Keret epic

The Keret epic (also Kirta epic ) was written in the 13th century BC. Written by Ilimalku in Ugarit and is preserved in a single version on three clay tablets.

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The epic is about a King Keret (or Kirta ), who is plunged into deep misery by the loss of his entire family. Nevertheless, he follows Els's bidding, attacks the neighboring kingdom of Udum and marries the king's daughter, who then gives him offspring of several sons and daughters. Another misfortune strikes him in the form of a life-threatening illness because he failed to fulfill a vow to the goddess Athirat . Keret then asks his wife to invite two groups of magicians and serve them a cult meal. But the death of the king seems inevitable and the succession is left to Crown Prince Yassub. Various attempts follow to turn fate around. Ultimately, contrary to expectations, the king recovered, but regardless of this, the crown prince asked him to resign. The king is outraged and curses him.

bibliography

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