Story Summary
Discover the ancient legend of The Bentresh Stela, where King Ramses II sends the god Khonsu to Bakhtan to heal a possessed princess through divine power.
During the reign of King Ramses II, the Prince of Bakhtan presented his eldest daughter to the Pharaoh to seal a bond of peace. Years later, word arrived that the Queen's younger sister, Princess Bentresh, had fallen gravely ill, possessed by a hostile spirit. Ramses first sent a wise scribe to Bakhtan, but the spirit was far too powerful for human wisdom alone. Recognizing the need for divine intervention, the Pharaoh appealed to the god Khonsu. A special manifestation of the deity, Khonsu-Who-Determines-Fate, was dispatched on a long journey to Bakhtan. Upon the god's arrival, his divine radiance immediately cast out the spirit. The spirit, acknowledging Khonsu's superior power, agreed to depart if a great feast was held in its honor. The Prince of Bakhtan was so awed by the miracle that he kept the statue for nearly four years, hoping to keep the divine protection for himself. However, after a vivid dream where the god transformed into a golden falcon and flew back toward Egypt, the Prince realized he could not hoard a deity and returned the statue to Thebes with great treasures.
The Moral
Divine power is a gift to be respected, not a possession to be hoarded. True healing comes through faith and the recognition of higher spiritual authority.
“Go in peace to your place, for the spirit has departed at the command of the God.”
Fun Fact
Although the stela claims to be from the reign of Ramses II, the linguistic style suggests it was actually created much later to boost the prestige of the Khonsu priesthood during a time of foreign rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Bentresh Stela?
It teaches that divine favors should be appreciated and returned to their source rather than kept out of greed. It also emphasizes the supremacy of Egyptian gods over foreign spirits and distances.
Who is the god Khonsu in this story?
Khonsu is the Egyptian moon god, specifically appearing here in a form specialized in healing and exorcism. He acts as a powerful mediator who can command spirits and determine the fate of the sick.
Is The Bentresh Stela a true historical account?
While it mentions Ramses II, scholars believe it was written centuries later during the Persian or Ptolemaic period. It is considered a work of historical fiction meant to promote the temple of Khonsu at Karnak.
Where was the Bentresh Stela found?
The stela was discovered in the Temple of Khonsu at Karnak in Thebes. It served as a religious testimonial to the god's far-reaching healing powers and the prestige of his priesthood.
What happened to the spirit that possessed the princess?
The spirit recognized the superior power of Khonsu and agreed to leave peacefully. In an unusual turn for an exorcism, the spirit requested and received a feast before departing for its own realm.
Why did the Prince of Bakhtan finally return the statue?
After keeping the statue for nearly four years, the Prince had a dream of the god flying away as a golden falcon. He interpreted this as a divine warning that he could no longer keep the god away from Egypt.