ISHTAR The war goddess of the Babylonians, Ishtar, like Inanna in Sumerian mythlogy, descended to the underworld, the difference being that in face of her, the dread goddess of the netherworld blanched in horror. She was, however, like Inanna, overcome by Death there, and had to be released by the intervention of Ea, with the help of a eunuch, who captured Ereshkigal's heart.