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The Resurrection of Ishtar
-]} The Resurrection of Ishtar [{-
An Epic Legend of Love, Death, and Rebirth
Part I – Three Sisters, One Fate
Behold, for in the heavens there shines the morning star!
But, know you of the goddess of that light: noble Ishtar?
Of old, when gods walked hand in hand, with humanity,
Three goddesses, all sisters, loved one special mortal…
Tammuz was his name and his reputation was so saintly!
Ereshkigal, was the sister who took him past that portal,
To where her palaces lay: in the Netherworld’s paradise.
Ishtar, was the sister who loved him with all of her heart,
And she vowed to win him back by any cunning device.
Geshtinanna, was the sister who had used a mystical art,
To discover the fate of the man all three of them adored.
For he had eaten of the fruit that grows in dark gardens!
Now he lay with Ereshkigal, and with her he so whored.
Ishtar wept for him as one dead, as pain never pardons!
Her flawless ebony skin, was as black as the deep void,
And the white goddess’s hair matched her title: as snow.
Her eyes sparkled like the stars, gleamed from any side,
And now shed such tears for the mortal so taken below!
To the great infernal realms, she set her course at length.
She picked up her sword, donning purple and scarlet…
Vowing to bow her darkest sister to her mighty strength.
She would show death, the wrath of the heavenly harlot!
Ishtar was Queen of Heaven, bright light of deep nights,
Mistress of the elder gods: who set her mind downward!
Many were those trapped below who had not any rights.
From on high, their prayers by her ears were often heard.
From above the skies, she set her will to the very Abyss,
Out of the gates of pearl, and lapis lazuli, of the divinities!
Beyond the Gates of Death she would go, and not amiss.
No lands known to man, she walked with fair dignities…
But none return from there save those spared cold death!
Before she departed, Ishtar spoke to all of her dire quest.
Part II – White Queen’s Descent
Kindled, was the ire of the white queen of high Heaven!
And the red queen awaited below, past her gates seven.
If I do not return from darkness, said Ishtar to the gods,
Bid Geshtinanna to weep for me by the southern ruin…
There, she must beat the drums and enchant seven rods.
Thusly, if my sister be truly virtuous and without any sin,
Let none bar her way, and allow her to do as I thus bid!
For her it shall be time to play the hero, to pass the test.
If she succeeds should I fail, using her powers not hid…
Then, for her, the temple of Enki shall be made manifest.
He who dwelt in Eridu, and with our kin before his exile,
Ancient Enki, the Guardian of Wisdom, who knows all!
In the desert temple he holds the water of life with guile,
His children know secrets that will save me if I shall fall.
And so did she tell them ere she made her way down…
The spiral steps into darkness: where necromancers lair.
They parted for the white goddess of the silvery crown!
Their crypts held no terrors for her, and below the stair,
She came eventually to the infernal domain of Kurnugia.
All around it were splendid gardens, and forested fields,
Of purple and red hues, bearing fruits fit for bacchanalia.
Such fare as trapped Tammuz, no natural tree so yields!
Beneath the black soil, the land of Cutha spread on out,
And upon those roads no feet may wander too errantly.
Where the trees grow, in the caverns, even gods doubt!
For should they trust the fare of the damned, carelessly?
Bowls were heaped beneath the trees, in pious offering.
Within each was dust, which the winged guards will eat,
When they descend at midnight to ease their suffering…
So lo, Ishtar stepped carefully and quiet, no simply feat.
No watcher knew of her passage, no black eyes saw…
Unscathed was the goddess, untouched by sharp claw!
Part III – Key-Master’s Summons
Ishtar ate not of the pomegranate-like fruits she beheld,
And as she ventured deeper, her powers would be felt.
Within the Land of No Return Ishtar found a round city,
Encircled by seven walls and barred by seven tall gates.
The keeper of those gates was a being devoid of pity…
Sworn to keep the living out, and the dead to their fates.
Ishtar shouted at the portal: open the gates, gatekeeper!
Ninnghizhidda, I summon you by name; work my will…
As I am the key-master, open the gates, so I may enter!
Neti, I summon you by name; I mean your kind no ill…
But open the gates or I will break down their bars entire.
Open the gates or I will call wings to fly over their walls!
Test not my resolve, nor the passion of my soul’s desire,
Or I will send so much dead down to flood your halls…
That they will outnumber the living dwelling far up above,
And you will not soon be able to keep any gates closed!
Come forth, Neti, and know the power of divine love…
For my sword is unsheathed, and I will not be opposed!
And so came forth, the reptilian goddess Ishtar called…
Whose alien beauty was heightened: by shimmering silks,
All shades of black and red, with neither a flaw nor fault.
She regarded Ishtar with the gaze that withers and wilts!
The spirit of the deep, watcher of seven gates appeared,
Who, before her exile, was kin to the gods of magicians!
None speak her name idly for even in Hell it is so feared.
She is honored higher than the first of all fallen patricians!
Her plumed crown, sat upon a head with antlered horns,
And Ishtar was unmoved, by Neti’s most awful glamour.
Like a serpent, the gatekeeper’s body coiled in forms…
In stances that spoke vividly of her hidden warlike nature.
Ishtar, daughter of Nannar Sin, was not one to be fearful,
And before her radiance, the gatekeeper became tearful!
Part IV – Seven Gates of Shadow
Only one gate at a time, was Neti able to part with ease,
And so, she bade Ishtar to pass as soon as could please.
But a toll was required at each gate, by divine decree…
Thus the white queen was forced to obey such demands.
At the first gate she left Shugurra: crown of high steppes,
And her hair flowed free of the crown’s fine silver bands.
At the second gate she left a necklace of pure lapis lazuli,
Once the pride of the artisan that crafted it: in a lost time.
At the third gate she left her beads and pearls, delicately,
But in the hands of the gatekeeper they lost all their shine.
At the fourth gate she discarded her golden breastplates,
And her gown draped loose, about all her body’s curves.
At the fifth gate she left her gilt armlet and all its’ mates…
Now lost was their ability to keep calm any god’s nerves.
At the sixth gate she discarded her sword and knew fear,
For: she had just lost the weapon that defeats all demons.
At the seventh gate she was stripped, to come ever near,
The palaces: where Death Incarnate ruled for many eons.
Naked and in the company of Neti, Ishtar did tremble…
As she passed through halls inhuman things did call home.
Soon she stood before the throne, but was not humble…
Though she bowed lowly beneath the palace’s high dome.
Without Ambrosia, the food of life and the water thereof,
Ishtar knew she would not be saved from certain doom…
Before her, was the mistress of death and forbidden love!
Her imperious sister looked down on her from the gloom.
Ishtar rose up her arms but one look caused her to falter!
Blind and mad Azag-Thoth whispered from his chambers,
And, the Dragon of Kur did dream, from his sunken altar.
Lilith and her children stared out with eyes hot as embers,
But Ishtar saw none of them, staring only at her sibling…
Who smiled and mocked her, with words cruelly stinging.
Part V – Red Queen’s Revenge
A throne of skulls, on which an eye, carved from ivory…
Seemed to stare forth unseeing, blind to all, save destiny!
Ereshkigal was the opposite of Ishtar, even to look upon:
Bone white skin, blue-black hair cut in a pageboy style…
Unclothed save for baggy red pantaloons from hips hung.
Her large black eyes could see a person for many a mile,
And when she saw her sister she smiled vicious and mad.
The Judges of the Annunaki surrounded Ishtar, merciless,
As Tammuz was chained to the throne, seemingly glad…
Whilst, the red queen laughed: at her sister’s sad distress.
She knew why the Queen of Heaven had braved all peril!
So when Ishtar demanded the release of her paramour…
As well as souls held against their will in bondage and toil,
Then did Ereshkigal call the judges, to beat Ishtar sore…
They then passed judgment upon her that was most bitter.
The eye upon the throne of the queen glared red as ruby!
And Ishtar’s evil sister, spoke wrathful words against her.
Finding the white queen guilty, the eye lashed out fiercely,
Its’ crimson beam rendering the goddess mortal: and frail.
Demons hung Ishtar upon a cross with hooks and flayed,
Her skin: from bloody bones and sinews, as she did wail.
A skeletal form with red scraps of meat was of her made.
The goddess of darkness laughed at the bloody spectacle,
As the mad gods below found entertainment in the flaying.
The crucifixion went on for hours as the stars did sparkle,
In the heavens far, far above the place of Ishtar’s slaying.
Lilith could not stand to watch the horrors perpetrated…
Her children would not support, Ereshkigal’s punishment.
And so in Hell, were the fallen factions therein separated,
Causing chaos to erupt so very far beneath the firmament.
What wicked judgment, was swayed by a jealous rivalry!
Outcry unto the heavens was sent, with lamenting bitterly.
Part VI – Sorcerer of the Gods
Before she died of her torture, they pierced her by lance.
As they stuck her head, with thorns, she had no defense!
After three days and nights, Ishtar was not heard from…
Geshtinanna performed the rituals and met the wise Enki.
He was cloaked all in black; hidden, his face and form…
And he knew Ishtar had fallen, to her most awful enemy.
From clay he once formed two angels without genders…
And from the air he summoned them forth in desperation.
They bore the water of life and countless other wonders!
The Netherworld was to be their appointed destination…
But: only if Geshtinanna gave up her virginity as payment.
The golden haired goddess stripped off her silvery dress,
She paid the costly toll without any regret or resentment.
Her loyalty was unquestioned, to her sister and mistress!
And the angels flew forth, to where the dead eat of dust,
Their master sent them, and they dared never to disobey.
Whilst Enki took his pleasure, and was glutted upon lust,
His children went below, to where lost souls might stray.
They found the remains of Ishtar, her blood bring drunk,
By Ereshkigal, who bade devils to pour it into a chalice!
The angels poured upon Ishtar the water of life that sunk,
Into every fiber: each sinew that was left of the goddess.
Kurgarru was the angel Enki formed, as a spirit of earth.
Kalaturru was the angel Enki formed, as a spirit of seas!
Together they revived the slain goddess to her full worth,
Whilst the mad gods were wrathful and not to be eased!
Sixty times, they had poured the water of life, devotedly.
And they fed the food of life to Ishtar when she did rise!
They sang to her, their hymns ringing out so emotionally,
That the damned sang along, much to their own surprise.
With giant wings, and scaled skin, the angels were large,
And demons would not hurt them, even those in charge!
Part VII – Divine Resurrection
The eye on the throne saw nothing, and demons all fled,
Whilst the power of resurrection, raised the divine dead!
Seeing flesh, blood, and life to her sister returning then…
Ereshkigal called forth her vizier, the two angels to smite.
Like Enki, he hid his appearance from the sight of men…
And remained in the shadows unless called forth to fight.
He called forth the judges of the dead to lay down laws,
Before deciding to struggle against the two divine beings.
They acted not against the angels and stayed their claws,
But Nammtar the vizier, he called devils of several wings.
Though they were laid low, by Enki’s powerful creations.
Ishtar was arisen by then and the battle was soon halted,
By the horrible judges who spoke for all infernal nations!
None may ascend from the Netherworld pure or faulted,
Unless another is chosen to take their place for a span…
And to spite Ishtar, Ereshkigal chose lovely Geshtinanna.
Ishtar’s divinity was restored, so she enacted her plan…
Every soul the judges allowed to go free, from Gehenna,
The white queen would bring with her, to a better world.
Tammuz would be amongst them but never permanently!
Lest the seasons unbalance, the months far away hurled,
Geshtinanna and he would so switch places, periodically.
The demons of the Abyss lay there then, waiting quiet…
Clinging to the walls of halls and caverns, many faceless.
Azag-Thoth reared up from his place, in a kind of riot…
And monsters without names began to feel ever restless.
The beautiful Queen of Heaven, healed of fatal wounds,
Caused Ishnigarrab, the black goat, to scream in terror!
Emptied were many of the hidden places’ secret rooms,
Until the all the dukes of Hell began to see their error…
For Ishtar was a savior, come to deliver the hell-bound!
Her resurrection caused mad tremors in Hell to resound.
Part VIII – The Harrowing of Hell
Who would be the one, to take on Ishtar’s past misery?
The judges made their own choice, as known to history.
To replace Ishtar, her handmaid Ninshubur was taken…
And the goddess was allowed to leave, with her retinue.
Then the multitude of freed souls left Hell utterly shaken,
Whilst amongst the devils and demons, chaos did ensue!
In the world above, Ishtar’s absence caused calamities…
Love was absent, and passion died in peoples’ bosoms!
No longer did compassion reign, nor any noble charities.
Babies were stillborn, dying off within mothers’ wombs!
When she rose up from Hell, all of these things reversed,
And mankind was released: from the miseries it suffered.
Shamash the sun god noticed the world was not cursed!
Nannar the moon god, Ishtar’s father, was to joy stirred.
The key was given back, to she who reigns in darkness,
And the gates were closed when the harrowing ended…
Ishtar tore the thorns from her head and I was a witness.
I saw an earthquake rend all Hell; it was never mended!
But invisible demons did slip out with the liberated souls,
To seek new bodies to inhabit, new evils and mischief…
The lost ones from far across the stars, no one controls!
They invade all their hosts like insects, stealing as a thief.
Those once cast into volcanic graves, in the divine wars,
Whose souls were stolen and made to forget their origin.
Theta spirits, who burned but had not wounds, or sores,
Many such were loosed: by the daughter of Nannar Sin.
They saw her crucifixion and resurrection, and shrieked,
For it reminded them, of things they preferred not recall!
Into the bodies of the living they crept and they sneaked,
Determined to live again and this time never to lowly fall.
Every possessed person was healed by Ishtar’s touch…
For in her hands, was a great power not used overmuch.
Part IX – The Ascension to Heaven
I looked upon the land and saw life return after death…
Whilst the flowers bloomed, as dead trees drew breath!
I watched the morning star rising up, from past the east,
The hour the Queen of Heaven rose up, from the darks.
A company of shades, were freed from many a beast…
The dead were arisen, and purged of their hellish marks.
Eating of the fruits of the earth, no dust was their repast,
Unlike the damned, who could not escape: the shadow.
The innocent gathered about Ishtar, and thus made fast,
Hastening their queen to some fair and distant meadow.
At the side of the white goddess were two divine angels,
Genderless and fearless, who had given the water of life.
But wither had gone Tammuz, amongst glory and bells?
His time to rise shall come, for six months without strife.
That much had Ishtar won ere she rose up from silence!
When Tammuz rises, Geshtinanna must take his place…
As a lover, to Ereshkigal: to prevent any godly violence.
Radiant splendor is Geshtinanna’s, and a divine grace…
Behold, as her golden hair streams out from her diadem,
Glittering in the sun like unto the gilded fleece of old lore!
Behold, as the Netherworld receives that precious gem,
Whilst, to Heaven, returns the goddess of love, and war!
Stoop not down blindly, you who would chart the deeps,
For beneath the realms you know are seven steps to evil!
There, the one who suffers for Ishtar waits and oft weeps.
A prisoner, of the fatal force who rules with bloody steel!
No cavities of this world are so terrible, nor fiery in gulfs,
Than they left by cold tremors that came in Ishtar’s wake.
Beware the tables where sit shades guarded by wolves…
For there, sups a one who prefers not of dust to partake!
I beheld all this and more and thus my account is made…
Of how Ishtar died and rose again from Hell, so unafraid.
Part X – Sacrifice of a Sister
Like two terrible dragons the two angels take their flight,
Those children of Enki: the god who formed them aright.
The darkness takes its’ prize into its’ quiet, velvet fold…
Geshtinanna shall be enthroned there until the time is past.
Behold, for the gods rejoice at her sorrows, hearts cold!
But Ishtar weeps for her, and her tears shall for long last.
She sings to ease the sorrow in her heart, and sings loud,
The hosts of Heaven join in her song, but do so uncaring.
They encircle the white goddess like birds soaring proud,
Joining in her music, but in her spirit they’ll not be sharing.
In this otherworldly scene, Tammuz stares so wide-eyed,
Unable to sing fair enough, to join in that mighty a chorus.
He merely listens to the harmony about him so justified…
By the hot gaze of his eye, more regal than that of Horus!
In Hell, Ereshkigal was singing a sweet melody of a kind,
Content in the fruits of Ishtar’s victory over her powers…
She takes her new lover to her, with a fierceness to bind.
Geshtinanna knows death’s hot embrace, for long hours!
Hotter than the fires below, is their pleasure; more free…
And in her pain, Geshtinanna finds pleasures unimagined.
Loving sweetly, down in the darkness no eyes can see…
Where the flames rise, in pillars as tall as devil-fashioned.
The goddess of Hell can be man or woman when it suits,
Oft, the one she seeks, she bids choose her new body…
Thusly she seeks after many wicked, passionate pursuits.
But she is trapped in her realm, and longs to walk free…
So whilst Ishtar dwells, in heavenly splendors fascinating,
Ereshkigal rages against her with such unparalleled angst.
Thus the cycle is endless, its’ drama so self-perpetuating,
That its’ memory stretches across time, in its’ vast length.
When the gods grow forgetful, and man loses old tales…
I record, and thus remember; hoping my muse never fails.
An Epic Legend of Love, Death, and Rebirth
Part I – Three Sisters, One Fate
Behold, for in the heavens there shines the morning star!
But, know you of the goddess of that light: noble Ishtar?
Of old, when gods walked hand in hand, with humanity,
Three goddesses, all sisters, loved one special mortal…
Tammuz was his name and his reputation was so saintly!
Ereshkigal, was the sister who took him past that portal,
To where her palaces lay: in the Netherworld’s paradise.
Ishtar, was the sister who loved him with all of her heart,
And she vowed to win him back by any cunning device.
Geshtinanna, was the sister who had used a mystical art,
To discover the fate of the man all three of them adored.
For he had eaten of the fruit that grows in dark gardens!
Now he lay with Ereshkigal, and with her he so whored.
Ishtar wept for him as one dead, as pain never pardons!
Her flawless ebony skin, was as black as the deep void,
And the white goddess’s hair matched her title: as snow.
Her eyes sparkled like the stars, gleamed from any side,
And now shed such tears for the mortal so taken below!
To the great infernal realms, she set her course at length.
She picked up her sword, donning purple and scarlet…
Vowing to bow her darkest sister to her mighty strength.
She would show death, the wrath of the heavenly harlot!
Ishtar was Queen of Heaven, bright light of deep nights,
Mistress of the elder gods: who set her mind downward!
Many were those trapped below who had not any rights.
From on high, their prayers by her ears were often heard.
From above the skies, she set her will to the very Abyss,
Out of the gates of pearl, and lapis lazuli, of the divinities!
Beyond the Gates of Death she would go, and not amiss.
No lands known to man, she walked with fair dignities…
But none return from there save those spared cold death!
Before she departed, Ishtar spoke to all of her dire quest.
Part II – White Queen’s Descent
Kindled, was the ire of the white queen of high Heaven!
And the red queen awaited below, past her gates seven.
If I do not return from darkness, said Ishtar to the gods,
Bid Geshtinanna to weep for me by the southern ruin…
There, she must beat the drums and enchant seven rods.
Thusly, if my sister be truly virtuous and without any sin,
Let none bar her way, and allow her to do as I thus bid!
For her it shall be time to play the hero, to pass the test.
If she succeeds should I fail, using her powers not hid…
Then, for her, the temple of Enki shall be made manifest.
He who dwelt in Eridu, and with our kin before his exile,
Ancient Enki, the Guardian of Wisdom, who knows all!
In the desert temple he holds the water of life with guile,
His children know secrets that will save me if I shall fall.
And so did she tell them ere she made her way down…
The spiral steps into darkness: where necromancers lair.
They parted for the white goddess of the silvery crown!
Their crypts held no terrors for her, and below the stair,
She came eventually to the infernal domain of Kurnugia.
All around it were splendid gardens, and forested fields,
Of purple and red hues, bearing fruits fit for bacchanalia.
Such fare as trapped Tammuz, no natural tree so yields!
Beneath the black soil, the land of Cutha spread on out,
And upon those roads no feet may wander too errantly.
Where the trees grow, in the caverns, even gods doubt!
For should they trust the fare of the damned, carelessly?
Bowls were heaped beneath the trees, in pious offering.
Within each was dust, which the winged guards will eat,
When they descend at midnight to ease their suffering…
So lo, Ishtar stepped carefully and quiet, no simply feat.
No watcher knew of her passage, no black eyes saw…
Unscathed was the goddess, untouched by sharp claw!
Part III – Key-Master’s Summons
Ishtar ate not of the pomegranate-like fruits she beheld,
And as she ventured deeper, her powers would be felt.
Within the Land of No Return Ishtar found a round city,
Encircled by seven walls and barred by seven tall gates.
The keeper of those gates was a being devoid of pity…
Sworn to keep the living out, and the dead to their fates.
Ishtar shouted at the portal: open the gates, gatekeeper!
Ninnghizhidda, I summon you by name; work my will…
As I am the key-master, open the gates, so I may enter!
Neti, I summon you by name; I mean your kind no ill…
But open the gates or I will break down their bars entire.
Open the gates or I will call wings to fly over their walls!
Test not my resolve, nor the passion of my soul’s desire,
Or I will send so much dead down to flood your halls…
That they will outnumber the living dwelling far up above,
And you will not soon be able to keep any gates closed!
Come forth, Neti, and know the power of divine love…
For my sword is unsheathed, and I will not be opposed!
And so came forth, the reptilian goddess Ishtar called…
Whose alien beauty was heightened: by shimmering silks,
All shades of black and red, with neither a flaw nor fault.
She regarded Ishtar with the gaze that withers and wilts!
The spirit of the deep, watcher of seven gates appeared,
Who, before her exile, was kin to the gods of magicians!
None speak her name idly for even in Hell it is so feared.
She is honored higher than the first of all fallen patricians!
Her plumed crown, sat upon a head with antlered horns,
And Ishtar was unmoved, by Neti’s most awful glamour.
Like a serpent, the gatekeeper’s body coiled in forms…
In stances that spoke vividly of her hidden warlike nature.
Ishtar, daughter of Nannar Sin, was not one to be fearful,
And before her radiance, the gatekeeper became tearful!
Part IV – Seven Gates of Shadow
Only one gate at a time, was Neti able to part with ease,
And so, she bade Ishtar to pass as soon as could please.
But a toll was required at each gate, by divine decree…
Thus the white queen was forced to obey such demands.
At the first gate she left Shugurra: crown of high steppes,
And her hair flowed free of the crown’s fine silver bands.
At the second gate she left a necklace of pure lapis lazuli,
Once the pride of the artisan that crafted it: in a lost time.
At the third gate she left her beads and pearls, delicately,
But in the hands of the gatekeeper they lost all their shine.
At the fourth gate she discarded her golden breastplates,
And her gown draped loose, about all her body’s curves.
At the fifth gate she left her gilt armlet and all its’ mates…
Now lost was their ability to keep calm any god’s nerves.
At the sixth gate she discarded her sword and knew fear,
For: she had just lost the weapon that defeats all demons.
At the seventh gate she was stripped, to come ever near,
The palaces: where Death Incarnate ruled for many eons.
Naked and in the company of Neti, Ishtar did tremble…
As she passed through halls inhuman things did call home.
Soon she stood before the throne, but was not humble…
Though she bowed lowly beneath the palace’s high dome.
Without Ambrosia, the food of life and the water thereof,
Ishtar knew she would not be saved from certain doom…
Before her, was the mistress of death and forbidden love!
Her imperious sister looked down on her from the gloom.
Ishtar rose up her arms but one look caused her to falter!
Blind and mad Azag-Thoth whispered from his chambers,
And, the Dragon of Kur did dream, from his sunken altar.
Lilith and her children stared out with eyes hot as embers,
But Ishtar saw none of them, staring only at her sibling…
Who smiled and mocked her, with words cruelly stinging.
Part V – Red Queen’s Revenge
A throne of skulls, on which an eye, carved from ivory…
Seemed to stare forth unseeing, blind to all, save destiny!
Ereshkigal was the opposite of Ishtar, even to look upon:
Bone white skin, blue-black hair cut in a pageboy style…
Unclothed save for baggy red pantaloons from hips hung.
Her large black eyes could see a person for many a mile,
And when she saw her sister she smiled vicious and mad.
The Judges of the Annunaki surrounded Ishtar, merciless,
As Tammuz was chained to the throne, seemingly glad…
Whilst, the red queen laughed: at her sister’s sad distress.
She knew why the Queen of Heaven had braved all peril!
So when Ishtar demanded the release of her paramour…
As well as souls held against their will in bondage and toil,
Then did Ereshkigal call the judges, to beat Ishtar sore…
They then passed judgment upon her that was most bitter.
The eye upon the throne of the queen glared red as ruby!
And Ishtar’s evil sister, spoke wrathful words against her.
Finding the white queen guilty, the eye lashed out fiercely,
Its’ crimson beam rendering the goddess mortal: and frail.
Demons hung Ishtar upon a cross with hooks and flayed,
Her skin: from bloody bones and sinews, as she did wail.
A skeletal form with red scraps of meat was of her made.
The goddess of darkness laughed at the bloody spectacle,
As the mad gods below found entertainment in the flaying.
The crucifixion went on for hours as the stars did sparkle,
In the heavens far, far above the place of Ishtar’s slaying.
Lilith could not stand to watch the horrors perpetrated…
Her children would not support, Ereshkigal’s punishment.
And so in Hell, were the fallen factions therein separated,
Causing chaos to erupt so very far beneath the firmament.
What wicked judgment, was swayed by a jealous rivalry!
Outcry unto the heavens was sent, with lamenting bitterly.
Part VI – Sorcerer of the Gods
Before she died of her torture, they pierced her by lance.
As they stuck her head, with thorns, she had no defense!
After three days and nights, Ishtar was not heard from…
Geshtinanna performed the rituals and met the wise Enki.
He was cloaked all in black; hidden, his face and form…
And he knew Ishtar had fallen, to her most awful enemy.
From clay he once formed two angels without genders…
And from the air he summoned them forth in desperation.
They bore the water of life and countless other wonders!
The Netherworld was to be their appointed destination…
But: only if Geshtinanna gave up her virginity as payment.
The golden haired goddess stripped off her silvery dress,
She paid the costly toll without any regret or resentment.
Her loyalty was unquestioned, to her sister and mistress!
And the angels flew forth, to where the dead eat of dust,
Their master sent them, and they dared never to disobey.
Whilst Enki took his pleasure, and was glutted upon lust,
His children went below, to where lost souls might stray.
They found the remains of Ishtar, her blood bring drunk,
By Ereshkigal, who bade devils to pour it into a chalice!
The angels poured upon Ishtar the water of life that sunk,
Into every fiber: each sinew that was left of the goddess.
Kurgarru was the angel Enki formed, as a spirit of earth.
Kalaturru was the angel Enki formed, as a spirit of seas!
Together they revived the slain goddess to her full worth,
Whilst the mad gods were wrathful and not to be eased!
Sixty times, they had poured the water of life, devotedly.
And they fed the food of life to Ishtar when she did rise!
They sang to her, their hymns ringing out so emotionally,
That the damned sang along, much to their own surprise.
With giant wings, and scaled skin, the angels were large,
And demons would not hurt them, even those in charge!
Part VII – Divine Resurrection
The eye on the throne saw nothing, and demons all fled,
Whilst the power of resurrection, raised the divine dead!
Seeing flesh, blood, and life to her sister returning then…
Ereshkigal called forth her vizier, the two angels to smite.
Like Enki, he hid his appearance from the sight of men…
And remained in the shadows unless called forth to fight.
He called forth the judges of the dead to lay down laws,
Before deciding to struggle against the two divine beings.
They acted not against the angels and stayed their claws,
But Nammtar the vizier, he called devils of several wings.
Though they were laid low, by Enki’s powerful creations.
Ishtar was arisen by then and the battle was soon halted,
By the horrible judges who spoke for all infernal nations!
None may ascend from the Netherworld pure or faulted,
Unless another is chosen to take their place for a span…
And to spite Ishtar, Ereshkigal chose lovely Geshtinanna.
Ishtar’s divinity was restored, so she enacted her plan…
Every soul the judges allowed to go free, from Gehenna,
The white queen would bring with her, to a better world.
Tammuz would be amongst them but never permanently!
Lest the seasons unbalance, the months far away hurled,
Geshtinanna and he would so switch places, periodically.
The demons of the Abyss lay there then, waiting quiet…
Clinging to the walls of halls and caverns, many faceless.
Azag-Thoth reared up from his place, in a kind of riot…
And monsters without names began to feel ever restless.
The beautiful Queen of Heaven, healed of fatal wounds,
Caused Ishnigarrab, the black goat, to scream in terror!
Emptied were many of the hidden places’ secret rooms,
Until the all the dukes of Hell began to see their error…
For Ishtar was a savior, come to deliver the hell-bound!
Her resurrection caused mad tremors in Hell to resound.
Part VIII – The Harrowing of Hell
Who would be the one, to take on Ishtar’s past misery?
The judges made their own choice, as known to history.
To replace Ishtar, her handmaid Ninshubur was taken…
And the goddess was allowed to leave, with her retinue.
Then the multitude of freed souls left Hell utterly shaken,
Whilst amongst the devils and demons, chaos did ensue!
In the world above, Ishtar’s absence caused calamities…
Love was absent, and passion died in peoples’ bosoms!
No longer did compassion reign, nor any noble charities.
Babies were stillborn, dying off within mothers’ wombs!
When she rose up from Hell, all of these things reversed,
And mankind was released: from the miseries it suffered.
Shamash the sun god noticed the world was not cursed!
Nannar the moon god, Ishtar’s father, was to joy stirred.
The key was given back, to she who reigns in darkness,
And the gates were closed when the harrowing ended…
Ishtar tore the thorns from her head and I was a witness.
I saw an earthquake rend all Hell; it was never mended!
But invisible demons did slip out with the liberated souls,
To seek new bodies to inhabit, new evils and mischief…
The lost ones from far across the stars, no one controls!
They invade all their hosts like insects, stealing as a thief.
Those once cast into volcanic graves, in the divine wars,
Whose souls were stolen and made to forget their origin.
Theta spirits, who burned but had not wounds, or sores,
Many such were loosed: by the daughter of Nannar Sin.
They saw her crucifixion and resurrection, and shrieked,
For it reminded them, of things they preferred not recall!
Into the bodies of the living they crept and they sneaked,
Determined to live again and this time never to lowly fall.
Every possessed person was healed by Ishtar’s touch…
For in her hands, was a great power not used overmuch.
Part IX – The Ascension to Heaven
I looked upon the land and saw life return after death…
Whilst the flowers bloomed, as dead trees drew breath!
I watched the morning star rising up, from past the east,
The hour the Queen of Heaven rose up, from the darks.
A company of shades, were freed from many a beast…
The dead were arisen, and purged of their hellish marks.
Eating of the fruits of the earth, no dust was their repast,
Unlike the damned, who could not escape: the shadow.
The innocent gathered about Ishtar, and thus made fast,
Hastening their queen to some fair and distant meadow.
At the side of the white goddess were two divine angels,
Genderless and fearless, who had given the water of life.
But wither had gone Tammuz, amongst glory and bells?
His time to rise shall come, for six months without strife.
That much had Ishtar won ere she rose up from silence!
When Tammuz rises, Geshtinanna must take his place…
As a lover, to Ereshkigal: to prevent any godly violence.
Radiant splendor is Geshtinanna’s, and a divine grace…
Behold, as her golden hair streams out from her diadem,
Glittering in the sun like unto the gilded fleece of old lore!
Behold, as the Netherworld receives that precious gem,
Whilst, to Heaven, returns the goddess of love, and war!
Stoop not down blindly, you who would chart the deeps,
For beneath the realms you know are seven steps to evil!
There, the one who suffers for Ishtar waits and oft weeps.
A prisoner, of the fatal force who rules with bloody steel!
No cavities of this world are so terrible, nor fiery in gulfs,
Than they left by cold tremors that came in Ishtar’s wake.
Beware the tables where sit shades guarded by wolves…
For there, sups a one who prefers not of dust to partake!
I beheld all this and more and thus my account is made…
Of how Ishtar died and rose again from Hell, so unafraid.
Part X – Sacrifice of a Sister
Like two terrible dragons the two angels take their flight,
Those children of Enki: the god who formed them aright.
The darkness takes its’ prize into its’ quiet, velvet fold…
Geshtinanna shall be enthroned there until the time is past.
Behold, for the gods rejoice at her sorrows, hearts cold!
But Ishtar weeps for her, and her tears shall for long last.
She sings to ease the sorrow in her heart, and sings loud,
The hosts of Heaven join in her song, but do so uncaring.
They encircle the white goddess like birds soaring proud,
Joining in her music, but in her spirit they’ll not be sharing.
In this otherworldly scene, Tammuz stares so wide-eyed,
Unable to sing fair enough, to join in that mighty a chorus.
He merely listens to the harmony about him so justified…
By the hot gaze of his eye, more regal than that of Horus!
In Hell, Ereshkigal was singing a sweet melody of a kind,
Content in the fruits of Ishtar’s victory over her powers…
She takes her new lover to her, with a fierceness to bind.
Geshtinanna knows death’s hot embrace, for long hours!
Hotter than the fires below, is their pleasure; more free…
And in her pain, Geshtinanna finds pleasures unimagined.
Loving sweetly, down in the darkness no eyes can see…
Where the flames rise, in pillars as tall as devil-fashioned.
The goddess of Hell can be man or woman when it suits,
Oft, the one she seeks, she bids choose her new body…
Thusly she seeks after many wicked, passionate pursuits.
But she is trapped in her realm, and longs to walk free…
So whilst Ishtar dwells, in heavenly splendors fascinating,
Ereshkigal rages against her with such unparalleled angst.
Thus the cycle is endless, its’ drama so self-perpetuating,
That its’ memory stretches across time, in its’ vast length.
When the gods grow forgetful, and man loses old tales…
I record, and thus remember; hoping my muse never fails.
Published 22nd Sep 2011
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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22nd Sep 2011 7:53am
Fascinating! Could not read the whole thing tonight because I am not feeling well, but will try to return to it. :)
17th Sep 2012 8:26am
Perfectly understandable, my friend! I am glad you have found it fascinating thus far though. Thanks for letting me know! :)
23rd Sep 2011 11:40pm
25th Sep 2011 9:10am
I am happy you both loved this poem! The legend of Ishtar's descend into the Netherworld was always one of my favorite ancient myths. This was actually one of the first epic poems I wrote and completed, and I kept adding more detail to it until I felt it was finished. It is a hybrid of the original legend combined with some of my own personal beliefs. I can see my efforts were well worth it though. Thank you, my dear readers! Farewell for now.
