Samsonâs Fate: The Religious and Pedagogical Function of Strength

Gustavo Esparza

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Chapter 12 Samsonâs Fate

The Religious and Pedagogical Function of Strength

In: Myth and Religion: The Cultural and Philosophical Significance of the Hero

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Gustavo Esparza

Gustavo Esparza
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 298â318

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004744264_014

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Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the cultural function of super-strength in the context of the story of Samson. Overall, the story is presented as the unfolding of a journey in which the hero rises, falls, and redeems himself to fulfill a divine mission. The structure of this biblical narration allows us to achieve three results. First, according to the story, Samson is born in response to Israelâs cry to its God, which links the characterâs mission and interpretation to his own biblical cultural environment. Second, the character is free to use his strength only insofar as he seeks to fulfill the religious destiny defined for the community. Third, the final section of the chapter argues that these two aspects of the narrative structure of the heroâs journey are important from a religious view, but also because they promote a pedagogical model whose function allows Samson to be presented as a formative model that favors the guidance and orientation of new generations.

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Myth and Religion: The Cultural and Philosophical Significance of the Hero

Series:Â New Research in the History of Western Philosophy, Volume: 12

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004744264

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 21 Nov 2025

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Chapter 12 Samsonâs Fate

The Religious and Pedagogical Function of Strength

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Myth and Religion: The Cultural and Philosophical Significance of the Hero

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Chapter 12 Samsonâs Fate