Gestinana – The Mother Vine of Heaven; Lady of the Wilderness; Lady of the Underworld
In the myth of Inanna’s descent into the realm of death, Gestinana appears to have little importance other than as Dumuzi’s self-sacrificing sister. She was, however, a sacred goddess in her own right, once widely venerated thorough Mesopotamia. She is the Goddess of the Grapevine, Lady of Intoxicants.
Gestinana initially tried to hide Dumuzi from the Demons sent to escort him to Death, refusing to reveal his location even when tortured. When a friend of Dumuzi betrayed him to the Demons, Gestinana negotiated so that she could alternate with her brother, taking his place in Hell for half the year. While living in the Realm of Death, Gestinana serves as scribe and recording secretary to Ereshkigal, its queen.
Gestinana is the sacred brew master who may or may not be identical with Siduri. She is a singer and interpreter of dreams.
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Ama-Gestin-Anna; Belili; Belit Seri; Geshtinana
ORIGIN:
Sumeria
OFFERINGS:
Beer, wine
SEE ALSO:
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.
NOTE:
Since the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians and others all shared essentially the same pantheon and belief systems, these articles are all combined under the Mesopotamian mythology / deities / legendary creatures category.