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The Hero’s Journey

Sumerian

𒀭𒈹

Inanna

Inana

Queen of heaven in Sumerian. The English smash INANNA does not lock twenty-four or forty-two.

Etymology

Sumerian Inana (ETCSL: Inana). Often analyzed as nin-an-ak, lady of heaven. That analysis is discussed, not closed. Kramer writes Inanna with two n; ETCSL writes Inana with one. The spelling argument is editorial, not a second goddess.

Historical usage

Inanna is queen of heaven, of sexual power, of the storehouse, and, in some hymns, of war. The Descent is one poem among others. Enheduanna’s hymns address her; they are not this descent.

Later development

English INANNA misses all four frozen faces for 24 and 42. The later Akkadian name Ištar is another word.

Why it matters here

The goddess’s English name does not invite on these cameras. The priestess’s office-name does. That difference is the question.

Stories that hold this word

Relationship type is not optional

A word present in a source text is not the same as a later critical term applied to that story.

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