Drinking bout

 

Gnostic Informant (from his X account) on Purim. ChatGPT doesn´t entirely agree, but the topic seems worth exploring further!

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Actually Purim is based on a fairy tale. Nobody named King “Ahasuerus” was ever married to Queen Esther or even Vashti. They don’t exist in any sources outside of Esther. None. There was no historical Esther or Mordecai—whose names are derived from Ishtar & Marduk, Babylonian gods. The longer version preserved in the Septuagint copies even shows clear Mimesis of the Descent of Ishtar with her mourning, beating her breasts, wearing sackcloth & ashes and even descending through portals where Ishtar/Esther was forced to remove and article of clothing.  

There is nobody named “Haman the Agagite” in real life.

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The relationship between the Book of Esther and the Babylonian goddess Ishtar is a topic of debate among scholars, but there is no definitive proof that Esther’s story directly originates from Babylonian mythology. However, there are some interesting linguistic and thematic connections that suggest possible influences.

Similarities and Possible Connections

1. Name Similarity

   • The name Esther may derive from the Akkadian word Ištar, the name of the goddess of love, war, and fertility.

   • Similarly, Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, may be linked to Marduk, a major Babylonian god.

2. Theme of a Beautiful Heroine Who Saves Her People

   • Ishtar was known as a powerful female figure in Babylonian mythology, sometimes associated with rescuing others.

   • Esther, likewise, plays a savior role by using her influence to prevent the destruction of the Jewish people.

3. Persian and Mesopotamian Influence

   • The Book of Esther is set in Persia, a region heavily influenced by earlier Mesopotamian cultures, including Babylonian mythology.

   • Some scholars suggest that the story of Esther reflects older Babylonian New Year (Akitu) festivals, in which a divine marriage or power struggle played a role.

Key Differences

• Unlike Ishtar, who is a goddess with divine powers, Esther is a human and her story is grounded in political intrigue rather than mythology.

• The Book of Esther lacks any overt religious references to God, making it distinct from mythological narratives that emphasize divine intervention.

• The historical setting of Esther is based on the Achaemenid Persian Empire, not Babylonian mythology.

Conclusion

While there may be linguistic and thematic echoes between Esther and Ishtar, there is no direct evidence that the biblical story was adapted from Babylonian legends. Instead, the Book of Esther likely reflects a mix of historical events, Persian court politics, and Jewish traditions, possibly influenced by broader Mesopotamian culture.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect? 

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