Asherah is an ancient Near Eastern goddess associated with fertility, motherhood, and the sea. She was worshipped in various cultures, including the Canaanites and Phoenicians, and often depicted as a nurturing figure. Asherah is sometimes represented by a sacred tree or pole, known as an Asherah pole, which served as a symbol of her presence in religious practices. In the context of the Hebrew Bible, Asherah is mentioned as a deity that the Israelites sometimes worshipped alongside Yahweh. This syncretism led to conflicts with the prophetic traditions that sought to promote exclusive worship of Yahweh. Asherah's worship was eventually condemned, and her symbols were destroyed in efforts to purify religious practices.