Stuff To Blow Your Mind From the Vault: The Demons of Ancient Mesopotamia, Part 1
Oct 18, 2025
Dive into the eerie world of ancient Mesopotamian demons. Discover the unsettling Humbaba mask and its ominous connection to divination. Explore Humbaba's role in the Epic of Gilgamesh and the iconic Pazuzu, whose imagery haunts modern horror films. Unravel the complexities of Mesopotamian spirits and how they straddled the line between protection and malevolence. Meet the fearsome Lamashtu and learn how Pazuzu became a shield against her threats. It's a fascinating journey through mythology and the cultural logic of ancient beliefs.
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Demon Is A Broad Category
- The English word "demon" is an imperfect label for Mesopotamian spirits, which could be benevolent or malevolent.
- Mesopotamian terms like Rabisu and Moskim covered both helpful and harmful supernatural beings.
Humbaba In Divination
- A baked clay mask from Sippar depicts Humbaba's face made from coiled entrails used in divination.
- The diviner's inscription links that omen to political outcomes like expansion or revolution.
Pazuzu's Hollywood Shadow
- Robert notes Pazuzu's striking silhouette and its reuse in films like The Exorcist and Ridley Scott's Legend.
- He praises The Exorcist's subtle linking of the artifact to modern possession without explicit exposition.
