Inspired by Inanna: The Journey of Goddesses and the Power of Women
On International Women’s Day, we embark on a journey into the depths of the past into ancient mythologies that remind us of the inspiration and strength hidden within each of us. Born in the fertile lands of Mesopotamia, Inanna stands as one of the most powerful goddesses of Sumerian mythology, symbolizing love, courage, war, and rebirth. Her story is not just that of a goddess, but a reflection of the power, grace, and renewal present in women’s lives.
Over time, Inanna, the most powerful goddess of the Sumerians, transformed across cultures, inspiring figures such as Ishtar (Babylon), Isis (Egypt), Aphrodite (Greece), Venus (Rome), and Freya (Norse mythology). Each of these goddesses mirrors Inanna’s dual nature—both loving and warrior-like—embodying the strength and elegance of the feminine spirit.
Similar figures are also found in Anatolian and Turkic mythologies. Cybele (Phrygia) is a goddess of both fertility and war, a strong protector of her people. Hannahanna (Hittite) is both a fertility goddess and a powerful guardian. In Turkic mythology, Umay Ana represents motherhood and fertility, as well as a warrior spirit protecting her people from harm. These figures reflect Inanna’s dual identity as goddess of love and war, in culturally diverse yet strikingly similar ways.
However, with the rise of monotheistic religions, the power of goddesses gradually diminished. These once-celestial beings who shaped the universe became passive symbols in the hands of patriarchal authority. As Joseph Campbell explains in The Masks of God: “The power of ancient goddesses was gradually turned into a tool of male authority.”
The stories of goddesses in all mythologies remind us that the creative, transformative, and regenerative power of women has always existed throughout history. The Inanna Collection reflects this ancient power and grace, symbolizing the goddess energy within every woman. Each piece carries this legacy from the past to the present, helping women express the strength they hold within.
Sources:
- History Begins at Sumer by Samuel Noah Kramer
- The Masks of God by Joseph Campbell
- Academic compilations on mythology and history