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Anu (An) means "heaven" and is <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> god <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong> prime<br />
mover, <strong>the</strong> supreme leader <strong>the</strong> gods and <strong>the</strong>ir fa<strong>the</strong>r. Thus, <strong>the</strong> Maskim<br />
seem to constitute two distinct <strong>of</strong> spirits, both destructive<br />
terrifying. While <strong>the</strong> seven underworld demons cause plagues<br />
disasters on <strong>the</strong> earth (like <strong>the</strong> sky manifest as<br />
storms, and destructive winds "that bring<br />
in heaven" and "cast gloom over <strong>the</strong> day."<br />
The about <strong>the</strong>se dark entities is retold in Devils and Evil <strong>of</strong><br />
Babylonia by R. Campbell Thompson. According to <strong>the</strong> story, <strong>the</strong>y were !<br />
born out <strong>of</strong> toge<strong>the</strong>r with main and are equally ancient.<br />
They are referred to as demons and Their ally is<br />
<strong>the</strong> Imkhullu, "<strong>the</strong> wind," and <strong>the</strong>ir main enemy is <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong> fire, '<br />
with o<strong>the</strong>r main deities: Ea, and Ish tar. The Maskim were<br />
created "to wreak destruction." To avoid it, <strong>the</strong> gods divided <strong>the</strong> whole<br />
n ... :",.,'Tl among three <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m: Sham ash and Ishtar god <strong>the</strong><br />
moon, Shamash - god <strong>the</strong> sun, and Ishtar - <strong>the</strong> mistress <strong>of</strong> heavens,<br />
to Sin and sister to Shamash). But <strong>the</strong> seven evil <strong>the</strong><br />
vault <strong>of</strong> heaven and brought onto side Shamash and Adad - <strong>the</strong><br />
god <strong>of</strong> storms. They darkened <strong>the</strong> moon by an eclipse and brought thick<br />
clouds to cover <strong>the</strong> sun. Darkness fell upon <strong>the</strong> earth. Nei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> moon nor<br />
<strong>the</strong> sun was The gods were and called for Marduk, <strong>the</strong> )<br />
god <strong>of</strong> war, to <strong>the</strong> Many <strong>the</strong> legend are missing, !<br />
but we can see now how <strong>the</strong> seven demons were if <strong>the</strong>y managed<br />
to threaten <strong>the</strong> whole divine order. could ravage heaven and earth."<br />
<strong>the</strong> movement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stars and darken <strong>the</strong> sun and <strong>the</strong> moon. The<br />
gods' to oppose <strong>the</strong>m were futile. Even <strong>the</strong> powerful god <strong>of</strong> fire is<br />
almost helpless. Among means <strong>of</strong> conquering Seven, <strong>the</strong><br />
mentions some coniferous tree, cypress or and <strong>the</strong> magical name<br />
"<strong>the</strong> meaning <strong>of</strong> which Hea in his heart" / Ea - <strong>the</strong> ruler <strong>of</strong><br />
gods).<br />
From description we learn more about <strong>the</strong> nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Maskim.<br />
They are nei<strong>the</strong>r male nor without a consort or are<br />
destructive storms and evil winds. They do not know mercy or<br />
earth:<br />
LpaSSl.on, and do not listen to rush like flood over <strong>the</strong><br />
"From house to house <strong>the</strong>y dash along.<br />
No door can shut <strong>the</strong>m out,<br />
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