The Myth of Cosmic Rebellion: A Study of its Reflexes in Ugaritic and Biblical Literature

by Hugh R. Page Jr.

This volume examines reflexes of a West Semitic myth describing an attempted coup against the high god of the pantheon. In 1939, J. Morgenstern theorized that this myth was the precursor of the Satan traditions found in Jewish and Christian sources. This treatment (1) reconsiders Morgenstern's hypothesis, (2) reviews scholarship on this myth of cosmic rebellion within the W.F. Albright/F.M. Cross, Jr. lineage, (3) compiles a concordance of texts cited by scholars in analyzing the myth, (4) considers the possibility that Athtar is the myth's divine antihero, (5) provides a translation and close reading of selected Ugaritic and Hebrew texts that have informed discussion about the myth, (6) reassesses the value of these texts, and (7) provides a reconstruction of the myth.

248 pages, Leather Bound

First published June 1, 1996

About the author

The Rev. Canon Dr. Hugh Rowland Page Jr. (Ph.D., Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, Harvard University; D.Min., Applied Ministries, Graduate Theological Foundation; M.Div General Theological Seminary; STM, General Theological Seminary; B.A, History, Hampton University) is an Episcopal priest, and Professor of Theology and Africana Studies Vice President and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. Page also oversees the University’s ROTC programs, the Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement, the Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program, and the TRiO Programs. He has previously chaired the Africana studies department.