Anath

by Dr Anthony E. Smart

 
Chief West Semitic goddess of love and war, the sister and helpmate of the god Baal (Bel). Once she slayed all his enemies at a feast. She is a goddess with four differing aspects: mother, virgin, warrior, and wanton. Though a “mother” she was ever a “virgin”. Her lust for blood, and or sex, was legendary. She was worshipped throughout Canaan, Syria and Phoenicia. She was a popular goddess of war and fertility. She was largely syncretized with Asherah and Astarte, and so there is some confusion as to her myths and relationship to other deities of the area.