Lamashtu (redirected from Lamastu)

Lamashtu

In Mesopotamian religion, the most terrible of all female demons. The daughter of the sky god Anu, Lamashtu killed children, consumed human flesh and blood, blighted plants, spoiled rivers and streams, sent nightmares, caused miscarriages, and brought disease. She had seven names and was often described in incantations as “seven witches.” She was portrayed on amulets as a lion- or bird-headed female figure kneeling on an ass, holding a double-headed serpent in each hand and suckling dogs or pigs at her breasts.