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The Battle Of Humbaba In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

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In the second chapter of the epic, Gilgamesh and Enkidu set out on their journey to destroy Humbaba, the guardian of the forest. Gilgamesh felt a compulsion to fight Humbaba and take over the forest that Humbaba watched over. With this urge Gilgamesh prayed to Shamash in order to gain Shamash 's approval of this journey that he is about to do with Enkidu. Due to the approval and assistance gained by the prayer, Gilgamesh ordered the armourers to provide himself and Enkidu the strongest armor possible for their battle. When they left with their weaponry and assistance, Enkidu lead the way to the land of Humbaba. After their journey through the forest to the land of Humbaba Enkidu felt fear due to the loss of strength that he felt when touching the gate leading to the territory. Gilgamesh reassured Enkidu through saying "Let your courage be roused by the battle to come; forget death and follow me, a man resolute in action, but one who is not foolhardy. When two go together each will protect himself and shield his companion, and if they fall they leave an enduring name" (9). …show more content…

Despite Humbaba 's efforts both of the warriors made it to his layer and inflicted a fatal wound onto him. After this the demigod** begged for them to spare his life. After Enkidu told Gilgamesh to not let Humbaba live, they both did the last blows to Humbaba and killed him. In result to the guardian of the forest being killed the hills and forest felt the lack of his presence. Gilgamesh and Enkidu then felled the trees of the forest and explored sacred places within the

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