I. Name
In the Mesopotamian mythological tradition, Ḫumbaba is the superhuman guardian of the Cedar forest in the West (Lebanon). He was killed at the hands of Gilgamesh and Enkidu (Tigay 1982:6–7.32–33.93–94.112–114; and see index s.v.). His name has been connected with that of Hobab the Kenite, a relative of Moses (Num. 10.29; Judg. 4.11).
II. Identity
Ḫumbaba (Old Babylonian Ḫuwawa) occurs already in the Sumerian Tale known as Gilgamesh and the Land of the Living, one of th…