In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Humbaba is the giant guardian of the Cedar Forest.
Gilgamesh and Enkidu travel to the Cedar Forest seeking fame and valuable cedar wood. Humbaba, also called Huwawa in Sumerian versions, has been appointed by the god Enlil to guard the forest. His terrifying appearance and supernatural powers make the expedition far more dangerous than an ordinary hunting trip.
The heroes receive assistance from Shamash, the sun god, who sends powerful winds against Humbaba during the confrontation. Humbaba pleads for his life, but Gilgamesh and Enkidu ultimately kill him and cut cedar trees.
Humbaba is sometimes described in popular retellings as a dragon. The ancient texts portray him more broadly as a monstrous forest guardian, with a frightening face and supernatural attributes. His exact physical description varies among surviving versions and translations.