Haman
Biblical genocide plotter
Haman is the villain in the biblical Book of Esther, a Persian court official who plotted to massacre the Jews but was hanged on the gallows he built for his enemy Mordecai.
His name survives as a byword for antisemitic persecution.
Hamantaschen, the triangular pastries eaten at Purim, are said to represent his hat or ears.
Crafty, deceitful planner
- plotterMachinator or diagram machine
- tyrantCruel, absolute ruler
- oppressorOne who dominates cruelly
- genocidalSeeking to annihilate groups
arrogant · prideful · treacherous · vengeful · malevolent · corrupt · wicked · egotist
Hebrew name meaning star
- MordecaiPurim story protagonist
- hamantaschenTriangular Purim cookies
- noisemakersHandheld celebration racket-makers
- costumesClothes for assuming roles
festival · celebration · Shushan · feast · masquerade · booing · hissing · revelry
Sudden loss of power
- reversalComplete change of direction
- gallowsExecution hanging apparatus
- hangingExecution by noose
- humiliationLoss of dignity
poetic justice · irony · disgrace · demise · ruin · overthrow · comeuppance · executed
Iran's former name
- gallowsExecution hanging apparatus
- edictAuthoritative public command
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
royal decree · fasting · providence · Jewish history · scripture · Old Testament · Xerxes · signet ring
schemer
Crafty, deceitful planner
genocidal · arrogant · prideful · treacherous · vengeful · malevolent · corrupt · wicked · egotist · antisemite
Esther
Hebrew name meaning star
- MordecaiPurim story protagonist
- hamantaschenTriangular Purim cookies
- noisemakersHandheld celebration racket-makers
costumes · festival · celebration · Shushan · feast · masquerade · booing · hissing · revelry · carnival
downfall
Sudden loss of power
humiliation · poetic justice · irony · disgrace · demise · ruin · overthrow · comeuppance · executed · exposed
Persia
Iran's former name
banquet · royal decree · fasting · providence · Jewish history · scripture · Old Testament · Xerxes · signet ring · impalement
HamanMordecai
Purim story protagonist
Esther · Queen Esther · Mordechai · savior · deliverer
HamanMoses
Hebrew prophet, liberator
Esther · Mordecai · Judah Maccabee · Cyrus the Great · David