This is an account of Baal and his conflict with Yam Nahar, who
was chosen to be the ruler of the gods. It also deals with some other
things about Baal. The gods threatened to hand Baal over to the
messengers of Yam Nahar. Baal became angry and attacked them. But
Athtart and Anath (the sister of Baal) restrained him. Kothar-u-
Khasis gave Baal the magic weapons Yagrush (Chaser) and Aymur
(Driver) to fight Yam Nahar. Baal used these devices to strike Yam
Nahar in the chest and forehead, thus knocking him out. Athtart then
chastisted Baal. She urged Baal to "scatter" Yam Nahar, which he did.
In another version of the story, Baal killed the seven headed dragon.
This entity was called Lotan.
After his victory, Baal held a feast to celebrate. He complained
about not having a palace of his own. Then Baal sent messengers to
Anath. He asked her to perform a peace offering, so he could tell her
about the power of lightning and to seek lightning on Mount Zaphon.
Anath complied with Baal's request and they had a meeting. Anath
listened to Baal's complaints. She went to El, the father of the
gods, and asked him to have a palace built for Baal. But the request
was rejected.
But Baal conceived a plan. He sent Qodesh-and-Amur to Kothar-u-
Khasis with a request to build a silver temple. This was to be used
to bribe Athirat.
The strategy worked. Athirat was very pleased. She asked El for
him to grant permission to have a palace built for Baal. This time El
gave his consent. Baal gathered cedar, gold, silver, and lapis lazuli
(a type of precious stone) on Mount Zaphon. Kothar-u-Khasis
constructed a palace. At first Baal did not want any windows. He
thought Yam Nahar might come through the windows. But Baal changed
his mind and gave consent for windows to be made.
After the palace was completed, Baal held a feast and took over
several towns. He sent his messengers Gupn and Ugar to Mot (the god
of death and the underworld). They carried a request that Mot accept
Baal's rule. But the messengers returned with a profound message that
frightened Baal. He decided to make himself the slave of Mot. Baal
had Shegar and Ithm give cattle and sheep to Mot for food. Baal also
had a substitute of him made by a cow.
Baal died and was in the underworld for seven years. During this
time Ashtar tried to take the place of Baal. Shapsu searched for
Baal. Baal finally returned from the underworld. He fought Mot's
allies, which were the sons of Athirat and the yellow ones. After
seven years, Mot returned and demanded one of Baal's brothers. Baal
was furious and fought with Mot. Shapsu pulled them apart and said
that El favored Baal. Mot was convinced that Baal should be the ruler
of the gods. Thus Baal resumed his position as the leader of the gods.
It was believed that Baal's voice was thunder and that his ship was a
snow bearing cloud. Baal was sometimes referred to as "Rider of the
Clouds". He was also called "Lord of the Sky and the Earth"
or "Mightiest of Warriors". While in the underworld, Baal was called
Raipu.

Neal Robbins