
Baal
Baal is a name used to refer to various gods worshipped in ancient Near Eastern cultures, particularly by the Canaanites. As a deity of fertility, storms, and agriculture, Baal was believed to control rain and thunder, essential for farming. He is often depicted as a powerful figure battling other gods, symbolizing the struggle between order and chaos. Baal's worship included rituals and sacrifices, which sometimes conflicted with the monotheistic beliefs of the Israelites, who viewed the worship of Baal as idolatrous. His mythology greatly influenced cultural and religious narratives in the ancient world.