For them, these myths were more than tales. They explained why crops died and returned, why light could vanish from the sky, and how life and death were part of the same endless cycle.
The Underworld’s Divine Lineage: From Serpents to Healers
The divine lineage of the underworld after Nergal and Ereshkigal continues for three more generations, producing Ningishzidda, Ninazu, and Damu.
This lineage is strongly associated with both trees and medicine. This connection can be explained by the historical relationship between plants, herbs, and healing, as most ancient medicinal remedies were derived from botanical sources.
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Nergal & Ereshkigal → Ningishzidda, Ninazu, Damu, linked to healing and trees.
Periodic journeys into the underworld mirror the cycles of nature and fertility.
Sin, the moon god, attacked by seven spirits → myth explains lunar eclipses.
Abduction reenacted at Akitu Festival → ritual death and renewal of kingship.
After liberation, Ishtar honored as sovereign of love, power, and cosmic order.
When Gods Descend: Cycles of Death and Renewal
The descent of gods into the underworld in Sumerian and Babylonian mythology raises many questions about its significance in nature.
A common theme emerges among these deities Hey are often associated with the renewal and revitalization of nature. This cycle parallels the transition between spring and summer or the balance between fertility and drought.
Abducted Gods: Myths of Eclipses and Celestial Signs
The abduction of gods is also linked to natural events, such as the monthly disappearance of the moon or catastrophic occurrences. For example, the disappearance of Marduk has been connected to celestial changes. The abduction of Ninurta is mentioned in a text from Adab, where one of his titles is "Lilu." His mother, the goddess Ninhursag, and his sister Egime lament his loss. Ninhursag’s husband, Sulpae, whose name means "the radiant youth," is described as both a god of war and fertility, and his planetary association is with Jupiter—the same as Marduk’s.
Sulpae and Ninhursag had three offspring: Ashgi, Mulil, and Lisin. Mulil, also called "Lilu," might be identical to Ninurta, as he is among the gods who periodically descend into the underworld.
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The Eclipse of Sin: Spirits and the Darkened Moon
The attack on the moon god Sin explains lunar eclipses. The dark phase of the moon, called "Bubulu," was believed to be caused by an assault from malevolent spirits. Ancient texts describe how:
"The underworld grew stronger, ruled by two powerful sovereigns who bore a son, Ningishzidda, the lord of the good tree, the mighty serpent who fears nothing. Ningishzidda married the goddess Ninazimua, and their son, Damu, became the god of healing. He ascended from the earth into the trees and settled within their bark. Damu is the god who emerges from the river and enters every tree."
As the underworld's influence grew, Ereshkigal devised a grand scheme to capture all the gods of the upper world to solidify her rule over both realms. She orchestrated a well-planned abduction with her ministers, soldiers, and demons. Among her captives were:
- Stran, the god of Tell Uqair
- Ningirsu, the war god of Lagash (who was later rescued by his wife Bau)
- Bau herself
- Ashur
- Tispak
- Ninurta, whose mother Ninhursag and sister Egime mourned him deeply
Egime cried out:
"Rise from your grave, my brother! Your mother longs for you. She yearns to hear your sweet lips and your eloquent words. Do not leave her in sorrow. Rise from your grave, O Enlil, and do not bring grief upon her."
From his prison, Ninurta replied:
"Free me, my sister! Do not rebuke me. I am not tall enough to be seen. My grave is made of the dust of the underworld, and I lie among the wicked. My sleep is troubled, and I cannot rise."
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The Underworld and the Heavens in Mesopotamian Myth
From Nergal and Ereshkigal came Ningishzidda, Ninazu, and Damu—gods tied to trees and healing.
Gods vanish into the underworld and return, echoing the rhythms of nature and the seasons.
Sin, the moon god, is seized during eclipses, explained as attacks by seven evil spirits.
Ereshkigal imprisons Marduk, reenacted at the Akitu Festival as a ritual of death and renewal.
When the gods break free, Ishtar is exalted as sovereign of joy, love, and cosmic authority.
The Capture of the Moon God Sin: Cosmic Crisis
The moon god Sin was also abducted when seven malevolent spirits surrounded him in fury, plunging the world into darkness. Enlil, alarmed by Sin’s eclipse, ordered his minister Nusku:
"Minister Nusku, deliver a message to the depths. Inform Ea of my son Sin’s suffering in the heavens."
Upon hearing this plea, Ea struck his thigh in distress and lamented. He then commanded Marduk to rescue Sin, but Ereshkigal held Marduk captive for several days each month.
Marduk in the Underworld: Death, Ritual, and Renewal
Marduk’s abduction into the underworld was influenced by the popular rituals of Tammuz. Babylonian myths reflect this event, which even became part of the Akitu Festival (New Year’s celebrations). During these rites, Marduk’s disappearance was reenacted, symbolizing his journey to the mountain, his temporary death, and his ritual resurrection.
This myth represents an attempt to return to the primordial era of creation by symbolically ending the current time cycle. Marduk’s death and revival ensure the renewal of fertility and abundance. Over time, the Babylonian New Year festival distanced itself from Tammuz and Ishtar’s story, solidifying Marduk’s prominence. The king became the true hero of the sacred marriage ritual, no longer serving as Tammuz’s proxy as in Sumerian tradition—marking a profound religious transformation.
The Gods Rise Against Ereshkigal
Ereshkigal, reveling in her victory, imposed punishment upon the gods by kidnapping Marduk from his celestial palace. The deities erupted in chaos, searching for their king. They sought their lord, his son Nabu, and his wife Sarpanitum.
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However, Marduk did not remain captive for long. On the first day of the New Year, he broke free from his prison, and the gods rejoiced. Grand celebrations erupted, praising his return. The gods honored Marduk and Sin for their liberation. Ishtar, Sin’s radiant daughter, sat beside him, embodying divine beauty and celestial grace.
The gods proclaimed:
"Praise be to Ishtar, the most revered goddess among the Igigi! She embodies joy, love, and desire. At her appearance, delight fills the heavens. She is crowned with the horned tiara, her eyes shining with brilliance. Holding the fates of all things in her hands, she exudes both compassion and authority. Who can rival her greatness? Ishtar stands supreme, her words respected, and her judgment honored among the gods. She is their sovereign, and they faithfully follow her command. Before her, all bow in reverence, basking in her divine radiance."
In the sacred hall of the gods, she sat alongside her consort, exchanging wisdom and counsel. The gods assembled before her, eagerly listening to their celestial decree.
This intricate mythology reveals the deep-rooted beliefs of the Sumerians and Babylonians. The divine struggles reflect the cycles of nature, celestial events, and the ever-renewing power of life and death. Through these sacred tales, the ancients sought to understand their world, honoring the gods who governed the forces of existence.
Key Takeaways
- The underworld’s lineage (Nergal–Ereshkigal → Ningishzidda, Ninazu, Damu) links death, trees, and healing.
- Recurring descents/abductions of gods mirror seasonal cycles of loss and renewal in nature.
- Lunar eclipses (Sin’s “capture”) were framed as assaults by seven spirits, prompting divine rescue.
- Marduk’s captivity and ritual return at Akitu enact cosmic death-and-rebirth to renew kingship and time.
- Ishtar’s exaltation signals restored order and joy after the gods’ liberation from Ereshkigal’s grip.
- Across these myths, celestial signs, botanical cures, and underworld power explain how life, death, and healing interlock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the main gods of the Mesopotamian underworld?
Nergal and Ereshkigal ruled the underworld, with descendants like Ningishzidda, Ninazu, and Damu tied to healing and trees.
Why did some Mesopotamian gods descend into the underworld?
Their descents reflected natural cycles of death and renewal, similar to changing seasons and fertility rites.
How did Mesopotamians explain lunar eclipses?
Eclipses were seen as attacks on Sin, the moon god, by seven evil spirits, requiring divine rescue.
What role did Marduk’s captivity play in Babylonian ritual?
His abduction was reenacted at the Akitu Festival, symbolizing death, renewal, and the rebirth of kingship.
What is the link between trees and the gods of the underworld?
Ningishzidda was called “lord of the good tree,” and his son Damu became a healing god dwelling within tree bark and sap.
How was Ishtar involved in these myths?
After the gods were freed, Ishtar was praised as the sovereign of joy, love, and cosmic authority.
What do these myths reveal about Mesopotamian beliefs?
They show how people explained cosmic events, illness, and nature through divine struggles and underworld power.
References
- Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others. Oxford University Press, 2000.
- Jacobsen, Thorkild. The Treasures of Darkness: A History of Mesopotamian Religion. Yale University Press, 1976.
- Kramer, Samuel Noah. Sumerian Mythology: A Study of Spiritual and Literary Achievement in the Third Millennium BC. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1961.
- Black, Jeremy, and Anthony Green. Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia. University of Texas Press, 1992.
- Leick, Gwendolyn. A Dictionary of Ancient Near Eastern Mythology. Routledge, 1991.
- Lambert, W. G. Babylonian Wisdom Literature. Oxford University Press, 1960.
Written by H. Moses — All rights reserved © Mythology and History
