The Archetype of Hero, Hidden Hero and Anti-Hero in the Book of Esther in the Light of Mesopotamian Myths

This paper explores the presence of certain archetypes, specifically the hero, the hidden hero and the anti-hero in the Book of Esther and analyses them within the context of Mesopotamian myths. The Book of Esther has a complex narrative where characters such as Esther, Mordecai, Haman embody the distinct archetypal roles that resonate (or not) with traditional literary models. Esther emerges as a hidden hero who seems passive, but eventually uses the royal influence to save her people from destruction. This interference seems similar to the figure of Ishtar in Eastern mythology; she often intervened in the course of events or, on the contrary, determined a chain of events. Mordecai, on the other hand, reflects both the archetype of the wise counsellor and the hero (or, more likely, the hidden hero). His loyalty and strategic thinking drastically contribute to the reversal of power. His role can be compared to that of Marduk in the Enuma Elish, where strategic actions lead to the triumph of order over chaos. Meanwhile, Haman serves as the anti-hero (or villain) and his evil ambition ultimately brings about his downfall. This theme is mirrored in Mesopotamian literature through characters like Qingu, whose aspirations threaten the divine order. However, those are thwarted in the end. This study aims at revealing a deeper understanding concerning the story and the character development. The comparisons highlight the common literary motifs shared between Esther and Ancient Near Eastern literature, particularly the roles of heroism, destiny and reversal of fortune. Keywords: Esther, hero, archetype, myths, Mesopotamia