Tammuz

The galla seized Dumuzi, bound him, and carried him towards the underworld. The place of his capture was called “not fitting”. The galla were demonic constables, and their task was to take Dumuzi into the dark depths and keep him there. Other tellings also described Dumuzi as bound before he entered the underworld.

Inanna’s troubles continued after she returned from the underworld. She could not remain permanently among the living unless she found a substitute to live there in her place. Guarded by demons who belonged to Ereshkigal, she went to the surface and searched for a replacement. She chose Dumuzi, her mate. In the Babylonian telling, the goddess was called Ishtar, and Dumuzi was called Tammuz. That telling identified Tammuz as the Sumerian Dumuzi.

Dumuzi’s sister, Geshtinanna, tried to rescue him, but she failed. The major parties then negotiated over his fate. They reached an agreement that divided residence between Dumuzi and Geshtinanna. Dumuzi left the underworld for part of the year, while Geshtinanna remained in the dark depths in his place during the other part. They therefore alternated between the underworld and the living world.

In one tradition, Dumuzi was identified with Ningišzida. In another, Geshtinanna was described as Ningišzida’s beloved wife. These tellings gave different accounts of Dumuzi’s identity and family relations. After his capture, Dumuzi therefore received only a limited release, and his return depended on the division of residence that he shared with his sister.