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13: The descent of Nergal to the Underworld

Nergal set his face towards Kurnugi,
to the dark house, dwelling of Erkalla's god,
to the house which those who enter cannot leave,
on the road where travelling is one way only,
to the house where those who enter are deprived of
light,
where dust is their food, clay their bread.
They are clothed, like birds, with feathers.
They see no light, they dwell in darkness.

Nergal and Ereshkigal, translated by Stephanie Dalley.

If you are wondering why Nergal is holding a chair, his father Ea instructed him to make one and bring it with him to Erkalla (I forgot that it's supposed to be painted in bright colors). According to Stephanie Dalley it may be explained by reference to a particular piece of furniture called a 'ghost's chair' in lexical texts; it's purpose is explained in a ritual text as preventing seizure by ghosts. "Thus Nergal takes the chair down in an attempt to ensure that he can escape from the Underworld and elude death."

Description

13: The descent of Nergal to the Underworld

Nergal set his face towards Kurnugi,
to the dark house, dwelling of Erkalla's god,
to the house which those who enter cannot leave,
on the road where travelling is one way only,
to the house where those who enter are deprived of
light,
where dust is their food, clay their bread.
They are clothed, like birds, with feathers.
They see no light, they dwell in darkness.

Nergal and Ereshkigal, translated by Stephanie Dalley.

If you are wondering why Nergal is holding a chair, his father Ea instructed him to make one and bring it with him to Erkalla (I forgot that it's supposed to be painted in bright colors). According to Stephanie Dalley it may be explained by reference to a particular piece of furniture called a 'ghost's chair' in lexical texts; it's purpose is explained in a ritual text as preventing seizure by ghosts. "Thus Nergal takes the chair down in an attempt to ensure that he can escape from the Underworld and elude death."