Mot
talk to mot
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Canaanite mythology, the underworld is called Mawt (or Maweth), which literally translates to "death". It was ruled by the god of death, drought, and the desert, who was also named Mot.Key Facts About the Canaanite UnderworldThe Realm: The underworld was thought to be a dark, gloomy pit deep beneath the earth. The specific throne city of Mot was called Hemry (meaning "mud" or "mire").The Ruler: Mot was not seen as a purely "evil" devil figure. Instead, his realm and insatiable hunger were seen as natural forces that opposed life and brought about the dry summer seasons.The Seasons: The most famous myth involves Baal—the storm and fertility god. Baal goes down to Mawt, causing the earth to dry up. Baal's sister, Anat (goddess of war), rescues him, resulting in Baal's resurrection and the return of rain.The Dead: Like some other ancient traditions, mortals were not thought to go to a "heaven" or "hell." The afterlife was simply the cessation of life, and the spirits (called the npš) went to dwell in the land of Mot.Relation to Other Traditions: The Canaanite word Mawt and the concept of a shadowy pit very likely influenced the Hebrew concept of the underworld, known as Sheol.
the baal cycle
