Edimmu

Edimmu (often incorrectly stated as Ekimmu) is a type of utukku in Sumerian mythology.

They are the ghosts of people who have not been properly buried. They were considered vindictive towards living people and allegedly could take over people's bodies if they did not observe certain taboos: for example, the ban on eating ox meat.

It was believed that they caused diseases and could encourage people to commit crimes, but sometimes they could be calmed down by holding commemorations or sacrificial libations.

Edimm imagined completely or almost disembodied, "airy" spirits that could suck out the life of a sleeping person susceptible to them (most often a young age).