Allat
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Allat (literally, goddess in Semitic languages) was a Sumerian[1] and Semitic goddess, the queen of the underworld[2]. She was also worshipped by Carthaginians by name Allatu. For pre-Islamic Arab goddess, see Allāt
[edit] Allat in Chaldean mythology
Chaldean legend[3]tells us that Allat had solely rulled in the hell. Once, other gods invited her to the party that they had organised in the heaven. Due to her photophobia she refused, and sent a messenger, Namtar, her servant. His behaviour had infuriated Anu and Ea, and their anger was turned against his mistress. They sent Nergal to punish her. He pulled the queen by her hair from the throne, in order to decapitate her, but her prayers for mercy stopped him, and Nergal had made Allat her wife.
Other legends make her a sister of Astarte.
[edit] References
- ^ Dictionary of Ancient Deities
- ^ «A History Of Art In Chaldæa & Assyria» Georges Perrot, Professor in The Faculty of Letters, Paris; Member of The Institute, and Charles Chipiez. New York, 1884.
- ^ The Dawn of Civilisation, by: Gaston Maspero
