Mythology or Zoology
The challenge of Bible translation is often confounded by the uncertain identity of many of the animals and mythological creatures found in the text. This essay is an attempt to analyse why these creatures have complex, obscure translations and thereby complicate the passages they inhabit. Over time, this problematic translation of the biblical passages has been influenced by a variety of different historical and contextual factors; however, it has also interestingly influenced the readership of the biblical text. By focussing upon a couple of particularly intriguing words, this essay displays the impact that the process of translation has had upon the understanding of the biblical text.