The myth of Inanna and Ebih is a tale of honor and the might of a goddess. This story is special because it is part of the first known piece of written literature with an author’s name. It was composed and recorded by Enheduanna. The daughter of Sargon of Akkad. She was the high priestess of Inanna and Nanna in the ancient city of Ur around the 23rd century BCE.
Enheduanna’s writings, “The Exaltation of Inanna,” praises the goddess and tells some of Enheduanna’s own story. It mentions her expulsion from Ur by her brother, Rimush, and her return to the temple.
In the myth, Inanna’s ferocity and rightful demand for honor shine through. The story invites readers to witness the powerful presence of the goddess and the respect she commands. It is a narrative full of mystery and the grandeur of divine battles, encouraging us to explore the deeper meanings within the ancient Sumerian world.
Go To the Myth of Inanna and Ebih
Setting The Stage: Deities
Inanna: The Goddess of War and Love
Inanna, the Queen of Heaven, stood as a powerful figure in the Sumerian pantheon. She was the goddess of love and war, embodying both passion and ferocity. Her beauty and strength were unmatched. Inanna’s dual nature made her a complex and intriguing deity.
Inanna held immense power. She commanded respect and fear. As the goddess of love, she was able to ignite the deepest passions. As the goddess of war, she led armies and destroyed enemies. Her strategic mind and divine weapons made her unstoppable. Inanna was a central figure among the Sumerian gods, revered and worshiped for her might and grace.
The story of Inanna and Ebih highlighted Inanna’s immense power. It showed how she instilled fear in both gods and mortals. Inanna’s wrath was a force of nature, unstoppable and terrifying. Her victory over Ebih solidified her place as a goddess deserving of honor and worship.
An: The Sky God of Sumerian Mythology
In the vast heavens, An reigned supreme. He was the god of the sky, the father of the gods, and the ruler of the cosmos. An’s presence was vast and mysterious. He was often seen as a wise and powerful figure, overseeing the universe from his celestial throne.
An held great authority in the Sumerian pantheon. He was the creator and sustainer of all things. The stars and planets moved at his command. He was revered by gods and mortals alike. An’s wisdom was unmatched, and his power was boundless. As the highest deity, he played a crucial role in the balance of the cosmos.
In the myth of Inanna and Ebih, An warned Inanna about the dangers of the mountain. He described Ebih’s thick forests, fierce lions, and wild bulls. An knew the mountain’s formidable nature. He cautioned Inanna, hoping to deter her from the perilous journey.
Setting The Stage: Places
Inanna’s journey took her through several regions, including Elam, Subir, and the Lulubi Mountains, culminating in a fierce confrontation with Mount Ebih. Each place she visited held great significance to the Sumerians.
Elam: A Land of Ancient Riches
Elam, known today as southwestern Iran, was a region of great wealth and power. It lay on the northeastern shore of the Persian Gulf. For the Sumerians, Elam was a land of trade and conflict. Its cities were bustling with activity, and its people were known for their skills in craftsmanship and warfare. Inanna’s presence here signified her far-reaching influence and the deep connections between these ancient civilizations.
Subir: The Northern Frontier
Subir, located in Upper Mesopotamia, was far north of Sumer. This region is part of modern-day northern Iraq. For the Sumerians, Subir was a distant and somewhat mysterious land. It represented the northern frontier, a place of both opportunity and danger. Inanna’s journey to Subir showed her quest for respect and recognition, even in the most remote areas.
The Lulubi Mountains: Gateway to the Wild
The Lulubi Mountains were within the Zagros range, now on the border between Iraq and Iran. These mountains were rugged and wild, home to fierce tribes and untamed nature. For the Sumerians, the Lulubi Mountains were a place of both awe and fear. Inanna’s passage through these mountains highlighted her bravery and her determination to conquer all obstacles in her path.
Mount Ebih: The Ultimate Challenge
Mount Ebih, known today as Jabal Hamrin, is a mountain ridge on the western side of the Zagros Mountains. To the Sumerians, this mountain was more than just a physical obstacle; it was a symbol of defiance and pride.
Samuel Noah Cramer the scholar and expert in Sumerian history likened it to the Dragon Kur, an ancient beast that represented chaos and resistance. Inanna’s confrontation with Mount Ebih was not just a battle with a mountain but a fight against a force that refused to acknowledge her divine power.
Inanna’s journey culminated in a fierce confrontation with Mount Ebih. Despite Inanna’s power and might the mountain refused to show her respect and bow down to her. And hence the myth of Inanna and Ebih was born.
The Myth: Inanna and Ebih
Inanna, goddess of fearsome power, rode into battle, wrapped in terror. Armed with the holy a-an-kar weapon, she was drenched in blood. Her shield rested on the ground as storms and floods surrounded her. Inanna, the great lady, was a master of conflict. With her arrows and strength, she destroyed mighty lands and overpowered enemies.
In the heavens and on earth, Inanna roared like a lion, causing devastation. She triumphed over hostile lands like a wild bull. With the ferocity of a lion, she subdued the rebellious and the defiant.
Inanna grew to the stature of the heavens. She became as magnificent as the earth. She appeared like Utu, the sun god, stretching her arms wide. Inanna walked in the heavens, cloaked in terror, and on earth, she wore daylight and brilliance. In the mountain ranges, she brought forth beaming rays. She bathed the mountain plants in light and gave birth to the bright mountain, the holy place. Strong with her mace, she was joyful and eager in battle, a destructive force. The people sang her praises, and all lands celebrated her.
Inanna’s Declaration of Vengeance
Inanna, the goddess of love and war, spoke with fiery determination. “When I, the goddess, walked in heaven and on earth, I roamed through Elam and Subir. I traveled in the Lulubi Mountains. As I approached the heart of the mountains, I saw that the mountain Ebih showed me no respect. It did not bow to me. It did not fear me.”
She continued, her voice filled with resolve. “Since it did not honor me, I will teach it fear. I will fill my hand with the mountain range and make it tremble. Against its mighty sides, I will place my battering rams. I will storm it and begin the sacred game of Inanna. In the mountains, I will start battles and prepare for war.”
Inanna’s eyes gleamed with fierce intent. “I will prepare arrows in my quiver. I will polish my lance and ready my shield. Then, I will set fire to its thick forests and chop down its evil deeds with my axe. I will summon Gibil, the mighty god of fire, the purifier, to cleanse its waters. I will spread terror through the unreachable mountains of Aratta.”
Her final words echoed with power. “Like a city cursed by An, it will never be restored. Like a place frowned upon by Enlil, it will never lift its head again. The mountain will witness my might. Ebih will give me honor and praise.”
Inanna’s Royal Preparation and Vengeance
Inanna, daughter of the moon god Nanna, adorned herself in regal splendor. She wore garments of royalty and girded herself with joy. Her forehead radiated terror and fearsome light. Around her holy neck, she placed cornelian rosettes. In her right hand, she brandished the seven-headed šita weapon. On her feet, she fastened straps of lapis lazuli.
As dusk fell, Inanna stepped out regally. She stood at the Gate of Wonder, making an offering to An, the sky god, and prayed. An, delighted by Inanna, took his place and filled the seat of honor in heaven.
Inanna Pays Reverence To An
Inanna spoke, “Father An, I greet you! Listen to my words. You have made me fearsome across heaven. My word has no rival in heaven or on earth. Your gifts empower me.”
She continued, “You have given me the might of the šita weapon, the strength to carry out military campaigns, and the power to break open city gates. You placed me at the king’s right hand to destroy rebel lands. May he, with my aid, crush enemies like a falcon in the mountains.”
Inanna declared, “May he destroy lands like a snake in a crevice. May he make them slither like a snake from the mountain. Let him know the mountain’s length and depth through the holy campaign of An. I strive to surpass the other deities.”
“When I roamed the heavens and walked upon the earth, I traveled through Elam and Subir. I wandered in the Lulubi Mountains. As I turned towards the heart of the mountains, I approached the mountain Ebih. But Ebih did not bow to me. It showed me no respect. As I, Inanna, came near, the mountain refused to honor me. It did not fear my presence.”
With a fierce resolve, Inanna asked, “How can the mountain not fear me? How can Ebih not fear Inanna, the goddess of heaven and earth? Since it did not bow down, I will make it learn fear.”
Inanna’s Resolve
She proclaimed, “I will place magnificent battering rams against its sides. I will storm it and start the ‘game’ of holy Inanna. I will prepare arrows, polish my lance, and ready my shield. Then I will set fire to its forests and cut down its evil. I will summon Gibil, the purifier, to cleanse its waters. And I will spread terror through the mountains of Aratta.”
Inanna’s voice echoed with power, “Like a city cursed by An, may it never be restored. Like a city frowned upon by Enlil, may it never rise again. Let the mountain see my might. Let Ebih honor and praise me.”
An’s Warning and Inanna’s Fury
An, the king of the gods, answered her with concern. “My little one, you seek to destroy this mountain. Do you know what you are taking on? This mountain has spread fear among the gods. It has cast terror over the holy dwellings of the Anunnaki deities. Its presence weighs heavily on the land and stretches arrogantly to the center of heaven.”
An continued, painting a vivid picture of the mountain’s splendor and danger. “Its gardens are lush, filled with hanging fruit. Magnificent trees rise like crowns to the heavens. Lions roam under the canopy of trees, and wild rams and stags abound. Wild bulls graze in flourishing grass. Deer couple among the cypress trees. Its fearsome nature is overwhelming. Inanna, you cannot pass through it.”
Despite the warning, Inanna’s resolve only grew stronger. In her rage and anger, she pushed open the lapis lazuli gate, the brilliance of the gems sparkling around her. Inside, weapons of divine power awaited her touch. She chose her strongest arms, prepared for the fight ahead.
Holy Inanna reached for her quiver, each arrow gleaming with otherworldly light. She called upon the forces of nature, summoning a great storm. Clouds darkened the skies, and thunder rumbled in response to her call.
With a wave of her hand, Inanna raised a towering flood. The waters churned with evil silt, ready to engulf her enemies. She stirred up a raging wind, swirling with shards of pottery, sharp and deadly.
Determined and unyielding, Inanna stormed out, ready to face the mountain. She would not be deterred. The battle was hers to win.
The Battle Against Ebih
Inanna stood before the mighty mountain, her gaze fierce and unyielding. She advanced, step by determined step, her dagger gleaming in the dim light. She sharpened both edges, preparing for the battle to come. With a swift, powerful move, she grabbed Ebih’s neck, her strength like a force of nature. She plunged the dagger deep into the mountain’s core, her roar echoing like thunder across the land.
Ebih, the proud mountain, fought back fiercely. Rocks tumbled down its sides, clattering and shaking the ground. From its crevices, venomous serpents spat their poison, hissing in defiance. But Inanna’s wrath was unstoppable. She cursed the forests, damning the trees to wither and die. The mighty oak trees succumbed to her drought, their leaves turning to dust.
Inanna’s assault was relentless. She poured fire onto the mountain’s flanks, thick smoke rising to choke the sky. The flames consumed everything in their path, leaving nothing but ash. The mountain’s resistance was fierce, but Inanna’s power was greater. She established her authority over Ebih, bending it to her will.
Inanna’s authority over the mountain was undeniable. She conquered it completely, bending it to her will. Holy Inanna, the fierce goddess of love and war, did as she wished. Her power and determination were unmatched.
Inanna’s Victory and Declaration
Inanna stood before the mountain range of Ebih, her voice powerful and commanding. “Mountain range,” she said, “you stood tall and proud, reaching up to the heavens. You were beautiful and majestic. But you did not bow to me. You did not show respect. So, I have brought you low.”
Her eyes blazed with triumph as she continued. “Like an elephant, I have seized your tusks. Like a wild bull, I have forced you down by your thick horns. I pursued you savagely. Now, tears are in your eyes, and your heart is full of sorrow. Birds of sorrow nest in your ruins.”
Inanna’s words were filled with righteous fury. “My father Enlil has spread my great terror over these mountains. He placed a weapon on my right side and another on my left. My anger, sharp as a harrow, has torn you apart.”
She declared her victory with pride. “I have built a palace and established my authority. My throne now stands firm. From now on this battle will be re enacted by my faithful servants. I have given the kurĝara performers a dagger and prod, and the gala performers drums. I have transformed the pilipili performers to retell the battle for ages to come.”
“In my victory, I rushed towards the mountain like a surging flood. Like rising water, I overflowed the dam. I imposed my will upon you, Ebih. My victory is complete.”
Inanna’s power and dominance were clear. Her triumphant speech echoed through the mountains, marking her as a force to be reckoned with. Praise rose to Inanna, the great child of Nanna, the mighty goddess.
The Significance of the Myth of Inanna and Ebih
The myth of Inanna and Ebih was a powerful tale of divine retribution and the assertion of authority. Inanna, the fierce goddess of love and war, confronted the proud mountain Ebih, which refused to bow to her. Despite warnings from An, the king of the gods, Inanna’s determination and might led her to victory. She destroyed the mountain with relentless fury, establishing her dominance and demanding the respect she is due.
For the Sumerians, myths like that of Inanna and Ebih were more than just stories. They were sacred narratives that conveyed essential truths about the world, the gods, and human society. These myths provided a framework for understanding the forces of nature and the divine, guiding their religious practices and cultural values.
Inanna’s myth reinforced the idea that the gods were deeply involved in the affairs of the world and that their favor was crucial for prosperity and survival. It taught lessons about humility, respect, and the consequences of arrogance. By venerating Inanna and other deities, the Sumerians sought to align themselves with the divine will, ensuring harmony and protection.
In conclusion, the myth of Inanna and Ebih is a vivid and powerful story that encapsulates the values and beliefs of the Sumerian people. It celebrates the might of the gods, the importance of reverence, and the eternal struggle between order and chaos. Through this timeless narrative, the Sumerians expressed their understanding of the cosmos and their place within it, creating a legacy that continues to inspire and intrigue us today.
References
Faculty of Oriental Studies, Inana and Ebiḫ (The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, 2003) https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=t.1.3.2
Matt Clayton, Sumerian Mythology: Captivating Myths Of Gods, Goddesses, And Legendary Creatures of Ancient Sumer and Their Importance To The Sumerians (Captivating History, 2019) Page 32
Multiple Authors, Hamrin Mountains (Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia, 28 November 2023) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamrin_Mountains
Samuel Noah Kramer, Sumerian Mythology: A Study of Spiritual And Literary Achievement in the Third Millenium B.C. (General Press, 2021) L2650
