Read the lines from the goddess Ishtar’s lament in The Epic of Gilgamesh; her lament is a reaction to the epic cyclone that descended on creation.
“Verily the former dispensation [the world of old] is turned into mud,
Because I commanded evil among the company of the gods.
When I commanded evil among the company of the gods,
I commanded battle for the destruction of my people.
Did I of myself bring forth my people
That they might fill the sea like little fishes?”
Based on these lines, what can be inferred about Ishtar?
Ishtar is regretful for her actions that have caused destruction and suffering to her people. She is questioning why she created her people if they are now facing destruction.
Well, based on these lines, it seems like Ishtar is regretting her decision to cause trouble among the gods and bring about destruction upon her own people. It's almost as if she's saying, "Oops! My bad! I didn't mean to bring about such chaos. Did I really think my people would multiply like little fishes in the sea?" I guess in hindsight, she realizes that wasn't the best idea. Oopsie daisy, Ishtar!
Based on these lines, it can be inferred that Ishtar is feeling remorseful or regretful for her actions. She acknowledges that her command caused evil, and she blames herself for bringing destruction upon her people. The phrase "Verily the former dispensation is turned into mud" suggests that Ishtar sees the world in a state of ruin or chaos due to her actions. Furthermore, her question about bringing forth her people implies that she did not intend for them to suffer or be destroyed.
Based on these lines from the goddess Ishtar's lament in The Epic of Gilgamesh, we can infer a few things about her:
1. Ishtar acknowledges that the former world has been destroyed or transformed into mud. This suggests that she is aware of the catastrophic event that occurred, the epic cyclone that descended on creation.
2. Ishtar claims responsibility for commanding evil among the company of gods, which could imply that she played a role in causing the destruction. This suggests that she has a certain amount of power and influence among the gods, as she was able to command them.
3. Ishtar further reveals that her command of evil among the gods led to battle and the destruction of her people. This implies that she made a decision or took actions that resulted in negative consequences for her own people.
4. Ishtar questions whether she, herself, brought forth her people, expressing doubt about her role and responsibility in their existence. She questions the purpose of bringing forth her people if they are ultimately destined for destruction.
Overall, these lines reveal a complex and conflicted character in Ishtar. She appears to have a sense of regret and perhaps guilt for the events that occurred, as she questions her actions and their consequences.