Huwawa

Huwawa
Other names: Khumbaba, Hubaba, Humbaba, Hum-ba, Hum-hum

HU.WA.WA (𒄷 𒉿 𒉿 ) is guardian of the Cedar Forest of Amanus. He was described as a monstrous giant of immemorial age, the son of Hanbi (Hanpa) “lord of all evil forces”, but was raised by Utu. By the will of Lord Enlil, he was assigned as a terror to the human beings.

Giant

The character of Huwawa is contrasted with the word tigru, meaning "dwarf". In the Akkadian Epic of Gilgamesh, Humbaba (Huwawa) is described as dapini, meaning "terrible one," whose roar is a deluge, whose mouth is fire, whose breath is death.

Omen texts

The Omen texts of Huwawa indicate that he was a usurper; like Bau-ellit, Sargon, and Ishbi- Urra, overthrew a dynasty, conquered the lands, and was without a rival. Specifically, Huwawa usurped the throne of the West, had conquered the land. Albert Clay comments, "Possibly we may later ascertain that the power which Humbaba represented was designated by the eagle. At present, however, this can only be regarded as conjectural."

Huwawa omens:

• “If a woman gives birth to the face of Huwawa; the king and his sons will leave the city.”
• “If a sheep bear a lion, and it has the face of Huwawa, the prince will not have a rival; he will destroy the land of the enemy.”
• “If the tirani is like the face of Hum-Hum (Huwawa), a usurper of the land will rule the world.” Pierpont Morgan Collection (BRM IV, 13)

Epic of Gilgamesh

Huwawa appears in the Akkadian Epic of Gilgamesh as Humbaba (Akkadian 𒄷𒌝𒁀𒁀) who was defeated by Gilgamesh. The elders appear to dissuade Gilgamesh from attempting to overthrow Humbaba. They rhetorically ask, "Who has ever penetrated to his dwelling place. . .?" Who has ever opposed his weapon?"