Mušḫuššu is a draconic creature of Babylonian Mythology.
Myths & Legends[]
While not being very well-known itself, it gave rise to the Hydra, and consequentially the Hydra Constellation. It was defeated by the prophet Daniel through poisoning in the Biblical Book of Daniel.
Appearance[]
It has a draconic appearance, with a long neck, a horned head with a crest, and a snakelike tongue. It also has feline forelegs and the hind legs of an eagle.
Origins[]
It was first discovered on the walls of the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, among other creatures, some mythological and some not.
Archaeologist Robert Koldewey believed that the Mušḫuššu was referring to a real animal, due to its appearance never changing on Babylonian art over the hundreds of years. It has come to a conclusion that the creature most closely resembles the real-life extinct Iguanodon.
Modern Depictions[]
Video Games[]
- In the games Final Fantasy X (2001), XI (2003) and XIII (2010), the Mušḫuššu is an relatively high-leveled enemy.
- In the 2005 game Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, the Mušḫuššu is an enemy, a type of Manticore.