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 believed they can also be created if a woman dies while pregnant or giving birth, if love is never realized, if someone dies from starvation, heat exhaustion, or dies leaving behind no family.

Citations:

Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2017.