Hanbi- Mesopotamian DemonDemon
Also known as: Hanbu and Hanpa
Domains
Description
Father of the demon Pazuzu and king of evil spirits. Pazuzu's inscriptions name him as "son of Hanbi," and in exorcistic rituals, speaking Hanbi's name could command the lesser demons under his authority to withdraw.
Mythology & Lore
King of Evil Spirits
Hanbi is known from the inscriptions of his son. When Pazuzu declares himself on bronze amulets and statuettes, the formula begins with lineage: "son of Hanbi, king of the evil wind-demons." The father stands behind the son, an authority invoked but never depicted.
His domain was pestilence, the epidemic diseases that Mesopotamians understood as supernatural assault. He was associated with the southwest wind, which carried desert heat and dust into the cities during the summer months when sickness spread fastest.
The Name in the Exorcist's Mouth
Knowing a demon's parentage gave an exorcist power over the entire line. In ritual texts, an exorcist could command a disease demon to depart "by the name of Hanbi your lord," using the hierarchy among demons to enforce compliance. Protective amulets sometimes carried his name alongside Pazuzu's. A demon powerful enough to command evil spirits was also powerful enough to order them away.
Relationships
- Family