Abraham took Isaac’s hand
And led him to the lonesome hill
While his daughter hid and watched
She dared not breathe; she was so still

Just as an angel cried for the slaughter
Abraham’s daughter raised her voice

Then the angel asked her what her name was
She said, “I have none.”
Then he asked, “How can this be?”
“My father never gave me one.”

And with his sword upraised  for the slaughter
Abraham’s daughter raised her bow
“How darest you, child, defy your father?”
“You better let young Isaac go.”

-“Abraham’s Daughter,” by Arcade Fire

The story of Abraham and Isaac is one of the most important in the Old Testament.

God wants to test Abraham’s devotion to, and fear of him.  So he commands Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a testament to his loyalty.  Abraham takes Isaac to a mountain and tells him to gather up wood for a sacrifice.  When Isaac asks where the lamb for slaughter is, Abraham replies, “God will provide the lamb,” and together they ascend.

Abraham then lays Isaac down and raises his knife.

Convinced that Abraham is sufficiently God-fearing, an angel descends and stays his hand, thus, saving Isaac.

Abraham is then allowed to sacrifice a ram in Isaac’s place.

In Suzanne Collins’ bestseller, The Hunger Games, a very similar scenario sets the stage for the entire series.

The United States has been destroyed and a new nation, Panem, has risen, controlled by a brutal government, the Capitol.

Reminiscent of the Roman Empire, the Capitol hosts the annual Hunger Games, in which 24 male and female Tributes fight to the death.

Panem et Circenses is Latin for “bread and circuses.”  Bread was thrown to the Roman citizen who came to watch warriors, animals and slaves fight and be slaughtered in an arena, elaborate games created to entertain the masses and to display Roman power.  Bread is a theme throughout the book.

Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12, the lowliest, most derelict sector in Panem.  Her sweet and innocent sister, Prim, is chosen to fight in the Hunger Games.

Knowing that her sister will certainly die, she volunteers to take her place, and so the story is set in motion.

Katniss Everdeen (portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence) taking Prim’s place as Tribute for the Hunger Games

The ending credits of the 2012 film adaptation is are accompanied by Arcade Fire’s song, “Abraham’s Daughter.”

The song tells an alternate version of Abraham and Isaac’s story in which Abraham has an unnamed daughter, who steps forth to save her brother.

Though open to interpretation, there is a fair amount of symbolism in the song.  Abraham represents District 12, the instrument leading to execution, unable to speak up for its children.  The angel is the Capitol, calling for the slaughter of the innocent.  Isaac symbolizes Prim, the victim, defenseless against those who would condone her death.  And Abraham’s daughter is Katniss, who “raised her voice” just as the angel “called for the slaughter.”

The daughter wields a bow, Katniss’ weapon of choice.  The angel is appalled that would dare to defy her father.  She is prepared to fight and demands that “[the angel] let Isaac go.”

Aside from having great lyrics and incredible symbolic meaning, the music is great.  It is very ethereal and even has a choir-like quality to it.  Sort of like distorted church music, it really gives context and texture, the allusion bringing depth to the story.

Watch the above music video on YouTube.  It is excellent and well worth it.