Translation of the Hymn to Ninkasi from Sumerian into Persian and a Morphological, Etymological, and Syntactic Analysis of Selected Sections of the Hymn

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Researcher at Qom Seminary

Abstract

The Hymn to Ninkasi is one of the most ancient hymns belonging to Sumerian civilization. This hymn is considered the oldest known hymn discovered in human civilization and was recited collectively by the people during specific rituals. Discovered on several clay tablets written in the Sumerian script, the hymn was among the most popular hymns of its era. The Sumerians would chant it together while preparing certain beverages and expressing gratitude to Ninkasi, one of the goddesses of Sumerian civilization. Ninkasi was one of the major deities in Sumerian culture, whose name appears frequently in Sumerian texts and literature, and who enjoyed great reverence among the people of that time. According to Sumerian belief, the power of this goddess resided in beverages and their method of preparation, and without her permission, drinks could not be properly made. In this study, the text of the Hymn to Ninkasi is presented in full through transliteration. First, a detailed analysis is provided of the morphological aspects of the words, their etymology, their relationship with cognate terms in Semitic language families, and their syntactic roles in selected sections of the ancient hymn. Based on these analyses, an accurate and comprehensible translation of the complete hymn from Sumerian into Persian is ultimately offered. However, it should be noted that the precise meanings of certain terms—such as the names and forms of vessels used in that period—remain unknown; therefore, in some cases, definitive explanations cannot be provided.

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Scientific Biannual Journal of Language and Culture of Nations
Volume 8, Issue 16
December 2025
Pages 157-177

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