Editor(s)
Gerald Leonard Cohen
Abstract
Linear B sign 30 and its antecedent (Linear A 60) — both shaped like a tree -- have already been connected with figs, and their visual representation would be that of a fig tree rather than the fruit itself. Like several other Linear B signs, Linear B 30 and its Linear A antecedent may reflect ancient Egyptian religious mythology -- in this case the sycamore fig tree, which was associated with the goddesses Isis and Hathor and which provided nourishment to people in the afterlife. There is also the remarkable ritual of Isis or Hathor assuming the guise of a sycamore fig tree and suckling a king. A quote from Bayoumi and Ezz El-Din explains:
‘By the act of nursing, the goddess confers to the king life, protection, resurrection, she confirms the king as her son and thus emphasizes his legitimacy and ratifies his divinity.’
The key word here is ‘protection’ (in its broadest sense). And perhaps by including the sycamore fig tree in their writing system, the rulers of ancient Crete were subtly appealing for divine protection for themselves too.
Recommended Citation
Cohen, G. L. (2025). Reflections on Linear B, (part 9): The Sycamore Fig Tree in Ancient-Egyptian Mythology. COMMENTS ON ETYMOLOGY, 54(6) Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Department(s)
Arts, Languages, and Philosophy
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 Gerald Leonard Cohen, All Rights Reserved
Publication Date
March 2025
