Shalim (Ugaritic: 𐎌𐎍𐎎, ŠLM) is a deity from Canaanite religion, whose name derives from the Semitic root šlm, meaning "peace," "wholeness," or "soundness." In Ugaritic texts found at Ras Shamra in modern-day Syria, Shalim is associated with dusk and the evening star, while his twin brother Shahar represents dawn and the morning star (Venus). Both are considered children of the chief god El and are nursed by the goddess Asherah (referred to as "The Lady" in the myth The Gracious and Most Beautiful Gods). This divine pair reflects the Canaanite understanding of the sky and celestial rhythms. The name Shalim is linguistically cognate with the Hebrew word shalom (peace) and the Arabic salām, all stemming from the widespread Semitic root that expresses completeness and well-being. This root is also present in the names of later figures, such as Shallum in the Hebrew Bible (a king of Israel) and the prophet Sulayman/Suleiman in Islamic tradition (essentially Solomon), though their linguistic connection is indirect. Over time, the root š-l-m has been absorbed into many names across Semitic languages, including Slimane, Süleyman, and Sulaiman, reflecting its enduring appeal. Mythology and Significance In Ugaritic mythology, Shalim and Shahar are among the "gracious gods" and play a role in the epics of that coastal city. According to the tablet known as KTU 1.23, El fathers the twins through two unnamed women he encounters at the seashore. The boys are suckled by Lady Asherah and demonstrate immense appetites (*with one lip to the earth, one to the heaven*). This vivid imagery emphasizes their cosmic dimension. In some secondary literature, Shalim and Shahar are also connected to the cult of the sun goddess Shapshū (a female solar deity in Ugaritic tradition), as nighttime and day were naturally associated with her daily celestial journey. Scholars such as William F. Albright interpreted the pair as representing the twin aspects of Venus, the morning and evening star. The city of Jerusalem (Urusalim in ancient Egyptian texts) shares a root with Shalim; indeed, the city's name likely means "Foundation of (the god) Shalim" or "Shalim has founded." This suggests that Shalim may have been an important local deity whose name predated Israelite settlement. Meaning: Peace, wholeness Origin: Semitic (Canaanite) Type: Divine name Usage: Ancient Ugaritic / Biblical Hebrew context