This figure serves as a gatekeeper alongside the serpent-headed Gizzida, in which role he can be known as "Lord of the Tree of Life.
This figure serves as a gatekeeper alongside the serpent-headed Gizzida, in which role he can be known as "Lord of the Tree of Life." In one story, he's sheltered by an old woman who gets turned into a casket of water to aid desert travelers Â– that woman, Belili, represents an elderly version of this figure's sister, who interprets his nightmare about a "single growing reed" which trembles, saying that the reed represents his weeping mother Sirtur. That sister, Geshtinanna, finds him hidden in a sheepfold after he gets turned into a gazelle, which happens after he prays to Utu, allowing him to escape some ugallu demons momentarily. But, ►this "Royal Shepherd" is finally captured and ends up spending six months of each year in Kur, or the underworld. FTP, name this fertility god who is the lover of Ishtar.                             
This figure serves as a gatekeeper alongside the serpent-headed Gizzida, in which role he can be known as "Lord of the Tree of Life.
Dumuzi or Tammuz (or Dumuzid or Duzu)