Ritual in Narrative : The Dynamics of Feasting, Mourning, and Retaliation Rites in the Ugaritic Tale of Aqhat

Ugaritic ritual texts are varied and, by nature, problematic. But another source for ritual understanding is found in the narrative writings of Ugarit—namely, its myths and legends. Ritual texts in myths were not simply textual inserts but an integral part of the narrative. This present study is devoted to the examination of the way that ritual functions within the context of these stories. Machine generated contents note: Part 1. Felicitous Feasts and Offerings 19 1. Dani'il's First Offering20 2. The Filial Duties48 3. The Blessing of Dani'il70 4. The Offering to the Kotharat 81 5. The Meal for Kothar-wa-Hasis 87 6. The Blessing of Aqhat94 7. Conclusion to Part 1 97 Part 2. Infelicitous Feasts and Offerings 99 8. The Feast with Anat 100 9. Anat's Complaint to 11 123 10. Anat's Killing of Aqhat 1 127 11. Conclusion to Part 2 136 Part 3. Mourning and Retaliation 139 12. Anat's Mourning 140 13. Dani'il's Agricultural Rites 157 14. The Messengers and Conjuration of the Vultures 173 15. The Curse on the Locales 182 16. Conclusion to Part 3 191 Part 4. Renewal and Revenge 199 17. Dani'il's dbh and the Blessing of Pughat200 18. The Wine Service for Yatupan206 19. Conclusion to Part 4221 20. General Conclusion223 Indexes231 Index of Subjects231 Index of Authors232 Index of Ugaritic Texts235 Index of Other Ancient Near Eastern Texts239 Index of Biblical Passages240 v.