This collection of essays, presented at an international conference on Samson held in 2008 at the University of Nijmegen, studies the text of Judges 16-18, the reception history of the Samson traditions in later Jewish, Christian and Islamic literature, and his representation in figurative and performing arts.

Elie Assis, The Structure and Meaning of the Samson Narratives (Jud. 13-16) J. Cheryl Exum, The Many Faces of Samson Susanne Gillmayr-Bucher, A hero ensnared in otherness? Literary images of Samson Lara van der Zee, Samson and Samuel: Two Examples of Leadership Cornelis Houtman, Who Cut Samson’s Hair? The Interpretation opf Judges 16:19a Reconsidered: Natalio Fernández Marcos, The Septuagint Reading of Samson Cycle Ronit Nikolsky, Rabbinic Discourse about Samson. Continuity and change between the Tannaitic Culture to the Amoraic Tessel M. Jonquière, Of Valour and Strength. The Samson Cycle in Josephus’ work: Jewish Antiquities 5.276-317 Tobias Nicklas, No Simson in the New Testament? Erik Eynikel, Samson in Islamic literature and in the Old Testament Kees Wisse, Samson in Music Karin Schöpflin, Samson in European Literature. Some Examples from English, French and German Poetry Klaas Spronk, The Looks of a Hero: Some Aspects of Samson in Fine Arts