Inanna

In the ancient sources

Sumerian texts

nin-me-šara

“lady of all the divine powers” Exaltation of Inanna 1

• Descent of Inanna 1–25 She abandons her seven temples, from Uruk to Akkad, and dresses in seven divine powers: turban, beads, robe, mascara, pectoral, ring and measuring rod.
• Descent of Inanna 123–172 At each of seven gates something is taken from her; naked before her sister, she is judged, turned into a corpse and hung on a hook.
• Descent of Inanna 173–281 Enlil and Nanna refuse to help, but Enki makes two tiny beings from the dirt under his fingernails, who revive her with the food and water of life.
• Descent of Inanna 348–410 Finding her husband Dumuzi on his throne not mourning her, she fixes him with the look of death; in the end he and his sister share his time below, half a year each.
• Inanna and Enki She drinks with Enki, who in his cups gives her the divine powers of civilization, and she sails them home to Uruk in the Boat of Heaven.

The Exaltation of Inanna was composed by Enheduanna, daughter of King Sargon of Akkad, the earliest author known by name.

Cross-checked against these texts and records, in public-domain or freely available versions where they exist. Line, section and chapter numbers follow the standard editions, so a particular translation may differ slightly.