Explore the profound and often disturbing intersections of devotion and sacrifice in “The Hungry God: Hindu Tales of Filicide and Devotion.” This compelling book by David Shulman delves into ancient Indian folklore, examining stories of parents compelled by divine command to sacrifice their own children. Drawing parallels to the biblical aqedah, Shulman uncovers the deep cultural significance and evolving meanings of these narratives. Discover tales like that of Ciruttŏn_tar, who feasts Śiva with his son, Śunaḥśepa, nearly slaughtered by his father, and Śuka, who vanishes into the Absolute. Shulman masterfully unravels the complexities of these Hindu aqedah texts, posing fundamental questions about divine demands, human obedience, and the inherent pain in the encounter between mortals and their gods. An insightful exploration for readers interested in mythology, religion, and comparative literature, from the renowned scholar David Shulman, professor at Hebrew University.