Khumbaba

In this lament he calls Enkidu his brave friend and the "panther of the desert," and refers to their hunts in the mountains, and to their slaughter of the bull of heaven, and to the overthrow of Khumbaba in the forest of cedar, and then he asks him:

The Babylonian Story of the Deluge as Told by Assyrian Tablets from Nineveh 1895

The fragmentary character of the text here makes it very difficult to find out exactly what steps the two heroes took to overcome Khumbaba, but there is no doubt that they did overcome him, and that they returned to Erech in triumph.

The Babylonian Story of the Deluge as Told by Assyrian Tablets from Nineveh 1895

The cedars were under the special protection of Bêl, who had appointed to be their keeper Khumbaba, a being whose voice was like the roar of a storm, whose mouth was like that of the gods, and whose breath was like a gale of wind.

The Babylonian Story of the Deluge as Told by Assyrian Tablets from Nineveh 1895

As they were going through the forest to attack Khumbaba, Enkidu dreamed two or three dreams, and when he related them to Gilgamish, this hero interpreted them as auguries of their success and the slaughter of Khumbaba.

The Babylonian Story of the Deluge as Told by Assyrian Tablets from Nineveh 1895

But Gilgamish was determined to march against Khumbaba, and he and Enkidu set out without delay for the mountains where grew the cedars.

The Babylonian Story of the Deluge as Told by Assyrian Tablets from Nineveh 1895

Unfortunately the description of the contest with Khumbaba is missing.

The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria Morris Jastrow 1891

Gilgamesh's career, the conquest of Uruk and of other places, [895] and his successful campaign against Khumbaba.

The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria Morris Jastrow 1891

Eabani consents, and in company with Gilgamesh proceeds to the fortress of Khumbaba.

The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria Morris Jastrow 1891

Gilgamesh and Eabani together proceed to the contest with the bull, as they formerly proceeded against Khumbaba.

The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria Morris Jastrow 1891

Parnapishtim from the ship, recounts his deeds, among which we distinguish [934] the killing of a panther, of Alû, of the divine bull, and of Khumbaba.

The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria Morris Jastrow 1891