Tyrants, Heroes, Prophets, and Martyrs - (Studies in Theology and Religion) (Hardcover)

About the Book

This collection addresses the rich imagery present in tales and texts from antiquity to the present that feature tyrants, heroes, prophets, and martyrs (male, female, or other), including the, often violent, interaction between them.

Book Synopsis

This interdisciplinary Festschrift for Jan Willem van Henten contains nineteen essays that deal with literature from antiquity to the present, covering Second Temple Judaism, Early Christianity, Hellenism as well as the reception of the Bible in medieval and modern culture. The contributions to this volume address the rich imagery present in tales and texts that feature tyrants, heroes, prophets, and/or martyrs (male, female, or other), including the, often violent, interaction between them. Tyrants have enormous political power. Heroes are characterized by immense courage. Prophets stand out because of their remarkable insight into hidden things. Martyrs have an extraordinary capacity for self-sacrifice and their lives often culminate in violent endings. In discussing, investigating, and questioning these types, this book contributes to a better understanding of premodern texts, their modern cultural impact, and intellectual history.

About the Author

Caroline Vander Stichele, Tilburg University, is Professor of New Testament and project-leader of 'Religion and Climate Change in the Netherlands', funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Her research focuses on the cultural impact of the Bible, representations of gender, and religion in modern media.
Jacqueline Borsje, University of Amsterdam, is Associate Professor in Religious Studies, specialized in Celtic Studies. Her research focuses on medieval Irish literature, mythology and culture, including monsters, supernatural entities, cosmology, the evil eye, and words of power.