Samson

[anochria]

Do you see Samson as a historical or mythical person? (or a bit of both)

[John]

a bit of both. but archaeology has found a temple that dates during the time of samson with similar pillars descibed. so the myth that the bible portrays is probably based off of fact. it is probably realistic fiction.

shalom-john

[anochria]

I find the parallels between Samson and Hercules fascinating. And I wonder if the Hercules mythos is inspired (by way of the Philistines) partly by the historical (though legendary) figure Samson.

[John]

possibly. more likely that way than the other way around. alot of greek myths were inspired by the hebrew ones (ie, nephilim and titans, etc). most of the hebrews "fallen angels" became greek gods. because in greek ideals, the gods could make mistakes and were not people to serve because they created us but because they were higher beings who had the power to control the things that we wanted chagned if we pleased them. and the stories about the gods mistakes were to show others what to do or not to do. in greek thought "god" means something that the hebrews abhor.

but yes, very possible.

shalom