Tradition: Mesopotamian Mythology, Iraqi Mythology, Deity
Alternative Names: Lamaštu, Dimme, Kamadme
Category: Lion
The Myth
Lamashtu was a fearsome demonic goddess in Mesopotamian mythology, the daughter of Anu, the god of the sky. She had the head of a lion, the teeth of a donkey, a hairy body, and long fingers tipped with sharp fingernails. Her feet belonged to Anzû, a monstrous bird-like creature. She was depicted with bare breasts and hands stained with blood, giving her a terrifying appearance. Unlike many other malevolent beings, Lamashtu acted according to her own will rather than carrying out the commands of other gods.
Lamashtu was especially feared by pregnant women and families with newborn children. She was blamed for miscarriages, the deaths of infants, and illnesses that afflicted people of all ages. According to tradition, she could touch a pregnant woman’s stomach seven times to kill the unborn child or steal a baby from its wet nurse. Her victims were not limited to infants, as she could also bring disease and suffering to adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
To protect themselves against Lamashtu, people used amulets and talismans intended to ward off her attacks. She was also associated with donkeys and was believed to travel in a boat along the river of the underworld. Although regarded as a demoness, her ability to cause harm independently of the other gods marked her as a powerful and autonomous divine figure.
Sources
“Lamashtu.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 21, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamashtu