• Solidsmoke@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    9
    ·
    1 year ago

    I believe 40 just means “a lot” in ancient cultures in that area. Hence wandering the desert for 40 years, or sitting on Mt. Sinai for 40 days. The “great flood” has 40 days of rain. I think Gilgamesh has a 40 day journey someplace? Anyways, if there are any historical echoes in that tale, perhaps they just wandered the desert for a long time. Now I’m off to eat 40 Doritos…

    • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      1 year ago

      Why go with “a lot” of YEARS for a trek that would have taken a week or two, though? Doesn’t make sense except to monks tripping balls…