A Primer on Ugaritic: Language, Culture, and Literature - enenuru

Ancient Ugarit 27
reconstructions of Ugaritic religious beliefs, indeed, since Baal was
worshipped throughout Syria-Palestine and the Baal cycle
necessarily is a primary source for understanding the religious
beliefs of the entire ancient Near East.
1.6.5.2 Legend of King Kirtu (or, King Keret) (exercise §6.4)
Excavators discovered this tale of King Kirtu, preserved on three
clay tablets, in the high priest's library during the second and third
seasons of excavation at Ras Shamra (1930–31). The narrative
explores some of the ideological and political dimensions of
kingship in the ancient world by detailing the plight of a certain
King Kirtu. A series of disasters have left him without an heir. In a
dream, the god El reveals that the solution to his predicament will
be found in seizing a princess from a neighboring kingdom to bear
his heir.
1.6.5.3 Legend of Aqhat (exercise §6.6)
This legend of Aqhat is poorly preserved on three clay tablets.
Large gaps in the text, indeed some 50% of the story, offer the
modern reader ample opportunity for creative interpretation. The
story concerns a certain patriarchal chieftain, Dan’el (perhaps to be
related with biblical Daniel; also note Ezek. 14:14), who had no
son. He prays to El who promises a son, Aqhat. At a feast, the
crafts god Kothar presents the adult Aqhat with a splendid
composite bow. Trouble starts when the goddess Anat demands
the marvelous bow. She offers Aqhat immortality in exchange for
the weapon, but Aqhat refuses to part with the bow. Anat
convinces her henchman Yatipan to murder Aqhat. Unfortunately,
the story breaks off with the badly damaged third tablet. We are
left in suspense guessing at possible conclusions.
1.7 UGARIT AND BIBLICAL STUDIES
The ancient Canaanite city-state of Ugarit has been of particular
importance for biblical studies (see the bibliography in §9.12). Why
have scholars been interested in Ras Shamra and its literature?