Origin: Babylonian and Sumerian Mythology
History: Humbaba appears in the Epic of Gilgamesh. The dragon, as it seems, was a threat to a nearby town, so Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu set out to slay the dragon. It was not enough, however, for Gilgamesh to slay the dragon. For him, he had to be remembered for it, so, at first, he put off killing the dragon.
Humbaba, however, was a guardian of the forests. He had the body of a lion, and he also had horned scales all over his body. He also possesed two bulls horns, as well as a tail that ended in a snake's head. He also possesed vulture traits: that is, his feet and his claws.
Shamash aided Gilgamesh in his quest. Furthermore, he continued to sent dreams to him so that he may attack the creature. Humbaba was favored by Enlil, who was not happy to find that Gilgamesh had slain his guardian.
Symbolism: Humbaba was a guardian and protect of the forest. The symbolism in the story (in the overall Epic of Gilgamesh) is that their is no such thing as immortal life.
Physical Description: Humbaba had a human-like body with the legs of a lion which ended with the talons of a vulture. There were scale plates all over him. He had the horns of a bull, and his tail was long and had the head of a snake at the end of it.
- Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
For more information about these footnotes, please see the bibliography.
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© Kylie 'drago' McCormick.
Last updated: 4 October 2009