DAGON

(Hob. r% dag, nfish.) One of the principal divinities of the ancient Phoenicians and Syrians, and more especially of the Philistines. The origin, attributes, and even the sex of this divinity, are all wrapt in the most profound obscurity; but the sacred writers concur in a igning to him such a degree of authority as must place him on a level with the Jupiter of the Greeks and Romans. The reverence In which he was held by the Philistines, and the remarkable circumstances attending his downfall, will be found fully detailed in Judges, c. 16., and i Samuel, c. v.; but we cannot refrain from transferring to our pages Milton's graphic sketch of the leading— Next features came of one his history:— Who mourned In earnest when the captive ark.M.mmil his brute image, head and hands lopt off In his own temple, on ttie grunsel edge, W1..U he fell flat, and shamtd bis worshippers. Dagon his name, sea monster, upward mmi And downward fish; y. t had his temple high Reared in Aftotus, dreaded through the coast Of Palestine, in (iath and Ascalon, ( And Accarou and Gaza's frontier bounds. The Samson Agonistes, as is well known, exhibits tne great importance of this divinity; and the solemn feasts, With sacrifices, triumph, pomp, and games, celebrated to his honour bv the Philistines. [s. 329]