Story Summary
Explore the ancient Egyptian legend of The Doomed Prince, a royal born under a prophecy of death who journeys to find love and defy his inevitable dark fate.
After years of prayers, a King of Egypt was blessed with a son. However, the Seven Hathors appeared at his birth and decreed a grim fate: the prince would die by a crocodile, a snake, or a dog. To defy destiny, the King built a secluded castle in the mountains to keep the boy safe from the world. As the prince grew, he grew restless. Seeing a man with a dog from his window, he begged his father for one, and the King, relenting, gave him a puppy, hoping a small dog could do no harm. Eventually, the prince left his confinement to travel to the land of Naharin. There, he disguised himself and won the hand of a princess by jumping seventy cubits to her window. Though his wife learned of the prophecy and tried to protect him, destiny closed in. She killed a snake that crawled toward him, but the prince's own loyal dog eventually chased him into a lake, where a crocodile awaited. The final fragment of the papyrus is lost, but the tale remains a haunting reflection on the nature of predestination.
The Moral
Fate may be inescapable, but the courage to live a full life and the protection of those who love us can help us face any destiny.
“I am at the mercy of fate; whatever the Hathors have decreed, I shall not escape it.”
Fun Fact
The story is found on the Harris 500 Papyrus, which dates back to the 18th or 19th Dynasty, making it over 3,000 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Doomed Prince?
The moral is that while fate may be predetermined, one must still live with courage and seek happiness. It also highlights how the love and vigilance of others can offer protection against the inevitable.
How does The Doomed Prince end?
The original ending is unknown because the Harris 500 Papyrus is damaged at the conclusion. Most scholars believe the prince either met his fate or overcame it through his wife's devotion.
What are the three fates of the Prince?
The Seven Hathors prophesied that the prince would meet his end by one of three creatures: a crocodile, a snake, or a dog. Throughout the story, he encounters each of these animals in different ways.
Is The Doomed Prince a true story?
It is a work of ancient Egyptian fiction categorized as a folk tale or legend. It reflects the cultural beliefs regarding 'Shai' (destiny) and the power of the gods over human life.
What is the significance of the Seven Hathors?
In Egyptian mythology, the Seven Hathors were goddesses who appeared at the birth of a child to declare their destiny. They acted as the ancient Egyptian version of the Fates found in Greek myth.
Why did the King build a tower for the Prince?
The King built the isolated castle in an attempt to shield his son from the three creatures mentioned in the prophecy. He believed that by controlling the environment, he could outsmart the gods' decree.