Humbaba

Humbaba (Huwawa in Sumerian) was placed by the god Enlil as guardian of the sacred Cedar Forest, likely identified with the forests of Lebanon or the Zagros mountains. He was not evil by nature — he was a divine appointee doing his duty. When Gilgamesh and Enkidu invaded the Cedar Forest to achieve immortal fame by cutting the great trees, they killed Humbaba despite his pleas for mercy. This act was later blamed for bringing the wrath of the gods upon them.

Face like coiled intestines (his face-features were entrail-shaped, used in omen divination), a roar like the flood, breath like fire and death, a voice like thunder. His seven auras (melam) radiated terror that could paralyze anyone who came near.

His seven auras of divine terror caused paralysis in attackers. His roar was described as the sound of the flood. His breath was fatal. He could detect intruders in the forest at enormous range. Appointed by Enlil, so his death offended the gods.