Dark figures of world mythology

Chapter 1

Mesopotamian guardians of the wind

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Answer

Chapter 2

Egyptian judges of the dead

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Chapter 3

Slavic shadows of the deep forest

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Chapter 4

Alpine enforcers of the winter solstice

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YOUR GOAL

Master of Dark figures of world mythology

Ch 1 · Mesopotamian guardians of the wind

renaissanceman Pazuzu of Mesopotamia

Fierce wind, blow them away (blow them away!) / Pazuzu, guard us today (guard us today!)

renaissanceman The wind of disease

Clay amulets as ancient shields

renaissanceman Clay amulets as ancient shields

Fun Fact

Pazuzu's modern fame: The ancient demon Pazuzu became globally famous after being cast as the unnamed possessing entity in the 1973 horror movie 'The Exorcist'.

Lamashtu the child stealer

renaissanceman Lamashtu the child stealer

Glossary

pazuzu (noun)
A demonic deity in ancient Mesopotamian mythology who personified the southwest wind and brought famine. In ancient Assyria, pregnant women wore amulets of this winged figure to ward off the malevolent Lamashtu.

Quiz

In what century BCE did the production of Pazuzu amulets peak in Assyria?

Gossip

Which ancient defense sounds most comforting?

Pazuzu's Pocket Tempest

renaissanceman Pazuzu's Pocket Tempest

renaissanceman The dual nature of Pazuzu

Quiz

What material was most commonly used to carve Pazuzu amulets for pregnant women?

renaissanceman Clay amulets as ancient shields

Quiz

What did ancient Mesopotamians believe was carried by hot southern winds?

renaissanceman Lamashtu the child stealer

Quiz

Which ancient region did the demon Pazuzu originate from?

Quiz

What natural force did Pazuzu personify in ancient belief systems?

Quiz

What was Pazuzu's primary role on protective amulets?

Quiz

Unlike most Mesopotamian demons, what made Lamashtu unique?

Quiz

Where were many ancient clay tablets detailing Mesopotamian demons discovered?