Sefer Eldad

work by Eldad

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July 13, 2026

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The Sefer Eldad is a fanciful geographical narrative attributed to Eldad ben Mahli ha-Dani, a Jewish traveler and philologist who lived in the 9th century. Eldad claimed to be a descendant of the Danites, who supposedly established a Jewish kingdom in Cush (interpreted as Ethiopia or Sudan) along with the tribes of Naphtali, Asher, and Gad.1

His work caused a stir by recounting tales of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel and may have influenced the legend of Prester John. Eldad's veracity was questioned because his described ritual practices differed from the Talmud. Despite this, his Hebrew narrative established him as a philologist quoted by medieval Jewish grammarians and lexicographers. The Sefer Eldad was published in various languages and versions, with the first edition appearing in Mantua in 1480.1

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Eldad ben Mahli ha-Dani
His Hebrew narrative, Sefer Eldad, established his reputation as a philologist whom leading medieval Jewish grammarians and lexicographers quoted as an authority on linguistic difficulties. It appeared in several languages and in widely deviating versions. The first edition was published at the Italian city of Mantua in 1480.
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His Hebrew narrative, Sefer Eldad, established his reputation as a philologist whom leading medieval Jewish grammarians and lexicographers quoted as an authority on linguistic difficulties. It appeared in several languages and in widely deviating versions. The first edition was published at the Italian city of Mantua in 1480.
Read More