Alû

The Alû appears in Akkadian omen texts and exorcistic literature as one of the standard demons. It was described as a faceless entity — sometimes lacking a mouth, sometimes lacking legs — that crept over sleeping people like a blanket and pressed down, causing the symptoms of seizure and sleep paralysis. It was associated with specific disease manifestations and formed part of the established taxonomy of Babylonian medicine.

Faceless — lacking a mouth, lips, or ears. Sometimes legless. It moved silently and invisibly, detectable only by its effects on sleeping victims. It could cover a person's face entirely.

Caused sleep paralysis, seizures, and suffocation by pressing down on sleeping victims. Its faceless nature meant it could not be appealed to or communicated with. Caused madness through prolonged contact.