How to define relation between ʿAnatu and Baʿlu: answer by absence of proofs

Résumé 0

The aim of this paper is to determine whether there is heterarchy between the two main entities — traditionally referred to as gods, why should they not be considered here as masks behind which historical figures are hiding ? — ʿAnatu and Baʿlu in the myth Baʿlu Cycle by the scribe ʾIlimilku of Ugarit, a kingdom in northern Syria, which is probably dates back to the last quarter of the Bronze Age.The starting point of my investigation was a simple but central question : are there hierarchical relationships between ʿAnatu and Baʿlu ?be found or not, it is necessary to investigate why and how hierarchical relationships are present or on the contrary absent in the universe of this fiction in question — which could be influenced by the Ugarit complex society.Owing to the lack of evidence, proceeding by elimination of hierarchical elements is a more reliable approach than looking for heterarchical relations from elements such as socioeconomics, societal control or rituals (Brumfiel, 1995) which are not valid for analyzing the two protagonists of the Baʿlu Cycle.One has first to take in consideration that the cuneiform alphabetic text of the Baʿlu Cycle is in places so fragmentary as to limit its understanding, which has unfortunately encouraged speculation.ʿAnatu is a female entity who behaves as a male in her social life. The hypothesis I first made in late 2013 is that the relationship between ʿAnatu and Baʿlu should be one of stepmother to stepson. ʿAnatu has a strong personality and an apparent power which might be compared to that of Aḫamilku — the queen of Ugarit and daughter of the king of Amurru who sent two of her sons into exile. In her dialogues with ʾIlu, ʿAnatu speaks with authority, even offhandedness, ignoring protocol ; she appears to be fighting to establish Baʿlu as king instead of ʾIlu's male descents. In a way, except for his warlike temperament, Baʿlu ultimately appears reserved in his politics, as showed by his lack of implication in the deontic power of the kingdom which he covets and from which ʿAnatu is absent, and less well sough-out, maybe with a tendency to impulsivity.The relations between ʿAnatu and Baʿlu will be analysed by focusing on their 'everyday' interactions, especially in terms of hierarchy (or lack of it) in each relevant situation.