Shamash

Look way up high in the big blue sky. Do you see someone shining so bright? That is Shamash, the sun god. He has the best job in the whole world. Every morning, when the world is sleepy and quiet, he gets ready to ride his big, golden chariot. This is the story of Shamash's Journey, a tale people in a land called Mesopotamia told a long, long time ago.

When Shamash peeks over the tall mountains, the whole world wakes up. Wake up, world. The roosters crow, cock-a-doodle-doo. The flowers open their sleepy petals to say hello. Happy children run outside to play in his warm, sunny light. His light is so warm and so happy. It helps all the little plants grow up big and strong. Shamash is also the god of fairness, so he makes sure everyone is kind and shares. He shines his light everywhere, into every little corner, so everyone can feel safe and see clearly.

After a long day of shining, Shamash gets tired. He guides his golden chariot down, down, down behind the hills. The sky turns a sleepy blue and a pretty purple. It is time for his good friend, the moon god Sin, to take over. Sin brings a gentle, silvery light. He brings all the twinkling stars so you can have sweet dreams. Shamash rests and gets ready to do it all again tomorrow. When you see the sun rise in the morning, you can imagine his golden chariot racing to say hello to the world.