The Mesopotamian female demon known for stealing babies and causing disease is Lamashtu.
Lamashtu was a terrifying supernatural figure in ancient Mesopotamian religion. She was blamed for harming pregnant women, causing miscarriages, attacking newborns, and spreading illness. Artistic representations give her a hybrid appearance, often combining a lion’s head, a hairy body, long fingers, and the feet of the bird-like Anzû.
People sought protection through incantations, ritual objects, and amulets. Archaeologists have found objects such as the Pazuzu-head amulet, which could be used against Lamashtu even though Pazuzu himself was also a dangerous wind demon. This apparent contradiction reflects the ancient belief that one supernatural power could repel another.
Lamashtu is often called a demoness, but scholars note that she could act independently rather than merely carrying out another deity’s orders. That makes her resemble a goddess or divine power as well as a demon. She should not be confused with Ereshkigal, ruler of the Mesopotamian underworld, or Lilith, a different figure from later Jewish folklore.