With the head of a lion or dog, the body of a man, the wings of an eagle, the talons of a bird, a scorpion's tail, and a serpentine form, Pazuzu embodies the terror of the desert wind. Yet this fearsome Mesopotamian demon holds a surprising role: protector against even greater evils, particularly the demoness Lamashtu who threatened pregnant women and newborns.
Origins
Pazuzu was worshipped and feared in Assyria and Babylonia, particularly during the first millennium BCE. He personified the southwest wind—the hot, dry wind from the Arabian desert that brought drought, locusts, and fever. Despite his demonic nature, he became one of the most popular protective figures in Mesopotamian households.
Appearance
Ancient amulets and statuettes depict Pazuzu with:
- A canine or leonine face with bulging eyes
- Two pairs of wings
- Taloned feet of a bird of prey
- A scorpion's tail
- A humanoid body
- Often shown with a raised right hand in a gesture of power
His image was deliberately terrifying—frightening enough to drive away other demons.
Protector Against Lamashtu
Pazuzu's primary protective role was against Lamashtu, a demoness who threatened women during pregnancy and childbirth, and who killed newborn infants. Statuettes of Pazuzu's head were hung in homes, and amulets were worn by pregnant women. The logic was simple: set a demon to catch a demon. Pazuzu's power was so great that even Lamashtu feared him.
Powers and Domain
As king of the wind demons, Pazuzu controlled:
- The destructive southwest wind
- Locusts and famine
- Fever and disease
- Yet also protection from these same forces
Legacy
Pazuzu gained modern fame as the demon in “The Exorcist” (1973), though his Hollywood portrayal differs from his ancient role as a protective figure. His image remains one of the most recognizable from ancient Mesopotamian art.
Related Creatures
Compare Pazuzu to other Mesopotamian demons like the Lamassu (protective) and Ugallu (dangerous). His wind associations parallel the Persian Divs and Egyptian storm deities.
