Ishtar

Ishtar is quite the character, in every sense.


Ishtar is one of the first characters to try and gain knowledge of how the world works, with no regard of the cost. She proceeds to the underworld in an attempt to learn more about why things work, and is willing to give up all her material possessions in order to gain knowledge that might transform her. She was also willing to give consequences to the rest of the world in her quest, as when she died, everyone lost the ability to be fertile. However, it was not a very serious case of death, so she got better.


Although Ishtar is called a goddess, and treated as such, she is not one. She childishly complained to her father after Gilgamesh rejected her. She acts like a child to get what she wants. And, she is unable to see the effects her actions have on other people. Ishtar is the first of this type of character, and is excellent at it.


On a personal note, I'm surprised that the ancient people of Mesopotamia would link fertility and war. I know that looking at it through a modern lens, there appears to be no distinct connection between the two. However, perhaps there was some tradition back then that would explain this, although I doubt that modern humans would ever discover it.


I wish we knew more about this creative ancient character, as it would provide helpful insight into how mesopotians think.