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The earth is populated with Beings who seem humanlike in their make-up. They do not have human ancestry but instead are entities with humanlike qualities. Therefore, these Beings, although seem human, are actually alien. People cannot assume that They are kin to Them. Humanlike beings are liminal Beings between this world and other worlds. They interact in various ways with humans ranging from protector to enemy.
Lamassu (Note 1)
Massive statues of human-headed winged bulls are found throughout Mesopotamia. Called Lamassu, these statues guarded the Royal Palaces of Kings of Assyria. As the symbol of royal power, Lamassu could also be found in throne rooms as well. They kept evil spirits from harming the king. When a king conquered a city, he would seize the statues of the Lamassu to remove their protection from the defeated citizens.
These winged bulls with human heads are first mentioned in “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” The Gods sent these Holy Beings to protect humans. A Lamassu has the “strength of the bull, the freedom of the eagle and the intelligence of the human.” Many had five legs for speed and power.
Assyrians believed that Lamassu would protect palaces and temples. In Assyria, the Lamassu were usually male with long “Assyrian-style” beards. Since They were divine, Lamassu wore horned caps. Ordinary people would bury clay tablets with the images of Lamassu at the thresholds of their homes. Meanwhile, cities would have statues of Them at their gateways to protect the citizens.
Naga
Throughout southern Asia (Note 2), people tell of the Nagas, the regal Beings who rule the inland waters. Nagas usually resembles cobras, with several cobra heads and one human head with a cobra hood. Often, they had split tongues from licking the grass where Garuda spilled the nectar of life.
Stories about the Nagas throughout the region are often complex and contradictory. In parts of India, venomous Nagas terrorize people. In South India, women would offer milk and fruit to cobras since they were probably Nagas. Meanwhile in Cambodia, Nagas are considered revered ancestors. In Buddhism, the Naga King Mucalinda protected the Buddha soon after his enlightenment. When the Buddha was caught in a huge storm, Mucalinda shielded the Buddha with his snake hood. Among the Thai, to dream of a Naga meant great wealth would been coming soon. To be bitten by one, meant that the person would meet their soulmate.
In Hinduism, King Vasuki of the Nagas became the Turning Rope for the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. He twisted around the holy mountain of Mandara to tumble the elixir of life. Meanwhile Brahma commanded the Nagas to bite only the truly evil or those who were to have short lives. As attendants of Varana, God of Rivers, They live in underground palaces guarding not only the waters but the treasures there as well. The Mahabharata says that the Garuda are the mortal enemies of the Nagas.
Notes:
Note 1. Cuneiform readings have a confusing array of spellings. Spelling the name of these Beings could also be “Lammasu.” They are also called “Shedu.” Meanwhile, “Lamassu” can refer to a protective female deity, while “Lamastu” is a demoness.
Note 2. Burma (Mymar), Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Works Used.
Allan, Tony, “The Mythic Bestiary.” London: Duncan Baird Publishers. 2008.
American Museum of Natural History, “Mythic Creatures.” New York: Sterling. 2016.
Black, Jeremy and Anthony Green, “Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia.” Austin (TX): University of Texas Press. 2014.
Maxim, Gabiann, “Monsters and Creatures.” Summer Hill (Australia): Rockpool. 2018.
