El: The Supreme Deity in Canaanite Mythology
The deity El is the highest-ranking Canaanite god, holding the supreme position among all other Canaanite deities. His name signifies the concept of divinity in general, particularly within Semitic languages. The word El is the closest equivalent to terms like "God" or "Allah." This deity is described as the god of the sky, the father of gods and humans alike.Origins of El: Connections to Mesopotamian Religion
It is believed that the first mention of El was among the Akkadians in Mesopotamia. When they inherited Sumerian religion, they encountered a great Sumerian god named An, the sky god, whose name was written with the general divine symbol pronounced as Dingir in Sumerian and as Ilu in Akkadian. This referred to the sky god An and the concept of divinity in general. |
| El: The Supreme Deity and Creator in Canaanite Mythology |
El’s Role in Canaanite and Monotheistic Traditions
If El is considered the Semitic counterpart of the Sumerian god An, then he also corresponds closely to the Babylonian god Anu. However, the cultural and theological developments that shaped the concept of El in the Canaanite region gave him a new image, which later influenced the history of religions, especially monotheism, where El became the essence. The deity El was worshiped in compound names with other gods, such as El Elyon (El the Most High), El Shaddai (El the Almighty), and El Yahweh (El is Yahweh), a title commonly used by the Hebrews. The most familiar image of El depicts him as an elder god receiving offerings from kings. His name also appears in the names of individuals and rulers, such as Michael, Israel, and Ishmael.El in Ugaritic Mythology
In Ugaritic mythology, El is portrayed as the highest deity and the creator of the universe, gods, and humans. He resides at the source of two rivers, near the edge of two oceans. The exact identity of these rivers is unclear, though they may refer to the Tigris and Euphrates, which the Babylonians believed originated from the cosmic ocean. This description is reminiscent of the god Enki (Ea), who dwelled in the depths of the watery abyss (Apsu). The Ugaritic texts suggest that El’s residence might have been at the source of the River Adonis in Lebanon, near the lake Yammoune.El and Kumarbi: A Shared Legacy with the Hittites
The Hittite god Kumarbi corresponds to the Canaanite El. In Hittite mythology, Kumarbi rebels against the sky god Anu, castrates him, and exiles him to the underworld. Similarly, El has a complex relationship with his father. Kumarbi is also called "the father of gods," and the myths suggest that a younger god eventually usurps the throne, similar to the narratives surrounding El.Greek Parallels: El and Cronus
The Greek counterpart to El is Cronus, who symbolizes eternity and time. Like El, Cronus has a strained relationship with his father, Uranus, the sky god, and fears his children, leading him to swallow them to prevent them from overthrowing him. However, Zeus escapes this fate, forces Cronus to regurgitate his siblings, and ultimately triumphs. Unlike Cronus, El does not swallow his children; rather, this motif appears in the myth of Kumarbi, who swallows a stone instead of a child, resembling elements of Cronus's myth.Depictions of El in Hellenistic Traditions
A Hellenistic Canaanite priest recorded that Cronus (El) sacrificed his son Jeoud on an altar while wearing royal attire. This sacrifice was made to the god Uranus during a time of great tribulation.In his Hellenistic depiction, El is described as having two pairs of eyes and three pairs of wings. Coins minted in the city of Byblos (modern-day Jbeil) depict him with six wings. A historian noted that the god Cronus has seven heads, though this depiction is not supported by any existing sculptures or mythological texts.
Titles and Symbols of El
El holds numerous titles in Canaanite texts, poems, and myths. The most prominent include:• Father of the Gods
• Father of Mankind
• Creator of Creation (referred to as Bani Banwat, “Builder of Creatures”)
• King
• Father of Years
• The Exalted Father
• El Elyon, Creator of Heaven and Earth
El’s primary symbol is the bull, a representation he shares with the Sumerian god An. Other titles include The Compassionate, The Gentle, and The Wise, reflecting his role as a god of mercy and wisdom. In Ugaritic texts, he is also called El Gorshun, meaning “God of the Mountain,” emphasizing his association with high places.
Major Myths of El
The mythology of El is rich and varied. One prominent myth concerns his birth and his rebellion against his father:Shamem, the sky god, had numerous wives and countless offspring. He abandoned his wife, the earth goddess Adama, and repeatedly attempted to kill her children. However, his eldest son, El, grew up and, with the help of Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing, waged fierce battles against his father. El eventually defeated Shamem, capturing and imprisoning him in the depths of the abyss.
After this victory, El began a new era by constructing his first city, Byblos, in Phoenicia. He declared himself the "Lord of Lords" and ruled as the supreme god, much like Cronus in Greek mythology. According to ancient texts, El had four eyes (two looking forward and two backward), allowing him to remain vigilant even while sleeping. He was also said to have six wings and seven heads.
Another myth describes Shamem sending his daughters, Astarte and her sister Rhea (also called Dione or Semiramis), to seduce El. However, he married them instead. El’s primary wife was Asherah, the Canaanite mother goddess, who bore him seventy divine offspring, representing the new generation of nature deities, led by Baal and Anat.
One myth recounts El’s brutal revenge on his father, Shamem, after ruling for 32 years. When Shamem attempted to escape captivity, El captured him, tore him limb from limb, and scattered his remains into rivers, springs, and wells.
Distribution of the Earth
As the supreme ruler, El divided the earth among his wives and children. His wife, Astarte, received Attica in Greece, while Baaltis took Byblos as her domain. Poseidon was given Beirut, while El and Asherah made their home near the source of two rivers. He also granted Egypt to the god Thoth, who had assisted him in his youth. Thoth, originally a Babylonian deity of wisdom, became a guardian of knowledge and the scribe of divine secrets.El’s Disappearance and Return
One of the most intriguing aspects of El’s mythology is his mysterious disappearance. Some sources describe him being kidnapped by wild creatures and held on an island beyond the ocean. Others suggest this foreshadowed his eventual descent into the underworld, symbolizing death. During this period, the god Baal emerged as the new king of gods.Thus, El holds a pivotal role in the evolution of ancient religious thought, from his celestial origins to his earthly dominion, and finally, to his mythological disappearance. His legacy as the "Father of Gods" and "Creator of Creation" remains a cornerstone of Canaanite theology and its profound influence on subsequent religions.
The Legacy of El in Canaanite Religion
In conclusion, El in Canaanite mythology represents a pivotal force of transformation, not only as the supreme god but also as the creator of the cosmos. Through the myths and stories surrounding him, El embodies power, wisdom, and compassion, leaving behind a legacy that shaped Canaanite religion. In every aspect of these tales, El stands as a symbol of fatherhood, leadership, and divine inspiration, guiding both gods and mortals alike.For those who prefer visual content, you can watch the video below that covers the same topic in detail.