Asag
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In the Sumerian mythological poem Lugal-e, Asag or Azag (Sumerian:𒀉𒉺 a₂-sag₃ Akkadian: asakku[1]), is a monstrous demon, so hideous that his presence alone makes fish boil alive in the rivers. Azag is a personification of winter cold and sicknesses.[2]
This demon lives either in the Abyss[which?] or in the mountains and is accompanied by an army of rock demon offspring—born of his union with the mountains themselves.[2]
He was vanquished by the heroic Akkadian deity Ninurta, using Sharur, his enchanted talking mace, after seeking the counsel of his father, the god Enlil.[3]
Asakku
[edit]The name Asakku is used by researchers as either a synonym of Azag[4] or a "variation" in the form of multiple spirits and monsters that prey on humans and kill them by causing migraines.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ Bácksay, András; Niederreiter, Zoltán (2022). "'You Write (This Incantation) on a Cylindrical Amulet, Place (It) around His Neck and He Will Get Well!" Clay Cylindrical Amulets Inscribed with Incantations, Tools for Medical-Magical Rituals.'". Le Journal Des Médecines Cunéiformes. 40: 20.
- ^ a b Bane 2014, p. 52, Asag.
- ^ Black, J. A.; Green, A., & Rickards, T. (2014). Gods, Demons, and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia: An Illustrated Dictionary. Austin, TX: Univ. of Texas Press. pp. 35–36.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Wiggermann 1992, p. 162.
- ^ Bane 2014, p. 52, Asakku.
Sources
[edit]- Bane, T. (2014). Encyclopedia of Demons in World Religions and Cultures. McFarland Myth and Legend Encyclopedias. McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7864-8894-0. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- Wiggermann, F.A.M. (1992). Mesopotamian Protective Spirits: The Ritual Texts. Cuneiform monographs. STYX & PP Publications. ISBN 978-90-72371-52-2. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
External links
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