fascinatio

Ereshkigal: Mesopotamian Queen of the Dead

Ereshkigal, the Mesopotamian Queen of the Dead who rules the underworld, was responsible for both keeping the dead within her realm and preventing the living from entering and learning the truth of the afterlife. She was the most feared deity in the Mesopotamian pantheon because she represented one’s final destination from which there was no returning. Ereshkigal is always represented in prayers and rituals as a formidable goddess of great power, but often in stories as one who forgives an injustice or a wrong in the interests of the greater good. In this role, she encouraged piety in the people who should follow her example in their own lives. If Ereshkigal could suffer injustice and continue to perform her tasks in accordance with the will of the gods, then human beings should do no less.

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Enheduanna: The World’s First Author Known by Name

Poetess Enheduanna (c. 2300 BCE) is credited with creating the paradigms of poetry, psalms, and prayers used throughout the ancient world which led to the development of the genres recognized in the present day. Her influence during her lifetime was as impressive as her literary legacy. Entrusted by her father, Sargon of Akkad, with great responsibility, Enheduanna not only exceeded those expectations but changed the entire culture. Through her written works, she altered the very nature of the Mesopotamian gods and the perception the people had of the divine.

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Ishtar/Inanna E-Offering/Stimboard!!

Cosmetic vessel with a human head and carved sphinxes on the inside, the shell served as a container for eye-cosmetics

ca. 630 - 580 BCE