Publisher's Synopsis
The Near Eastern demon Samanu, known as Achu in the Egyptian tradition, is attested in numerous Mesopotamian and Egyptian sources. In this study, the various aspects of the demon - he is known to afflict gods, human beings, animals, plants, and rivers - are analyzed and potential identifications are proposed from a contemporary perspective. The study also focuses on the transfer of knowledge concerning Samanu from the Near East to Egypt. All known texts in the Sumerian, Akkadian, and Egyptian languages are compiled in this book and presented in transcription and translation and are accompanied by commentaries. Egyptian texts are additionally presented in hieroglyphs.