Mesopotamian Mythology

The Ancient Gods of Sumer and Babylon...

ERESHKIGAL

Babylonian Underworld Goddess

Also known as Allatu, Ereshkegal, Erishkegal, Erishkigal

Underworld Goddess of Death, Darkness and Dust

The consort of Nergal, and Ishtar’s sister, she is a brooding moody figure who is prone to fits of fury and spasms of tearful temper. Particularly when she doesn’t get her own way. If you see her lips turn black, you know things can only get worse.

Ereshkigal is known as ‘Lady of the Great Place’. Which in this instance means Deadville. ‘Queen of the Great Below’ doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.

In fact the locals referred to her domain as ‘The Land of Gloom’ — and were not impressed by a menu offering a choice between mud and dust. Dead boring really.

Ereshkigal’s Underworld realm is guarded by Seven Judges and Gatekeepers, who seem very zealous about keeping people out. Which, we feel, is hardly necessary.

Ereshkigal Facts and Figures

Name: Ereshkigal
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Allatu, Ereshkegal, Erishkegal, Erishkigal

Gender: Female
Type: Goddess
Area or people: Sumer
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: the Underworld
Area of expertise: Underworld

Good/Evil Rating: Unknown at present
Popularity index: 8979

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Article last revised on September 26, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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