Nergal and Ereshkigal, Babylonian Version and Amarna Version Summary and Analysis

The author notes this version is a longer version that those found previously, and that it serves to record a change in the rule of the underworld from a single deity, Ereshkigal, to a joint rule between Ereshkigal and Nergal. She also mentions the myth may be related to the Phoenician god Melqart, in that it is believed Melqart was resurrected, much like Nergal is in this myth. Further, the author notes that there are vast difference between the two myths.

The myth begins with Anu telling Kakka to travel to the underworld and tell Ereshkigal to send a messenger up for a feast the gods are having so that she can be given a portion. Ereshkigal gratefully accepts the invitation and sends Namtar, her vizier. There...