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In Sumerian and Akkadian mythology Asaruludu is one of the Anunnaki. His name is also spelled Namshub, Asarludu, and Asarluhi (𒀭𒍂𒇽𒄭). The etymology and meaning of his name are unclear.[1]
Asaruludu served as an exorcist in Sumerian religious rituals.[1]
As Namshub (shining), he is considered a protective deity, "the shining god that illuminates our path". The Enuma Elish describes Asaruludu as "the light of the gods" in Table VI.
Another version that identifies him with Marduk states the descriptors of Marduk, such as "the wielder of the flaming sword" and "one who ensures the most perfect safety".[citation needed]
Early evidence does not associate Asaruludu with incantations and magic, but rather with the city of Kuara.[1] Asaruludu, as the patron deity of Kuara, may have been subsumed into the pantheon of Eridu (Enki's city) and thus acquired his role as a god of incantations. Sometimes Asalluhi plays an intermediary role, introducing the patient to Enki/Ea.[2]
Later texts describe Asaruludu as the son of Enki/Ea,[3] who shares Enki/Ea's qualities of intelligence, counsel and "wide reason", as well as expertise in incantations.[1] Asaraludu often bears the epithets "son of Eridu" or the "son of Abzu," Enki/Ea's realm of subterranean waters.[2]
Asaruludu was later syncretized with Marduk;[4][5][6] in the Enuma Elish, Asalluhi is one of Marduk's fifty names.[7]
Asaruludu is first attested in the Ur III period,[8][9] and appears most frequently in Neo-Assyrian, Achaemenid, and Seleucid incantations.[1] The so-called "Weidner god list," mentions Asalluhi right before Marduk.[10]