Humbaba in the Book of Giants (1)

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Humbaba’s name occurs in the Qumran fragments of the Book of Giants as Hobabiš (ḥwbbš, QG11). Humbaba was the fearsome guardian of the Cedar Forest in the sixth tablet of the Gilgamesh Epic. The literary descriptions of Huwawa/Humbaba focus upon his awesome ferocity and power, qualities appropriate for an arrogant Giant. Humbaba also frequently figures in incantation literature as a demonic entity who exercises authority over other demons. The inclusion of Humbaba among the antediluvian Giants in the Book of Giants may result from that monster’s geographical association with the Cedar Forest. According to 1 Enoch 13:9, the penitent Watchers assembled at Ubelseyael (= Abilene?), a locality placed “between Lebanon and Senir”. “Senir” refers to Hermon, and an Old Babylonian fragment of the Gilgamesh Epic identifies the Cedar Forest which Humbaba protects as “Hermon and Lebanon” (sa-ri-a ù la-ab-na-am), a remarkable coincidence of identity. Such a similarity in setting was probably known to the author of the Book of Giants and has stimulated the inclusion of Humbaba among his cast of characters.

Source (list of abbreviations) (source links will open in a new browser window)
1 Enoch 13:9

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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