Aphrodite vs. Ishtar

Attribute	Aphrodite	Ishtar
Origin	Greek	Mesopotamian
Role	Goddess of love, beauty, and desire	Goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and war
Symbol	Dove, swan, and rose	Eight-pointed star, lion, and gate
Mythological Consorts	Hephaestus, Ares	Tammuz, Dumuzid
Epithets	Cytherea, Cypris	Queen of Heaven, Lady of Battles

Origins

Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and desire, is often depicted as emerging from the sea foam. She is said to have been born from the castrated genitals of Uranus, the sky god, which were thrown into the sea. Ishtar, on the other hand, is the Mesopotamian goddess of love, fertility, and war. She is associated with the planet Venus and is often depicted as a winged goddess. Ishtar's origins can be traced back to ancient Sumerian mythology, where she was known as Inanna.

Attributes

Aphrodite is known for her beauty and irresistible charm. She is often portrayed as a seductress who can make both gods and mortals fall in love with her. Aphrodite is also associated with fertility and the protection of women in childbirth. Ishtar, on the other hand, is a powerful and independent goddess who is not afraid to assert her authority. She is often depicted as a warrior goddess, riding into battle on a lion and wielding weapons. Ishtar is also associated with the underworld and is said to have the power to bring the dead back to life.

Symbolism

Aphrodite's symbols include the dove, the swan, and the myrtle tree. These symbols represent love, beauty, and fertility. Aphrodite is also often depicted with a mirror, symbolizing self-reflection and introspection. Ishtar's symbols include the eight-pointed star and the lion. The eight-pointed star represents the planet Venus, which Ishtar is associated with, while the lion symbolizes her power and strength. Ishtar is also often depicted with a stylized gate, symbolizing her role as the goddess of both love and war.

Myths and Stories

One of the most famous myths involving Aphrodite is the story of her love affair with the mortal Adonis. According to the myth, Adonis was killed by a wild boar, and Aphrodite was so grief-stricken that she begged Zeus to allow Adonis to spend part of the year with her in the underworld. Ishtar is also associated with a famous myth, the Descent of Inanna. In this myth, Ishtar descends into the underworld to confront her sister Ereshkigal, the queen of the underworld. Ishtar is stripped of her powers and is forced to spend three days in the underworld before being rescued by her loyal servant Ninshubur.

Worship and Cults

Aphrodite was worshipped throughout the ancient Greek world, with temples dedicated to her in major cities such as Athens and Corinth. Her cult was particularly popular among women, who would offer prayers and sacrifices to her in hopes of gaining her favor in matters of love and fertility. Ishtar was also widely worshipped in ancient Mesopotamia, with temples dedicated to her in cities such as Uruk and Babylon. Ishtar's cult was associated with rituals of fertility and sexuality, and her worshippers would often engage in sacred prostitution as part of their religious practices.

Legacy

The legacy of Aphrodite can be seen in the continued association of love and beauty with the planet Venus, which is named after the Roman equivalent of Aphrodite. Aphrodite's influence can also be seen in the enduring popularity of love stories and romantic poetry in Western culture. Ishtar's legacy can be seen in the continued association of the planet Venus with love and fertility, as well as in the enduring image of the powerful and independent goddess who is not afraid to assert her authority. Ishtar's influence can also be seen in the representation of strong and assertive female characters in literature and popular culture.