Dämonen als „Krankheitserreger“ in den sumerisch-akkadischen Beschwörungen des Muššu᾿u-Handbuches

Abstract

This paper discusses the ancient Mesopotamian phenomenon of demons as „pathogens“, taking for example the so-called Muššu᾿u manual, which contains Sumerian as well as Akkadian incantations. The oldest texts contained therein date back to the first millennium BC, the youngest to the fourth century BC. Based on these incantations, it will be clarified which demons are mentioned by name and what kind of knowledge the texts reveal about demonic beings.