Kothar-wa-Khasis- Canaanite GodDeity"Skillful and Wise"
Also known as: Chousor, Kothar-Hasis, Ktr w-Hss, and kṯr w-ḫss
Titles & Epithets
Domains
Symbols
Description
When the gods needed something made, a weapon to kill a sea god or a palace fit for the king of heaven, they sent word to Kothar-wa-Khasis, the Skillful and Wise, who worked his forge on distant Caphtor and shaped the things that changed the course of myth.
Mythology & Lore
Yagrush and Aymur
Kothar-wa-Khasis, "Skillful and Wise," dwelt on Caphtor and in Memphis, connecting him to the craftsman traditions of both the Aegean and Egypt. Philo of Byblos, writing in Greek about Phoenician religion, calls him Chousor and credits him with inventing ironworking and sailing.
His most famous creation appears in the Baal Cycle. When the storm god faced Yam, Kothar-wa-Khasis forged two magical clubs and named them: Yagrush, "Chaser," and Aymur, "Driver." The clubs knew their purpose. Yagrush struck Yam but did not fell him. Aymur drove him down to final defeat.
The Palace on Zaphon
After Baal's victory, the storm god wanted a palace. Kothar-wa-Khasis built it on Mount Zaphon from silver, gold, and lapis lazuli. Fire burned for days, transforming raw materials into divine architecture.
A dispute arose over windows. Kothar-wa-Khasis insisted on them. Baal refused, fearing enemies might enter through the openings. The craftsman god won the argument. Through those windows, Baal released his thunder and rain upon the earth.
The Bow
Kothar-wa-Khasis also crafted the bow in the Tale of Aqhat. He presented it to the judge Danel, who gave it to his son. The bow was beautiful enough to attract the covetous attention of Anat, and her desire for it led to Aqhat's murder. In the violence, the bow fell into the sea and was lost. Even divine craftsmanship could not prevent what followed.
Relationships
- Allied with
- Created