Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, enemy of the Jews, whose story is told in the Book of Esther. As told, Haman was the chief minister of the King Ahasuerus, who plotted to destroy all the Jews of the Persian kingdom. However, due to the intervention of Mordecai and Esther, the Jews were permitted to defend themselves and Haman together with their other enemies was killed, causing great rejoicing. To commemorate this event, the Book of Esther is read on the festival of Purim. Among some communities it is the custom to bang and make a noise at every mention of the name Haman. The name "Haman" is often used as a metaphor, meaning "an enemy of the Jews."
