Latest news with #Mesopotamian
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
World's oldest map shows secrets from 3,000 years ago with Babylon at centre
The Babylonian map is known as the Imago Mundi and holds the title of the oldest known map in the world as it shows the world as the ancient Babylonians knew it The world's oldest map has been deciphering secrets from 3,000 years ago, shedding light on how our forebears perceived their surroundings. Dubbed the Imago Mundi, this Babylonian artefact is recognised as the most ancient map known to us, placing Babylon at the heart of the world. Unearthed in Sippar, Iraq, the clay tablet depicts a round Earth, adorned with cuneiform script and symbolic illustrations. Dr Irving Finkel of the British Museum revealed in a museum YouTube video: "The ancient Babylonian map has given us a tremendous insight into many aspects of Mesopotamian thinking. "It's also a triumphant demonstration of what happens when you have a very small, totally uninformative and useless fragment of dead boring writing that no one can understand and you join it onto something in the collection which is much bigger and a whole new adventure begins all over again", reports the Express. On its flip side, the tablet doubles as a travel guide, hinting at what explorers might face, including a nod to a craft built to survive the Great Flood. Dr. Finkel remarked that the tablet features a "giant vessel," often associated with the remnants of an enormous ship. Scholars have mapped a journey to "Urartu," possibly corresponding with the peak where Noah's Ark is believed to have come to rest. This may indicate that the Babylonians may have had their own rendition of the flood narrative. According to Dr. Finkel, the tablet's inscriptions recount astronomical events and predictions, and the map is believed to depict the entire "known world" of that time. The Imago Mundi illustrates Babylonian beliefs about geography and mythical creatures, with the ancients convinced these beings roamed various lands. Featured on the tablet are fantastical beings such as a scorpion-man, a sea serpent, a bull-man, and a winged horse. Another striking element is the "Bitter River," symbolised by a double ring surrounding Mesopotamia, representing the boundary of the known world. The inscriptions further detail astronomical events and predictions, highlighting the Babylonians' sophisticated grasp of the heavens. Since its unearthing in Iraq in 1988, the Imago Mundi has enthralled academics and is presently housed at the British Museum.
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
The Simpsons did it again? Labubu doll craze sparks demonic conspiracy fuelled by viral clip
The Labubu doll, once a niche collectible designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, has now exploded into the global fashion and fandom scene. Along with its skyrocketing prices and celebrity endorsements, the toy is now at the centre of an unsettling internet theory: that it is cursed, demonic and was predicted by The Simpsons. According to a Unilad report, Labubu dolls, created through a collaboration between Pop Mart and Lung, are based on his book series The Monsters, which features a tribe of female elf-like creatures. Known for their mischievous grins and exaggerated features, Labubus are now hot items in the Gen Z market. However, not everyone is thrilled. Some users on TikTok and Reddit have claimed that the dolls radiate 'dark energy,' and one even filmed themselves burning their Labubu doll, saying that the collectible was cursed with a demon that almost ruined their life. According to another Times of India report, fueling the paranoia is a resurfaced clip from The Simpsons' 2017 Treehouse of Horror episode, where Homer orders what he believes is pizza but receives a demonic Pazuzu statue instead. The possession of baby Maggie that follows in the episode has drawn eerie parallels to Labubu's rise. Although Labubu does not resemble Pazuzu physically, who, in mythology, has wings, a canine face and talons, the vibe, some say, is disturbingly similar. Fans, as per Unilad, were quick to link the two, with one user writing on X (formerly Twitter), 'Labubu = Pazuzu. Do not invite demons into your home.' Another noted that Homer from The Simpsons brought one home and it possessed him, and added Labubus give off the same energy. Labubu's transition from underground collectible to luxury status symbol, Unilad reported, only added fuel to the fire. Once a $10 novelty, some dolls now fetch thousands on resale platforms. This shift, combined with their uncanny aesthetic, has led many to believe their rise was too strange to be organic. The report added that a viral AI-generated image comparing Pazuzu to Labubu only deepened the frenzy. It prompted conspiracy theories about demonic symbolism and spiritual danger, with some self-proclaimed spiritual influencers warning followers to avoid the collectibles altogether. As per the Unilad report, Snopes, a debunking site, took a direct approach to the theory, claiming there is 'no evidence' Labubu is modelled after Pazuzu or shares any demonic connections with any characters. Snopes acknowledged that the toys poorly resemble the ancient Mesopotamian figure and that Kasing Lung references his own characters, not myth and folklore. But the internet was not having it. Even though meme-ification of fear is rampant, Labubu has morphed from plush to paranormal and now stands at a strange intersection of fashion, fandom, folklore and fear. Pazuzu is a demon from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, often associated with evil and chaos. Labubu is a toy that has gained sudden fame due to its resemblance to Pazuzu, sparking conspiracy theories about its origins and nature. The 666th episode of The Simpsons is titled "The Burns and the Bees." Labubu dolls, created through a collaboration between Pop Mart and Lung, are based on his book series The Monsters, but viral theories now claim it was inspired by Pazuzu demon.
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Viral Labubu dolls reportedly set on fire after chilling online theory links them to demon Pazuzu
Labubu dolls, which have taken social media by storm as quirky collectibles and fashion accessories, are now being burned by concerned owners following the rise of a disturbing conspiracy theory. The dolls, based on The Monsters, an illustrated book series by Hong Kong-based studio Kasing Lung, have become an internet sensation in recent months. However, they are now at the centre of viral panic. The controversy erupted after online posts began claiming the dolls are linked to Pazuzu, a demon figure from ancient Mesopotamian mythology. The theory, which has gained traction across TikTok and other platforms, suggests the dolls are "possessed" or spiritually connected to Pazuzu—prompting some owners to destroy their dolls in fear. Images comparing the smiling face of Labubu to historical depictions of Pazuzu—often portrayed with a sinister grin, bulging eyes, and sharp features—have added fuel to the fire. Pazuzu originates from ancient Mesopotamian religion and mythology, specifically from Assyrian and Babylonian texts. He was believed to be the king of the demons of the wind and was associated with both protection and destruction. Although considered a malevolent figure, Pazuzu was paradoxically invoked to protect against other evil spirits—especially the demoness Lamashtu, who threatened pregnant women and infants. Pazuzu was also famously introduced to modern audiences in the 1973 horror classic 'The Exorcist', where he served as the film's central demonic force. His grotesque appearance and haunting presence contributed to the demon's reputation as a symbol of evil in popular culture. While the current panic around the Labubu dolls lacks any credible evidence, the emotional response has been strong. Several videos have surfaced showing people burning the dolls in symbolic acts of cleansing or protection. As of now, there has been no formal statement from the creators of Labubu or the brand behind The Monsters series. Meanwhile, collectors and cultural critics alike continue to debate whether the reaction is justified concern or another case of viral hysteria.
Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
What is Pazuzu? Why are Labubu dolls being linked to a demon?
Just when you thought your social media feed was shrugging off the clutches of the viral Labubu dolls, there's a new revelation: the cute bag charms may have a demonic connection. Labubus are being linked to Pazuzu, the Mesopotamian king of wind demons, who, according to Britannica, is the son of Hanpa and brother to Humbaba (Huwawa). Videos circulating on social media have netizens freaking out over strange activity observed after bringing home the viral toy, from flickering lights to eerie noises heard late in the night. A post shared by Emmanuel (@emmanuel) The lore goes that Pazuzu helped humans ward off other demons, and, thus, representations of his face served as popular apotropaic amulets in the 1st millennium BCE in the Middle East. Pazuzu's body is similar to those of other Mesopotamian demons, but his head is distinct from all others. It is a rectangular shape, with capric horns, massive eyebrows over deep-set round eyes, a canine jaw that displays teeth and tongue, a long two-pronged beard marked out by horizontal lines, and protruding ears. That's where the chilling similarity with Labubus arise. The Internet is busy drawing parallels between the Mesopotamian demon and Labubus, the quirky, wide-eyed collectible figurines created by Hong Kong-based toy brand POP MART, in collaboration with artist Kasing Lung. Labubu dolls are not conventionally 'cute'. Their wide eyes, mischievous grin, and slightly eerie vibe speak directly to Gen Z's love for the offbeat and peculiar — emotions that encapsulate their energy. And the Pazuzu's head is the earliest known example of Mesopotamian iconography blending multiple animal and human features, with the earlier iconography adding only one animal body part, such as a lion's head, on a human body. bUt 𝕨𝕙𝕪 𝕕𝕠 𝕞𝕪 𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕗𝕝𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕚 𝕤𝕖𝕥 𝕙𝕚𝕞 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟? L̴A̴b̴U̴b̴U̴ ̴x̴ ̴P̴a̴Z̴u̴Z̴u̴ ̴c̴O̴L̴L̴A̴B̴ ̴L̴E̴A̴K̴E̴D̴.̴.̴.̴ 👁👹 tHeY sAy iF u pUt 3 lAbUbUs iN a tRiAnGlE 🔺 a cHiLd lAuGhS iN yOuR wAlLs 😬 yOuR tOoThBrUsH gOeS mIsSiNg aNd a bUnNy eAr… — LabubuMisfits (@LabubuMisfits) July 2, 2025 Jokes about supernatural activity surrounding Labubus have gained attention, with netizens expressing distress and concern over children collecting and playing with these dolls. However, all links are just speculation and conjecture, with no concrete evidence pointing towards any real connection. Britannica further states that the earliest archaeological evidence of Pazuzu—found in the grave of a royal woman entombed in Nimrud (near present-day Mosul, Iraq)—dates to 8th century BCE. Images of Pazuzu have been found throughout the ancient Middle East, dating to the 1st millennium BCE, including the Neo-Assyrian, Neo-Babylonian, and late Babylonian periods. Pazuzu's iconography has puzzled researchers because of its sudden and fully realised appearance in the archaeological record, displaying no apparent evolutionary stages. The lack of any earlier identifiable representations renders it impossible to pinpoint the exact geographic origins of the imagery, though it most likely developed in either Egypt or Mesopotamia. While Pazuzu's head is sometimes depicted alone, it is often paired with the faces of other Mesopotamian demons or gods. Some Pazuzu amulets have images inscribed on their backs of deities who were considered permanent allies of humans, such as Ugallu and Lulal. Archaeologists conjecture that these pairings were meant to ensure Pazuzu's power remained directed away from human targets and to protect the wearer from danger.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Labubu is not just demonic, it is cursed? A list of internet's most unhinged conspiracy theories about the most wanted viral doll
Social media sleuths are spiralling after wild claims link the adorable Labubu doll to voodoo rituals, ancient demons, and even The Simpsons. From bizarre behavioural shifts in kids to 'demonic' symbolism, conspiracy theorists are having a field day, despite the toy's actual origins in fairy-tale folklore and European myths. The internet thinks Labubu is possessed, here is why It all started on July 2, when a notorious fake-news peddler decided to ruin everyone's day by calling the Labubu doll a vessel of dark energy. According to a video now doing rounds in Russian (yes, it has gone international), Labubu is apparently part of a sinister voodoo ritual designed to hypnotise children and 'alter their psyches.' Dramatic much? The video claims some Western parents have noticed their children acting weird after buying the doll. Think: creepy attachment, altered behaviour, and intense mood swings. And in true internet fashion, this chaos has now been linked to an episode of The Simpsons (because of course it has). labubu are demonic creatures sent by satan himself From Hong Kong fairy tale to hellspawn in 10 seconds flat Let us rewind. Labubu is not the spawn of Satan—it is the brainchild of Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung, who created it in 2015 for a whimsical book called The Monsters. The design? A big-eyed forest creature inspired by Northern European folklore. The message? Pure fantasy vibes. Labubu = PazuzuDo not invite demons into your home. Pop Mart took Labubu mainstream in 2019, and suddenly it was not just a toy, it was a collector's obsession. Teenagers, adults, fashionistas, you name it, they wanted it. That is when critics started chirping on social media, claiming Labubu looks demonic, even comparing it to the ancient Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu. (Spoiler: they look nothing alike.) And…they're demonic. In fact Labubu is inspired by real and terrifying ancient Mesopotamian entity — Pazuzu — that was depicted in William Friedkin's 1973 'The Exorcist.'It's important to point out that Pazuzu is considered King of the demons of the wind, particularly… The Simpsons and satanic panic? This is peak viral The viral claim that The Simpsons predicted Labubu's chaos hinges on Season 29, Episode 4, where a statue of Pazuzu appears. Internet theorists insist this proves Labubu's 'evil spirit energy' was forecasted years ago. Except—the statue does not even resemble Labubu, and the plot is just standard cartoon spookiness. The first look at it and I found something utterly disturbing about the Labubu dolls. They looked evil disguised as cute to me. I was so put off by them that I actually searched the internet, only to find that the Simpsons had predicted Labubus too, as Pazuzu. 👿 This kind of 'Simpsons predicted it' energy has become internet folklore, and most of it is just, well… nonsense. As usual, fact-checkers have confirmed the connections are fabricated. Children getting obsessed? Not exactly groundbreaking Experts have stepped in to say that children forming deep attachments to toys is completely normal. It is a concept known in psychology as a 'transitional object' and helps kids handle stress. In other words, your kid loving Labubu is not a sign of demonic possession, it is just childhood. Also, Labubu is not even meant for toddlers. It is mostly for older teens and collectors. So the hysteria? Definitely not based on facts.
