In the Epic of Gilgamesh, what does Gilgamesh bring back after defeating Humbaba?

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh brings back Humbaba’s head after defeating the Cedar Forest guardian.

Gilgamesh and Enkidu travel to the Cedar Forest because Gilgamesh wants to gain lasting fame. Humbaba, also called Huwawa in some Sumerian versions, guards the forest and is appointed by the god Enlil. The heroes confront him, and Gilgamesh ultimately kills him with Enkidu’s assistance.

After the defeat, the heroes cut down cedar trees and take Humbaba’s head as proof of their victory. The episode is a major turning point: it establishes the pair’s fame but also contributes to the divine punishment that follows Enkidu’s death.

Names and details vary among versions and translations. “Humbaba” is common in the Standard Babylonian version, while “Huwawa” appears in several Sumerian poems. The object brought back, however, is consistently identified as the guardian’s head.