Who is the goddess of the sun?

As an expert in mythology and cultural studies, I have a deep understanding of various mythologies from around the world. The question of the goddess of the sun is an interesting one, as different cultures have their own interpretations and deities associated with the sun. Let's delve into the subject.
Amaterasu is a prominent figure in Japanese mythology. She is often referred to as the Shinto sun goddess and is considered the supreme deity in the Shinto religion. Amaterasu is the goddess of the sun, and her name translates to "Heaven-Shining-Great-Deity." She is the sister of Susanoo, the god of storms, and Tsukuyomi, the god of the moon. According to the mythology, Amaterasu was born from the left eye of Izanagi, one of the primary creator deities in Shintoism. She is revered for her role in bringing light to the world and is often depicted as a beautiful woman with a shining halo around her head.
In the Hittite and Syrian mythology, Arinna (Hebat) is known as the sun goddess. The Hittites were an ancient Anatolian people who spoke an Indo-European language and established an empire at the height of the Bronze Age. Arinna, also known as Hebat, was the chief goddess of the Hittite pantheon and was associated with the sun, justice, and fertility. She was often depicted with a pair of lions, which were her sacred animals, and was considered the wife of the weather god, Tessub.
Moving to the Greek and Roman mythologies, the sun is not typically associated with a goddess but rather with a god, Apollo. Apollo is one of the twelve Olympian deities in Greek mythology and is the god of the sun, music, poetry, and the arts. However, it is important to note that Apollo was not originally a sun god; this role was attributed to him later in the Hellenistic period. Apollo is often depicted driving a chariot across the sky, symbolizing the sun's journey.
In Norse mythology, Freyr is a god associated with the sun, among other things. He is the god of fertility, prosperity, and sunshine. Freyr is the son of Njord and is often depicted as a handsome and noble figure. He is known for his great hall, which has walls that can accommodate all who wish to enter, regardless of their status. Freyr is also associated with the boar named Gullinbursti, which is said to be able to run faster than any horse and whose bristles shine like gold in the sunlight.
It's important to note that the concept of a sun goddess or god varies greatly from one culture to another. While some cultures have a specific deity for the sun, others may have a pantheon of gods and goddesses where the sun is just one aspect of a deity's domain. The sun is often seen as a symbol of life, light, and warmth, and the deities associated with it are revered for these qualities.
In conclusion, the goddess of the sun is not a singular figure but rather a title that can be attributed to various deities across different mythologies. Each culture has its own unique stories and characteristics associated with these solar deities, reflecting the diversity and richness of human mythology and belief systems.

Female Sun DeitiesNameNationality/ReligionGod or Goddess?AmaterasuJapanSun GoddessArinna (Hebat)Hittite (Syrian)Sun GoddessApolloGreece and RomeSun GodFreyrNorseSun God16 more rows