Legend of Keret

The Keret epic was written in the 13th century BC by Elimelech at Ugarit and is obtained in a single frame on three clay tablets.

Action

The epic is about a King Keret, who is overthrown by the loss of his entire family in deep trouble. Nevertheless, he follows the behest Els, attacks the neighboring kingdom Udm and marries the daughter of the king, the then earned him a progeny of several sons and daughters. Re misfortune befalls him in the form of a life-threatening disease because he failed to fulfill a vow against the goddess Athirat. Then Keret instructed his wife to invite two groups of magicians and align them a cult meal. But the death of the King and the Crown Prince seems inevitable Yassub the left to follow. It is followed by several experiments, but to change the fate yet. Ultimately, the king becomes healthy, contrary to expectations, but the regardless request him to the Crown Prince to resign. The King is outraged and cursed him.

Bibliography

• J. Gibson: Canaanite Myths and Legends, 2nd ed Edinburgh 1978, p 82-102.
• N. Wyatt: Religious Texts from Ugarit, Sheffield 1998, pp. 176-243.

• Legend
• Epic
• Ugarit
• Syrian- Canaanite mythology
• Literature ( Ancient Near East )