Abstract
Rumors were initially studied in the context of modernity. Great fascination rose from their capacity to reach all over the world, their imagined paths of distribution embodying a worldwide network of communication. Bearing in mind the link between rumor and power the author discusses a specific instance of ancient Jewish history that has been textually articulated in modes that make the application of the term rumor especially relevant. Since modern rumor theory has noticeably originated in analyses of wartime rumors, its models would seem adequate for the analysis of ancient rumors that also relate to bellicose situations. The stuff that rumors are made of thickens: The masses that are the true owners and carriers of the rumor step out of their anonymous silence and speak out. The rumor now exerts its major ideological function: to bridge over the cognitive gaps tearing the tissue of normative beliefs and standards.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Rumor Mills |
| Subtitle of host publication | The Social Impact of Rumor and Legend |
| Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
| Pages | 31-52 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781351492522 |
| ISBN (Print) | 0202307468, 9780202307473 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Jan 2017 |
Bibliographical note
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