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Anzû, also known as dZû and Imdugud (Mesopotamia)

Anzû, also known as dZû and Imdugud (Mesopotamia)

28 June 2023 - in

For my first post here I would like to explore the place of the Moon Goose in ancient Mesopotamia. You can read more about my work on my blog 

The Predominance of the Mythological Figure of the Moon Goose in Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia, the ancient region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, was home to a rich and diverse mythology that played a significant role in the lives of its inhabitants. Among the various mythological figures that held prominence in Mesopotamian culture, one intriguing character stands out: the Moon Goose. Representing a blend of celestial symbolism and earthly motifs, the Moon Goose held a significant place in the mythological landscape of Mesopotamia.

The Moon Goose, known as “Anzu” in the ancient texts, was a creature of extraordinary power and beauty. Depicted as a giant bird with the head of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and a serpent’s tail, the Moon Goose was believed to dwell on the moon itself. According to Mesopotamian mythology, the moon was seen as a celestial deity, and the Moon Goose served as its emissary, bridging the gap between the earthly realm and the heavens.

The Moon Goose played a vital role in Mesopotamian cosmology and religious rituals. It was believed to be responsible for the waxing and waning of the moon, symbolizing the cyclical nature of time and the lunar phases. The Mesopotamians observed the moon closely, and its regular patterns served as a celestial clock for agricultural activities and religious ceremonies. The Moon Goose, with its association with the moon, became an integral part of their celestial narrative.

In Mesopotamian mythology, the Moon Goose was also intertwined with the epic tale of the god Enki and the storm deity Ninurta. According to the myth, the Moon Goose stole the Tablet of Destinies, a powerful artifact that held control over the fates of gods and humans alike. This act of thievery led to a great conflict between Enki and Ninurta, who were tasked with retrieving the stolen tablet. The Moon Goose’s role as a catalyst in this mythological tale further solidified its prominence in Mesopotamian lore.

Furthermore, the Moon Goose was often depicted in various forms of art and architecture across Mesopotamia. Sculptures and reliefs showcased the bird-like figure with intricate details and symbolism. Its presence in these artworks not only reflected the Mesopotamians’ fascination with celestial bodies but also served as a reminder of the Moon Goose’s importance in their cultural and religious practices.

The symbolism associated with the Moon Goose extended beyond the realms of mythology and religion. In Mesopotamia, the bird was considered a guardian and protector, often associated with the divine. Its depiction on seals and amulets suggested that the Moon Goose was believed to offer guidance and protection to individuals in their daily lives. The bird’s majestic and mythical qualities inspired a sense of awe and reverence, making it a significant symbol in Mesopotamian society.

Despite the passage of time and the rise and fall of empires, the mythological figure of the Moon Goose retained its predominance in Mesopotamia. Its significance in religious rituals, cosmology, and artistic representations ensured its enduring presence in the cultural fabric of the region. The Moon Goose represented the connection between the earthly and celestial realms, capturing the imagination of the Mesopotamians and serving as a bridge between the mortal and the divine.

In conclusion, the Moon Goose held a prominent role in Mesopotamian mythology. As the emissary of the moon, it symbolized the cyclical nature of time and played a crucial role in religious rituals. Its association with the theft of the Tablet of Destinies further solidified its significance in epic tales. Moreover, the Moon Goose’s presence in art and architecture showcased its enduring influence in Mesopotamian culture. As a guardian and protector, the bird inspired awe and offered guidance to the people of ancient Mesopotamia. Thus, the predominance of the mythological figure of the Moon Goose in Mesopotamia exemplifies the fusion of celestial and earthly elements in their cultural narrative.

GRAND WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

GRAND WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

13 June 2023 - in

The winner of our Great Halls competition has won a signed vinyl of our latest album La Nuit (2023, fruits de mer records/inflatable tarmac records) + goodies.

To win you needed to spot all the hidden text in our latest video for Great Halls of Broken Tools (link in biography).

🦆

And the winner is… Mark Brady!!

Mark Brady’s answer was amongst the best we’ve received with an insane attention to details (who else noticed the J7 logo on top of the TV? 😱)

Congrats Mark, expect your vinyl to be delivered soon. And we’ll probably try and do something for all the other people who gave us the right answers. Since you all probably cried blood trying to decipher text in the video, it’s only fair.

Thanks again to all of you who took part!

Mark’s answer below (with the time codes too!)

01. 00:00 – MOON GOOSE

02. 00:06 – Great Halls Of Broken Tools

03. 01:02 – CARDIO RATE ALARM / ALARM – SYSTOLE / 0|20|40|60|80|100|150|200|300

04. 01:25 – J7

05. 01:34 – HOW’S IT GOING TO END?

06. 02:07 – unreadable text

07. 02:23 – PINBACK

08. 04:55 – WAKE HIM UP

09 05:06 – CADAVRES

10. 05:48 – 989,000 X

11. 06:23 – STOP / STOP

12. 07:07 – FIN

13. 07:15 – MOON GOOSE

14. 07:20 – MOON GOOSE / LA NUIT / Fruits de Mer Records & Inflatable Tarmac Records / AVAILABLE ON LP (Red Limited Edition w/poster) / AVAILABLE ON CD & DIGITAL / moongoosecult.bandcamp.com

Great Halls Contest!

Great Halls Contest!

8 May 2023 - in

Great Halls of Broken Tools is the closing track of our latest album La Nuit. It’s probably one of the weirdest tracks we’ve done. It’s confusing and wrong. We hope you’ll like it.

Win a vinyl of La Nuit our latest album on Red Vinyl (limited edition)!

GREAT HALLS CONTEST RULES:
If you watch closely the video you’ll see little bits of text hidden (or not) in the sequences.
Catch them all, and send us an email to contact@moon-goose.com with what you’ve found.
The winner will be chosen randomly among the right answers on 19/05/23 for the next New Moon.
The winner will receive a signed vinyl of La Nuit, our latest album, and nice goodies.

Alternatively you can also buy La Nuit on Vinyl, CD, Digital, or stream it on the usual platforms.
https://moongoosecult.bandcamp.com/album/la-nuit

Written and performed by Moon Goose. Recorded Ryan Jordan at AR Studios, Kingstone. Mixed by Leon West at After Life Studios, Cardiff. Published by Fruits de Mer Records and Inflatable Tarmac Records.

Music

“Nuit où meurent l’azur, les bruits et les contours,
Où les vives clartés s’éteignent une à une,
Ô nuit, urne profonde où les cendres du jour
Descendent mollement et dansent à la lune.”
(Anna de Noailles)

At last we can share with you our third album, entitled La Nuit*, which we began working on during dark Covid times. This LP features 8 tracks of musical weirdness and we have tried really hard to channel the goose in each one of use and let them express their feelings. This is also our first collaboration with (tangible) Leon West and we’re very excited about the result.

Release Party at Saint Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, on 14th October 2022.

*(as a tip of the hat to Druillet’s La Nuit)

Available for pre-order now:
– Limited edition of 300 x 12″ Red Vinyl.
– Digipack version
releases October 14, 2022

Written and performed by Moon Goose.
Recorded Ryan Jordan at AR Studios, Kingstone.
Mixed by Leon West at After Life Studios, Cardiff.

Published by Fruits de Mer Records and Inflatable Tarmac Records.

Kate’s Photo is from the Lockdown Series by Billie Charity.
Other visual sources : Julia Kadel, Noelle Vandenbroucke, Étienne Léopold Trouvelot.
Layout by Antoine Mouquod.

The Wax Monster Lives Behind the First Row of Trees

2020- The Wax Monster Lives Behind the First Row of Trees

The Wax Monster Lives Behind the First Rows of Trees occupies a liminal space: between EP and album, between Iowa and Hanoi, between druid and mushroom, between life before COVID and life after it.

Full of secret communications, the record is best understood as a piece of bricolage held together by a childhood ghost, manifesting in such diverse places as a Vietnamese Banknote and an imaginary cave on the Iowa border.

Source Code

2019- Source Code

Our debut album Source Code has been released on 30th April 2019 on Limited Edition Double Vinyl (+ CD) through Fruits de Mer Records.
The original pressing of 550 of double LP clear & white vinyl (cd included) sold out on the day of release. We’ve since pressed more vinyl (black this time) and got some nice digipaks too.

Live at the Globe

2018- Live at the Globe

Recorded live in our hometown of Hay-on-Wye, Wales, Live at the Globe delivers a live version of a selection of tracks from our first EP and first album. The subtle production of the studio is here replaced by the raw madness of the live show for a visual and audio experience out of the ordinary.

Space Probe Shut Down

2017- Space Probe Shut Down

Space Probe Shut Down is the perfect introduction to the weird universe of Moon Goose. 3 tracks for more than 20 minutes of strange Space Rock mixed with a hint of Psychedelia and a strange smell of Krautrock. The bird spread its wings in the barn and flapped loudly to generate those shockwaves.

Live



      • 29 Jul 2023Kozfest 2023

      • 16 Jun 2023Sonic Rock Solstice

      • 25 Feb 2023Dr Sardonicus Winter's Dream Psychedelic Festival V

      • 19 Oct 2022ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE + MOON GOOSE + CODEX SERAFINI + CRACKED MACHINE — The Lanes

      • 14 Oct 2022La Nuit Release Party at Saint Mary's Church, Hay-on-Wye

      • 6 Aug 202218th Dream of Dr. Sardonicus Festival

      • 5 Aug 2022Radnorshire Ales Party

      • 4 Aug 2022Area51 Presents: Moon Goose, Z Machine & Mascot Moth

      • 19 Jun 2022Unearthed Festival 2022

      • 17 Jun 2022Moon Goose + Ecstatic Vision at the Lanes, Bristol

      About

      Comprised of a group of established Pan Welsh French musicians (including Des Davies of the Lo-Fidelity Allstars) with a passion for Rapa Nui stone heads & dragons. Traditional tradesmen and arthouse web designers by day, astounding musos by nightfall, their hypnotic and metamorphic psychedelic ‘rock’ described by the band themselves as the “sound of a dragon colliding with an asteroid”, by Stuart Maconie (BBC 6Music’s Freak Zone ) as ‘Cambrian Psychedelia’ & Bethan Elfyn (BBC R Wales) as “big & boisterous”, has indeed plenty of Devonian old red sandstone within. There is also, if you know where to find it, gneiss…

      Live Photos below by Dean Forrest.
      Studio Photos below by Billie Charity.

      Contact

      Don’t hesitate to contact us for more info via email or fill the form below. Moon Goose is based in Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh borders but we’ll travel around the world in the flying Moon Van to come and see you.

       moc.esoog-noom@tcatnoc