The early Hittites borrow heavily from the pre-existing Hattian culture, and from that of the Assyrian traders in their several Anatolian colonies—in particular, the cuneiform writing and the use of cylindrical seals.

The influence of their culture is such that the Hittites have assimilated much of their religion and mythology.

The Hittites adopt their principal deities from the Hattian religion (the Sun Goddess, her husband the Storm God and their children Nerik and Zippalanda, their daughter Nezullash and their grandchild Zentish; and as well Telipinu, his wife Hatepinush, the goddesses Inaras and Zithariyas, Karzish and Hapantalliyash).

The Hattian civilization had also given rise to the Hittite legend of Illuyankas and Telepinu.