The Arrival of Namtar and Nergal’s Disrespect
In the vast celestial halls where the gods convened, a visitor from the underworld ascended to deliver a message. Namtar, the minister of Ereshkigal, arrived in the high heavens, stepping into the assembly of divine beings. As custom dictated, the gods rose to greet him in honor of Ereshkigal, their sister and ruler of the underworld. However, one God remained seated, unmoved by Namtar’s presence-Nergal.
His refusal to stand caused whispers among the gods. Namtar, sensing the insult, clenched his fists but remained silent for the moment. He partook in the sacred feast, eating and drinking as tradition required, and once he had gathered Ereshkigal’s share, he descended back to the underworld, carrying news of the offense.
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| Nergal and Ereshkigal |
Ereshkigal’s Wrath and Her Summons
Upon his return, Namtar was warmly received by his mistress, but his expression betrayed his frustration. Ereshkigal, perceptive and wise, asked, “What troubles you, my faithful servant?”
“The gods all greeted me with respect,” Namtar replied, “but one among them did not stand to welcome me. He dishonored you, my lady.”
Ereshkigal’s expression darkened. “Who dares insult me in such a manner?”
“Nergal, my lady.”
Fury coursed through her veins. The underworld was her domain, and she would not tolerate such blatant disrespect. “Return to the heavens, Namtar,” she commanded. “Tell the gods that they must send him to me. The one who defied my honor must stand before me in judgment.”
The Gods’ Dilemma and Nergal’s Fate
Namtar once again ascended to the heavens, finding the gods still gathered. This time, the tension in his stance was undeniable. When he delivered his mistress’s demand, the gods hesitated.
“This is no small request,” one of them murmured. “To send a god to the underworld… what if he never returns?”
But Namtar was relentless. “Ereshkigal is enraged, and her fury is not to be taken lightly. If you do not send him, she will curse the heavens themselves.”
The gods conferred amongst themselves, and the wise Ea spoke. “Nergal, you must go. But do not be afraid—I will send with you seventy-seven Plague Guards, for you are the god of plagues, and they will serve you well.”
Nergal, though proud and defiant, understood that refusing would bring even greater trouble. He accepted his fate and prepared for his descent.
Nergal’s Journey to the Underworld
Nergal departed from the city of Kutha, his heart ablaze with a mix of anger and trepidation. As he approached the gates of the underworld, he called out, “Guard, open the gate! Your mistress has summoned me.”
One by one, the fourteen gates of the underworld creaked open. Nergal stepped through each with unwavering determination, his presence exuding strength and defiance. At last, he entered the great hall where Ereshkigal sat upon her throne, the weight of the underworld pressing upon her shoulders. Her dark eyes fixed upon him, filled with fury.
Before she could speak, Nergal struck. He lunged at her, seizing her by the hair and yanking her from her throne. Gasps echoed through the hall as he dragged her, his grip firm, ready to behead her.
Ereshkigal’s Plea and Proposal
But before he could deliver the fatal blow, Ereshkigal cried out, “Do not kill me, my brother! Allow me but a moment to speak.”
Something in her voice—perhaps a mix of fear and something deeper—gave Nergal pause. His grip loosened slightly. “Speak, then,” he growled.
Her voice softened. “Be my husband, and I will be your wife. Together, we will rule this realm. I will grant you dominion over the great underworld, and in your hand, I shall place the sacred tablet of wisdom. You shall be the lord, and I shall be the lady.”
A silence stretched between them. Nergal, the warrior god, the bringer of plagues, had come prepared for battle, not for this. But looking into Ereshkigal’s eyes, he saw not just a queen, but a goddess burdened with loneliness and duty. His anger ebbed, replaced by something unexpected compassion.
He released her, pulling her into an embrace. He wiped her tears and kissed her gently. In that moment, a bond was forged, one of power and passion, of darkness and light.
The Rise of Nergal as King of the Underworld
Ereshkigal, now both his queen and his consort, bestowed upon Nergal titles of great honor. She named him:
- Lord of the Willow Tree
- Sacred Hearth and Wrath of the Underworld
- The Terrifying One and the Fearsome Man
- The King of the Lower Seas and the Sun of the Underworld
- The Warrior King and the King of the Long Path
- The Hero of the Great City and the King of the Strange City
Under their joint rule, the underworld flourished. Nergal, once an outsider, now reigned alongside Ereshkigal, the two united in a partnership that blended strength with wisdom, ferocity with love.
The Legacy of Nergal and Ereshkigal
The tale of Nergal and Ereshkigal is more than a myth of power and defiance-it is a story of transformation. Nergal, the god who descended as a rebel, emerged as a king. Ereshkigal, the queen who demanded submission, found instead a partner to share her burden.
Their story serves as a reminder that even in the depths of darkness, unexpected alliances can be formed, and even the most fearsome of gods are not immune to love’s embrace.