A Comparison of Descents

This is a work in progress. Please be patient.




The descent I have chosen for comparison is the Descent of Innana, as translated by M. Jastrow from the clay tablets found by archeoligists. If you'd like to view it, click on this link -> Descent of Innana




Items Relinquished
Tuscan Sumerian
Goddess
Tana
Innana
Gates
First scepter turban
Second crown necklace
Third necklace twin egg-shaped beads
Fourth ring pectoral
Fifth sash ring
Sixth sandles measuring rod and line
Seventh gown dress

An important note is that the items reliquished at each may have been transposed in the Sumerian version. In another translation, it is the measuring line and rod that is reliquished at the first gate, rather than the turban. This would correspond better with the scepter, in being symbols of power. Setting the measure meant making the law.

In the Descent of Tana, the headgear worn; a crown, is more ornamental that functional. This is not so with Inanna. Her turban was to protect her from the heat and the sun. Also, in Inanna's case the turban is the first thing to be removed from her, while in Tana's case it is the scepter that must be first relinquished. It is interesting to note that in Tana's Descent, she willingly reliquishes the items she surrenders, while in Inanna's case, the guardians simply help themselves to that which they wish to remove from her person.

The difference more important than comparison of the items reliquished at the gate, imo, is in the reception the Goddess recieved upon reaching the underworld as well as her motives for going there in the first place. Tana is met by Dis with love. Inanna is met by her sister, with whom she is ensconsed in sibling rivalry, rage, and aggression.

Tana descends for the purpose of her spiritual growth; in order that she might know all the mysteries and is met by the Lord of the Underworld, Dis. Inanna descends, agressively demanding admission to the underworld, because she feels she has the right to go there to attend the funeral of the husband of the Otherworld Goddess, her sister Erishkigal.

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