ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on several interrelated issues associated with the defining characteristics of myth. It explores the additional area of memory in its relationship to both myth and history. The chapter addresses some of the theoretical aspects of Lévi-Strauss' analysis of how myths die; it was argued that the process does not occur through the geographic, cultural or historical transformation or movement of the myths. It suggests, that Lévi-Strauss' closing argument that dead myths move towards ideology or historical ideology was indicative of a constructive analysis of this question. The chapter focuses on the possible ideological usage of the mythic narrative material. The qualitative valence of Abimelech is strongly developed throughout the narrative. Some recent work on Crypto-Judaism sheds additional light on the relationship between myth, history and memory and the continuous processes of transformation that occur within these overlapping domains. The structures identified in Genesis 22 highlight some aspects of structural defectiveness developed in Judges 11.
