University of Central Florida (UCF) EUH2000 Western Civilization I Midterm Practice Exam

The goddess associated with soil, mountains, and vegetation in Sumerian religion is Ninhursaga. She is often recognized as a mother goddess and is linked to fertility and the earth, embodying the life-giving aspects of nature. Her role encompasses the nurturing of plants and the land, which was vital to the agricultural society of ancient Sumer. This connection to the earth and its resources highlights her importance in the Sumerian pantheon, as she was revered for sustaining life through fertility and growth.

Anu, Enlil, and Enki, while influential deities in their own rights, represent different aspects of the Sumerian worldview. Anu is often seen as the sky god and king of the gods, Enlil is associated with wind and storms and serves as a chief deity responsible for the order of the universe, and Enki embodies wisdom and water, playing a crucial role in creation myths. None of these other gods have the strong direct association with soil and vegetation that Ninhursaga possesses, making her the correct choice for this question regarding the connection to earth and agriculture.