to the sea. She was often depicted with a lion or a sphinx, both of which were symbols of strength and protection. In her role as a sea goddess, Atargatis was believed to have control over the waves and storms, and she was revered as the protector of sailors and fishermen.
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| − | In addition to her role as a fertility and sea goddess, Atargatis was also associated with the afterlife. She was considered a goddess of the underworld and was believed to have the power to grant life after death. Her cult was associated with death and resurrection and was believed to have provided a path to eternal life for the souls of the dead.
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| − | Despite the popularity of her cult, Atargatis was also a controversial figure in ancient times. Her association with the sea and the underworld led some to view her as a goddess of evil and chaos. Nevertheless, her cult continued to thrive, and she was revered as one of the most important deities in the ancient Near East.
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| − | == Further Reading ==
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| − | ::'''1. Fish Gods and the Origins of Religion: A Scholarly Article''': [[https://www.jstor.org/stable/27800967]] - This article, available through JSTOR, offers an in-depth exploration of the role of fish gods in the development of early religious beliefs, examining the significance of fish symbolism and mythology in various ancient cultures.
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| − | ::'''2. Dagon: The Ancient Fish God of Mesopotamia and the Levant''': [[https://www.ancient.eu/article/927/dagon---the-ancient-fish-god/]] - This article from Ancient Encyclopedia provides a detailed overview of Dagon, a fish god worshipped in ancient Mesopotamia and the Levant, discussing his origins, mythology, and cultural significance.
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| − | ::'''3. Oannes: The Babylonian Fish God''': [[https://www.worldhistory.org/article/929/oannes/]] - This article from World History Encyclopedia explores the mythology and cult of Oannes, the Babylonian fish god, providing insights into his role in the development of Babylonian civilisation and his influence on later religious traditions.
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| − | ::'''4. Fish Deities in Mesoamerican Religion and Mythology''': [[https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/658090]] - This scholarly article, available on JSTOR, examines the role of fish deities in Mesoamerican religion and mythology, exploring the significance of aquatic symbolism in the religious beliefs and practices of various pre-Columbian cultures.
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| − | ::'''5. The Cult of the Fish: Symbolism and Ritual in Ancient Civilisations''': [[https://www.academia.edu/28000088/The_Cult_of_the_Fish_Symbolism_and_Ritual_in_Ancient_Civilizations]] - This academic paper, available on Academia.edu, delves into the cult of the fish in ancient civilisations, examining the symbolism and rituals associated with fish gods and their importance in the development of early religious beliefs.
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| − | ::'''6. The Fish God in Indian Mythology: Matsya, the First Avatar of Vishnu''': [[https://www.dollsofindia.com/library/matsya-avatar/]] - This article from Dolls of India discusses the mythology of Matsya, the fish incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, and explores the significance of fish symbolism in Indian religious traditions and art.
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| − | ::'''7. The Fish in Celtic Mythology and Folklore''': [[https://www.transceltic.com/blog/fish-celtic-mythology-and-folklore]] - This blog post from Transceltic provides an overview of the role of fish in Celtic mythology and folklore, discussing various aquatic deities and creatures from the Celtic pantheon and their influence on the cultural imagination. | + | == Christian fish symbolism == |
| | + | [[File:Jesus-fish.png|200px|right]] |
| | + | Early Christian fish imagery has its own textual explanations. In ''On Baptism'', chapter 1, Tertullian compares Christians to fish in relation to water and Christ. The Greek word for fish, ''ichthys'', is also explained through the initial letters of a phrase naming Jesus Christ, God's Son and Saviour. [https://ccel.org/ccel/tertullian/baptism/anf03.vi.iii.i.html Tertullian, ''On Baptism'', chapter 1 and the translation's note.] |
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| − | ::'''8. Fish Gods and Goddesses: A Pantheon of Aquatic Deities''': [[https://www.learnreligions.com/fish-gods-and-goddesses-2562063]] - This article from Learn Religions offers a comprehensive list of fish gods and goddesses from various mythological traditions around the world, providing a valuable resource for those interested in the study of aquatic deities and their cultural significance.
| + | This is evidence for a Christian use of the image. It does not demonstrate a continuous practice of worshipping earlier fish deities. |
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| | == Related pages == | | == Related pages == |
| − | * [[Aquatic Gods]]
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| | * [[Swallowed by a Fish/Whale]] | | * [[Swallowed by a Fish/Whale]] |
| | + | * [[Oceans]] |
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| | == Browse the library == | | == Browse the library == |
Fish, fish-shaped beings and deities associated with water occur in different religious traditions. These categories overlap, but they are not identical. A sea god need not be a fish god, and the use of a fish as a symbol does not establish that one religion inherited the worship of another deity.
Andrew T. Austin discusses these themes in The Historia Illius Itineris. The examples below provide historical reference points for comparing images while keeping the traditions distinct.
Hatmehyt
The Egyptian goddess Hatmehyt is associated with Mendes in the Nile Delta. A fish appears on her crown and down her back in surviving representations. This differs from describing her as a mermaid. The Metropolitan Museum's record of a fish on a standard explains its local association with the goddess. Met collection record 89.2.610.
Matsya
Matsya is Vishnu's fish avatar. Representations can combine a human upper body with a fish form. The image belongs to Hindu accounts of divine manifestation and should not be assimilated to every other water deity simply because a fish appears. Met collection: Matsya Avatara (Vishnu's Fish Avatar).
Oannes and the apkallu
Oannes belongs to the tradition of Mesopotamian sages. A fish-cloaked figure is not necessarily a god depicted with a fish body: the cloak is itself part of the representation. Stephanie Dalley's study of the apkallu relates the fish-cloaked type to Berossos's description of Oannes. Dalley, "Apkallu", Iconography of Deities and Demons in the Ancient Near East.
Surviving objects provide a firmer basis for discussing the image than an unsourced claim about a particular temple or ritual. British Museum, fish-cloaked apkallu figurine.
Dagan and Dagon
Dagan, also called Dagon in biblical contexts, should not simply be identified as a fish god. The academic Ancient Mesopotamian Gods and Goddesses project describes the fish interpretation as erroneous. His precise functions and the derivation of his name require more caution than a simple fish or grain etymology allows. AMGG, "Dagan".
The accompanying illustration can be read as a later imaginative representation; it is not evidence that ancient worshippers represented the deity in that form.
Atargatis and Derceto
Ancient accounts associate the Syrian goddess with sacred fish and water. However, the forms and places must be distinguished. On the Syrian Goddess, attributed to Lucian, contrasts a partly fish-shaped Derceto with the fully human female image at Hierapolis. This makes a single universal "mermaid goddess" description misleading. The Syrian Goddess, sections 14 and 31, translation by H. A. Strong, with notes by John Garstang (1913).
Poseidon
Poseidon is a Greek god associated with the sea, rather than a deity normally represented as a fish. In Odyssey 9, Odysseus and his companions blind the Cyclops Polyphemus, who calls on his father Poseidon to punish Odysseus. The direction of the injury matters to the subsequent voyage. Homer, Odyssey, book 9, Samuel Butler translation.
Christian fish symbolism
Early Christian fish imagery has its own textual explanations. In On Baptism, chapter 1, Tertullian compares Christians to fish in relation to water and Christ. The Greek word for fish, ichthys, is also explained through the initial letters of a phrase naming Jesus Christ, God's Son and Saviour. Tertullian, On Baptism, chapter 1 and the translation's note.
This is evidence for a Christian use of the image. It does not demonstrate a continuous practice of worshipping earlier fish deities.
Related pages
Browse the library
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