Leviathan the Sea Monster in the Talmud: A Critical Analytical Study 10.35781/1637-000-117-005

Abstract

The research focuses on “Leviathan,” the sea monster mentioned in the Talmud, as part of Jewish beliefs connecting mythical creatures to the end of times. Dr. Muhannad bin Abdulaziz Babsail provides a critical analysis of this belief, which portrays “Leviathan” as a giant sea creature created at the beginning of the universe and destined to be a feast for the righteous in the afterlife. The study explores varying interpretations within Jewish tradition regarding its nature (crocodile, serpent, whale) and highlights inconsistencies in its description in Talmudic texts. The research discusses the influence of Canaanite and Babylonian myths on this belief, particularly the similarities between “Leviathan” in the Tanakh and Ugaritic texts. It also underscores the weak transmission and distortion of some Talmudic texts. Finally, the study compares Jewish beliefs with Islamic accounts of the afterlife feast, suggesting that some Jewish texts have undergone significant alteration.