Mesopotamian Mythology

Hey everybody and welcome to Raisa's Mythological Creature Blog. Today I will be introducing 10 Creatures from Mesopotamian Mythology.



Today's first creature is Akhkhazu, a demonic spirit. She is part of a trio of female demons that include Labasu, Labartu and herself. According to myth, the name 'Akhkhazu' is male, but the demon that brings diseases and fever across Mesopotamia is female.

Kusarikku is another demon, this time a demon with wings. This demon is a hybrid,  it has a human's upper body and a bull's lower body. A myth about Kusarikku tells that it is often portrayed as being able to walk upright even when it has the bottom half of a bull.

Labbu is a creature that lives under the water. His name means 'lion', and it is very ironic because he is a fish-lion hybrid. According to ancient Mesopotamian Myths, the creature was created from a prototype that came from Tiamat (the goddess of the salty sea) and from the battle between Baal and Yamm.

Lamassu is a bull with a human's head. This creature is usually female, but it can also be male, and its name is Sedu. According to many myths, Lamassu is believed to introduce guests to another superior god, and because of this, she is often represented as a servant.

Basmu is a snake with horns, forelegs and wings. According to myths, it too is the name of a Babylonian constellation that also resembles the Hydra from Greek Mythology.

Rabisu is is a demon that hides in dark corners to scare and attack people. It is said that salt lures him away because salt is used to preserve life and Rabisu used to be alive. According to mythology, the creature attacks newly arrived souls in the underworld.

Alu is a spirit that scares people while they sleep. It is believed that if you are possessed by Alu, you lose consciousness. According to Mesopotamian myths, the demon is said to have no mouth, lips or ears.

Kullulu is a 'fish man'. He was a guardian and a dweller of Absu, the fresh water in Mesopotamia. His image was to be carved out on buildings as good luck charms and protection.

Ugallu is a creature that interferes with weather and causes storms. He is believed to have a lion's head and bird feet. According to Mesopotamia legends, its first origins came from around the 2nd Millennium and him changing over time.

And today's final creature is a dog with a human's head or a lion with a human's head, Urdimmu. In many Mesopotamian stories, he is pictured standing upright. According to one of them, he can also appear with another character, Kusarikku. 

Thanks for reading today's blog and see you tomorrow! Bye!