In the Hellenistic world, the head of Medusa is used as an emblem known as the Gorgoneion. The earliest depictions of the head of Medusa, engraved on coins from Thracia and Athens and dated from the 6th century B.C, heavily resemble the head of Humbaba, even if he predated her with around 1400 years.
The qualities of Medusa also resemble those of Humbaba: Like Humbaba she is (literaly) a guardian. When Humbaba fastens his eyes on you they are “the eyes of death”, whilst looking at Medusa petrifies you; Medusa is likewise depicted in the same running attitude as Humbaba and in spite of these qualities both were killed by a hero. A major difference is that Humbaba has been just a wingless man. Medusa, however, is a female winged creature.
The qualities of Medusa also resemble those of Humbaba: Like Humbaba she is (literaly) a guardian. When Humbaba fastens his eyes on you they are “the eyes of death”, whilst looking at Medusa petrifies you; Medusa is likewise depicted in the same running attitude as Humbaba and in spite of these qualities both were killed by a hero. A major difference is that Humbaba has been just a wingless man. Medusa, however, is a female winged creature.