THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH Tablet III

A Sacred Friendship Forged, The Plot to Conquer Humbaba

Columns I - VI

Column I

Then Enkidu and Gilgamesh joined in

sacred friendship and sealed their solemn

bond with noble kiss.

 

Column II

Enkidu and Gilgamesh often sat then together,

visited Ninsun's shrine, conversed

of many plans and fashioned a future together.

Once, informed by fears of

future sorrow, Enkidu began

to weep and warn his friend of

Domestication of Enkidu

10. coming horror. He said:

"If we go there beyond here to where

Humbaba-the-awful lives,

there will be a gruesome war

in a place no one calls home,

where no one wants to stay for long

or go to rest or rest to gain

the strength to reach the forests."

The Great One rose within

and robed herself appropriately

 

Gilgamesh and Huwawa (version A) or Humbaba

Gilgamesh and Huwawa (version B)

 

20. covering herself,

ringing her curls beneath her crown

to ascend the altar, where she stood

lighting the first signals of charcoal for the incense

and preparing sacred cups that hold the

precious liquids which will be spilled.

Then Ninsun asked Shamash: (Sun God)

"Why?

Why have you called my only son away

and shaped his mind in so disturbed a way?

 

30. For now, he says, you invite him to begin a

pilgrimage that ends where Humbaba

directs a never ending battle,

along a foreign, lonely road

far within the forests dark and damp

where a man like him might just kill

a god like Humbaba or be killed

to dissolve the pain that you, Shamash, oppose."

 

Column III

Humbaba stirs within the darkened wood

and in the hearts of men there rises fear.

 

40. When Enkidu spoke at last to Gilgamesh

he said these words of warning:

"I knew this monster's reputation long ago.

Fire and death mix in his breath,

and I for one do not wish now

to challenge such a demon."

But Gilgamesh retorted: "All glory

will be ours if now we conquer

this unprecedented foe and risk the

woe that frightens others."

 

50. And Enkidu said then in swift reply:

"How shall we go towards woods

so fiercely guarded?"

 

Column IV

Enlil it was who sent Humbaba there

to scare away intruders with fierce

and frightening howls. Great Gilgamesh

remembered that when he spoke words like these

to Enkidu: "Only gods live forever

with Shamash, my friend; for even our

longest days are numbered. Why worry over

 

60. being like dust in the wind? Leap up for

this great threat. Fear not. Even if I were

to fail and fall in combat,

all future clans would say I did the job."

Special weapons then were ordered to be made

for their assault upon Humbaba.

Axes, swords, and combat saddles were prepared

and all of Uruk's population flocked round

their great departure.

 

Column V

The awful monster's reputation

 

70. made Uruk's gentle people fear

for their great king. And after

all the plans were made to start

out to fight Humbaba, a group

came forward to see the king.

The elders spoke to Gilgamesh:

"Fear the force that you control, hot-headed boy;

Be sure you watch where you direct

your every, heavy swing in battle.

Vanguards protect.

 

80. Friends save friends.

Let Enkidu lead on the way

through forests that he knows.

He knows how to fight in woodlands;

he knows where to pick his fight.

Enkidu will shield his bosom too

as well as that of his companion

so as to protect them both.

He'll traverse any ditch of any width.

Enkidu will guard our king.

 

90. Be sure to bring him safely back."

Gilgamesh said to Enkidu:

"Arise, my other self, and speed your way to Egalmah

to where my mother sits, kind Ninsun.

She understands all I need to know.

She'll tell us where we should go and what to do."

Again the men embraced as teammates do.

Gilgamesh and Enkidu set out to Egalmah.

 

Column VI

Upset by all his thoughts of coming battles

and concerned by his consultations with the gods,

 

100. Gilgamesh then sadly set his palace rooms in order.

His weapons were prepared, his helmet shined

and garments freshly cleaned.

Citizens of Uruk came to say good-bye and

wish their daring king farewell.

"Go careful through this risky, bold adventure,

mighty lord. Be sure of your own safety first of all."

So spoke the elders of his town and then continued:

"Let Enkidu take risks for you and have him

lead the way through woods he knows so well.

 

110. Pray that Shamash show him, as your guide,

the nearest path and choicest route to

where you dare to go.

May great Lugalbanda favor you in combat with Humbaba."

Then Enkidu himself spoke finally to his king:

"The time is right for us to now depart.

Follow me, sir, along the savage way

to where a worthy opponent,

the awful beast Humbaba,

waits for your challenge in the

 

120. dark woodlands that he guards.

Do not fear this. Rely on me

in every matter for your most and let me act

as careful guide for you most daring venture."

 

Tablet I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII

 

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