In Mesopotamian beliefs, the protector of the dead is often represented by the goddess Ereshkigal, who rules the underworld. She oversees the afterlife, ensuring the souls are judged and assigned their fates. This role emphasizes the significance of life after death in Mesopotamian culture, reflecting societal views on mortality and the afterlife. Ereshkigal's stories often intertwine with those of other deities, showcasing the complexities of the underworld and the journeys of souls after death.