2/24/07

The Capture of Humbaba

Gilgamesh spoke to Enkidu, saying:
"My Friend, Humbaba's face keeps changing!"
...
..."

(20-25 lines are missing here)

The ground split open with the heels of their feet,
as they whirled around in circles Mt. Hebron and Lebanon split.
The white clouds darkened,
death rained down on them like fog.
Shamash raised up against Humbaba mighty tempests-
Southwind, Northwind, Eastwind, Westwind, Whistling Wind,
Piercing Wind, Blizzard, Bad Wind, Wind of Simurru,
Demon Wind, Ice Wind, Storm, Sandstorm-
thirteen winds rose up against him and covered Humbaba's face.
He could not butt through the front, and could not scramble out the back,
so that Gilgamesh's weapons were in reach of Humbaba.

--

Enkidu spoke to Gilgamesh saying:
"My friend, I have been talking to you but you have not been listening to me,
"You have been listening to the curse of Humbaba!"
...
...
his friend
...by his side
...
...they pulled out his insides including his tongue.
...he jumped
...
...abundance fell over the mountain.
...abundance fell over the mountain.

The Epic Of Gilgamesh,Tablet V