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NERGAL (Mesopotamia 🇸🇾)

Mesopotamia, which means "land between rivers" in Greek, is a historical region located in Western Asia. It corresponds to the Tigris-Euphrates river system, which covers modern-day Iraq, Kuwait, and parts of Syria, Turkey, and Iran. Mesopotamia is considered one of the cradles of civilization, where major advancements in writing, mathematics, astronomy, and law originated.

The earliest known civilization in Mesopotamia was the Sumerian civilization, which emerged around 4500 BCE. The Sumerians developed cuneiform writing, which is one of the earliest known writing systems. Other major civilizations that thrived in Mesopotamia include the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.

Mesopotamia's cultural and intellectual achievements had a profound impact on subsequent civilizations, such as the Greeks, Romans, and Europeans.

**NERGAL, THE MESOPOTAMIAN UNDERWORLD GOD **

Nergal was the Mesopotamian god of the underworld, the god of war and pestilence, and the consort of the goddess Ereshkigal. He was one of the most feared and powerful gods in the Mesopotamian pantheon.

**Origins and Depiction:**

Nergal's origins are unclear, but he was likely originally a Sumerian god. He was depicted as a fierce and imposing figure, often with the head of a lion and the body of a man. He was often shown holding a mace or a sword, and he was associated with the underworld and the forces of chaos.

**Role in Mesopotamian Mythology:**

Nergal was the ruler of the underworld, known as Kur or Irkalla. He was responsible for judging the dead and determining their fate. He was also associated with war, pestilence, and destruction. Nergal was often invoked in times of war or plague, and he was feared for his ability to bring death and devastation.

**Cult and Worship:**

Nergal was worshipped throughout Mesopotamia, but his main cult center was in the city of Kutha. He was often worshipped alongside his consort, Ereshkigal, and they were sometimes referred to as the "Lord and Lady of the Underworld." Nergal was also associated with the planet Mars, and he was often invoked in rituals related to war and conquest.

**Mythological Tales:**

Nergal appears in several Mesopotamian myths and legends. In one myth, he is said to have descended into the underworld to rescue his sister, Ereshkigal, from the clutches of the demon Anzû. In another myth, he is said to have been responsible for the destruction of the city of Sodom and Gomorrah.

**Legacy:**

Nergal's influence extended beyond Mesopotamia. He was worshipped in other cultures, such as the Canaanites and the Hittites. His name and attributes were also adopted by later religions, such as Zoroastrianism and Christianity. Nergal remains a powerful and enduring figure in the mythology and religious traditions of the ancient Near East.

He is depicted as a bit of a bully in bull form, often bellowing, roaring, and rampaging. In one story, the Sumerian Gods were having a party but realized that Ereshkigal, the ruler of the Underworld, was stuck on duty and couldn't attend. This job requires constant residence, as leaving even for a moment could lead to chaos in the Underworld.

After inviting her, the Gods requested Ereshkigal to send her minister Namtar to them. They wanted to give him a doggy bag filled with various delicacies for her. As a sign of respect, all the Gods paid homage to Namtar as the representative of Ereshkigal. However, Nergal, the only God who didn't do so, just snorted with derision. When Namtar reported back to Ereshkigal, she screamed out of anger, "That son of a bitch is gonna die!" (Or ancient Sumerian words to that effect) and ordered Namtar to bring Nergal back to her.

But it didn't work out like that because Nergal hid in the gents or something and could not be found. This was not good enough for Ereshkigal, who dashed off a very terse appeal to the Gods on an official Underworld clay tablet. Worded in a fashion they would be wise not to ignore. At last, Nergal panicked and asked his dad Ea for help. Dad supplied him with seven pairs of demons to accompany him. The demons hustled him through the seven gateways, taking up the position of two demons per gate to persuade the minders that ritual humiliation attempts were not on the agenda.

This enabled Nergal to rush to the Throne Room and take Ereshkigal by surprise. He grabbed her by the hair and put a knife to her throat, whereby she immediately relinquished the throne. Then he repented and shared it with her because he decided that he loved her even more than violence. This is only one of many versions. Having invented writing, the Sumerian Tabloids took off in a big way. Every scribe and hack wanted to test their story-spinning skills to the utmost: "Hey, hold the wet clay - I gotta new angle on this Nergal deadline!"

(Mesopotamian folktales are a rich and diverse collection of stories that have been passed down through generations. These tales often feature mythical creatures, gods, and heroes, and provide insights into the beliefs and values of ancient Mesopotamian society.

Mesopotamian folktales offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious traditions of ancient Mesopotamia. They continue to be studied and enjoyed by scholars and readers alike, providing insights into the human experience and the enduring power of storytelling.)

(The tale of Nergal, the Mesopotamian god of the underworld, is a testament to the enduring power of love and redemption. Despite his fierce and imposing appearance, Nergal's heart was filled with compassion and devotion. He risked everything to rescue his beloved Ereshkigal from the clutches of evil, proving that even in the face of darkness, the light of love can shine through. Nergal's story reminds us that no matter how daunting the challenges we face, we can always find the strength within ourselves to overcome them and emerge stronger and more resilient.)

Source; A Mesopotamian Folktale

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