The Sword God

View of the “Sword god,” probably Nergal of the Underworld in Chamber B of Yazilikaya in Turkey.

This image is difficult to describe but note the following.

Imagine a male figure. At the top of the image is the head of this deity facing left (north). His conical hat indicates that this is a deity. On his shoulders are the heads and paws of two lions--facing outward. Hanging(!) from them are two (long) lions—where the body of a man would be. Their heads are hanging down—visible where we normally expect a man’s knees to be. Below the heads—where we expect legs, ankles, and feet—is the blade of a stylized sword that tapers towards the feet.

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For a brief description of Yazilikaya Click Here.