Superheroes and Their Ancient Jewish Parallels: A Comparative Study

"In times of crisis, heroes emerge to model virtues that inspire a sense of commitment and worth. Identity concerns were especially acute for a post-exile Jewish culture. Using modern American superheroes and their stories in a cross-cultural discussion, this book presents the stories of Israelite characters as heroes filling a cultural need"--

Publisher Marketing: Johnny E. Miles is a lecturer at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Table of Contents : Table of Contents Acknowledgments Preface Introduction 1. (Super)Heroes: Origins, Crises and Psychology 2. The Immigrant as Hero: Moses and Superman 3. The National Icon as Hero: King David and Captain America 4. The Diasporic Woman as Hero: Esther and Wonder Woman 5. The Liminal Avenger as (Anti-)Hero: Samson and Batman Conclusion Chapter Notes Bibliography Index Publisher Marketing : Persia had Rostam. Babylonia had Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Egypt had Horus and Isis. Greece had Odysseus and Achilles. Israel had its heroes, too--Moses, David, Esther and Samson. While Israel's heroes did not wear capes or spandex, they did meet cultural needs. In times of crisis, heroes emerge to model virtues that inspire a sense of commitment and worth. Identity concerns were especially acute for a post-exilic Jewish culture. Using modern American superheroes and their stories in a cross-cultural discussion, this book presents the stories of Israelite characters as heroes filling a cultural need. Contributor Bio: Miles, Johnny E Johnny E. Miles is a lecturer at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.

Format: Paperback | Pages: 225 | Publication Date: 2018-03-23