She creates Eabani, a hero, a lofty offspring, the possession of Ninib.[869]
This creature Eabani is described as having a body covered with hair. He has long flowing locks and lives with the animals about him.
Eating herbs with gazelles,
Drinking from a trough with cattle,
Sporting with the creatures of the waters.
The description evidently recalls man living in a savage state, and, to judge from illustrations of Eabani on seal cylinders, the mythological fancy of the period when strange monsters existed of hybrid formation, half-man, half-beast, has influenced the conception of this strange creature who is to combat the invincible Gilgamesh. But Gilgamesh frustrates the plan. He sends a messenger known as Sâdu, that is, 'the hunter,' and described as a "wicked man," to ensnare Eabani.[870] For three days in succession, the hunter sees Eabani drinking at the trough with the cattle, but is unable to catch him. The sight of this 'wild man of the woods' frightens the hunter. He returns to Gilgamesh for further instructions.
Gilgamesh spoke to the hunter:
Go, hunter mine, and take with thee Ukhat
When the cattle comes to the trough,
Let her tear off her dress and disclose her nakedness.