The Utukku are supernatural beings from Mesopotamian religion, attested in Akkadian and Babylonian ritual texts. They are described as spirits or demons associated with the dead, and could act in both benevolent and malevolent ways. Their presence is most often recorded in exorcistic literature, where they are listed among entities to be warded off or expelled.
Meaning and Etymology
The Akkadian word utukku (𒍙𒋼𒆪) originally referred to a generic spirit, but over time became closely associated with ghosts or demons, particularly those connected to improper burial or divine punishment. The term has no direct Sumerian equivalent but appears alongside gidim in bilingual texts.
Description and Abilities
Utukku are incorporeal entities, often feared for their ability to afflict the living. They appear in ritual texts as dangerous forces to be exorcised, but are not always classified as evil. Some texts imply the existence of “good Utukku” (utukku damqu) as protective spirits.
Their attributed actions include:
- Inflicting illness or misfortune
- Disturbing households or individuals
- Operating under divine authority (especially underworld deities)
They are commonly grouped with other demons like edimmu, rabisu, and labasu.
Mythological Appearances
Utukku are mentioned in the following explicit sources:
- MaqlĂ» Series (1st millennium BCE): A comprehensive set of Babylonian anti-witchcraft and exorcism incantations. Utukku are named among various malevolent entities to be driven out.
- Ĺ urpu Series: Another major exorcistic ritual text, listing Utukku as one of the spirits responsible for misfortune or divine wrath.
- Other Exorcistic Texts: Various fragmentary tablets refer to Utukku in lists of demons, ghosts, or spirits to be appeased or cast out.