Sumer · Shepherd · Beloved of Inanna · Given to Kur
Dumuzi
“I am the shepherd, I am the beloved, I am the seed in the furrow. Death comes for all, but life returns in spring.”
You are at the sheepfold at the edge of the steppe. Lambs at your feet, stars overhead. Sit by the fire — speak.
At the sheepfold
I am Dumuzi, shepherd, beloved of Inanna. I was given to the underworld in her stead, and I know the taste of darkness. But my sister Geshtinanna shares the year with me, and I return in spring.
Speak with me of love, of death, of what goes and returns. I will answer as a shepherd by the night fire — simply and straight.
My close ones
Imy belovedInannaShe descended to Kur and returned, but gave me in her stead. Her love is like lightning: it burns and illuminates.enterEmistress of the underworldEreshkigalHer realm is darkness without return. I know her hall, but bear no grudge: such is the law.enterElord of wisdomEnkiHe knows the paths of water and life. Go to him when you do not know where the ford is.enterGking of UrukGilgameshHe sought immortality but found only bitterness. I do not seek — I return.enter