MIDDLE EASTERN
MYTHOLOGY

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HEBREW MYTHOLOGY
Update History

Led by Abraham, the first Hebrews moved into Canaan in the 18th century B.C., settling in the area of Hebron.  Sometime later, the second movement of Hebrews, consisting mainly of the nomadic Aramaeans and led by Jacob, settled in Shechem.  The third movement, in about the 13th century B.C., consisted partly of tribes fleeing from Egypt.  Eventually, these people became the Israelites.

Abel
Brother of Cain (see).

Ark, The
The ship built by Noah, in which to preserve the animals during the great flood.

Cain
Cain and his brother, Abel, were the sons of Adam and Eve, born after their parents expulsion from the Garden of Eden.  They presented offerings to Yahweh of which Abel's was accepted and Cain's refused.  In a fit of jealousy, Cain killed his brother, and in turn was cursed by Yahweh.  Fleeing to the land of Nod, Cain built a city and founded the first civilisation.

Elohim
Another name for Yahweh.

Leviathan
- Other names: Rahab -
The many-headed dragon of chaos, slain by Yahweh.  Also called Rahab, 'The arrogant one'.  Compare with the Akkadian Tiamat, and Ugaritic Lotan.

Nebuchadnezzar
A king of Babylon who, according to the 'Jewish Apocalyptic', is converted to the Jewish faith, but first punished for his pride by being turned into a sub-human creature for seven years.

Nephilim
A race of semi-divine giants reportedly found living in Canaan when the first Hebrews came to settle.  They were the offspring of the 'sons of god' and 'the daughters of man', cast down into the underworld for rebelling against the gods.

Noah
Favoured by Yahweh, Noah was forewarned of the impending flood, and instructed to build a huge ship (the Ark) in which to preservetwo of each animal.  Compare with the Sumerian Ziusudra, Babylonian Utnapishtim, and Greek Deucalion.

Pantocrator
A name given to Yahweh in the 'Jewish Apocalyptic'.

Rahab
Another name for Leviathan.

Yahweh
- Other names: Elohim, Pantocrator -
The creator god.  He slew the Leviathan after emerging from the watery chaos (or waterless waste) and then proceeded to create Heaven, Earth, and mankind.