---
title: Goddess Ishtar descent to the underworld tablet
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2464/goddess-ishtar-descent-to-the-underworld-tablet/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Goddess Ishtar descent to the underworld tablet

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Goddess Ishtar descent to the underworld tablet](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2464.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2464.jpg)

## Image Caption

The legend, written in [Akkadian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/akkadian/), describes how [Ishtar](https://www.worldhistory.org/ishtar/), goddess of sexuality and [warfare](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/), went to the Underworld. Ishtar decided to undertake the journey, although the Underworld was known as the 'land of no return' for humans and gods alike. On the way down she passes through seven doorways and each time the gatekeeper removes from her the symbols and clothes of her divinity. Eventually Ishtar comes face to face with Erishkigal, the goddess of [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/), and collapses. All sexual activity stops on earth. The gods are distraught and Ea, [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) of wisdom, creates an impotent boy who is attractive to Erishkigal. He manages to persuade Erishkigal to have Ishtar sprinkled with the waters of life and revived. Ishtar passes back through the seven doors, and regains her clothing and attributes. Neo-Assyrian era, 7th century BCE, from [Nineveh](https://www.worldhistory.org/nineveh/), northern Iraq, part of the library of King [Ashurbanipal](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashurbanipal/), 669-631 BCE. (The British Museum, London)

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2014, March 31). Goddess Ishtar descent to the underworld tablet. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2464/goddess-ishtar-descent-to-the-underworld-tablet/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Goddess Ishtar descent to the underworld tablet." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 31, 2014. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2464/goddess-ishtar-descent-to-the-underworld-tablet/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Goddess Ishtar descent to the underworld tablet." *World History Encyclopedia*, 31 Mar 2014, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2464/goddess-ishtar-descent-to-the-underworld-tablet/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 31 March 2014. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.