Ekimmu

(c) the Ekimmu (Edimmu)

This word signifies a departed spirit which for some reason cannot find rest, and therefore wanders aimlessly over the earth.  Fossey derives the name from a root which means 'to raise or lift'.  It denotes, he says, the spirit of one who has been carried away by death, and which preserves a shadow of life when the body has perished.  We have already observed that it is very generally believed that the spirit has need of the succour of the living to support its miserable existence.  Ordinarily, the departed spirit inhabits the underworld.  In certain cases, however, especially when the body has not been buried, or when the descendants have neglected to make the usual offerings, the Ekimmu leaves the underworld and torments the living.⁶⁰  For this reason it is included in the category of evil spirits or demons.  Those who had died a violent death, or had perished with hunger or thirst, were supposed to be in a similar plight.  The Babylonians probably thought of the Ekimmu as a winged creature.  It is usually portrayed as carrying out its operations at night-time.⁶¹  (q)

⁶⁰ cf. Langdon, in E.R.E., Vol. IV, p. 445.

⁶¹ cf. Fossey, op. cit., p.34; Thompson, op. cit., Vol. I, pp. xxviiif., Tablet cc., Vol. II, p. 138; ibid. in E.R.E., Vol. IV, p. 568b.

Resource List - all entries are taken verbatim from the original source:

(q) "Essentials of Demonology."  Edward Langton.  Epworth Press. London. ©1949.