Inanna’s Descent to the Underworld is a captivating Sumerian myth. It tells the journey of Inanna, the goddess of love and war, to the underworld. This tale brims with mystery, trials, and a powerful message about life, death, and rebirth. The story shows the cyclical nature of existence, where endings lead to new beginnings.
The Sumerian poem, The Descent of Inanna, written between 1900 and 1600 BCE, details this profound journey. Inanna, the great goddess and Queen of Heaven, descends from her celestial realm to the earth, and finally to the underworld.
Official Purpose of The Descent
What was her purpose for going to the underworld? The official reason Inanna gave to the gatekeeper was to attend the funeral of the Bull of Heaven, Ereshkigal’s husband, who was slain by Gilgamesh. Because it was her that sent to Bull of Heaven to Gilgamesh, one might believe that she was remorseful and went to apologize to her sister. The following excerpt from the myth reads:
85-89. Holy Inana answered him: “Because Lord Gud-gal-ana, the husband of my elder sister holy Ereškigala, has died; in order to have his funeral rites observed, she offers generous libations at his wake — that is the reason.”
Inanna’s Alternative Motive?
However, the great Anunnaki gods Enlil, Nanna, and Enki suspected another motive.
Inanna had set her heart on many things. She acquired the heavens, the Eanna temple, from the supreme god An. She set her mind on and obtained dominion over Me, the rules and decrees of civilization, from the god Enki. In each myth, she began with a determined mind, setting her sights on and obtaining what she desired. In the same spirit, this myth begins by saying that Inanna set her mind on the underworld. The first three lines read:
“1 – From the great heaven she set her mind on the great below.
2 – From the great heaven the goddess set her mind on the great below.
3 – From the great heaven Inana set her mind on the great below.”
The Anunnaki gods seemed believe that Inanna was looking to expand her dominion, to rule both the heaven and the underworld. This is revealed in how they reacted when they learned of her situation. Enki’s response was, “Inana craved the great heaven and she craved the great below as well. The divine powers of the underworld are divine powers which should not be craved.” Nanna’s, her father’s, response was exactly the same.
We encourage you to read the myth and make your own conclusions as to why Inanna decided to venture into the land of no return.
The University of Oxford translated this myth and houses it within the Electronic Corpus of Sumerian Literature. Many parts were missing with the end fragmented. We attempted to stay as true to the original in the following retelling of the myth.
Jump to the myth of Inanna’s Descent to the Underworld
Setting The Stage: Deities
Inanna: The Queen of Heaven
Inanna was a powerful goddess in Sumerian mythology. She was the Queen of Heaven, a title that spoke of her vast influence and divine authority. Inanna ruled over love, beauty, war, and fertility. Her presence was felt in every aspect of Sumerian life.
Inanna was known for her strength and boldness. She was a warrior, fierce in battle, but also the embodiment of love and desire. She could bring passion and conflict with equal ease. Inanna’s dual nature made her a complex and revered figure in Sumerian culture.
Her temples were grand and numerous. The most famous was the Eanna in the city of Uruk. People came from far and wide to worship her, offering prayers and sacrifices. They sought her blessings for love, prosperity, and victory in war. People considered Inanna’s favor a powerful force that could change the course of lives and nations.
In myths, Inanna often pursued her desires with relentless determination. She ventured into realms beyond her own to seek power and knowledge. Her journeys filled with trials and transformations reflect the struggles and triumphs of human existence.
Inanna’s stories were not just tales of the divine but mirrored the lives of the people who worshipped her. They saw in her the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. She was a goddess who walked among them, shared in their joys and sorrows, and guided them through the mysteries of the universe.
Ninshubur: The Faithful Minister
Sumerian culture knew Ninshubur for her wisdom and reliability. She was the trusted advisor and messenger of Inanna. Whenever Inanna embarked on her many adventures, Ninshubur was by her side, offering guidance and support.
In myths, Ninshubur was often seen as the voice of reason. She provided a calm and steady presence, balancing Inanna’s fiery and passionate nature. Her role extended beyond simple service; she was a protector and a wise counselor.
People in Sumerian culture respected and revered Ninshubur. She was a symbol of faithfulness and devotion, traits highly valued in their society. Her stories taught lessons about loyalty, courage, and the importance of standing by those we serve and love.
Enki: Master Of The Abyss
Enki was a revered god in Sumerian mythology. He was the god of wisdom, water, and creation. Enki’s influence touched many aspects of Sumerian life and culture.
Water was Enki’s element. He was the god of the freshwater sea, known as the Abzu, or the abyss. This underground ocean was the source of all life. Enki’s connection to water symbolized fertility and creation. He brought life-giving water to the land, ensuring crops grew and people thrived.
Known for his great intelligence, Enki was often called the “Lord of Wisdom.” He was the keeper of the sacred Me, the divine laws and powers that governed the universe.
Enki was also a master of magic and transformation. He could shape reality with his words and actions. In myths, he often used his powers to help humanity.
Sumerians saw Enki as a protector and benefactor. He was a god who cared deeply for humans. He shared his wisdom freely, teaching people how to farm, build, and live in harmony with the world around them.
Enlil: Lord Of The Air
Enlil was known as the “Lord of the Air.” His breath could bring gentle breezes or fierce storms. The Sumerians believed Enlil controlled the winds and the rain, essential elements for their survival. His power over the weather made him a vital deity for farmers and sailors.
As the god of storms, Enlil’s temper was legendary. He could be both a protector and a destroyer. His storms could bring much-needed rain for crops or devastating floods. The Sumerians respected and feared his unpredictable nature.
Enlil’s role extended beyond the weather. He was a leader among the gods, holding a position of great authority. He lived in the sacred city of Nippur, where his temple, the E-kur, was a place of worship and reverence. The Sumerians believed Nippur was the center of the universe, where Enlil ruled over the divine and earthly realms.
In myths, Enlil often acted as a judge. He made important decisions that affected both gods and humans.
Nanna: The Lord Of The Moon
Nanna, the god of the moon, was a revered figure in Sumerian mythology. He was the father of both; Inanna, the Queen of Heaven, and Ereshkigal, the Queen of the Underworld. His role and influence were vital in the Sumerian world.
Nanna was known as the “Lord of the Moon.” His silver light illuminated the night sky, guiding travelers and marking the passage of time. The Sumerians believed that Nanna’s waxing and waning controlled the months and seasons, making him a key figure in their calendar and agriculture.
His main temple was in the city of Ur, where people gathered to honor him and seek his blessings. Nanna’s priests and priestesses observed the phases of the moon, using its cycles to predict events and plan agricultural activities.
Nanna’s role extended beyond the physical realm. He was a mediator, bridging the heavens and the earth, the living and the dead. His light was a symbol of hope and renewal, a reminder that even in the darkest times, the moon would rise again.
Ereshkigal: The Queen Of The Dead
Ereshkigal, the goddess of the underworld, was a powerful and mysterious figure in Sumerian mythology. She ruled the dark realm of the dead, a place called Kur. Her presence commanded respect and fear.
She was the sister of Inanna, the Queen of Heaven. While Inanna ruled the skies and the earth, Ereshkigal’s domain was the shadowy world below. This contrast highlighted the balance between life and death, light and darkness, that was central to Sumerian belief.
Ereshkigal’s role was to govern the underworld and judge the souls of the dead. She ensured that the laws of the underworld were followed, maintaining order in her realm. Her decisions were final, and her authority was absolute.
In Sumerian culture, Ereshkigal was worshipped with reverence. She represented the inevitable end that all must face, a reminder of mortality and the importance of living a just life.
Ereshkigal’s stories are filled with mystery and depth. They show her as a powerful, complex deity, embodying the essential balance between life and death.
Setting The Stage: Places
Kur or Irkalla
In the heart of ancient Sumerian belief lay the mysterious underworld known as Kur or Irkalla. This shadowy realm was the final destination for all souls after death. Unlike the bright and lively world above, Kur was a place of darkness and silence.
The underworld was a vast, endless expanse. It was ruled by Ereshkigal, the Queen of the Dead. Her presence dominated this somber land, where the spirits of the deceased resided. Kur was not a place of punishment but a realm where the dead lived out their afterlife in a state of neutrality.
To enter Kur, one had to pass through seven mighty gates. Fierce demons guarded these gates, ensuring that no one entered or left without permission. The souls of the dead had to travel through these gates to reach their final resting place.
Ganzir
Behind the gates of Kur stood Ganzir, the imposing castle of the underworld. Ganzir was both a fortress and a palace. It was where Ereshkigal held her court and passed judgment on the souls of the dead. The castle was massive, built from dark stone, and its walls echoed with the whispers of ancient spirits.
Ganzir was also the gateway between the world of the living and the dead. In this myth when Inanna, the Queen of Heaven, descended into the underworld, she had to pass through the seven gates of Ganzir.
The Seven Anunnaki gods judged the dead inside Ganzir and assigned them their place in the underworld. Ereshkigal, with her stern and just gaze, ensured the laws of the underworld were upheld. The spirits lived a shadowy existence, reflecting on their past lives and awaiting the unknown future.
The Sumerian Cities: E-Kur, Urim, and Eridug
The cities of E-Kur, Urim, and Eridug were more than just places of habitation. They were the heart of Sumerian religion and culture. Each city was dedicated to a powerful deity, reflecting the people’s deep reverence for the divine. Today, the ruins of these cities stand as silent witnesses to the grandeur of ancient Sumer.
E-Kur
E-Kur, also known as Nippur, was a sacred city in ancient Sumer. It was home to the temple of Enlil, the powerful god of air and storms. Enlil’s temple, also called E-Kur, meant “House of the Mountain.” This temple was one of the most important religious centers in Sumerian culture.
Nippur was the spiritual heart of Sumer. It was believed to be the place where the gods decreed the fates of the world. Pilgrims traveled from far and wide to visit E-Kur and seek Enlil’s blessings. The city’s influence extended beyond its religious significance, as it played a central role in politics and culture.
Today, the ruins of Nippur are located in modern-day Iraq. Archaeologists continue to uncover its ancient secrets, revealing the city’s grandeur and its vital role in Sumerian civilization.
Urim
Urim, also known as Ur, was a prominent Sumerian city. It was dedicated to Nanna, the god of the moon. Nanna’s temple, the E-gishnugal, was a majestic structure that symbolized the city’s wealth and devotion.
Ur was a thriving urban center. It was a hub of trade, culture, and learning. The city was famous for its impressive ziggurat, a massive stepped pyramid that reached towards the heavens. People of Ur looked to Nanna for guidance and protection, especially in matters of agriculture and timekeeping.
The ruins of Ur are also in modern-day Iraq, near the city of Nasiriyah. The site continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists, who explore its ancient streets and uncover the life of the Sumerians.
Eridug
Eridug, also known as Eridu, was one of the oldest cities in Sumer. It was considered the first city ever created, a birthplace of civilization. Eridug was sacred to Enki, the god of wisdom, water, and creation. Enki’s temple, the E-abzu, was a place of worship and learning.
Eridug was known for its connection to the primordial waters of the Abzu, the underground sea. Enki, the wise and benevolent god, was believed to dwell in these waters. People came to Eridug to honor Enki and seek his wisdom.
The ruins of Eridug lie in modern-day southern Iraq. The site is a treasure trove of history, offering insights into the dawn of human civilization and the profound spirituality of the Sumerians.
The Myth: Inanna’s Descent To The Underworld: Goddess’s Reach for Power
From the great heaven, Inanna set her mind on the great below. She abandoned the sky, left the earth, and descended into the underworld. Inanna chose to leave her throne in the heavens. She abandoned her celestial office and all of her earthly temples including the temple of Eanna in Uruk.
The Preparation for The Journey
Inanna took the seven divine powers with her. She grasped these powers firmly in her hands. With the good divine powers, she began her journey.
She adorned herself in preparation for the descent. Inanna placed a turban on her head, suitable for the open country. She wore a wig on her forehead and hung small lapis-lazuli beads around her neck.
She placed twin egg-shaped beads on her chest. Inanna covered herself with a pala dress, the garment of ladyship. She applied mascara, known as “Let a man come, let him come,” to her eyes. She drew the pectoral called “Come, man, come” , a beautiful ornament made of jewels, over her chest. A golden ring adorned her hand. She held a lapis-lazuli measuring rod and line in her hand.
Instructions For Ninshubur
Inanna traveled towards the underworld. Her faithful minister, Ninshubur, followed behind her. Holy Inanna turned to Ninshubur and said, “Come, my faithful minister of Eanna. Listen to my words and follow my instructions. I am going to the underworld today. If I do not return, you must act.”
Before entering the underworld, Inanna gave clear instructions to her loyal servant, Ninshubur. She emphasized the importance of these instructions for her survival. If Inanna did not return, Ninshubur was to seek help from the gods Enlil, Nanna, and Enki.
“When I arrive in the underworld, you must make a lament for me on the ruin mounds. Beat the drum for me in the sanctuary. Visit the houses of the gods on my behalf. Mourn for me publicly by lacerating your eyes, nose, and ears. Wear a single garment like a pauper and go alone to the house of Enlil.”
First Instruction: Go To Enlil
“In the house of Enlil, lament before him. Say, ‘Father Enlil, do not let anyone kill your daughter in the underworld. Do not allow the dirt of the underworld to taint your precious metal. Do not let the mason’s stone break your lapis lazuli. Nor permit the carpenter’s wood to chop up your boxwood. Do not let young lady Inanna be killed in the underworld.”
Second Instruction: Go To Nanna
“If Enlil does not help you, go to Urim. In the house of Nanna, lament before him. Say, ‘Father Nanna, do not let anyone kill your daughter in the underworld. Do not allow the dirt of the underworld to taint your precious metal. Do not let the mason’s stone break your lapis lazuli. Nor permit the carpenter’s wood to chop up your boxwood. Do not let young lady Inanna be killed in the underworld.”
Third Instruction: Go To Enki
“If Nanna does not help you, go to Eridug. In the house of Enki, lament before him. Say, ‘Father Enki, do not let anyone kill your daughter in the underworld. Do not allow the dirt of the underworld to taint your precious metal. Do not let the mason’s stone break your lapis lazuli. Nor permit the carpenter’s wood to chop up your boxwood. Do not let young lady Inanna be killed in the underworld.”
“Father Enki, the lord of great wisdom, knows about the life-giving plant and the life-giving water. He is the one who will restore me to life.”
As Inanna traveled on towards the underworld, her minister Ninshubur followed behind. Inanna reminded her, “Go now, my Ninshubur, and pay attention. Do not neglect the instructions I gave you.”
With these words, Inanna descended into the unknown, her fate resting in the hands of her faithful servant and the mercy of the gods.
Inanna’s Arrival at the Underworld
When Inanna arrived at the underworld palace Ganzir, she pushed aggressively on the door of the underworld. She shouted, her voice echoing through the dark realm. “Open up, doorman, open up! Open up, Neti, open up! I am all alone and I want to come in.”
Neti, the chief doorman of the underworld, heard the goddess’s demand. He approached the door and asked, “Who are you?”
Inanna stood tall and replied, “I am Inanna, going to the east.”
Neti looked puzzled. “If you are Inanna, going to the east, why have you traveled to the land of no return? How did you set your heart on the road whose traveler never returns?”
Holy Inanna answered him with a somber tone. “Lord Gugulanna, the husband of my elder sister Ereshkigal, has died. I have come to observe his funeral rites. My sister offers generous libations at his wake, and that is why I am here.”
Neti, still cautious, replied, “Stay here, Inanna. I will speak to my mistress. I will tell her what you have said.”
Neti Goes To Ereshkigal
Neti entered the house of his mistress, Ereshkigal. He spoke with respect and urgency. “My mistress, there is a lone girl outside. It is Inanna, your sister, and she has arrived at the palace Ganzir. She pushed aggressively on the door of the underworld. Inanna shouted at the gate. She has abandoned Eanna and has descended to the underworld.”
Neti continued, detailing Inanna’s appearance. “She has taken the seven divine powers. She has collected them and grasped them in her hand. Inanna has come with all the good divine powers. She wears a turban, headgear for the open country, on her head. She has a wig on her forehead. Inanna has hung small lapis-lazuli beads around her neck.”
“She has placed twin egg-shaped beads on her chest. She has covered her body with the pala dress of ladyship. Inanna has placed mascara on her eyes. She has pulled the pectoral ornament over her chest. She has placed a golden ring on her hand. Inanna holds a lapis-lazuli measuring rod and line in her hand.”
With these words, Neti conveyed the gravity of Inanna’s arrival. The Queen of Heaven stood at the gate of the underworld, prepared and determined, bringing with her the mysteries and powers of the divine. The underworld, a realm of shadows and silence, now faced the presence of a powerful and determined goddess.
Ereshkigal’s Reaction
When Ereshkigal heard of Inanna’s arrival, she slapped the side of her thigh in anger. She bit her lip, thinking deeply about the news. Her heart burned with a mix of fear and fury. She spoke to Neti, her loyal doorman.
“Listen carefully and do not neglect my instructions. Bolt the seven gates of the underworld. Let each door of the palace Ganzir be opened one by one. When Inanna enters, make her crouch down. Upon the entry through each door, remove her clothes and powers one by one.”
Neti, the chief doorman, obeyed his mistress. He bolted the seven gates of the underworld, the seven gates of the palace Ganzir were closed to be opened one by one. He turned to holy Inanna and said, “Come on, Inanna, and enter.”
The Seven Gates of Ganzir, The Underworld
First Gate of Ganzir
Inanna, the Queen of Heaven, stood before the first gate of the underworld. She fearlessly and resolutely stepped forward with her powers and the lapis-lazuli measuring rod and line in her hand.
Neti, the doorman, approached. He reached for her turban, the headgear she wore for the open country. With a swift motion, he removed it from her head. Inanna’s brow furrowed with confusion and indignation.
“What is this?” Inanna demanded, her voice echoing in the dim light of the underworld.
Neti’s eyes were stern. “Be silent, Inanna,” he said. “The underworld has fulfilled a divine power. You must not speak against the rites of the underworld.”
Second Gate of Ganzir
Inanna moved forward, stepping through the second gate of the underworld. The air grew colder, and the shadows deepened.
As she passed through, Neti appeared once more. He reached for the small lapis-lazuli beads around her neck. With a gentle but firm hand, he removed them. The beads, symbols of her divine beauty and power, were now gone.
Inanna’s eyes flashed with frustration. “What is this?” she demanded; her voice tinged with anger.
Neti remained calm and stern. “Be silent, Inanna,” he said. “The underworld has fulfilled a divine power. You must not speak against the rites of the underworld.”
Inanna felt the weight of her situation pressing down on her. Each gate took more of her strength and identity. Yet, she knew she was determined to continue.
Third Gate of Ganzir
Inanna approached the third gate of the underworld. The darkness seemed to grow thicker, and the air was heavy with the weight of ancient secrets. She took a deep breath and stepped forward, her resolve unwavering.
As she passed through, Neti appeared again. This time, he reached for the twin egg-shaped beads on her chest. With a steady hand, he removed them. These beads, symbols of her status and power, slipped away.
“What is this?” Inanna demanded, her voice echoing in the silence.
Neti’s expression was stern and unyielding. “Be silent, Inanna,” he said. “The underworld has fulfilled a divine power. You must not speak against the rites of the underworld.”
Inanna felt another piece of herself being stripped away. Each gate demanded a sacrifice, and each sacrifice brought her deeper into the realm of shadows.
Fourth Gate of Ganzir
Inanna approached the fourth gate of the underworld. The air grew heavier, and shadows seemed to whisper.
Neti stood at the gate, waiting. As Inanna crossed the threshold, he reached for the pectoral on her chest, the beautiful ornament made of jewels. With careful hands, he removed it.
“What is this?” Inanna demanded, frustration in her voice.
Neti’s response was calm and unwavering. “Be silent, Inanna. The underworld has fulfilled a divine power. You must not speak against the rites of the underworld.”
Inanna felt the weight of the underworld’s demands. Each step took more of her identity, her power. Yet, she continued.
Fifth Gate of Ganzir
Inanna approached the fifth gate of the underworld. Each step felt heavier, the shadows around her growing darker.
Neti stood ready. As Inanna stepped through the gate, he reached for the golden ring on her hand. With a swift motion, he removed it.
“What is this?” Inanna demanded, her voice filled with frustration.
Neti’s response was calm but firm. “Be silent, Inanna. The underworld has fulfilled a divine power. You must not speak against the rites of the underworld.”
Inanna felt another piece of her power slip away. The golden ring, a symbol of her authority, was now gone.
Sixth Gate of Ganzir
Inanna approached the sixth gate of the underworld. The air grew colder, and the weight of the shadows pressed down on her. Relentless, she stepped forward.
Neti stood waiting at the gate. As Inanna crossed the threshold, he reached for the lapis-lazuli measuring rod and line in her hand. With a firm grip, he took them from her.
“What is this?” Inanna asked, her voice a mix of anger and confusion.
Neti’s response was stern and unyielding. “Be silent, Inanna. The underworld has fulfilled a divine power. You must not speak against the rites of the underworld.”
Inanna felt another piece of her strength slip away. Each gate stripped her of her divine powers, leaving her more vulnerable.
Seventh Gate of Ganzir
Inanna approached the seventh gate of the underworld. The air was thick with an eerie silence, and the darkness seemed to swallow all light. She took a deep breath, knowing this was the final gate.
Neti stood waiting. As Inanna stepped through the gate, he reached for her pala dress, the garment of ladyship. With a careful but firm hand, he removed it, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.
“What is this?” Inanna asked, her voice a whisper of frustration and confusion.
Neti’s response was calm and unyielding. “Be silent, Inanna. The underworld has fulfilled a divine power. You must not speak against the rites of the underworld.”
Inanna felt the last of her dignity and power slip away. The pala dress, a symbol of her royalty and strength, was now gone. She stood bare, stripped of all that once defined her.
The Judgment of the Seven Anunnaki
Inanna stood bare and vulnerable in the heart of the underworld. Her journey had stripped her of all her divine powers. She had nothing left but her resolve. Her clothes were carried away, leaving her exposed.
Inanna, with a bold heart, approached her sister Ereshkigal. She made Ereshkigal rise from her throne and took her place upon it. For a moment, Inanna sat as the queen of the underworld. Her goal has been reached. But the moment was brief.
The Anunnaki, the seven judges of the underworld, gathered. Their faces were stern, their eyes cold. They looked at Inanna with the Eye of Death. Their gaze was chilling, void of mercy. They spoke to her with words of anger. Their voices were harsh, filled with judgment. They shouted at her with the shout of heavy guilt. The sound echoed, carrying the weight of her fate.
At the judgement of the Anunnaki, the seven judges, Inanna, the once powerful Queen of Heaven, was turned into a corpse. Her body, lifeless and cold, was hung on a hook. The underworld had claimed her, rendering a harsh and final judgment. The powers she sought had led her to this grim fate, a testament to the power and unforgiving nature of the underworld.
Yet, even in death, Inanna’s story was not over. The underworld held its secrets tightly, but the Queen of Heaven’s story was far from over.
Please continue reading the conclusion of the myth “ Inanna’s Descent To The Underworld: The Revenge Of The Goddess”
References
Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford, Inana’s descent to the nether world (The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, 2006-12-19) https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=t.1.4.1
Joshua J. Mark, Inanna’s Descent: A Sumerian Tale of Injustice (World History Encyclopedia, 23 February 2011) https://www.worldhistory.org/article/215/inannas-descent-a-sumerian-tale-of-injustice/
Samuel Noah Kramer, Sumerian Mythology: A Study of Spiritual And Literary Achievement in the Third Millenium B.C. (General Press, 2021) “Inanna’s Descent to the Netherworld” L2687
