Baal— Canaanite God"Rider of the Clouds"

The Storm Lord

Baal is the great storm god of Canaan, whose name simply means "Lord" or "Master." When dark clouds gather and lightning splits the sky, that is Baal riding his chariot across the heavens. His voice is thunder, his weapons are lightning bolts, and the rain that brings life to the earth falls at his command.

The Battle Against Yam

Baal's first great conflict was against Yam, the primordial sea god who demanded tribute from the gods. When Yam's messengers arrived at El's court demanding Baal as a slave, the storm god refused to submit. The divine craftsman Kothar-wa-Khasis forged two magical clubs for Baal—Yagrush ("Chaser") and Aymur ("Driver"). With these weapons, Baal struck down Yam and scattered the sea, establishing himself as champion of the gods.

Death and Resurrection

Baal's greatest myth is his battle with Mot, the god of death. When Mot demanded that Baal descend to the underworld, the storm god had no choice but to comply. He died, and the earth withered—crops failed, rain ceased, and all life began to fade. But Baal's sister-lover Anat descended to the underworld, slew Mot, and brought Baal back to life. The cycle repeats eternally: Baal dies each year in the dry season and rises again with the autumn rains.

The Rider of the Clouds

Baal's palace on Mount Zaphon (modern Jebel Aqra) was the most magnificent in heaven. Built by Kothar-wa-Khasis with windows of lapis lazuli, it served as his throne room from which he ruled the earth. When he opened the windows and uttered his holy voice, thunder rolled across the land and life-giving rain poured down.

The Rival of Yahweh

In the Hebrew Bible, Baal appears as the great rival to Yahweh, the God of Israel. The prophet Elijah challenged Baal's priests on Mount Carmel, calling down fire from heaven to prove Yahweh's supremacy. Yet Baal worship persisted for centuries, a testament to the storm god's enduring power in Canaanite religion. Many scholars see parallels between Baal and later storm gods like Zeus and Jupiter.