MIDDLE EASTERN
MYTHOLOGY

---

UGARITIC MYTHOLOGY
Update History

Ugarit was an ancient city in Northern Syria.  In 1928, an excavation discovered the Ras Shamra Tablets, containing much information about Canaan mythology.  Canaan is a Semite-populated region lying between Babylon and Egypt.

Anath
A virgin-goddess, and sister of Baal.  She invited all of Baal's enemies to a feast at her palace, and when they were all there, she locked the doors and proceeded to slay them all.  After Baal was killed, she siezed Mot and split him in two with her sword.  Later, while in the form of a cow, she was impregnated by Baal (after he was restored to life) and gave birth to a wild ox.

Aqhat
A skilled archer, and son of King Danel.  The goddess Anath offered him immortality in exchange for his bow, but he refused.  Angered by his refusal, Anath sent Yatpan to seize the bow from him.  Aqhat was killed by Yatpan, and his bow was broken during the struggle.

Asherah
The 'Lady of the Sea'.  She had seventy children and coveted Baal's throne for her own son, Ashtar.

Ashtar
Son of Asherah.  He ascended the throne whilst Baal was absent in the underworld, but the throne was too great for him, and he descended again.

Ashtoreth
Wife of El, and mother of the gods.

Baal
- Other names: Hadad -
The god of fertility.  Sometimes called 'the rider of the clouds'.  By the name Hadad, he is also the god of thunder and lightning.  He was given two magical weapons by Kothar-u-khasis to aid him in his fued against his brother, Yam-Nahar.  These weapons were called Yagrush (Chaser), and Aymur (Driver).  He was prevented from slaying Yam-Nahar by their mother, Ashtoreth.  He was later killed during a fued with Mot, but restored to life from the underworld by the sun-goddess, Shapash, and re-assumed his throne.

El
The High-god.  Father of the gods by Ashtoreth.

Gapn
One of two messengers (the other being Ugar) sent by Baal to offer his refusal to show Mot tribute.  They returned with threats from Mot that struck Baal with fear.

Hadad
Another name for Baal.

Hiribi
The god of summer, and father of Nikkal.

Kathirat, The
The wise goddesses, taking the form of swallows because of their connection with fertlity and childbirth.  Compare them to the Greek 'Graces'.

Kothar-u-khasis
The craftsman-god.

Lotan
The seven-headed chaos dragon, slain by Baal.

Mot
The god of sterility and the underworld.  He feuded with Baal and caused his death after he (Baal) refused him tribute.  He was slain by Baal's sister, Anath, in revenge.  He later returned to life to resume the feud.

Nikkal
Goddess of the 'fruits of the earth'.  Daughter of Hiribi, and wife of Yarikh.

Pughat
- Other names: Paghat -
Sister of Aqhat.  She sought to avenge her brother's death by enlisting the aid of Yaptan, unaware of the god's part in Aqhat's death.

Rahmaya
See Shahar.

Repum
Eight shades (spirits), represented as riding chariots, horses, and asses, who aided Baal in his return from the underworld.

Shahar
'Dawn'.  Twin-brother of Shalim (Dusk).  They were the gracious gods, born of the goddesses, Asherah and Rahmaya through a union with El.  Ashera and Rahmaya also gave birth to a pair of sea-gods.

Shalim
'Dusk'.  Twin-brother of Shahar (see).

Shapash
The sun-goddess, and 'Torch of the gods'.  Compare with the Sumerian Shamash.

Shataqat
The goddess of healing.

Ugar
See Gapn.

Yam-Nahar
The god of seas and rivers.  Brother of Baal.  The two feuded for a long while as Baal thought Yam-Nahar was El's favourite, but they finally made peace.

Yarikh
The moon-god, husband of Nikkal.

Yatpan
A minor god of war.  He was changed into an eagle by Anath, and sent to steal Aqhat's bow.  To Anath's dismay, he killed Aqhat and broke the bow in the process.