Definition: Ishtar was the Babylonian equivalent of the Sumerian fertility goddess Inanna. Ishtar is the second consort of the god Anu, who is also her father. Ishtar is sometimes described as the sister of Ereshkigal.
Ishtar descends into the Underworld where she is kept until Namtar brings her out, sprinkled with the water of life. In her place Dumuzi (Tammuz) goes to the Underworld. Ishtar loved Gilgamesh, but he wouldn't have her, so Ishtar asked Anu to send the Bull of Heaven to kill Gilgamesh.
Ishtar descends into the Underworld where she is kept until Namtar brings her out, sprinkled with the water of life. In her place Dumuzi (Tammuz) goes to the Underworld. Ishtar loved Gilgamesh, but he wouldn't have her, so Ishtar asked Anu to send the Bull of Heaven to kill Gilgamesh.
Source: Christopher Siren's Baylonian FAQ
