Lamashtu – Xia Morningstars Mother
Lamaštu practiced evil apparently for its own sake, her primary victims considered to be unborn children and new-born babies. Pregnant women were therefore also her targets, Lamaštu generally being held responsible for miscarriage and cot death amongst babies. It was believed, in the first instance, that the wearing by the expectant mother of an amuletic bronze head of the demon Pazuzu might thwart the goddess' evil plans. Another apotropaic device in warding off Lamaštu was the positioning of the so-called 'Lamaštu-plaques' of metal or stone about the house, these including a depiction of Pazuzu forcing Lamaštu back into the Underworld [...]