Ereshkigal

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Ereshkigal (艾蕾什基伽尔)
Alias(es)	Eresh; Mistress of the Underworld; Ruler of the Underworld; Underworld Goddess; Lancer
Species/Race	Complete Goddess; later manifests as a Lancer-class Servant/Heroic Spirit 322 665 731
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Formerly the Three Goddess Alliance; later an ally of Uruk and Li Zihan's party 231 665
Occupation/Role	Ruler and administrator of the Mesopotamian Underworld; guardian of departed souls
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 208

Background / History

Ereshkigal was offered to the Underworld at birth because no other gods wished to be confined to its desolate realm. She became its foundation and ruler, managing death and decay while remaining isolated from the surface world. Unlike Ishtar, who was cherished by the gods and free to travel, Ereshkigal was effectively confined to an Underworld of rocks, soil, ghosts, undead, and poisonous vegetation. 208 220 424

Despite being feared as a goddess of death, Ereshkigal preserves the souls of the weak and sick in carefully made cages. If their bodies remain intact, she sends those souls back to the living world for resurrection. Her actions during the Three Goddess Alliance were therefore far less malicious than Uruk believed. 209

After Ishtar's summoning, Ereshkigal was also summoned due to their shared origin. She initially used Ishtar's body to briefly visit the surface, usually when Ishtar slept, primarily to see flowers and experience the human world. 206 208 211

Li Zihan recognized her identity after noticing that she showed no interest in his gemstones, unlike Ishtar. By challenging her supposed plans to destroy Uruk, he proved that Ereshkigal deeply valued human life. He then offered her friendship and asked for her help against Tiamat. 209 210

Ereshkigal agreed to move the Underworld to the edge of the Sea of Origin, making it the planned battlefield and prison for Tiamat. Her defection, together with Quetzalcoatl's defeat and Gorgon's imprisonment, ended the Three Goddess Alliance. 211 231

Appearance

Ereshkigal is a petite goddess, stated to be under 1.6 meters tall, with a dignified presence that contrasts with her size. Her usual divine attire is formal and dark, reflecting her role as the Underworld's ruler. 209 220

• Brilliant golden hair, secured with a golden headband and red ornaments. 209 211
• Black clothing with gold trim. 209
• Cape with a black exterior and red interior. 209 211
• Ruby-like eyes. 702
• Often carries or weaves a Spirit Cage. 615 685

Personality

Ereshkigal is intelligent, proud, dutiful, and easily satisfied by sincere companionship. Having spent most of her existence alone, she treasures simple things unavailable in the Underworld, especially flowers, shared meals, stories, and guests. A single flower growing in her realm would be precious enough for her to wait centuries to see it bloom. 208

She longs for the freedom of the surface world but refuses to abandon her post. Ereshkigal regards her personal wishes and her duty as separate matters; she believes someone must grant rest to the dead and preserve the silence of death. 220

Her lack of ordinary social experience can make her shy, gullible, and easily flustered, particularly around romance. However, she is not fragile: she can be formal, decisive, and intimidating when her loved ones or responsibilities are threatened. 211 423 685

Ereshkigal is deeply affected by being feared for her divine role. Although she accepts that she represents death and “evil,” she wishes people could understand that such evil can still protect humanity. 606

Abilities & Skills

Underworld Authority

As the legitimate ruler of the Underworld, Ereshkigal governs its dead and its divine restrictions.

• Can preserve souls in prepared cages and return them to the living world if their bodies have not been destroyed. 209
• Can relocate the Underworld; she moved it to the edge of the Sea of Origin for the operation against Tiamat. 210 211
• The Underworld restricts deities and can reduce their combat power significantly. 219
• Helped keep Tiamat imprisoned below after Kingu bound her. 249
• Could not personally act against Gorgon while bound by the Three Goddess Alliance's covenant. 219

Spirit Cage and Gun Barriers

Ereshkigal creates and charges a Spirit Cage, forming gun-like barriers around herself or her targets.

• Weaves the cage alone and infuses it with Magic Power. 615 664
• Can surround herself with a gun barrier when enraged or threatened. 685
• Her magical pressure becomes visibly dangerous when she loses control of her anger. 685

Lancer Servant Form

Ereshkigal can be summoned as the Lancer-class Servant, “Mistress of the Underworld.” 322

• Her Magic Power is supplied by the Holy Grail rather than directly by Li Zihan. 436
• Stores unused Magic Power in her spear. 436
• Shared Magic Power with Li Zihan when his reserves were nearly depleted. 436 437
• Temporarily withdrew from battle on Li Zihan's orders because Pashupata's divinity-targeting instant-death effect posed a severe danger to her. 432

Goddess's Core

An innate ability possessed by goddesses born as complete divine beings. 731

• Blocks mental interference. 731
• Keeps her body in its original form, preventing physical alteration or development. 731

Herrscher of Reason Power

Ereshkigal demonstrated the ability to wield the Herrscher of Reason's power against Raphael. 719

• Easily defeated Raphael and suspended her upside down with golden chains. 719

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Spirit Cage — A cage-like magical armament that Ereshkigal weaves and charges with Magic Power. 615 685
• Lancer's spear — Stores accumulated Magic Power for later use. 436
• Lantern — Carried during her confrontation with Li Zihan. 686

Relationships

• Li Zihan — Initially her first genuine friend on the surface; his acceptance of her changed how she viewed herself and humanity. Their relationship became romantic, and she later accepted his proposal and became his fiancée. 210 616 701 719
• Ishtar — Her sister and opposite counterpart, representing life while Ereshkigal represents death. Ereshkigal initially uses Ishtar's body to visit the surface. 209 211
• Gilgamesh — Ally during Uruk's crisis. He recognizes her diligence and entrusts her with moving the Underworld for the battle against Tiamat. 211
• Athena — Fellow Underworld deity who assisted Ereshkigal in moving the Underworld and later helped kill Gilgamesh so his body could be retrieved. 225 235
• Orphis — A younger companion toward whom Ereshkigal is protective and caring; she agrees to help Orphis with everyday needs and worries about her safety. 361 378 701
• Raphael — A rival who openly sought Li Zihan as a mate. Ereshkigal defeated her after being provoked by the request. 719
• Aoko Aozaki and Alice Kuonji — Briefly offered them shelter at her temple after recognizing that they were displaced from another world. Their fear of her divine presence caused them to flee. 605 606

Story Role / Major Arcs

Uruk and the Three Goddess Alliance

Ereshkigal first appears in Uruk while borrowing Ishtar's body to see the surface world and its flowers. Li Zihan exposes her identity, recognizes her concern for humanity, and gains her cooperation against Tiamat. Her withdrawal from the Three Goddess Alliance contributes directly to its collapse. 208 209 211 231

Battle Against Tiamat

Ereshkigal agrees to transform the Underworld into the battlefield at the Sea of Origin. The plan requires Tiamat to be dragged into the Underworld and made the only living being, removing the condition sustaining her immortality. 210 232 251

Lancer Summoning and Modern Life

Li Zihan later summons her as Lancer and fulfills his promise to show her the world's scenery. She adapts to life outside the Underworld, though she struggles with modern machines and enthusiastically embraces ordinary experiences such as flower shops, movies, shopping, and hosting guests. 322 326 334 393

Romance with Li Zihan

Ereshkigal gradually confronts her feelings for Li Zihan after encouragement from Sakura. Though initially reluctant to change their friendship, she learns that he had pursued her from the start. She eventually accepts his proposal and begins planning a shared household and wedding. 422 616 686 701

No Game No Life World

After being demoted to a Heroic Spirit, Ereshkigal accompanies Li Zihan to the world of No Game No Life so he can seek power to strengthen her. She prioritizes the suffering caused by the race war over their planned date, remaining committed to her responsibility despite wanting time with him. 665 666 675

Notable Quotes

“If the ruler of the Underworld leaves, then who will grant rest to the souls of the departed and guard the silence of death?” 220

“He's a friend, after all. It would hurt our feelings if I didn't agree.” 211

“I long for the world above and wish I could be as free as Ishtar, but I won’t leave the Underworld.” 220

Trivia

• Ereshkigal loves flowers because none can naturally grow in her desolate Underworld. 208
• She is notably hospitable; even an unexpected guest prompts her to prepare proper tea rather than serve cola. 334
• Her preferred interaction with Li Zihan includes listening to his stories, regardless of how absurd they are. 231
• She is inexperienced with machines and is described as struggling to adapt to modern life. 393