Place of Origin: Levant (particularly Canaan) and Anatolia
Origin Date: Early Bronze Age to the first centuries CE
Domain: Creation, wisdom, fatherhood
Symbols: Bull, mountain, throne
Attributes: Wisdom, fatherhood, creation, benevolence
Epithets: El Elyon (God Most High), Adon (Lord), El Shaddai (God Almighty)
Equivalents: Syrian Dagon, Mesopotamian Anu, Enlil, Hurrian Kumarbi, Roman Saturn
Religion: Canaanite religion
Sacred Texts: Ugaritic texts, Hebrew Bible
Iconography: Often depicted as an elderly, wise figure, sometimes seated on a throne, with a bull symbolizing strength and fertility.
Relations: Consort: Asherah; Children: Baal, Anat, Ashtar, Shahar, Shalim, Shapash, Yam
Description
El was the chief god in the Canaanite pantheon, often referred to as the "Father of the Gods." He was associated with wisdom, fatherhood, and creation. El was often depicted as a wise and benevolent figure, and his consort was Asherah. El's significance extended beyond Canaan, influencing neighboring cultures and later religious traditions, including ancient Israelite religion.
Narratives
The Baal Cycle
Summary: This series of myths describes the struggle between Baal and Mot, with El playing a significant role as the father and judge.
Source: Ugaritic texts
El's Creation of the Universe
Summary: El is depicted as the creator of the universe, gods, and humans. He resides at the source of two rivers, near the edge of two oceans3.
Source: Ugaritic texts
El and Kumarbi
Summary: Similar to the Hittite myth of Kumarbi, this narrative involves El's complex relationship with his father and the eventual usurpation of the throne by a younger god.
Source: Hittite mythology and Ugaritic texts
El's Role in Monotheistic Traditions
Summary: El's influence extends to monotheistic traditions, where he is referred to as El Elyon (God Most High), El Shaddai (God Almighty), and El Yahweh (El is Yahweh).
Source: Hebrew Bible and Ugaritic texts
El and the Divine Council
Summary: El is often depicted as presiding over a divine council of gods, where he acts as the chief deity and judge.
Source: Ugaritic texts and Hebrew Bible
Worship Practices
The worship beliefs and practices associated with El in the Ancient Canaanite Religion were deeply rooted in the culture and daily life of the Canaanites.
Core Beliefs
Attributes: El was considered the Father of the Gods, symbolizing wisdom, fatherhood, and creation. He was often depicted as an elderly, wise figure, embodying authority and benevolence.
Significance: As the chief deity, El held a central role in the Canaanite pantheon, influencing neighboring cultures and later religious traditions, including ancient Israelite religion.
Role: El was seen as the creator of the universe, gods, and humans. He presided over a divine council of gods and acted as the chief deity and judge.
Worship Practices
Rituals and Ceremonies: Worship of El involved animal sacrifices, veneration of the dead, and worship through shrines and sacred groves. These rituals were performed to seek favor and guidance from the deity.
Offerings: Devotees made offerings of food, drink, and other valuable items to El, believing that these offerings would ensure his favor and protection.
Festivals: Specific festivals were held in honor of El, often involving communal feasts, music, and dance.
Prayers: Prayers were an integral part of worship, with devotees seeking El's wisdom and guidance in their daily lives.
Sacred Texts: The Ugaritic texts and Hebrew Bible contain references to El and his worship practices.
Specific Traditions
High Places: Temples and high places were central to the worship of El, serving as sites for sacrifices and offerings. These places were often located on elevated ground, reflecting the belief that being physically closer to the heavens brought one nearer to the divine.
Symbolism: El was often depicted with symbols of strength and fertility, such as a bull and a mountain. These symbols represented his power and benevolence.
Iconography: El was typically depicted as an elderly, wise figure, sometimes seated on a throne, with a bull symbolizing strength and fertility.
Influence on Other Religions
Monotheistic Traditions: El's influence extended to monotheistic traditions, where he was referred to as El Elyon (God Most High), El Shaddai (God Almighty), and El Yahweh (El is Yahweh).
Cultural Impact: El's significance in the Canaanite religion had a lasting impact on neighboring cultures and later religious traditions, including ancient Israelite religion.
These worship beliefs and practices highlight the central role El played in the Ancient Canaanite Religion and his enduring influence on subsequent religious traditions.