Dr Zeligs has written 'a study in depth' of seven biblical figures, the patriarchs Abraham and Jacob, Joseph, the prophet Samuel, the Kings Saul, David and Solomon. The text about each of these leaders is treated as manifest analytic material from that person which is psychoanalytically interpreted. The diversity of sources and the syncretic character of the text are not dealt with. She terms these heroes 'biblical analysands' and constructs 'psychoanalytic portraits' of them, including their latent unconscious dynamics and genetics.

Biblical heroes in this interpretation had as their aim the identification with the Father [ sic ] and his commandments. 'This process involved the constructive conquest of the oedipal dilemma along the lines of renunciation and sublimation.' To heroes of other ancient mythologies, in contrast, is ascribed the aim of instinctual