A Philological Approach to “Umarmungsszenen” in Hittite Iconography

Abstract

The act of embracing, known as the “embracement scene” (Umarmungsszene) in the literature, where the god embraces the king -a motif we know from Hittite visual art- has no direct counterpart in the Hittite language. Although we often see this visual image on seal impressions, a large-scale example can also be found in the Yazılıkaya sanctuary. The embracement scenes, typically featuring the king and his protective deity, are significant for understanding the bond between the god and the king. While these scenes seem to symbolize the king drawing power from the god in a governmental sense, it can also be suggested that the embrace gesture is more of a cordial and protective act. Direct references to these scenes are not found in the cuneiform texts. However, indirect interpretations may allow us to trace a Hittite equivalent for the act of embracing. This study aims to propose a possible Hittite word corresponding to the embrace gesture depicted in the embrace scenes between the god and the king. Specifically, by associating the act of embracing with the word genzu-, which frequently appears in Hittite religious texts with meanings such as “compassion, mercy, pity,” it will be argued that this Hittite word might be the most likely equivalent for the act. Various seal impressions featuring embrace scenes and the rock relief in the Yazılıkaya sanctuary depicting an embracement scene will be discussed here. Additionally, relevant passages from Hittite cuneiform documents containing the word genzu- will be presented along with their translations.