The Descent of Ishtar - Ancient Babylonian Hymn

This video presents the audio track for the reproduction of the ancient Babylonian hymn detailing Ishtar’s descent to the Underworld in her endeavor to rescue the soul of her beloved Tammuz. Lyrics To the Underworld, the land of no return Ishtar, the daughter of Sîn, set her mind Indeed the daughter of Sîn set her mind To the dark house, the dwelling of Irkalla To the house which those who enter shall not leave To the road whose course does not turn back To the house that lets no light enter Where dust is their sustainance and their bread clay They see no light, they dwell in darkness Their clothes are like a bird’s, garments of feathers Upon door and bolt has settled dust A deadly silence is poured on the crossbar To the Netherworld, the land of no return Ishtar, the daughter of Sîn, set her mind When Ishtar arrived at the gate of the Underworld She opened her mouth and said To the guardian of the gate she said a word: Lo, guardian, open your gate! Open your gate so that I may enter If you do not open the gate, if I cannot enter I shall strike the door, I will break the lock I shall strike the door jamb and overturn the doors I shall break the scales, I will take of the knob I shall raise the dead, they will eat the living The dead will outnumber the living Arrangement and vocals ℗ 2016 Sef Conner @stefconner #Ishtar #TheDescentofIshtar #BabylonianHymns