Legends and facts of the shapeshifting Queen of Sheba

This episode of CBC's Ideas explores the multifaceted legacy of the Queen of Sheba, a figure revered across religious, cultural, and political traditions. From her appearances in the Hebrew Bible, Quran, and Ethiopian national epic the Kebra Nagast, to her portrayal as a wise diplomat, a demonic seductress, or a half-djinn ruler, the Queen of Sheba emerges as a powerful symbol of female sovereignty, wisdom, and resistance. The documentary traces how her story has been reshaped over centuries—by scholars, storytellers, and nation-builders—to serve competing visions of power, gender, and identity. In Yemen, she is a national icon; in Ethiopia, a foundational ancestor of the Solomonic dynasty; and in Iran and the diaspora, a feminist emblem of defiance and self-determination. Despite the lack of archaeological evidence for her existence, her enduring cultural presence underscores how myths can shape real-world politics, religion, and social movements. The episode concludes with a reflection on how contemporary women—especially in Iran, Afghanistan, and Yemen—continue to embody her spirit of resilience and leadership.