2.1 Hyleme analysis of rituals
Like narrative sequences or sequences of events in general, rituals can also be reconstructed, analysed and described as sequences of events (of verbal and non-verbal acts). The method of hyleme analysis developed in the context of hylistics is consequently suitable for reconstructing and describing ritual sequences.
Some examples of rituals that have been reconstructed by the application of hyleme analysis:
- a ritual in which ritual experts have to go down to the netherworld (A. Zgoll 2025, 360-366)
- a ritual which the god Enki brings from the netherworld to save a deadly ill person (A. Zgoll 2025, 426-429)
- an enthronement ritual of Innana for several kings (A. Zgoll 2025, 438)
- an enthronement ritual of Enki for king Ḫammu-rapi of Babylon (A. Zgoll 2025, 465-467)
- an enthronement ritual of Enlil for king Išme-Dagan (A. Zgoll 2025, 520-522; 529-532)
2.2 Sequence analysis of rituals
Especially in the case of large religious festivals, which can be described as ritual conglomerates, it can be useful to apply the method of sequence analysis developed in the context of hylistics in order to distinguish between different ritual sequences.
2.3 Stratification analysis of rituals
In addition to definitional approaches, phenomenological approaches that describe typical but not necessarily essential characteristics of rituals are also useful for researching rituals. Recent research has identified one such typical characteristic of rituals, namely the fact that rituals are not usually homogeneous; this is also referred to as ‘ritual dynamics’ (Hüsken 2013, 130).
Adequate methods are required in order to collect and evaluate such findings on the historical development and stratification of rituals. The method of stratification analysis, developed in the context of hylistics, proves to be essential here. Stratification analyses allow adaptations of rituals to be identified and analysed (for examples regarding rituals in ancient Mesopotamia see A. Zgoll 2025, 197-200).
Reference: A. Zgoll 2025, 194-200.
References:
Hüsken, U., 2013, „Ritualfehler“, in: C. Brosius/ A. Michaels/ P. Schrode (Hg.), Ritual und Ritualdynamik: Schlüsselbegriffe, Theorien, Diskussionen, UTB Kunst-/Kulturwissenschaften 3854, Göttingen/ Bristol, 129-134.
Zgoll, A., 2025, Rituale. Schlüssel zur Welt hinter der Keilschrift, Göttinger Beiträge zum Alten Orient 6, Göttingen.