They are sent out by the gods to do service.
Their character is, on the whole, severe and cruel.

They are not favorable to man, but rather hostile to him.

Their brilliancy consumes the land.

Their power is feared, and Assyrian kings more particularly are fond of adding the Igigi and Anunnaki to the higher powers--the gods proper--when they wish to inspire a fear of their own majesty.

At times the Igigi alone are mentioned, but generally the Igigi and Anunnaki appear in combination.