Imhullu

Imhullu is a destructive wind demon in Mesopotamian mythology, specifically of Akkadian origin. It is primarily known from the epic poem Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation myth. Imhullu is described as one of the eleven monsters created by Tiamat, the primordial goddess of the salt waters, to wage war against the younger gods who had disturbed her slumber.

As one of Tiamat's creations, Imhullu is considered a fearsome and chaotic force, embodying the destructive potential of the primordial waters. The Enuma Elish describes these monsters as being venomous and merciless, equipped with powerful weapons and armor. Their purpose was to avenge the death of Tiamat's consort, Apsu, and to restore the old order.

In the epic, the god Marduk volunteers to fight Tiamat and her army. He is granted supreme authority by the other gods and armed with divine weapons. Marduk confronts Tiamat and, after a fierce battle, defeats her, slaying her and her monstrous offspring, including Imhullu. Marduk then uses Tiamat's body to create the heavens and the earth, establishing a new cosmic order based on law and justice.

While specific details about Imhullu's individual powers or characteristics are scarce beyond being a "destructive wind," its inclusion as one of Tiamat's eleven monsters signifies its role as a powerful and dangerous opponent to the forces of order. The defeat of Imhullu, along with the other monsters, symbolizes the triumph of the younger gods and the establishment of a more structured and civilized world. The name 'Imhullu' itself possibly refers to its nature as a destructive wind or storm, reflecting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of Tiamat's primordial forces.