Bel

History and Cult Practices

Bel, despite being a primarily Shemite deity, finds its followers across most of Hyboria. If there are cities, there will be thieves. Certain practices are done in the name of Bel; in The Savage Sword of Conan # 186, followers may cut their own tongue as a vow of silence.

Real life comparison

Bel or Ba'al is a Middle East idol. In biblical scripture, the Israelites built an altar of sacrifice upon the mountain and prepared a ritual worship by throwing their children in fire to get the blessing that comes from this deity.

According to the texts, Jehova was displeased with the Israelites for their horrific and malevolent ways and punished them, handing them over the to the great king of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar. Baal or Bel, in the common tongue, means "The Lord". The Israelites may have called their God "Bel" to indirectly reference the one they viewed as "The Lord". Additionally, there is a deity with a bull head that goes by the descriptor "Bel" as well.