Into the Cedar Forest

Restless for a name that will outlast the grave, Gilgamesh resolves to march east and cut the cedars guarded by the fire-breathing giant Humbaba. Enkidu, who once roamed that mountain, pleads against it, and the grey elders of Uruk warn the young king, but he answers that only the gods live forever and a man may as well fall winning glory. After Ninsun's prayer to Shamash, the two go out; the sun-god pins the monster with great winds, and where the shattered tablet fails, the heroes slay Humbaba and bear his head home in triumph.