Tarḫunna, also known as Tarḫuna or Tarḫuna-i, occupies a pivotal role in Hittite mythology as the supreme weather god. Revered as the “Weather God of Heaven” and the “Lord of the Land of Hatti,” Tarḫunna embodies the natural forces that both sustain and challenge the ancient Hittite civilization.

Below, World History Edu delves into Tarḫunna’s origin story, worship practices, powers, and overall significance within the Hittite belief system.

Tarḫunna, the Hittite weather god, was a deity of immense power and influence, governing the natural elements and playing a pivotal role in legitimizing royal authority. Image: Tarḫunna at left, on top of Namni and Huzzi, with Hebat at right, Yazılıkaya

Origin Story of Tarhunna

The name Tarḫunna is deeply embedded in the linguistic heritage of the Hittite language. It originates from the Hittite verb tarḫu-zi, meaning “to prevail, conquer, be powerful, be able, defeat.” This etymology underscores his dominant and victorious nature. The name further traces back to the Proto-Anatolian Tṛḫu-ent-, translating to “conquering,” and ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root terh₂-, which means “to cross over, pass through, overcome.” This linguistic lineage highlights Tarḫunna’s association with overcoming obstacles and asserting dominance—traits essential for a deity who governs thunder, lightning, and storms.

Norbert Oettinger posits that Tarḫunna’s functions are inherited from the Proto-Indo-European god Perkwunos, a chief storm deity. However, instead of retaining the original name, the Anatolian weather god adopted the epithet Tṛḫu-ent- (“conquering”), which resonated closely with the Hattian Storm-god Taru. This adaptation reflects a blending of indigenous and Indo-European elements, enriching Tarḫunna’s mythological framework.

Tarḫunna’s origin is not confined to the Hittites alone. His name and attributes appear across various Anatolian languages, including Luwian (Tarḫunz), Carian (Trquδ-), Milyan (Trqqñt-), and Lycian (Trqqas or Trqqiz). This widespread presence indicates a shared cultural reverence for a dominant weather deity across the Anatolian region, each culture adapting Tarḫunna’s attributes to their unique religious contexts.

Worship Practices

Tarḫunna was venerated in numerous temples and sanctuaries throughout the Hittite Empire. The most prominent sanctuary dedicated to him was located at Arinna, a central religious hub where the Sun goddess of Arinna was also worshipped. These sanctuaries served as focal points for religious ceremonies, offerings, and festivals aimed at appeasing the weather god and ensuring his favor.

Hittite worship of Tarḫunna involved elaborate rituals and offerings designed to honor his power and secure his benevolence. Priests conducted sacrifices, which included animals and, on rare occasions, valuable goods such as livestock, grains, and crafted items. These offerings were believed to appease Tarḫunna, ensuring favorable weather for agriculture and protection from natural disasters.

Festivals dedicated to Tarḫunna were integral to the Hittite religious calendar. These celebrations often coincided with agricultural cycles, seeking to invoke the god’s favor for planting and harvest. During such festivals, communal feasts, prayers, and processions were held, reinforcing the societal bonds and collective dependence on Tarḫunna’s blessings.

Tarḫunna’s worship was not limited to the general populace; it was also closely tied to the Hittite monarchy. The king, regarded as ruling in the name of the gods, performed rituals and made offerings to Tarḫunna to legitimize his authority. Royal decrees and state-sponsored ceremonies underscored the intertwined nature of divine favor and royal power, positioning Tarḫunna as a guarantor of the king’s legitimacy and the state’s stability.

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Powers and Attributes

As the chief weather god, Tarḫunna wielded comprehensive control over various weather phenomena. His dominion included thunder, lightning, rain, clouds, and storms. By governing these elements, Tarḫunna directly influenced agricultural productivity, determining the fertility of the land and the success of harvests. His benevolence ensured abundant rains and favorable weather, while his wrath could bring droughts, storms, and natural disasters, threatening the prosperity and survival of the Hittite people.

Tarḫunna’s authority extended beyond the weather to encompass the heavens and the mountains. This position established him as a supreme arbiter over both celestial and terrestrial realms. By ruling the heavens, he was associated with celestial order and cosmic stability, while his governance over the mountains linked him to the natural landscape and its inherent challenges.

Tarḫunna’s control over weather made him a key figure in ensuring agricultural success, a cornerstone of Hittite society. Farmers depended on his favorable conditions for cultivating crops, and his influence extended to livestock and overall food security. Consequently, Tarḫunna was integral to the economic and social stability of the Hittite Empire, as his favor directly impacted the livelihood of its people.

Beyond natural phenomena, Tarḫunna embodied divine authority within the Hittite pantheon. He acted as a divine overseer of the kingdom, safeguarding the state’s borders and roads. This role reinforced the theocratic elements of Hittite governance, where divine sanction underpinned royal authority. Tarḫunna’s protection ensured the stability and security of the realm, making him indispensable to both the gods and the people.

Tarḫunna was symbolically represented by the thunderbolt, a three-pronged weapon that signified his control over thunder and lightning. Additionally, he was often depicted with a sceptre and, in later representations, a battle axe resembling an adze, emphasizing his warrior aspect. These symbols reinforced his image as a powerful and conquering deity, capable of defending and asserting his dominance.

Significance in Hittite Society

King Ḫattušili and Puduḫepa make offerings to Tarḫunna and Ḫepat, on the Fıraktın relief.

Tarḫunna played a crucial role in legitimizing the Hittite king’s authority. By ruling in the name of the gods, the monarch’s power was seen as divinely sanctioned. Tarḫunna’s support was essential for maintaining the king’s legitimacy, as his favor was directly linked to the prosperity and stability of the kingdom. This divine endorsement reinforced the hierarchical structure of Hittite society, where the king acted as an intermediary between the gods and the people.

Tarḫunna’s widespread worship across various Anatolian cultures highlights his role in cultural and religious integration within the region. His presence in different linguistic and cultural contexts facilitated a shared religious framework, promoting unity and coherence among the diverse peoples of Anatolia. This integration was crucial for maintaining the cohesion of the Hittite Empire, which encompassed a multitude of cultures and languages.

Tarḫunna features prominently in Hittite mythological narratives and literature. Stories and hymns dedicated to him emphasize his power, benevolence, and essential role in maintaining cosmic and social order. These narratives not only reinforced his divine status but also served as moral and religious guides for the Hittite people, illustrating the importance of piety and adherence to divine will.

In Hittite art, Tarḫunna was depicted as a bearded figure wearing a pointed cap and wielding a sceptre, often standing atop mountain gods Namni and Huzzi. His prominent placement in rock reliefs, particularly at the sanctuary of Yazılıkaya, underscored his supreme status among the gods. These artistic representations communicated his power and importance, serving both religious and propagandistic purposes by visually reinforcing his dominance within the pantheon.

Tarḫunna’s extensive divine family and relationships with other deities highlight his central role in the Hittite religious hierarchy. As the consort of the Sun goddess of Arinna and the father of several important gods and goddesses, his influence extended into various aspects of life and nature. This interconnectedness ensured that his favor was sought in multiple domains, from agriculture to governance, further embedding him into the daily lives and spiritual practices of the Hittite people.

Legacy and Influence Beyond the Hittites

Tarḫunna’s significance extended beyond the Hittite Empire, influencing neighboring cultures and subsequent religious traditions. His equivalents in other Anatolian languages and his identification with gods like Hadad and Teššup in Mesopotamia illustrate his widespread impact.

Moreover, Tarḫunna’s legacy persisted into later periods, with the Luwian god Tarḫunz and the Roman god Jupiter Dolichenus bearing clear resemblances to him.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tarḫunna

As the “Lord of the Land of Hatti,” Tarḫunna not only controlled the forces of nature but also embodied the divine order that sustained the Hittite civilization, making him a cornerstone of their religious and cultural identity. Image: Tarḫunna statue in Adana museum