Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 74:1 (NA 2023)
Article: Why Is John’s Apocalypse So Bloody? John’s Use And Subversion Of Combat Myths In Revelation 19:11–20:10
Author: Edward T. Palmer

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Why Is John’s Apocalypse So Bloody?
John’s Use And Subversion Of Combat Myths In Revelation 19:11–20:10

Edward T. Palmer

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
[email protected]

Abstract

The question of violence in John’s Apocalypse is a perennial issue producing numerous treatments with a variety of solutions. Nevertheless, very few of the many treatments seriously engage the combat myths of the ancient Near East and how they may relate to the issue of violence in the Apocalypse. This lack of engagement is surprising given that the Apocalypse seems to draw from the plot elements, characters, and overarching concerns common to combat myths. This essay aims to rectify this by situating the Apocalypse within the combat myth tradition. When one does this, I argue that John’s use of the mythic pattern furnished by combat myths renders the violence of the Apocalypse intelligible while at the same time undermining the violent imagery with strategic departures and alterations.

1. Introduction

The violence in the Apocalypse of John is disturbing. The sheer amount of bloodshed stains the imagination and unsettles modern moral sensibilities. While numerous scholars have attempted to deal with the violence in Revelation, each approaching the problem in their own unique way,1 the sheer volume of

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treatments addressing this issue illustrates that to understand Revelation we need to answer the following question: why is John’s Apocalypse so bloody? In pursuit of an answer to this question, it may be helpful to consider how John uses the combat myth in Revelation, as Revelation draws from the plot elements, characters, and overarching concerns common to combat myths of the ancient Near East (ANE) and Graeco-Roman world.2 Combat myths recount the conflict between a deity and monstrous serpents or dragons who would challenge said deity and threaten the created order.3 Given the significance of this tradition in Revelation, it is surprising that few scholars seriously engage it in pursuit of an answer to this question.4 This essay aims to rectify this issue by examining the violence depicted in Revelation 19:11–20:10 within the combat myth tradition.5 When one does this, I argue that John’s use of

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the mythic patt...