Fatherhood And Matronly Parenthood In The Tale Of Kirta

Each tale showcases the necessity of having an heir, All three tales exemplify how having an heir opens up conflict. Kirta focuses on the specific purpose of having an heir to further the family name, whereas Aqhat serves the importance of creating a rightful heir who will further the country which he belongs to. Within all three tales, the god El, king, and father of both the gods and man serves to imbue matronly parenthood, in which El serves to show as the best form of King. Yet, El even being the personification of the perfect king, still must deal with the repercussions of having an heir as well. Within the tale of Kirta, “Parenthood” plays a particular role in the culture of Kirta’s people. This role being that having children means

El, the king of the god, and the head of the Ugaritic pantheon illustrate a completely different form of fatherhood, matronly fatherhood. The contradiction serves as a direct contrast to the earthly-kings way of life. It is El, who sets both Danel and Kirta on their path to redemption, and plays matchmaker. Kirta describes El, “the father of humanity(Coogan, A Reader, 49).” It is through his grace that he aids the children in his favor, allowing them to attain what they wished. El places his children, mankind before most else, even creating an entirely new god just for the purpose of healing Kirta. “I will establish one to expel the sickness(Coogan, A Reader, 52),” El tends to place his children first, these epics illuminating El’s benevolence, understanding, and helpfulness. He desires to show his “Children” that he cares for them, and even is noted as “King” of the gods by the Kirta. El shows the temperaments and righteousness which befits a king. Yet, El also shows in-action when Anat, his daughter, comes to him ranting about the hero Aqhat, and her desire to kill the young man. El remains impartial, refusing to harm the hero, yet not directly stating Anat could not kill Aqhat. This conveys the same message as a mother letting her children work out their problems. Yet it is none other than El’s son Baal who attempted to overthrow him, facing similar circumstances as Kirta. Baal asks for his sister and mother to talk to El regarding the creation of his own palace for him to live in and both note Baal as, “Our king" stating that "Baal the Conqueror, our judge higher than all(Coogan, A Reader, 21-22):” El’s kingship is questioned not only by his daughter but by his own wife. The conflict between father, son, and the gods once again comes to