Dumuzi

Sumerian shepherd god of pastoral fertility and seasonal vegetation (Sumerian Dumuzid, later Akkadian and Semitic Tammuz), consort of Inanna and brother of Geshtinanna.

Core Themes

• Sacred marriage (hieros gamos) with Inanna ensuring the fertility of flocks, date palms, and grain.
• Surrendered to the Underworld as Inanna's substitute for half of each year, alternating with his sister Geshtinanna.

Related Concepts & Sources

Inanna (consort), Geshtinanna (devoted sister), Inanna's Descent into the Netherworld (primary myth), Underworld (seasonal sojourn)