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Kendra Brooks
HIEU 201
Forum 1
Incantation to Ishtar
What is “ancient religion?” According to Perry's Western Civilization, 11e Volume 1,
Religion dominated, suffused, and inspired all features of Near Eastern society—law, kingship,
art, and science. In the first civilizations, the deepest thoughts of human beings were expressed
in the form of religious myths. Religion also encouraged and justified wars—including
enslavements and massacres—which were seen as conflicts between the gods. Religious
beliefs and values served as a powerful social force uniting people into a cohesive community.
(Chap. 1-6) The way religion is described,it shows that religion had more power over people
than laws and government and that it was well respected.
Who was Ishtar? Ishtar was an ancient Mesopotamian goddess of fertility, love, war, and
sex. She was from the East Semitic areas of Akkadian, Assyrian and Babylonian. There was a
lot of controversy over Ishtar due to her having jealous rage that would cause war amongst their
people. It made things more complicated because she was also a loving passionate person.
People who decided to cross her, felt her wrath and those she loved or loved her were the ones
who she protected. She was first worshiped at Uruk (Biblical Erech) in the earliest period of
Mesopotamian history.
According to the Daily Life Through History, there was an incantation addressed to
Ishtar about her power and splendor as a Goddess. Bright torch of heaven and earth, light of all
dwellings,Terrible in the fight, one who can not be opposed, strong in the battle! O whirlwind,
that roarest against the foe and cuttest off the mighty! O furious Ishtar, summoner of armies! O
goddess of men, O goddess of women, thou whose counsel none may learn! This excerpt stood
out to me the most because it showed the strength and dominance that Ishtar. It seems as if
they were begging her to not want to battle or summon any armies.
Who was Yahweh? Yahweh was considered the national God of the kingdoms of Israel
and later, the kingdom of Judah. He was also known as a storm and warrior deity who led a
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heavenly army against the enemies of Israel. When we see the hymns of praise to Yahweh, he
seems to have the same respect as Ishtar.
According to Psalm 8 ESV, O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have
established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. This excerpt
stood out because of the respect that Yahweh had amongst the people of Israel.
In conclusion, we've learned that Yahweh and Ishtar were very powerful people during
ancient religion. In comparison, they were considered alike because people respected them and
addressed them as a higher power.
References:
"Incantation to Ishtar (Ca. Seventh Century Bce)." Daily Life through History, ABC-CLIO, 2020,
dailylife2.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/2021772. Accessed 24 Mar. 2020.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001
