2025 Apr 16: The Harp of Niq-Astart

 Niq-Astart is said to have been the most talented musician who ever lived. He once performed a song so beautiful, that the Sorcerer-King of Nashat-Ippur wept tears of joy, and instead of executing him for his crime, he let him go. He is also rumored to have seduced goddesses and spirits with his music. He finally met his match when he challenged the White Lady to a musical competition for his own soul, and was consequently dragged screaming into the Underworld, to the great relief of many a husband and father.

His great success is in part attributed to his magical harp, which he stole from the god Cur-Atesh. The harp is made from the darkness that dwells among the roots of mountains, and the golden hair of Hath-Ur. Gods, demons and spirits always hear its sound, and a sufficiently skilled player may manipulate these entities into performing magic for them, with the music being payment enough.

The Harp is currently housed in the Grand Temple of Hath-Ur in Nashat-Ippur, displayed for everyone to see, but guarded jealously by the priests and priestesses. Stealing it would be a deed worthy of legend.

 Image via Lyon & Healy