Enheduanna - Mar 8th, Iyengar II

For International Women’s Day, the oldest named author in any language. Enheduanna was a priestess & princess living in the Sumerian city of Ur, in modern day Iraq. She lived and wrote from 2285-2250 BCE; 500 years before Gilgamesh and 1500 years before Homer.

This piece is an excerpt from a longer devotional poem dedicated to Inana, the goddess of love and war; an interesting and fierce combination.

The Exaltation of Inana

…

122-138 …Be it known that you arc lofty as the heavens! Be it known that you are broad as the earthy! Be it known that you destroy the rebel lands. Be it known that you roar at the foreign lands! Be it known that you crush heads! Be it known that you devour corpses like a dog! Be it known that your gaze is terrible! Be it known that you that you lift your terrible gaze! Be it known that you have flashing eyes! Be it known that you are unshakeable and unyielding! Be it known that you always stand triumphant…

144-154 The powerful lady, respected in the gathering of rulers, has accepted her offerings. Inana's holy heart has been assuaged. The light was sweet for her, delight extended over her, she was full of fairest beauty. Like the light of the rising moon, she exuded delight. Nanna came out to gaze at her properly, and her mother Ningal blessed her. The door posts greeted her. Everyone's speech to the mistress is exalted. Praise be to the destroyer of foreign lands, endowed with divine powers by An, to my lady enveloped in beauty, to Inana!