Neo-Assyrian Carnelian Apotropaic Pazuzu Amulet, 8th-7th Century BC

In Assyrian and Babylonian mythology, Pazuzu was the king of the demons of the wind, brother of Humbaba and son of the god Hanbi. He also represented the southwestern wind, the bearer of storms and drought. Pazuzu was invoked in apotropaic amulets, which combat the powers of his rival, the malicious goddess/demon Lamashtu, who was believed to cause harm to mother and child during childbirth. Although Pazuzu is, himself, considered to be an evil spirit, he drives and frightens away other evil spirits, therefore protecting humans against plagues and misfortunes.

Pazuzu is often depicted as a combination of diverse animal and human parts. He has the body of a man, the head of a lion or dog, talons of an eagle, two pairs of wings, a scorpion’s tail, and a serpentine penis.