Mythology holds within it tales of gods who once governed the heavens above and the world below. Many people are familiar with mythology, particularly Greek Mythology (Hi, Zeus) or Norse Mythology (What’s up, Thor?), but Egyptian Mythology also contains significant importance, particularly when it comes to wine. Never mind walking like an Egyptian, it’s time to drink like an Egyptian, at least an Egyptian God.
The Egyptians of yore were very into wine; on the ground Egyptians used their pyramids as makeshift wine cellars, placing a great importance on every batch. In the skies, Egyptians held a belief in a variety of wine and wine-related gods. The following is just a taste of the beings who governed the grape and valued the vine.
Geshtinana: Geshtinana, known as “Lady of the Vine,” was a goddess of wine. In mythology, she was the sister of Dumuzi, a shepherd married to the goddess Inanna. When Inanna went missing, Dumuzi didn’t seem to care: he was found enjoying life. Inanna returned to find her husband’s indifference and allowed the underworld to take him. When Dumuzi tried to escape capture, he went to Geshtinana’s house where he proceeded to turn into a gazelle (if I had a dollar for every time that’s happened). He was eventually captured and taken to the underworld. Dumuzi spent half a year imprisoned in the underworld until Geshtinana took over and spent the other half. During this time, I suspect that this “Lady of the Vine” was forced to revert to making wine in the toilet.
Ninkasi: The goddess of alcohol, also known as the matron goddess of beer, Ninkasi was legend to have been born of “sparking fresh water.” Her duties as goddess of alcohol included satisfying desire, and calming the heart. Ninkasi was the daughter of Ninti, the Queen of Abzu, and Enki, the lord of Nudimmud. I’m not really sure what her parents’ clout means in present day, but I think it’s kind of like being a Hilton.
Article comments
1 - Rage
Gods and booze, I love it. Just a fun fact, Ninkasi was a Sumerian deity. The Sumerian Annunaki and the traditional Egyptian pantheon are different. But it doesn't really matter what you call them, because the gods definitely know how to party.