In the second chapter of the second book of Kings, we read of
There are many counterparts to this, in heathen mythology.
Hindoo sacred writings relate many such stories--how some of their Holy Ones were taken up alive into heaven--and impressions on rocks are shown, said to be foot-prints, made when they ascended.[90:7]
According to Babylonian mythology, _Xisuthrus_ was translated to heaven.[90:8]
The story of Elijah ascending to heaven in a chariot of fire may also be compared to the fiery, flame-red chariot of _Ushas_.[90:9] This idea of some Holy One ascending to heaven without dying was found in the ancient mythology of the _Chinese_.[90:10]
by throwing a stone and hitting him in the forehead,[90:11] may be compared to the story of _Thor_, the Scandinavian hero, throwing a hammer at Hrungnir, and striking him in the forehead.[91:1]
In ancient fables or stories in which animals play prominent parts, each creature is endowed with the power of speech. This idea was common in the whole of Western Asia and Egypt. It is found in various Egyptian and Chaldean stories.[91:3] Homer has recorded that the _horse_ of Achilles spoke to him.[91:4]
We have also a very wonderful story in that of
This story is related in the tenth chapter of the book of Joshua, and is to the effect that the Israelites, who were at battle with the Amorites, wished the day to be lengthened that they might continue their slaughter, whereupon Joshua said: "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon, and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. _And the sun stood still_, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. . . . And there was no day like that before it or after it."
There are many stories similar to this, to be found among other nations of antiquity. We have, as an example, that which is related of Bacchus in the Orphic hymns, wherein it says that this god-man arrested the course of the sun and the moon.[91:5]
An Indian legend relates that the sun stood still to hear the pious ejaculations of Arjouan after the death of Crishna.[91:6]
A holy Buddhist by the name of Mâtanga prevented the sun, at his command, from rising, and bisected the moon.[91:7] Arresting the course of the sun was a common thing among the disciples of Buddha.[91:8]