Fearful symmetry: the relationship between Leviathan and Yahweh as seen through the lens of monster studies

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between the biblical sea monster Leviathan, and the god of the Old Testament, Yahweh, through the use of primary sources taken from the Hebrew Bible. It combines research conducted in the fields of biblical studies and monster studies to investigate parallels between the two figures, drawing particular attention to similarities between the biblical conflict between Leviathan and Yahweh with the Near Eastern combat myth (chaoskampf). It touches on the work of biblical scholars such as Hermann Gunkel and John Day, as well as researchers in cultural and monster studies such as Timothy Beal, Jeffrey Jerome Cohen, and David Gilmore. Cohen and Gilmore's definitions of monsters and monstrousness are applied to the biblical narrative, with additional insight borrowed from Mary Douglas's Purity and Danger.