The World Enters Famine After Ishtar's Descent to the Underworld
These verses describing the fate of fertility on earth encapsulate the essence of the myth, as they attribute the cause of fertility to Ishtar rather than Tammuz. Ishtar’s descent affirms the right and role of femininity in a society increasingly shifting towards absolute patriarchy in all aspects.
The god Tammuz plays only a secondary role in this tragedy. After all, he is a shepherd, and he cannot have a central role in a tragedy centered on agriculture.
In reality, the rituals and worship mistakenly referred to as “Tammuz rites” by researchers are actually the rites and worship of Ishtar. The lamentation over Tammuz during his festival seasons is merely an act of solidarity by worshippers with Ishtar in her sorrow.
One distinctive feature of the Babylonian myth is the presence of a deity created by Ea—Asushunamir—a being of such beauty that he seduces Ereshkigal. This deity carries the "Water of Life" as a means to rescue Ishtar from death.
The Sumerian version of the story, however, presents two creatures created by Enki—one carrying the Water of Life and the other the Food of Life—while the Babylonian version focuses only on the Water of Life. The exact fate that Ereshkigal determined for this creature remains uncertain, though the myth’s description may hint at it. In this version, Namtar, rather than Asushunamir, is the one who sprinkles the Water of Life on Ishtar.
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Ishtar’s Death and Her Rescue by Ea from the Underworld
After Ishtar descended into the underworld, the bull no longer sought the cow, the donkey no longer sought the she-donkey, every male was separated from his female, the land became barren, and the gods themselves grew grim. The face of Papsukkal, the priest and vizier of the great gods, darkened with sorrow. He mourned, donned mourning garments, let his long hair down, and went to the gods Sin and Ea, weeping before them, saying:
"Ishtar has descended to the Land of No Return, and now the bull no longer seeks the cow, the donkey no longer seeks the she-donkey, every male has been separated from his female, and the land has withered."
Ea, the wise god, turned the matter over in his mind and had a revelation. He created Asushunamir, a radiant, beautiful being, and said to him:
"Arise, Asushunamir, and go to the Gates of the Underworld. Go to the Gates of the Land of No Return, and they shall open before you. When Ereshkigal sees you, she will be stirred by your fertility. If she grows calm towards you and is charmed by you, make her swear by all the great gods to grant your request. Then, lift your head, turn your gaze toward the vessel of Halzaku water, and ask her for Ishtar’s corpse."
Asushunamir did as instructed and said to the queen of the underworld:
"My lady, would you grant me a vessel of Halzaku water to drink?"
She handed him the water, and after drinking, he said:
"I have a request—I want Ishtar’s body so that she may return to life and resume her place in the world."
Ereshkigal struck her thighs with her hands, bit her fingers, and said:
"You have asked for something you should not have asked for. I will grant your request, but I will curse you with a terrible curse. You shall eat from the city's drains forever, drink from its sewers, dwell in the shadows of walls rather than in houses, take shelter on doorsteps instead of in homes. You will live in thirst and fear for eternity."
Then Ereshkigal turned to her vizier, Namtar, and said:
"Go, Namtar, knock on the door of the palace of justice, the Egalgina. Adorn its entrance with coral, summon the Anunnaki, and seat them upon their golden thrones. Then, sprinkle Ishtar’s corpse with the Water of Life and take her out of the underworld."
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Ishtar’s Resurrection and Exit from the Underworld
Ishtar rises from death without accomplishing the task of reviving the slain Tammuz. She saves herself to ensure that fertility does not perish in the upper world, returning to life while leaving her husband, Tammuz, dead in the underworld—for another attempt at rescue in the future.
Because Tammuz was a god, demi-god, or a king, he is honored by the deities of the underworld. Thus, he is seen donning his red robe and playing his lapis lazuli flute.
The myth narrates:
Namtar obeyed his mistress’s command, restored life to Ishtar, and led her to the gates of the underworld.
- As she passed through the first gate, he restored the robe of her body.
- At the second gate, he returned the bracelets to her hands and feet.
- At the third gate, he placed the jeweled birth-girdle back around her waist.
- At the fourth gate, he returned all her chest ornaments.
- At the fifth gate, he placed the necklaces back around her neck.
- At the sixth gate, he restored the earrings to her ears.
- At the seventh gate, he placed the great crown upon her head once more.
Ereshkigal then commanded that her beloved, Tammuz, should rise and return to the upper world. She ordered that he be washed with pure water, perfumed with sweet fragrances, dressed in a red robe, and that he plays his lapis lazuli flute as before. She instructed the priestesses to escort him in a ceremonial procession.
Ishtar-Tammuz
Ishtar’s Sorrow Over Losing Tammuz
Ishtar’s lamentations over her inability to restore Tammuz’s life formed the basis of Babylonian liturgical rituals. Among these mournful hymns is a sorrowful elegy in which she speaks as if he had risen from death:
"Ishtar wept and lamented for Tammuz, crying out in the wilderness:
"Rise from your grave, my brother! Your mother longs for you; your mother yearns for you. She is desperate to hear your sweet lips. She listens for your eloquent voice. My beloved do not leave your mother in tears! Do not let your sister mourn you! Do not let your mother wail in sorrow! Rise from your grave and bring her no despair! Rise from your grave, my love! Rise from your grave!"
"The bearer of the lapis lazuli flute has risen! He who wears the rings has risen! He who provides food has risen! He who brings forth water has risen! He who mates the bull and cow has risen! He who stirs the date palms has risen! My beloved has risen! Those who grieve with him have risen! Those who died with him have risen, and they inhale the scent of incense!"
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