Dr. Haruki Nakamura, Department of Ancient History, Miskatonic University
Introduction
The figure of Dhu al-Qarnayn, known in the West as Alexander the Great, has been a subject of fascination and speculation for centuries. His exploits as a conqueror, ruler, and explorer have left an indelible mark on history, and his legacy continues to be felt to this day. However, the historical figure of Alexander has also given rise to a plethora of legends and myths that have been woven into the fabric of various cultures and religious traditions. One of the most intriguing and enigmatic accounts of Dhu al-Qarnayn is found in the text of the Necronomicon, a work attributed to the 8th-century Arab scholar Abdul Alhazred. This account, steeped in cosmic lore and apocalyptic imagery, presents a narrative that diverges significantly from the more familiar versions found in the Syriac Alexander Legend and the Quran.
The Syriac Alexander Legend, believed to have been written in the 7th century, provides a mythical background for the war between the Byzantine Empire and the Persian Empire. It portrays Alexander as a Christian king who battles against the forces of Gog and Magog, placing the conflict within an apocalyptic context. The Quranic narrative of Dhu al-Qarnayn, found in Surah Al-Kahf, describes a just ruler who travels to the ends of the earth, where he encounters a people threatened by Gog and Magog. In response, he constructs a barrier of iron and copper to protect them.
The account of Dhu al-Qarnayn in the text of the Necronomicon presents a narrative that is both familiar and distinct. It shares similarities with the Syriac Alexander Legend and the Quranic narrative, such as the construction of a massive gate to hold back the forces of darkness and the portrayal of Dhu al-Qarnayn as a powerful and wise ruler. However, it also introduces elements that are unique, such as the involvement of ancient sorcerers, the malevolent grace of Nyarlathotep, and the prophecy of Yog-Sothoth’s eventual sundering of the gate.
This essay aims to explore the account of Dhu al-Qarnayn found in the text of the Necronomicon, comparing it with the narratives in the Syriac Alexander Legend and the Quran. By analyzing the similarities and differences among these texts, we will speculate on the possibility that the Necronomicon’s version may represent the original historical account, subsequently adapted into the Syriac Alexander Legend and the Quran. In doing so, we will consider the historical context, the complexity and detail of the narratives, and the evolution of the apocalyptic narrative from one version to another. Through this comparative analysis, we hope to shed light on the origins and significance of the Dhu al-Qarnayn legend and its enduring impact on cultural and religious traditions.
Comparative Analysis
The Characterization of Dhu al-Qarnayn
In the Necronomicon, Dhu al-Qarnayn is depicted as a powerful and wise ruler who leads an army accompanied by 7000 magicians from Egypt to confront the minions of the demon princes Ya’juj and Ma’juj. In the Syriac Alexander Legend, Alexander is portrayed as a Christian king who battles against the forces of Gog and Magog. In the Quran, Dhu al-Qarnayn is described as a just ruler who travels to the ends of the earth, where he encounters a people threatened by Gog and Magog. The characterization of Dhu al-Qarnayn as a heroic figure remains consistent across all three texts, but the emphasis on his wisdom, power, and justice varies.
The Role of Magic and Sorcery
The Necronomicon’s account is steeped in cosmic lore and emphasizes the role of magic and sorcery in the battle against the forces of darkness. The magicians accompanying Dhu al-Qarnayn play a crucial role in sealing the gate and holding back the minions of Ya’juj and Ma’juj. In contrast, the Syriac Alexander Legend focuses on the Christian elements of the narrative, with less emphasis on magic. The Quranic narrative does not mention magic or sorcery, instead highlighting the divine guidance received by Dhu al-Qarnayn.
The Construction of the Gate
All three narratives feature the construction of a massive gate to hold back the forces of darkness. In the Necronomicon, the gate is forged from iron and brass and imbued with arcane power by magicians. The Syriac Alexander Legend describes a similar gate made of iron and sealed with molten lead. In the Quran, Dhu al-Qarnayn constructs a barrier of iron and copper. The materials used in the construction of the gate vary across the texts, but the central theme of a barrier to protect against dark forces remains consistent.
The Apocalyptic Context
The Necronomicon’s account places the conflict within a cosmic context, with the forces of Ya’juj and Ma’juj representing an existential threat to humanity. The Syriac Alexander Legend frames the conflict within an apocalyptic narrative, linking it to the war between the Byzantine and Persian Empires. The Quranic narrative emphasizes the importance of divine guidance and the eventual return of Gog and Magog as a sign of the Last Day. The apocalyptic context is present in all three narratives but is expressed through different lenses.
The Prophecy
The Necronomicon introduces the element of cultists who seek to undo the sealing of the gate and the prophecy of Yog-Sothoth’s eventual sundering of the gate. These elements are absent in the Syriac Alexander Legend and the Quran. However, the prophecy of the eventual return of Gog and Magog is present in both the Syriac Alexander Legend as well as the Quran.
Arguments for the Necronomicon as the Original Account
Historical Context and Authenticity of Abdul Alhazred
Abdul Alhazred, the author of the Necronomicon, was a scholar who lived during the 8th century. While the Necronomicon itself was written later than the Syriac Alexander Legend, it is plausible that Alhazred had access to earlier texts and sources that predated the 7th-century Syriac version. Alhazred’s reputation as a knowledgeable and well-traveled scholar lends credibility to the idea that he could have had access to ancient manuscripts and oral traditions that preserved the original account of Dhu al-Qarnayn.
Transmission of Knowledge through Ancient Trade Routes
The Silk Road and other ancient trade routes facilitated not only the exchange of goods but also the transmission of knowledge and ideas. It is conceivable that the original account of Dhu al-Qarnayn, dating back to at least the 3rd century BC, was transmitted along these trade routes and eventually reached the Arab world. Alhazred, known for his extensive travels, could have encountered this original account in his journeys and incorporated it into the Necronomicon.
Consistency with Ancient Historical Records
The Necronomicon’s account of Dhu al-Qarnayn aligns with historical records from the 3rd century BC, including references to the Hyrcanian Ocean (Caspian Sea) and the city of Derbent, which played a significant role in ancient military campaigns. The level of historical specificity and accuracy in the Necronomicon’s account suggests that it may have been derived from an original text that existed during that time period.
Preservation of Arcane Knowledge
The Necronomicon’s account includes detailed descriptions of arcane rituals, sorcery, and cosmic deities that are absent in the Syriac Alexander Legend and the Quran. The preservation of this arcane knowledge in the Necronomicon suggests that Alhazred had access to an original account that contained a more comprehensive and unfiltered portrayal of the events surrounding Dhu al-Qarnayn.
Linguistic and Literary Analysis
A linguistic and literary analysis of the Necronomicon’s account reveals elements that are consistent with ancient Semitic languages and literary styles. The use of archaic language, poetic structures, and idiomatic expressions found in the Necronomicon’s account suggests that it may have been derived from an original text that was written in an ancient Semitic language.
Cultural and Mythological References
The Necronomicon’s account includes references to cultural and mythological elements that are consistent with ancient Near Eastern traditions. The mention of beings such as Nyarlathotep, the Crawling Chaos, and the demon princes Ya’juj and Ma’juj aligns with ancient mythological motifs and cosmologies. The presence of these elements in the Necronomicon’s account suggests that it may have been based on an original text that was deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture and mythology.
Comparison with Other Ancient Texts
The Necronomicon’s account shares similarities with other ancient texts, including the Alexander Romance and the Jewish apocalyptic text known as the Book of Daniel. The parallels between these texts and the Necronomicon’s account suggest that they may have all been derived from a common original source that existed in the 3rd century BC or earlier.
In conclusion, while the Necronomicon was written in the 8th century by Abdul Alhazred, the evidence suggests that it may have been based on an original account of Dhu al-Qarnayn that dates back to at least the 3rd century BC. The historical context, transmission of knowledge through ancient trade routes, consistency with ancient historical records, preservation of arcane knowledge, linguistic and literary analysis, cultural and mythological references, and comparison with other ancient texts all support the argument that the Necronomicon’s account represents the original historical narrative of Dhu al-Qarnayn.
Summary
The account of Dhu al-Qarnayn in the Necronomicon, juxtaposed with the narratives in the Syriac Alexander Legend and the Quran, suggests it might represent the original historical account. These narratives share common elements: Dhu al-Qarnayn’s portrayal as a powerful, wise ruler, the creation of a massive gate to contain dark forces, and the apocalyptic undertones.
The Necronomicon’s narrative stands out because of its chronological considerations, historical context, and detailed complexity. It lends credibility through references to the Hyrcanian Ocean and the city of Derbent. The depth and richness of its portrayal, from the magicians and the forging of the gate to the cosmic elements, hint at it being the primary source from which the other accounts were derived.
Interestingly, the Necronomicon introduces cultists and prophecy, adding depth and underscoring the ever-present threat from chaotic forces and their potential resurgence. This theme aligns with the prophecy of Gog and Magog’s return in both the Quran and the Syriac Alexander Legend. It appears likely that the Syriac Alexander Legend and the Quranic account have replaced the Necronomicon’s references to the Yog-Sothoth with their own apocalyptic imagery.
While the authenticity of the Necronomicon is debated, studying these narratives offers insights into the evolution of apocalyptic literature and historical mythology. In essence, the account of Dhu al-Qarnayn in the Necronomicon, considered alongside the other narratives, provides an intriguing perspective into the origins of this legendary figure. The potential originality of the Necronomicon’s account highlights the importance of these narratives in understanding human history and culture.
