Writing as well as literature, contribute momentously to the growth of societies and their cultures and in this regard, prehistoric Egypt was no exemption. Distinctive genres of writing are evident throughout specific eras of the Egyptian history, illustrating clearly the existence and evolution of culture. As ancient Egypt progressed from the old kingdom to the new kingdom, literary works as well advanced from religious and philosophical texts to include fictional works. Among the notable works of fiction in the new kingdom is the tale of two brothers, regarded as historically allegoric and politically satirical.
This tale, which dates back to the rule of Seti II in the nineteenth dynasty, is one of the best in Egyptian Literature . It has been used for quite a long time especially as a moral teacher.
It starts in a traditional setting where one is introduced to the lives of two brothers Anubis and Bata. As the eldest, Anubis is mandated to take care of his brother in the manner of a dad. He therefore ensures his survival by providing basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. Anubis is married and hence his wife acts as a mother to Bata.
Bata on the other hand reciprocates his brother’s generosity by doing chores such as cattle herding, ploughing and crop cultivation. This goes on for quite some time. One day, Anubis’ wife unsuccessfully solicits for sexual favors from Bata. When he refuses, she feigns sickness and successfully deceives Anubis that Bata tried assaulting her. Bata escapes his brother’s wrath who wields a spear violently at him. He is rescued by the gods who draw a boundary between him and the angry Anubis. He goes to the Valley of Pine (Cedar) where the gods make him a wife. When she disobeys his orders and leaves the valley, Pharaoh learns of her existence. She is thus brought to the palace.
Bata takes the form of a bull in his bid to find his wife back. When he arrives at the palace, he meets and talks to her. Unfortunately, his wife manages to convince the King to slaughter him (the bull). Afterwards, his life form takes that of beautiful trees. Once again, he is cut down after the efforts of his wife. He is then conceived and born by his wife. As a royalty, he is appointed the crown prince. He thus succeeds the King and becomes the ruler of the land. Bata then appoints his brother Anubis as the crown prince and they live happily ever after.
What are some of the writer’s contemporary and non –contemporary issues?
Various issues, contemporary and non-contemporary, come out from this tale. Tradition as a matter of fact has been used as a pace setter in this literary work. A reader or an audience is introduced to a world where cattle herding and crop farming is the order of the day. Traditionally, it is the role of the elder ones to take care if their little ones especially when their parents are not around. Anubis takes care of Bata in the manner of a father. He provides him with all the basic needs from clothing, food and shelter.
Most authors use euphemistic theory in successfully analyzing this ancient Egyptian Literature. Loprieno notes that this theory is used objectively in analyzing the political events that occurred in the past.
The writer’s aim is to show the various institutions in ancient Egypt and their modes of operation. He thus portrays marriage as a vital and regal institution in this society. Therefore, it should not be defiled by either the man or woman. For example, when Anubis’s wife misinforms him of Bata’s assault, Anubis is mad and swears to murder his only brother. This shows how serious and sacred marriage is. In addition, Anubis murders his wife when he finally learns the truth. Nevertheless, the system of governance in this community emerges as monarchial or rather kingship. The King; Pharaoh has absolute powers and thus plays crucial roles in governance. For example, he commands the military and even the elites are under his authority and control.
Religion is also given lots of emphases in the tale. There are various cases that show spiritual development in this society. Bata for instance prays to Pre-Harakhti (Lord) to sever him from his brother’s anger and to bring justice to him. His prayers are answered when a crocodile infested water boundary separates him from his brother. He is thus able to tell his side of the story. Bata is also portrayed as virile and divine before the eyes of the gods . There is also a mention of deities such as Khnum, Ennead and the seven Harthons.
Furthermore, incest is immensely abhorred in this society. This implies that sexual intimacy amongst relations is shunned and considered very immoral. Perpetrators are punished severely. In this context, incest is synonymous to death. That is, Anubis brutally murders his wife when he realizes her unfaithful act and commitment to propagate incest. When Anubis’s wife tries to seduce Bata into having sexual intercourse, he is perplexed. He condemns her and tells her to her face that she is like a mother to him. Moreover, Bata considers her action despicable and vows to keep mum over the whole ordeal.
What are the writer thematic concerns?
The writer uses these issues to enhance the plot. In addition, he brings out thematic concerns such as betrayal. In this case, Anubis betrays Bata. He goes against brotherly love and trust to believe his unfaithful wife minus proper investigations. Additionally, Anubis is betrayed by his own wife. This is evident when she unsuccessfully solicits for sexual favors from Bata; Anubis’s younger brother. This goes against the prescribed codes of conduct where a woman must be faithful to her husband.
The writer also covers deceit as a major theme in the tale. For example, Anubis’s wife successfully dupes him into believing that Bata assaulted her. Other instances of deception are seen when Bata’s wife-to-be manipulates the King into killing Bata several times. Pretence is also a major thematic concern. It is witnessed in several cases in the tale. For example, Anubis’ wife deceives him that Bata has assaulted her. She is so expertized in this that Anubis believes in her actions. Bata’s lady also pretends to love the King and entertains him with drinks in order to solicit favors from him.
There are also some elements of trickery, irony, satire or mockery that the writer has used to broaden the scope of the tale.
What character traits are revealed by the writer?
These themes are used by the writer to reveal the character traits of the lead characters in the tale. For instance, Bata is portrayed as a diligent individual. He is punctual in his tasks and is a hard worker. In chores such as crop cultivation, ploughing and taking care of farm animals. He is often busy from dawn to dusk performing these tasks. His refusal and non submissiveness to sexual seduction reveals him as a principled and morally upright person. Nevertheless, Bata depicts sincerity, truth and firmness when he cuts off his phallus and throws it into the water.
Anubis is portrayed as loving and caring. He takes care of his brother in the manner of a father. When he learns that Bata is right, he is obedient to follow him to the Valley of Pine and afterwards ensure his resurrection. This action shows that Anubis is optimistic and determined. On the other hand, he doubles as one who is quick to anger when he swears to kill his brother after being duped by his wife. This deception reveals his gullible nature.
This tale when examined keenly is a political mythology. It traces the roots of the young Bata from rags to riches. As a commoner, he finally becomes the King but after passing through tribulations. The author uses various literary styles to perfect the tale. For example, there is the use of animations (talking cows, pine and sea), similes (Anubis was angry like the Upper Egyptian panther) , metaphors and direct dialect.
In conclusion, this tale has been interpreted by various authors in different contexts. Other than the moral teachings, it has been used as a political reference especially to note disputes in leadership in ancient Egypt . It also highlights the system of governance that was in place many years back and how political revolution and evolution has taken place. For instance, it shows that in the past a non royal could not lead. Bata passes through various obstacles and is finally crowned King. He also chooses his brother as the crown prince and they live happily ever after.
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