Introduction:

The story of the Descent of Inanna is a cornerstone of Mesopotamian mythology, originating in ancient Sumer, a civilization that flourished in what is now modern-day Iraq. This is a traditional story, a product of the imaginations of the Sumerian people, passed down through generations in cuneiform script etched onto clay tablets. It is not a factual account of events, but a powerful narrative that reflects the beliefs, values, and worldview of a long-vanished culture. We explore this myth purely for educational and historical understanding, appreciating it as a window into the minds of the people who created it.

Origins and Cultural Background:

Sumer, during the Early Dynastic Period (roughly 3rd millennium BCE), was a land of city-states, each with its own ruler and patron deity. Life was precarious. The unpredictable Tigris and Euphrates rivers provided life-giving water for agriculture, but also brought devastating floods. Constant warfare between city-states and the harsh desert environment contributed to a sense of vulnerability and a profound awareness of the forces of nature. Sumerians, like many ancient peoples, sought to understand the world through stories, myths, and rituals. They believed in a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses who controlled every aspect of human life, from the smallest details of daily existence to the grandest cosmic events. The deities were anthropomorphic, possessing human-like qualities such as love, hate, jealousy, and ambition. They were also believed to influence and control all elements of the physical world. The Sumerians believed the world was divided into three realms: the heavens, the earth, and the underworld (Kur). The gods inhabited the heavens, humans lived on earth, and the dead resided in the underworld. The underworld was a dark and desolate place, a realm of shadows ruled by Inanna’s sister, Ereshkigal.

Character/Creature Description:

The central figure of this myth is Inanna, the Sumerian goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and warfare. She is a powerful and complex deity, often depicted as a queen adorned with elaborate jewelry and carrying symbols of her divine authority. Inanna is associated with both the nurturing aspects of life and the destructive forces of war and chaos. She is not a benevolent mother goddess in the modern sense; she is a force of nature, driven by her own desires and ambitions. Her attributes include a radiant presence, a captivating voice, and a commanding aura. The underworld, Kur, is ruled by Ereshkigal, Inanna’s older sister and the Queen of the Dead. Ereshkigal is a terrifying figure, described as dwelling in a desolate realm, far from the light of the sun. She is surrounded by the Anunnaki, the judges of the dead, who are themselves associated with both fear and authority.

Main Story / Narrative Retelling:

Driven by a desire for power and a thirst for knowledge of the unknown, Inanna decided to descend into Kur, the underworld. She prepared herself meticulously, adorning herself with the seven me, symbols of divine power and authority: a crown, a lapis lazuli necklace, a measuring rod and line, a breastplate, a ring, and a date-palm fruit. She instructed her faithful servant, Ninshubur, to mourn for her if she did not return after three days and to seek help from the gods Enlil, Sin, and Enki.

At the gate of Kur, Inanna demanded entry. The gatekeeper, Neti, questioned her purpose. Inanna, in her arrogance, declared her intention to overthrow Ereshkigal and rule in her stead. Neti, following the underworld’s rules, allowed Inanna to pass through the seven gates, but each time, she was stripped of one of her divine me. At the first gate, her crown was removed. At the second, her lapis lazuli necklace was taken. With each gate, she became less and less powerful, less and less herself. Finally, stripped of all her garments and her authority, she stood naked before Ereshkigal.

Ereshkigal, enraged by Inanna’s audacity, cast a glance of death upon her. The Anunnaki, the judges of the dead, surrounded Inanna and judged her. Inanna was struck down and hung on a hook, transforming into a corpse.

Meanwhile, on earth, Ninshubur, true to her word, mourned Inanna’s absence. She travelled to the temples of Enlil, Sin, and Enki, pleading for their help. Enlil and Sin, the gods of air and wisdom, refused to intervene, fearing the consequences of disturbing the order of the underworld. However, Enki, the god of wisdom, felt compassion for Inanna. He fashioned two creatures from the dirt under his fingernails: the gala-tur and the kur-jara. He instructed them to descend to Kur and offer their sympathy to Ereshkigal.

Upon hearing their mournful cries, Ereshkigal’s heart softened. She offered them a favor, and the gala-tur and kur-jara asked for Inanna’s body. Ereshkigal, granting their request, allowed them to sprinkle the water and food of life on Inanna’s corpse. Inanna was resurrected and began her journey back to the world above.

However, the rules of the underworld dictated that anyone who entered must be replaced. As Inanna ascended, demons pursued her, seeking a replacement. They first sought to take Ninshubur, but Inanna intervened, ordering them to leave her servant alone. The demons then turned to her husband, Dumuzi, the shepherd god. Inanna initially refused to allow Dumuzi to be taken, but the demons, unrelenting, dragged him down to Kur. This is where the prophecy of Eridu comes into play. As Inanna watched her husband being dragged to the underworld, she lamented her fate. The prophecy of Eridu states that Dumuzi and his sister, Geshtinanna, will alternate between the underworld and the world above. Dumuzi will spend half the year in Kur, and Geshtinanna, his loving sister, will take his place for the other half, ensuring that life and fertility continue. This cycle represents the changing seasons, the death and rebirth of nature.

Symbolism and Meaning:

The Descent of Inanna is rich with symbolism. Inanna’s descent can be interpreted as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, a theme common in ancient cultures. Her journey into the underworld represents the journey into the unknown, a confrontation with the darker aspects of existence. The stripping of her me symbolizes the loss of power and the vulnerability of the self in the face of death. Her resurrection represents the triumph of life over death and the cyclical renewal of the natural world. The role of Dumuzi and Geshtinanna highlights the concept of sacrifice and the interconnectedness of life and death, reflecting the seasonal cycles of planting and harvest. The story likely served to explain the changing seasons, the relationship between fertility and death, and the power of the gods.

Modern Perspective:

The Descent of Inanna continues to captivate modern audiences. It has been adapted into countless works of literature, poetry, and art. The story has been analyzed by scholars in various fields, including mythology, psychology, and feminist studies. The narrative is often interpreted as a story of female empowerment, a journey of self-discovery, and a challenge to traditional patriarchal structures. The story’s themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and rebirth resonate with contemporary readers and viewers. It has been referenced in video games, films, and novels, showcasing its enduring relevance and its ability to inspire creativity across diverse media.

Conclusion:

The Descent of Inanna is a testament to the power of human imagination and the enduring appeal of storytelling. It is a cultural artifact, a window into the beliefs and values of the ancient Sumerians. It is not meant to be taken as literal truth, but rather as a narrative that reflects the human condition, our fears, hopes, and our understanding of the world around us. We acknowledge that, as Muslims, we believe in Allah, the one true Creator and Sustainer of all things. We are grateful for the gift of reason, knowledge, and understanding. We recognize the importance of respecting and appreciating the cultural heritage of others, learning from the past, and embracing the richness and diversity of human storytelling traditions.