Lamashtu
Also called Labartu.
Found in Ancient Mesopotamian mythology, La-bar-tu is depicted as a malevolent demoness, associated with the wilderness. Her fearsome nature serves as a testament to the ancients' beliefs in the supernatural and the need to protect oneself from unseen malevolent forces.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Mesopotamian mythology
- Trait family
- The Camera-Shy
Near this figure
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Form
- Hybrid of multiple animals
why
Depicted as a hybrid creature with the head of a lioness, the body of a woman, and the legs of a bird, Lamashtu embodies the primal fears of the ancient world.
Curses
- Child stealing
why
She is believed to sneak into homes at night, stealing or harming babies, and causing miscarriages.
- Curse infliction
why
Lamashtu is also linked to disease, particularly fevers and infections, further emphasizing her role as a bringer of suffering and death.
- Ward susceptibility
why
Ancient Mesopotamians would use amulets, incantations, and other magical means to ward off Lamashtu's influence, highlighting the role of religion and superstition in addressing life's uncertainties.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Shadow carries both readings
3 citations
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Labartu."
- R. Campbell Thompson, The Devils and Evil Spirits of Babylonia.
- Robert Lebling, Legends of the Fire Spirits, p. 2010.
- Hero meets
3 citations
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Labartu."
- R. Campbell Thompson, The Devils and Evil Spirits of Babylonia.
- Robert Lebling, Legends of the Fire Spirits, p. 2010.