Ugallu
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Ugallu, the "Big Weather-Beast", (Sumerian inscribed 𒌓𒃲𒆷/UD.GAL.LA,[1] Akkadian: ūmu rabû, meaning "big day"; or, better in this case: "big storm"). It was a lion-headed storm-demon and has the feet of a bird who is featured on protective amulets and apotropaic yellow clay or tamarisk figurines of the first millennium BC but had its origins in the early second millennium. The iconography changed over time, with the human feet morphing into an eagle's talons and dressing him in a short skirt. He was one of the class of ud-demons (day-demons), personifying moments of divine intervention in human life.[2]
As an ud-demon, Ugallu's function is to intervene in moments of disaster in a person's life, such as saving them from death.[3] His affiliation with the day compares him with other light related deities, Shamash the sun, the star of Sirius, and Nuska, god of the lamp.[3] Many of his rituals as described are to be performed at night.[3]
Iconography
His iconography has notably shifted over time.
The Neo-Assyrian versions have eagle talons, and a short skirt.[3] His weapons are the dagger and the mace,[3] with the dagger raised above his head in a threatening manner.[3] Two recovered amulets differ from this, with the same lion-headed Ugallu but with human feet and a long robe.[3] This latter version seems to be quite rare, with the former version being much more common.[3]
