Humbaba is a great threat to Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Enkidu describes Humbaba as terrifying. He says he has knife-sharp teeth that stick out like tusks and a blood-smeared face that resembles a lion. He says that Humbaba charges like a raging torrent. Humbaba could be considered pathetic because he has to confuse Gilgamesh in order to save himself. He tries to threaten Gilgamesh and “curse” Enkidu is order to save his own life. He begs Gilgamesh for his life without putting up a fight or really trying to defend himself. For a creature that is supposed to be feared so greatly and so powerful, he is nothing close to that. He is supposed to be protector of the forest.
I don’t understand why it was so important for Gilgamesh and Enkidu to kill Humbaba. He was put there by the God Enlil. I think the killing is unnecessary. Humbaba didn’t deserve to die, he even begged for his life and asked to be left alone in the forest.
robbselit 