Rahab (demon)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. (August 2007)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

This article is about the demon in Jewish folklore. For the prostitute in the Book of Joshua, see Rahab.

In Jewish folklore, Rahab is the name of a sea-demon, a dragon of the waters, the "ruler of the sea".^{[citation needed]}

1 Etymology and traditional usage of "Rahab"
2 In Hebrew tradition
3 Cultural references
4 See also
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Etymology and traditional usage of "Rahab"

Rahab is mentioned in the Talmud and the Old Testament, and its etymology is given as "noise", "tumult" and "arrogance".^{[citation needed]}

This name originally designated the primordial abyss, the water-dragon of darkness and chaos, and so comparable to Leviathan and Tiamat. Rahab later became a particular demon, inhabitant of the sea, especially associated with the Red Sea, in this case sometimes associated with Leviathan.^{[citation needed]}

This name was also applied to Egypt, and the destruction of the Pharaoh after the Exodus of the Israelites from that country, was compared with the slaying of Rahab, perhaps a late corruption of Rahab slaying the Pharaoh (the Red Sea drowning his troops) (Isaiah 51:9-10).

[edit] In Hebrew tradition

Rahab is or was the angel of insolence and pride, responsible for shaking the waters and producing big waves; he is also responsible for the roaring of the sea.^{[citation needed]} According to some sources, he was the guardian angel of Egypt, a position often designated to other angels such as Belial, Mastema, Samael and Uzza.^{[citation needed]} Rahab represents Chaos in ancient texts such as the Bible.

The difference between Rahab and Tannin is unclear in Jewish literature.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Cultural references

There have been several video game characters that have been named "Rahab" and have had characteristics of an underwater monster. In Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver for the Playstation, Rahab is one of Kain's vampire generals that evolved over millennia into a large swimming monster. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow for the Nintendo DS features an underwater boss named Rahab. Rahab is also the final boss and main villain of the arcade shooter, The Ocean Hunter.