Intertextuality of Myths in Ibrahim Al-Koni's Hexalogy (Selected Examples)

         Ibrahim Al-Koni is regarded as one of the novelists who have taken Arabic literature to new horizons by drawing inspiration from myths and from recontextualizing them in a contemporary setting. His works demonstrate how myths can shape our consciousness and can influence our perceptions of the world around us. Through his unique approach to these myths, Al-Koni highlights the relationship between humans and nature, the struggle between good and evil, and the quest for meaning in a challenging world. Delving into Al-Koni's works is an invitation to explore the self and reflect on the human values that form the essence of existence. Through his literature, he presents a mirror reflecting the human condition in the face of fate, using myths as a means to express the profound truths that move the human spirit. This research explores the intertextuality of myth in Ibrahim Al-Koni's works, focusing on his hexalogy "The Ascendants and the Descendants". The analysis includes Arab, Carthaginian, Greek, Roman, and Hebrew myths as they appear in the novels "Jacob and His Sons", "Cain, Where Is Your Brother Abel?" and "Joseph without His Brothers". The study examines Al-Koni's motives for using these myths and how they affect the structure of the text and enhance its themes. Mythical intertextuality is an effective tool for Al-Koni to enrich his texts with multiple layers of meaning, deepening the cultural and philosophical dimensions of his work. By reimagining these myths, Al-Koni presents a contemporary vision that highlights the connection between past and present, shedding light on the timeless human issues.
        Al-Koni's work embodies a holistic vision of existence, addressing themes such as identity, the desert, and the search for self within a framework that transcends time and place. Truly a poet of the desert, he mirrors its shifting sands and expansive skies in his profound and contemplative texts. His poetic language and rich imagery transport the reader to worlds that stir the imagination and provoke thought.
Immersing oneself in Al-Koni's works is akin to a journey through time, opening doors to a deeper understanding of history, myths, and their impact on human civilization.