Week 12 Extra Credit Microfiction: Goddess Inanna

 

The eight-pointed star was Inanna/Ishtar's most common symbol.^[61][62] Here it is shown alongside the solar disk of her brother Shamash (Sumerian Utu) and the crescent moon of her father Sin (Sumerian Nanna) on a boundary stone of Meli-Shipak II, dating to the twelfth century BC. Source.

The Goddess Inanna Raids the Underworld

Inanna loved her rightful place as Queen of Heaven. However, her love of conquering overcame her, and she set her sights on her sister's domain: Kur. Inanna thought being queen of the heavens and the underworld became her, and she made way to claim it. Ereshkigal heard of her plot, and struck Inanna dead as she entered through her gates. Inanna's husband Dumuzid heard of her death, and offered himself in her place. He returns to heaven for half a year, and his sister Geshtinanna takes his place. This is why we have seasons.

(94 words)

Inanna and Gilgemesh

Inanna notices the hero Gilgamesh and becomes infatuated. She appears to him and asks him to become her consort. Gilgamesh refuses on the grounds that Inanna’s lovers have met bad ends. Enraged, Inanna summons the Bull of Heaven to attack Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu are ambushed by the bull, and a mighty battle ensues. Grabbing hold of each side, the two tear the bull in half, and throw each end toward the heavens. Enkidu taunts Inanna, who sentences him to death. To honor the bull, Inanna and the godsplace him amongst the stars.

(94 words)

Week 12 Reading: Faerie Queen Part 2

Source

 

 

Enchanted Chamber

Fancy Desire Doubt Danger Fear Hope Dissembling Suspicion Grief Fury Displeasure Pleasure Spire Cruelty

Amoret

Duessa 

Ate Mother of Strife

Sir Scudamore

WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO AMORET?????

Week 12 Story: Three Microfiction Stories of The Mesopotamian Goddess, Inanna

 

Goddess Ishtar on an Akkadian Empire seal, 2350–2150 BC. She is equipped with weapons on her back, has a horned helmet, and is trampling a lion held on a leash. Source.

 

Inanna Steals the Divine Decree

The Goddess Inanna took pride in her conquests, as is wont of a god of war. However, due to her station as a woman, many of the Gods lacked the proper respect she knew she deserved — the god Enki among them. Enki was the God of Creation, and holder of the mes. Inanna snuck into Eridu and stole the mes — fleeing back to her city, Uruk. When Enki awoke, he was infuriated by the mes’ disappearance. He sent his legion after Inanna, but they were too late. She entered the safety of Uruk, claiming the mes as her own.

(99 words) 

Inanna Takes Command of Heaven 

The siblings Inanna and Utu discussed the temple Eanna. It being so near to Uruk, Inanna lamented that it was not in her domain. She resolved to claim it and journeyed to the temple. On the way, Inanna landed in a marsh. She became lost and unable to find her way. A passing fisherman saw her and guided her through. Upon exiting, she walked through the desert and came upon the temple’s steps. At the top stood her father, An. An was angry at her arrogance, but understood that she had overcome hardships. He gave her ownership of Eanna.

(99 words)

 

Inanna and Shukaletuda  

Inanna rested underneath a poplar tree. The tree belonged to Shukaletuda who discovered the sleeping goddess. Unable to contain his lust, he took her as she slept. The Goddess awoke in a rage and vowed to destroy he who had violated her. She stormed through the earth in search of her prey, unleashing plagues and turning water into blood. In fear, Shukaletuda hid in Uruk. Losing her target, Inanna asks Enki for help. He sends her across the sky as a rainbow to Shukaletuda. Shukaletuda makes excuses for his crime, but Inanna is unrelenting, and she cuts off his head.

(100 words)

 

Author's Note: I read about Inanna a few weeks ago, and thought she was the coolest goddess I had never heard of. I wanted to try out microfictions, and it was really hard! I like detail, so I had trouble trying to include enough, but not too much. I think it worked out OK, but I would have loved to include more!

Bibliography: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna