Humbaba (Ḫumbaba, Ḫuwawa) features in the Mesopotamian poem Epic of Gilgamesh, which is often copied at scribe schools. A huge mountain man or man of the forest, he's described variously as a giant, troll and ogre, but is generally human in appearance.
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A nature Earth entity, Humbaba is a staunch guardian of the Great Cedar Forest in the tales of Gilgamesh, the earliest known epic poem. First written in Sumerian, the best surviving version is a later Akkadian translation of the 2nd millennium BCE.
At this time in Mesopotamia, cedar is in demand, but expensive. To reach Humbaba's realm of unending forests, a person must cross "seven ranges". Locations are suggested including Syria and the Iranian highlands. Finally the place is revealed in Lebanon.
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The Epic of Gilgamesh covers the exploits of Gilgamesh on a quest for immortality or the meaning of life. In this story he's on a quest for wood. With his companion Enkidu he reaches the edge of the mythical forests.
Gilgamesh wants to bring cedar wood back to Uruk to impress his people and gain their respect, as he's a foolish and greedy king. He and Enkidu begin chopping down trees, only to be stunned by a bolt of power from the angry Humbaba.
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Humbaba is a fearsome sight, with his hostile mien and scowling features. His powers come from his seven terrors or auras, which render him invulnerable to magic or physical harm. It's unusual for a figure to have seven auras. Even a god has only one.
The auras of Humbaba are made of wood, described as "cedar-like". They're enormous but can be cut into logs for transport. Gilgamesh tries to trick Humbaba into giving up his auras, thus rendering the giant powerless.
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He offers flour, leather, sandals and gemstones. He promises to wed his sister(s) to the huge mountain man, as it must be very lonely in this vast forest. He says,
(I swear) by the life of my mother Ninsumuna and of my father, holy Lugalbanda:
Because no one knows your mountain dwelling, to make your mountain dwelling famous,
I will bring you Enmebaragesi, my elder sister, to be your wife in the mountains."
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Once again (Gilgamesh) spoke to him:
(I swear) by the life of my mother Ninsumuna and of my father, holy Lugalbanda:
Because no one knows your mountain dwelling, to make your mountain dwelling famous,
I will bring you Peshtur, my little sister, to be your concubine in the mountains;
So hand me your protective sheens; I want to become a member of your family!
It takes some convincing, but finally Gilgamesh appeals to the basics of desire. Looking forward to taking a wife or two, Humbaba surrenders his auras to Gilgamesh.
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When Humbaba gives his auras to Gilgamesh he becomes vulnerable. Gilgamesh attacks with ruthless speed, punches him in the face and batters him to the ground. Too late Humbaba realizes the trickery of Gilgamesh.
Humbaba begs Gilgamesh to let him go and pleads to the Sun God Utu (Shamash) for mercy, saying he never had parents and was raised by the Sun God. Feeling pity for him Gilgamesh asks his companion, Enkidu, what to do.
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Enkidu cuts the giant's throat, killing him. He hacks off Humbaba's massive head and puts it in a sack. The body they leave for the vultures already circling high above.
In triumph Gilgamesh and Enkidu go to the Creator God Enlil to show off their prize. Instead of receiving the praise they expect, Gilgamesh and Enkidu are severely chastised by Enlil for abusing the trust of Humbaba.
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He tells them they should receive the same treatment, but gives them no punishment except disappointment in their actions. Enlil redistributes the auras of Humbaba:
He gave Ḫuwawa’s first aura to the fields.
He gave his second aura to the rivers.
He gave his third aura to the reed-beds.
He gave his fourth aura to the lions.
He gave his fifth aura to the palace.
He gave his sixth aura to the forests.
He gave his seventh aura to Nungal.
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The demand for cedar wood is so great, the land is almost deforested. Emperor Hadrian orders a stop to cedar deforestation during his reign (c. 117 AD). If not cut down, Lebanese cedar trees can live over a thousand years.
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