Assyrian
-
Ekimmou/Edimmu/Ekimmu/Ekimu
The Ekkimou is a form of vampiric spirit from ancient Assyria. They’re thought to date back to 4000 b.c and are therefore among the oldest recorded myths. They’re ghost-like creatures, bitter and angry. It’s believed they are doomed to stalk the earth and desperately wish to be alive again. They attack and kill humans and may even stalk prey for years. Occasionally, they will leave for a time and return suddenly to taunt their prey with telekinetic abilities. Often they are created when burial procedures aren’t followed, families don’t give proper funerary offerings, or not enough funerary offerings, an improper burial, or simply not burying the body at all. It’s…
-
Utukku
The Utukku are spirits from Babylonian and Assyrian legends. They are formed when someone is murdered, and they cannot rest until they kill their murderers, or otherwise get vengeance. Some simply return from the grave of pure malicious intent and desire to feed on the living. They can be called forth with black magic or curses. They track down their killer and murder any human they encounter on the way. It’s thought they become stronger every time they kill and grow in their desire for power, sometimes choosing to remain on earth after finding their killer. They often take the form of a man or an animal. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan.…
-
Humababa/Huwawa/Kumbaba
Humbaba is from Sumerian, Mesopotamian, Assyrian, and Babylonian mythology. He was appointed by the god Enlil to guard the cedar trees in the world of the living. He was dangerous to any who entered his forest. He was a large humanoid with a lion head and dragon teeth whose roar was like a storm. His breathe was like death and he could breathe fire. Covered in plate-like scales, he had talons like a vulture and a tail that had a snake head at the end of it. He personified natural elements and was protected by seven mystical auras. No one ever escaped his wrath. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, which…
