Isha
Isha, also known as The Mother, was the Eldar Goddess of the harvest, fertility, and nature.[4] Together with her daughter Lileath the Maiden, and Morai-Heg the Crone, she forms a trinity of goddesses.[5]
Contents
History
Mythic Past
She is the mother of Eldanesh[4] and by extension the mortal Eldar race and it was she who inspired the creation of Asuryan's barrier between the mortals and their gods after Khaine's torrent of destruction. It is said that from her tears, weeping out of love for her mortal son, that the first life blossomed and the Aeldari were born[4], and it is also said that spirit stones are made from the remnants of her tears. The spirit stones allowed the gods and mortals to communicate with each other. One of these stones was given to Isha and the rest to the Eldar. When Asuryan learned that his order had been violated he gave Isha and her lover, Kurnous, to Khaine to do with as he wished. Khaine tortured the two of them in a burning pit until Vaul, the only Eldar god who was moved to, struck a bargain with the war god to create one hundred swords for him in exchange for their release. Vaul failed in his task but tricked Khaine and when Khaine found out it sparked off a war between him and Vaul.[1]
Fall of the Eldar
Eldar myths tell that Isha fell mortally wounded by Slaanesh beside her beloved Kurnous during the Fall of the Eldar. In a moment afforded by the maniacally ferocious attack by the Eldar’s bloody handed god of war Khaine as Slaanesh raised its hands to slay the already mortally wounded Isha, she had one gift yet to give to her people, the Aeldari.[7] Though Isha knew her time was short, and that Slaanesh would soon absorb her, as the drops of her blessed blood fell, she willed them from the Heavens to the realm of mortals, to land on all the worlds of the Eldar. It is said that a few drops fell on each world, as the Eldar were many and far flung then, becoming perfect Drops of Crystal that heal all woes for any who held them. In this way, Isha would always be with her children.[7]
The Time of Ending
In one myth told on but a single craftworld, it is said that Isha was not killed but captured. When Slaanesh came to claim her as his own, the maiden goddess cried out for help. Her cries were heard by Nurgle and her sorrow touched his leprous heart. The plague god subsequently entered into a long war with his newest peer and emerged victorious, taking Isha as a companion and boon to his work. A goddess of rejuvenation and a god of decay seemed an odd pairing, but Nurgle adores her like no other. However, Nurgle shows his adoration as only a Chaos God can, imprisoning her in his Garden of Nurgle, confined within a rusting cage in the corner of his cauldron chamber, where all his plagues are produced. Being a goddess of healing, Isha can cure herself of any of Nurgle's diseases. Forced to imbibe particularly promising concoctions, Nurgle excitedly awaits expected symptoms to arise and notes how long its ravaging effects are overcome, evaluating both the virulence and potency of the mixture. If he is pleased, he releases it upon an unsuspecting world by dumping it down a bottomless drain. If unsatisfied, he gulps down the remaining brew and vomits it back into his cauldron to start over. Isha is said to whisper to mortals the cures for these plagues she has experienced.[2]
Since the formation of the Great Rift, rumours spread among the Exodites that the Masque of the Frozen Stars seeks to free Isha from Nurgle's grip. It is whispered that if enough Eldar weep for the corruption of their Maiden Worlds, their combined sorrow could release Isha from her prison.[3]
Every Asuryani knows Isha as the mother of the Aeldari and the goddess of fertility, harvest, and healing. When Khaine set out to murder the Aeldari, Isha and her husband Kurnous stood against him. When Asuryan cast us out to separate us from the gods, Isha defied him. She gifted her tears so we could commune with her despite our exile. Punished severely for her defiance, she suffered gladly in defence of her beloved children. We remember her sacrifices with reverence, whispering her name as we cradle her tears, the all-important Spirit Stones that shelter us from She Who Thirsts.
Many say Isha was killed alongside the rest of the gods, but I am not convinced. I have delved into the dark corners of our history and dredged legends from oceans of time. I cannot deny what I know in my heart. The Myth Cycles are clear that she has never abandoned us. I believe Isha still lives, though I fear her fate may be worse than death.
Isha has suffered on behalf of the Aeldari before. If she survives, perhaps there is still hope for us. Perhaps our staunchest defender may yet play a role in our salvation. I pray that she knows my heart if she still lives. Your children weep, Isha, but we know that you weep alongside us. - Farseer Lanriel Taranlys of Ul-Khari[6]
See also
Sources
- 1: Warhammer 40,000: Compilation, pg. 36
- 2: Codex: Chaos Daemons (4th Edition), pg. 82
- 3: Codex: Harlequins (8th Edition), pg. 30 - The Dance of Ages: A Pantheon Reborn
- 4: Codex: Aeldari (10th Edition), pg. 13
- 5: Codex: Eldar (4th Edition) pg. 5
- 6: Wrath & Glory - Aeldari - Inheritance of Embers, pg. 144
- 7: Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War Instruction Manual, pg. 85 - Blood of Isha (last accessed 12/2/2025)
