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A god of nature, Humbaba's forests stretched many leagues. Not
necessarily an evil deity, he was described in The Epic of Gilgamesh
as being able to roar above the elements, breathe fire and having the
visage of death. Early representations suggest that his features were
inspired by the convoluted tract of the human intestine.
In The Epic of Gllgamesh the King of Uruk, Gllgamesh,
befriended Enkldu, a wild man. Although Enkidu and many others tried
to dissuade Gilgamesh from setting out to do combat with Humbaba, Enkidu
gave in and accompanied him on the journey. The two companions pushed
open the gates which guarded Humbaba's forest. Enkidu ominously felt
the strength leave him as he touched them. He and Gllgamesh summoned
Humbaba by felling some of his cedars and, with the aid of the gods,
Humbaba was defeated. Gllgamesh wished to spare his life, but Enkidu
urged his destruction. Gllgamesh slew Humbaba, angering Enlil, god of
all Elements.
Later, Gilgamesh killed the Bull of Heaven sent by
lshtar to punish him for spurning her. In revenge, and for destroying
Humbaba, the gods decided that Enkldu should die.
The location of Humbaba’s fabulous forest of
cedars is not exactly known. It was probable the Babylonians lacked
wood for building materials and kings like Gllgamesh, who was famous
for his building feats, would have needed to search long distances away
for it.
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