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~ INANNA ~

She was a Sumerian Goddess who was Queen of the land, making every king her bridegroom. A wedding hymn for the sacred marriage went like this:

"Oh my Queen, Queen of the Universe, the Queen who encompasses the Universe, may he (the king) enjoy long days at your holy lap."

On occasion she would use Her powers to conquer enemies of the king. It is said that the city of Agade was completely destroyed because Inanna abandoned Her temple.

Inanna was the source of life on earth, filling the wells, rivers, and springs with her "blood". A fertility deity, not unlike Her Babylonian counterpart Ishtar, she annually descended into the underworld to retrieve Her consort Dumuzi (Tammuz). According to Sumerian legend, the chief god, Eniki, overlooked Inanna when he was handing out responsibilities. Consequently, Inanna exercised her power in all areas of human life. The Mesopotamian heroic tale, The Epic of Gilgamesh, tells of Inanna descending to the netherworld as a result of her desire to reign over the lower regions, appointed to her elder sister, as well as the upper regions.

She was also known as Nanna, Nana, or even Anna, becoming the holy virgin mother of Attis, the bride of Balder, and the elder Virgin Mother Christians called "The Grandmother of God".

Hittites called Her Inaras, and in their lands, during the Purulli festival, she renewed her virginity each year to become the new bride of the sacred king. It is believed this was the predecessor of the Jewish Purim. The chosen groom was isolated in a royal castle or tower, and slain at an appointed time so his blood would help the Goddess fertilize the land. Writings of lamentation suggest the king-martyr regretted his brief glory.