Namtar

Mesopotamian deity

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July 1, 2026

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Namtar, also known as Namtaru, was an evil demon in Mesopotamian religion, associated with death and the underworld. He was the offspring and servant of Ereshkigal, the goddess who ruled the abode of the dead. Namtar's name means "destiny" or "fate," and he was believed to bring plagues and death. He is sometimes conflated with Nergal, the king of the underworld, and Meslamtaea, a city god of Cuthah. While Ereshkigal guarded the underworld, Namtar was her agent in spreading death and misfortune.123

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Mesopotamian religion
Myths
At first Enlil had Namtar, the god of death, cause a plague to diminish the human population, but the wise Atrahasis, at the advice of Enki, had human beings concentrate all worship and offerings on Namtar. Namtar, embarrassed at hurting people who showed such love and affection for him,…
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At first Enlil had Namtar, the god of death, cause a plague to diminish the human population, but the wise Atrahasis, at the advice of Enki, had human beings concentrate all worship and offerings on Namtar. Namtar, embarrassed at hurting people who showed such love and affection for him,…
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Ereshkigal
Her offspring and servant was Namtar, the evil demon, Death. Her power extended to earth where, in magical ceremony, she liberated the sick possessed of evil spirits.
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Her offspring and servant was Namtar, the evil demon, Death. Her power extended to earth where, in magical ceremony, she liberated the sick possessed of evil spirits.
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