Hello, I'm an expert in ancient Near Eastern religions and mythologies. Let's dive into the topic of Baal and Asherah.

Baal, often known as Baal Hadad, was a major deity in the ancient Near East, particularly in the Canaanite and Phoenician pantheons. He was associated with storms, fertility, and agriculture, and was considered the son of the supreme god El and the goddess Dione. Baal was also known for his battles with the sea god Yam and the god of death, Mot.

Asherah, on the other hand, is a more complex figure. She is mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), where she is sometimes referred to as the wife of El and the mother of Baal. However, her role and identity have been a subject of debate among scholars. Some believe she was a goddess of fertility and the sacred tree, while others suggest she was a symbol of the goddesses of fertility in general.

In archaeological findings, Asherah has been associated with a sacred tree or pole, which was a common symbol in ancient Near Eastern religions. She is sometimes depicted as a divine consort or the mother of the gods.

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It is the goddesses, not the gods, who bear the offspring and fight the battles. (Eliade 1987:492). The goddess Asherah is the one who is to choose who will sit on the throne as the supreme god of the pantheon. While everyone else mourns the demise of Baal, it is the goddess Anath who actually looks for the body.read more >>