King Keret’s Epic: Ugaritic Myth of Divine Power and Betrayal

Interpreting the Epic of Keret

The meaning of the Keret epic remains a subject of debate among scholars. Due to the numerous gaps in the text and the loss of its conclusion, it is unlikely that a comprehensive interpretation addressing every detail will ever be reached. However, certain key themes and elements provide insights into its significance.

The Divine Kingship in Canaanite Beliefs

One of the most striking aspects of the epic is its depiction of Canaanite kingship as a sacred institution, illustrating the close relationship between the divine and the royal realm. Throughout the story, Keret is repeatedly referred to as the "son" or "child" of El, the supreme god, a title that El himself uses when addressing the king.

Unlike the Egyptian tradition, where Pharaohs were considered the literal offspring of deities—such as the god Ra, who would manifest in the form of the queen’s husband and father a divine heir—the fatherhood of El over Ugaritic kings appears to be more symbolic. Instead of a biological connection, El’s "adoption" of Keret implies divine protection and guidance, marking him as a ruler chosen by the gods.

This divine adoption is reinforced through a ritualistic process. The text suggests that Keret, like other Ugaritic kings, was nursed by the goddess Asherah, El’s consort. A similar theme appears when Yassib, Keret’s heir, is described as:

“He will drink the milk of Asherah,
And suckle from the breast of Anat, the Virgin,
The nurse of the gods.”

This divine nourishment establishes the king’s connection to the gods, a belief so deeply ingrained that even Keret’s own children are astonished at his impending death, questioning:

“Can the gods truly die, O Father?
Shall the offspring of the Merciful One not live forever?”

El’s Role as Protector of Kingship

El’s active role in Keret’s life further emphasizes the divine nature of kingship. Not only does he promise the king an heir, but he also ensures the fulfillment of this promise. When Keret marries Hurriya, El summons the gods to bless the union, declaring that Keret’s lineage will continue. Later, when the king falls gravely ill, El intervenes personally to restore his health.

This semi-divine status positions the king as a bridge between the heavens and the human world. As a result, his fate directly affects the natural and societal order. The epic vividly portrays this connection: when Keret falls ill, the land suffers drought and famine, signaling that his well-being is linked to the prosperity of his kingdom.

Yassib’s Rebellion Against His Father Keret

Although Keret recovers from his illness, his rule is no longer the same. He has grown old, and his son Yassib rises against him, claiming that his father is no longer fit to govern. In a dramatic confrontation, Yassib challenges Keret’s authority:

“Listen to me, noble Keret, and hear my words.
When the enemy attacks, you retreat to the mountains.
Your hands are bound to your neck.
You no longer judge the widow,
Nor defend the orphan.
You have clung to your sickbed for too long.
Step down from the throne so that I may rule in your place.”

This passage reflects a common ancient belief—that youth and vitality were essential for effective kingship. A strong, virile king was thought to ensure agricultural fertility and social stability, whereas an aging ruler was seen as a potential source of imbalance.

Keret, however, refuses to abdicate. Enraged by his son’s challenge, he invokes a curse upon him, calling upon the gods Horon (a deity of the underworld) and Ishtar to punish Yassib:

“May Horon shatter your head, my son.
May Ishtar, the divine consort of Baal, crush your skull.
May you fall from the heights of your pride.”

At this point, the text breaks off, leaving the conclusion unknown. Scholars speculate on whether Yassib successfully deposed his father, whether Keret regained control, or if another divine intervention occurred.

Ritual Sacrifice of Aging Kings

The rebellion of Yassib against Keret has led some scholars to draw parallels with the ritualistic removal of aging kings, a practice observed in various ancient cultures. Some traditions dictated that an old king should step down voluntarily, while others involved violent regicide or ritual sacrifice to maintain cosmic balance.

Regicide Across Ancient Cultures

• Among the Shilluk people of the Nile Basin in Africa, kings were ritually killed after seven years of rule. If famine or drought struck before that period ended, the king could be sacrificed early.
• In Mozambique, Angola, and Rhodesia, kings were seen as incarnations of the supreme god and were sacrificed at the end of a set reign period, often buried with their queens.
• In South Sudan’s Kingdom of Kordofan, kings ruled according to an astrological cycle, dictated by the movements of the stars. Once the designated time had passed, the king was executed, often choosing companions to die with him.
• In South India’s Malabar region, kings were expected to sacrifice themselves every twelve years, corresponding to the cycle of Jupiter’s return to the constellation of Cancer.
• The Scandinavian Vikings practiced ritual regicide every nine years, with kings sacrificed to ensure the fertility of the land. One Swedish king even extended his reign by offering up nine of his sons before he was eventually overthrown and slain.
• In Ancient Greece, early Theban and Thracian kings were said to have been ritually killed and their bodies dismembered, a possible reference to an early form of sacrificial regicide.

The Substitute King in Babylonian Rituals

A remnant of ritual kingly sacrifice appears in Babylonian traditions, particularly during the New Year Festival. During this five-day celebration, an imprisoned criminal would be dressed in royal garments and placed on the throne, granted all the privileges of kingship—including access to the king’s concubines. On the final day, the impostor would be executed, a symbolic substitute ensuring the survival of the actual king.

Conclusion: Legacy of the Keret Epic

The epic of Keret is not merely a heroic tale; it is a window into Canaanite religious and political ideology. It highlights the sacred role of the king, the divine justification for his rule, and the societal concerns regarding succession and stability.

The story remains incomplete, yet its surviving fragments provide valuable insight into the ancient Near Eastern understanding of power, kingship, and fate. Whether Keret was ultimately deposed, whether Yassib ascended the throne, or whether the gods once again intervened, remains an unsolved mystery—one that continues to intrigue scholars to this day.