The Ekimmu

The Ekimmu (Edimmu) is one of the oldest vampires and myths, dating back to 4000 B.C.E. The vampire creature is one of the most feared among the Assyrians and Babylonians. The edimmu were envisioned as the ghosts of those who were not buried properly. They were considered vengeful toward the living and might possess people if they did not respect certain taboos. They were thought to cause disease in the living.

The edimmu were also thought to be "wind" spirits that sucked the life out of the susceptible and the sleeping.

An ekimmu is an angry undead spirit that hates humans, demihumans and humanoids, and seeks vengeance against the living. There were many ways that one could become an Ekimmu. Violent and premature death, unfulfilled love, and improper burial. The Ekimmu were sometimes portrayed as winged demons, walking corpses, moving shadows or even rushing wind.