In Sumerian mythology (NIN.URSAG) was the earth and mother-
goddess , one of the seven great deities of Sumer . She is
principally a fertility goddess. Temple hymn sources identify
her as the 'true and great lady of heaven' and kings of Sumer
were 'nourished by Ninhursag's milk'. She is typically depicted
wearing a horned head-dress and tiered skirt, often with bow
cases at her shoulders, and not infrequently carries a mace or
baton surmounted by an omega motif or a derivation, sometimes
accompanied by a lion cub on a leash. She is the tutelary deity
to several Sumerian rulers. Ninhursag means "lady of the
mountain" (from Sumerian NIN "lady" and ḪURSAG (or ḪUR.SAG)
"foothill"). She had many names including Ninmah ("Great
Queen"); Nintu ("Lady of Birth") or Mami (mother); Aruru (sister
of Enlil (lady of the gods, Akkadian ). Minor synonyms include
Ninzinak (lady of the embryo); Nindim (lady fashioner);
Nagarsagak (carpenter of insides); Ninbahar (lady pottery);
Ninmag (lady vulva); Ninsigsig (lady of silence);