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.