Pazuzu: The Ancient Mesopotamian Demon That Inspired The Exorcist

Pazuzu is one of the most intriguing and unsettling figures to emerge from ancient Mesopotamian mythology. This ancient demon, known for his terrifying appearance and dark powers, has a history that stretches back thousands of years, playing a prominent role in the folklore of the Assyrian and Babylonian cultures. Though his origins are deeply rooted in the ancient world, Pazuzu gained modern-day recognition when he was featured as a central figure in the horror classic The Exorcist. Let's explore Pazuzu's origins, his role in Mesopotamian belief systems, and how he came to be associated with one of the most iconic horror films of all time.

Who Was Pazuzu?

In ancient Mesopotamia, Pazuzu was considered a demon associated with the southwest wind, known to bring drought and famine. He was often depicted with a grotesque appearance: a combination of human and animal features, including a fearsome face, bulging eyes, a scaly body, the wings and claws of a bird and serpent like tail.

Despite his demonic and spooky nature, Pazuzu wasn't purely evil. In fact, he was sometimes invoked as a protective force especially to pregnant women and infants by pushing away the demoness Lamashtu.

Pazuzu's Role in Mesopotamian Mythology

Mesopotamian society, particularly in Assyria and Babylon, had a complex view of demons, seeing them as forces that could be both harmful and protective. Pazuzu's dual nature made him a fascinating and paradoxical figure in the ancient world. While he could bring devastation through harsh winds and famine, his power over other demons gave him a protective quality when invoked correctly. Amulets bearing Pazuzu's image were used to guard against illness, evil spirits, and misfortune.

Pazuzu in The Exorcist

Pazuzu’s ancient legacy took on a new life in the modern era through the world of cinema. In the 1973 horror film The Exorcist, Pazuzu is portrayed as the evil entity that possesses the young girl, Regan. The film begins with an archaeological dig in northern Iraq, where Father Merrin discovers a small statue of Pazuzu, symbolizing the demon’s ancient origins and foreshadowing the dark events to come.

The filmmakers used Pazuzu’s ancient and fearsome reputation to add an element of authenticity and terror to the story. By drawing from actual Mesopotamian mythology and shooting the opening in the birthplace of Pazuzu’s story, The Exorcist blurred the line between fiction and historical belief, enhancing the film's sense of dread. The movie’s opening scene, set in the ruins of Hatra, an ancient city in Iraq, visually connects the ancient past with the modern horror. Pazuzu’s grotesque face, depicted on artifacts in the movie, became an iconic symbol of supernatural evil in horror culture.

While The Exorcist takes creative liberties with the figure of Pazuzu, using him as a symbol of ultimate evil, his appearance in the movie introduced a wider audience to a fascinating piece of ancient mythology. The film’s portrayal of Pazuzu contributed to a renewed interest in Mesopotamian history and its mythology, sparking curiosity about the real stories behind the ancient demon.