A PSYCHOLOGICAL LOOK AT THE MYTH OF HABIL (ABEL) AND KABIL (CAIN)

The myth is found in Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions, and is told in different details in each religion, but the basic elements generally remain the same. Some modern writers argue that this myth is not simply a conflict between the sons of Adam, but has deeper and more symbolic meanings. According to some, the story of Cain and Abel is a symbolic story that emerged during one of the transitional periods in human history. These commentators see the representation of Abel as a farmer and Cain as a hunter as symbolic of the transition to a settled lifestyle and the potential conflicts between hunter-gatherer cultures. From this perspective, the conflict between Cain and Abel reflects the difficulties experienced by humanity in adapting to its new economic and social orders.

The Basic Story

The story of Cain and Abel is based on the belief that they were the children of Adam and Eve and that they had to offer a sacrifice to God. Cain brings an offering made from the products of the earth, while Abel offers one of his sheep. God accepts Abel's offering but rejects Cain's offering. Cain reacts to this situation with jealousy and anger and eventually kills his brother.

If we were to explain the myth of Cain and Abel from Freud's perspective; 

1. Id, Ego and Superego   

According to Freud, the human mind consists of three parts: Id, Ego and Superego. The Id is the source of instincts and basic desires. The Ego tries to satisfy the Id's desires in an appropriate manner based on the reality principle. The Superego is the representative of moral values, norms and social expectations.

In the myth of Cain and Abel, the character of Cain is generally seen as a figure driven by the Id. His feelings of jealousy and anger represent the Id's uncontrolled desires and naturally occurring aggressive tendencies. Abel can be considered a character driven more by the Ego and Superego. He strives to keep the Id's desires under control and to behave in accordance with social norms.

  2. Sibling Jealousy and the Oedipus Complex 

Freud's theory of the Oedipus complex explains the feelings of jealousy and rivalry that children have in their relationships with their parents. Cain's jealousy of Abel and his subsequent killing of him can be considered a reflection of this complex.

  3. Subconscious and Internal Conflicts

According to Freud, some human behavior and emotions originate in the unconscious. Cain's internal conflicts can be interpreted as the struggle between his unconscious desires and his conscious actions. Unconscious feelings of jealousy and anger eventually lead to the killing of Abel, which is expressed consciously.