Dreams in Sumer: A Language Spoken by the Gods

In the earliest texts of human history, dreams were not seen as random images of the mind, as we are accustomed to today, but as a serious and binding contact with the gods . For the Sumerians, a dream was not an inner process, but an external visit. Dreams were not seen; dreams came .

Therefore, in the Sumerian mindset, a dream was not an experience to be interpreted and dismissed; it was a sign to be taken into account, understood, and often acted upon.

Where did the dream come from?

In Sumerian texts, dreams are depicted as an entity that descends upon or touches the sleeping person. Dreams arrive via wind, breath, or an invisible messenger. In this understanding, dreams are not a product of one's own desires, but rather a part of the cosmic order .

Therefore, when the Sumerians inquired about dreams, they wouldn't ask this question:

"Why did I see this?"

Their question was:

"What was I told?"

Types of Dreams in Sumerian Culture

In the Sumerian world, dreams were practically understood in two main ways:

Clear dreams: Dreams in which God appears directly, speaks, or gives a command. These dreams rarely needed interpretation. The command was clear.

Symbolic dreams: Dreams with veiled meaning, full of imagery, that require deciphering. These dreams absolutely necessitate the guidance of a knowledgeable interpreter.

In both cases, the dream was not a personal matter; it was a social and sacred event .

Who would interpret the dream?

Dream interpretation was not an ordinary skill in Sumerian society. It was considered to be associated with the gods and fate.

One of the prominent figures is the goddess Nanše . Nanše is the protector of justice, fair measure, and the interpretation of dreams. Sumerian texts clearly show that those who could not understand their dreams turned to Nanše.

Another important figure is Geštinanna . She is not only a goddess; she is the bearer of writing, record-keeping, and knowledge of fate. Therefore, she is associated with a consciousness that can "read" dreams.

Dream interpretation required both intuition and knowledge, as well as responsibility .

Rituals for Inducing Dreams

Sumerian kings and priests would deliberately sleep in sacred places to dream before making important decisions. Purification rituals were performed, sacrifices were offered, and a sign from the god was awaited in a dream.

The best-known example of this practice is King Gudea of Lagaš. Gudea had a complex dream interpreted by the goddess Nanše, and based on that interpretation, he built a grand temple.

Here's the dream:

• Seen

• It is interpreted.

• It is implemented.

Otherwise, the dream wouldn't be considered complete.

Dreams as a Warning

In Sumerian mythology, dreams don't always bring hope. The dream of the god Dumuzi is one of the most striking examples of this. The broken objects, scattered herds, and darkened images seen in the dream are signs of impending disaster.

This dream can be interpreted. It can be understood. But it cannot be prevented .

In the Sumerian mind, dreams were sometimes not an escape route, but a declaration of fate .

Why does this matter to us today?

Modern people often don't take dreams seriously. They either consider them a psychological byproduct or quickly forget them.

The Sumerians, however, would ask the following question about dreams:

"Why is this sign speaking to me now?"

Perhaps this is why some dreams stay with us for years.

An Open Invitation to the Reader

If you have a dream that has stayed in your mind for years, whose meaning you can't decipher, and that has left a mark on you, you can share it.

I will try to interpret this dream not through modern dream interpretations, but through Sumerian thought, mythological symbols, and the ancient world of meaning .

This is not a prophecy. This is not a diagnosis. We will simply try to remember and understand an ancient, forgotten language together.

Ancient Dream Journal – Dream Sharing Form

The concept of dreams described in this essay forms the basis of the themes of fate, signs, and divine silence in my Mesopotamian series of novels.