Ruha
Mandaeism·Demonology; Mythology; Gnosticism·Mesopotamian; Middle Eastern·Cosmic figure; Queen of Darkness; Spirit
Ruha is a prominent figure in Mandaeism, often depicted as the queen of the World of Darkness. She is associated with the "spirit" or "breath" and is the mother of the seven planets and twelve zodiacs. Despite her association with darkness, Ruha is also portrayed as a complex entity capable of gnosis and eventual redemption.
Key Facts
- ›Ruha is the queen of the World of Darkness in Mandaeism.
- ›She is the daughter of Qin, the Mistress of Darkness.
- ›Ruha is the mother of Ur, the seven planets, and the twelve zodiacs.
- ›She is associated with the "spirit" (ruha) as distinct from the "soul" (nišimta).
- ›Ruha is depicted as capable of gnosis and is believed to have a path to redemption.
- ›Her name shares cognates with the Arabic "rūḥ" and Hebrew "ruach", both meaning "spirit" or "breath".
NamrūS, Hiwat, Ewath, RūHa MasṭAnita, RūHa ḏ-QudšA, ḏ-Libat ʿStra Amamit, Amamit, Namrus, Nimrus, Qananit, Dayum, Libat-Ishtar-Amamit
World of Darkness, Underworld, Spirit, Creation
- Rules the World of Darkness
- Gives Birth To the Seven Planets and Twelve Zodiacs
- Capable of Gnosis
- Can Be Tempted To Mourn and Lament
- Plays A Role In the Creation of Mankind
Ginza Rabba, Mandaean Book of John, Qulasta, Haran Gawaita, Diwan Abatur
Ur, Qin, Gaf, Hibil Ziwa, Ptahil, Hayyi Rabbi, Manda D-Hayyi, Anush Uthra, Adonai, Adam, Eve, Yushamin, Abatur, Zahreil
Spirit, Ambivalence, Darkness, Gnosis, Temptation, Lamentation
- Ruha's Epithet RūHa ḏ-QudšA "Holy Spirit" Is Primarily Confined To Polemical Texts, Not Esoteric Or Ritual Scrolls.
Hibil Ziwa, Hayyi Rabbi, Anush Uthra, Manda D-Hayyi
- Cognates of Her Name "Ruha" Exist In Arabic and Hebrew , Signifying "Spirit" Or "Breath."
Seven Planets, Twelve Zodiacs, Mirror
About Ruha
Ruha is a pivotal figure within Mandaeism, a Gnostic religion that originated in ancient Mesopotamia. She is primarily known as the queen of the "World of Darkness" (alma ḏ-hšuka), the underworld realm, and is intrinsically linked to the concept of "spirit" (ruha), distinguished from the "soul" (nišimta).
Origins and Lineage
As the daughter of Qin, the Mistress of Darkness, Ruha inhabits the first underworld. Her primary consort is Gaf, with whom she bears a son named Ur, who becomes the king of the World of Darkness. Ruha is also notably depicted as engaging in incest with her son Ur, a union that results in the birth of the seven planets and the twelve zodiac signs. These celestial bodies are thus considered her offspring.
Cosmological Role and Complex Nature
Ruha's role in Mandaean cosmology is multifaceted. She rules the third "maṭarta" (watch-house or purgatory) and governs the underworld alongside her son Ur and their entourage. Despite her association with darkness, scholarly interpretations, such as those by Jorunn Jacobsen Buckley, suggest that Ruha cannot be solely categorized as an evil entity. Her narrative includes instances of wisdom and potential for redemption.
Captivity, Creation, and Gnosis
In Mandaean narratives, Ruha is led out of the World of Darkness by Hibil Ziwa and is sealed in a neutral realm, where she gives birth to Ur. While Ur desires to wage war against the World of Light, Ruha reportedly discourages him. Ruha also plays a part in the creation of mankind. Along with Ptahil, she contributes to human existence, providing the "spirit" element. However, they are unable to imbue humans with a "soul." Ruha is also depicted as tempting Eve and lamenting her own lack of gnosis (spiritual knowledge) when Adam and Eve are led to the World of Light.
Redemption and Revealer of Gnosis
Intriguingly, Mandaean texts suggest a path to redemption for Ruha. Some interpretations of passages referring to figures like Simat Hayyi suggest that Ruha herself will eventually attain salvation and merge with her ideal counterpart in the World of Light. Her insights while in Tibil (Earth) are noted to reflect Gnostic understanding, and she is described as making a speech similar to the Gnostic text "The Thunder, Perfect Mind," revealing profound dualities of existence. Her epithet "Rūha ḏ-Qudša" (Holy Spirit) is found in polemical texts, highlighting her complex symbolic significance.
Parallels and Linguistic Connections
Ruha's narrative shares thematic resemblances with the Gnostic myth of Sophia's fall from the Pleroma. Linguistically, her name "Ruha" is cognate with the Arabic term "rūḥ" and the Hebrew "ruach," both of which signify "spirit," "wind," or "breath," underscoring her fundamental association with these concepts across Semitic traditions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ruha in Mandaeism?
Ruha is a significant cosmic figure in Mandaeism, often identified as the queen of the World of Darkness. She is the mother of Ur, the seven planets, and the twelve zodiac signs, and is associated with the concept of "spirit".
What is Ruha's cosmological role?
Ruha rules the World of Darkness and plays a role in creation. She is depicted as providing the "spirit" element to mankind, though she cannot animate them with a soul. She is also involved in the founding of Jerusalem and interacts with envoys from the World of Light.
Is Ruha considered evil?
Ruha is a complex figure and cannot be simply portrayed as an evil archon. While she is queen of the World of Darkness, Mandaean texts suggest she is capable of gnosis and has the potential for eventual redemption.
What are Ruha's other names or epithets?
Ruha is also known as Namrūs or Hiwat. She is called "Ruha the Seductress" (Rūha Masṭanita) and "Holy Spirit" (Rūha ḏ-Qudša) in some texts, among other epithets like Amamit, Namrus, Qananit, and Dayum.
Does Ruha have any parallel in other traditions?
Ruha's story has parallels with the Gnostic story of Sophia falling from the Pleroma. Her name also shares cognates with "rūḥ" in Arabic and "ruach" in Hebrew, both referring to spirit or breath.
Related Demons
Ur
Ur is the king of the World of Darkness in Mandaeism, son of Ruha and Gaf. He is a significant demonic figure, typically depicted as a large, ferocious dragon or snake, and is contrasted with the King of Light, Hayyi Rabbi. Ur is notable for his role as the ruler of the underworld and his symbolic representation.
Zahreil
Zahreil is a significant figure in Mandaeism, identified as the daughter of Qin, sister of Ruha, and mother of Ptahil. She is a lilith from the World of Darkness who plays a crucial role in childbirth, ensuring the well-being of both mother and child. Her notable act involves marrying Hibil Ziwa and subsequently giving birth to Ptahil, the creator of the material universe.
Anathan
Anathan is a prominent demon within the Mandaean World of Darkness, described as a "warrior of darkness" and a "warlike giant." He is the husband of the demoness Qin and is encountered by Hibil Ziwa during his descent into the underworld. Anathan, along with Qin, is collectively referred to as the "giants of darkness."