Lamassu
A lamassu (Cuneiform: 𒀭𒆗, AN.KAL; Sumerian: dlammař; Akkadian: lamassu; sometimes called a lamassus) is an Assyrian protective deity, often depicted as having a human's head, a body of an ox or a lion, and bird's wings. In some writings, it is portrayed to represent a female deity. A less frequently used name is shedu (Cuneiform: 𒀭𒆘, AN.KAL×BAD; Sumerian: dalad; Akkadian, šēdu; Hebrew: שד) which refers to the male counterpart of a lamassu. The Lammasu or Lumasi represent the zodiacs, parent-stars or constellations.
Iconography
In art, lamassu were depicted as hybrids, either winged bulls or lions with the head of a human male. The motif of a winged animal with a human head is common to the Near East, first recorded in Ebla around 3000 BCE. The first distinct lamassu motif appeared in Assyria during the reign of Tiglath-Pileser as a symbol of power. The Assyrians typically prominently placed lamassu at the entrances of cities and palaces. From the front they appear to stand, and from the side, walk. Notable representations include those at the Gate of All Nations at Persepolis in Iran, the British Museum in London, the Musée du Louvre in Paris, the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Oriental Institute, Chicago. A winged bull with the head of a bearded man appears on the logo of the United States Forces - Iraq.
Lammasu (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, the lammasu are a race of good magical beasts.
Publication history
The lammasu is based on the lamassu of Mesopotamian mythology, being winged, leonine champions of good.
The lammasu was introduced to the game in its first supplement, Greyhawk (1975).
The lammasu appears in the first edition Monster Manual. The lammasu appeared as a character class in White Dwarf #17, by Lewis Pulsipher. The greater lammasu first appeared in the original Monster Manual II (1983).
The lammasu and the greater lammasu appeared in second edition in the Monstrous Compendium Volume Two (1989), and reprinted in the Monstrous Manual (1993). The celestial lammasu appeared in the Monstrous Compendium Outer Planes Appendix (1991). The lammasu was further developed in Dragon #224 (December 1995).
The lammasu appeared in the third edition Monster Manual (2000), and in the 3.5 revised Monster Manual (2003).
Description
They are also lawful, although they have little interest in the conflict between law and chaos. Their innate magical powers let them cast spells as a 7th-level cleric.
Podcasts:
