The Tale of Sinhue

Jose Gerardo Hernandez

History 106

Prof. Helmy Ahmed

Writing Assignment 2
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In 1885, The Tale of Sinuhe was found in a tomb in the city of Thebes, Egypt. The

magnificence piece of literature narrates the story of Sinuhe flight Egypt after the death of his

sovereign, his stay in foreign land, and his longed return to Egypt. It is thought that the tale was

composed in the early Twelfth Dynasty, about 1985-1795 BC. It was transcribed over and over

by many scribers following its first creation. The Tale of Sinuhe is found in two large papyri in

the Berlin Museum. Over the years, the story has been translated into many different languages.

By analyzing this literary work, The Tale of Sinuhe reveals that Ancient Egyptian society place a

high value on the importance of a proper burial, the literary was work was meant to teach society

values, and to illustrate the significance of cultural identity.

The Tale of Sinuhe narrates the story of a man who flees his country because he is unsure

what would happen after the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Sehetepebre, has die. Sinuhe, an

henchman, travels across Egypt and reaches the north, then Enshi son of Amu, prince of Upper

Retenu recognizes Sinuhe and asked him "Wherefore art thou come hither? Hath aught befallen

at the Residence?" (Gardiner, 3) Sinuhe replies that he was coming from an expedition from the

land of Temhi when he heard the news of the kings’ death. Then the Enshi asked Sinuhe another

question, "How shall yon land fare without him, the beneficent god, the fear of whom was

throughout the lands like Sakhmet in a year of plague?" (Gardiner, 3) Sinuhe cautiously replies

that the Kingdom will have an excellent ruler. The son of Sehetepebre has entered the palace and

has taken his new position as new King. Sinuhe describes the qualities of the new king

emphasizing that the new king is worthy of the throne. Having heard excellent testimonies about

Sinuhe, the Prince decides to offer him hospitality. Sinuhe receives one of the best lands and is

made ruler of one of the Prince best tribes. As a military officer, Sinuhe is a loyal and skillful

servant. Sinuhe is force to fight a death battle with an outstanding individual. Sinuhe defeats his
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opponent by sticking in an arrow in his opponent neck and finished him off with an axe. The

story continues with Sinuhe asking for mercy and forgiveness. He prays to his god and to Egypt

King to allow him to return to the land that gave him birth. He acknowledges all the things he

has but nothing compares to the desire of returning to Egypt to die in peace. Sinuhe receives a

letter from the King of Egypt stating that there is nothing to forgive and that Sinuhe is welcome

to return to the land of Egypt. The King points out that Sinuhe’s death is approaching thus there

is a need to start making the preparations for a proper burial. Sinuhe replies with a letter of

gratitude and thankfulness for making his most desire wish come true. The King of Egypt sent

servants to guide Sinuhe’s return to the palace. He is receive with honor and respect in his native

land. Once Sinuhe settled back in Egypt the preparation for his burial began to take form. Until

the day of his death Sinuhe will be receiving the best hospitality possible.

The Tale of Sinuhe reflects ancient Egypt importance for cultural identity. Ancient

Egyptian society must of have placed a high value on their origins. In the story, the narrator,

Sinuhe, having moved to a different land, never forgets his motherland Egypt. He eagerly hopes

to return to his native land and die in peace. He shows this by praying to his god to show mercy

and allow him to return to Egypt, “the place where my heart dwelleth.” (Gardiner, 7) Hanging on

to ones culture was really important in ancient Egyptian society. According to Gardiner notes,

“Egyptians at times went to great lengths to bring home the corpse of dead ancestors.” It is

important to recognize and honor an Egyptian who is worthy of it. It is culture that drives people

to make the effort and bring back the corpse of a love one. Despite Sinuhes’ wealth and all the

things he has, nothing compares to the joy of seen his adorable native land. Pride and love for

ones motherland was an important aspect of society. Furthermore, the narrator in the story

acknowledges that he is old and wishes to die in his beloved land of Egypt. This is an example of
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how ancient Egyptians valued where there were born and where do they wish to die. The Tale of

Sinuhe intention is to emphasize cultural identity by showing that even the wealthiest person

living abroad never forgets his origins. The narrator makes reference to every place he travels but

makes a much greater emphasis when he refers to Egypt.

Moreover, the story of Sinuhe could have been use to teach the society values. In the

story there are various examples that represent honor, hospitality and modesty. For example, an

individual challenged Sinuhe to a death battle. Sinuhe responded by accepting the battle thus

defending his honor and reputation. Egyptians must of have value an exceptional man who were

known and respected for their honorable characteristics. Furthermore, the reader can make a

connection with the narrator (protagonist) of the story. It is through the story of Sinuhe that

Egyptians passed on the ideal characteristics of the ideal person that Egyptians ought to be.

Modesty is also present in the tale of Sinuhe. “A Fugitive fled in his season; now the report of me

is in the Residence. A laggard lagged because of hunger; now give I bread to my neighbor. A man

left his country because of nakedness; but I am chad in white raiment and linen” (Gardiner, 7).

Sinuhe having fled his native land now enjoys a modest life without envy. His hard work has

paid off and now enjoys a prosperous life. Ancient Egyptians valued a modest life in which an

individual is value for his moral behavior and contribution to society. The story of Sinuhe shows

a great example of an individual with excellent qualities that the Egyptians ought to imitate.

Therefore, transcribing this story over generation was a way to preserve the ideal qualities of an

Egyptian man. The story of Sinuhe also provides an insight to the importance of respect. Having

known that Sinuhe was an honorable noble man, Enshi offered him hospitality in his reign. He

gave Sinuhe the best land to rule over and provided him with an abundance of food. In return,
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Sinuhe shows gratitude and respect to the prince. Another aspect in which respect was also

present was during the burial process and preparations.

Furthermore, another aspect that The Tale of Sinuhe touches upon is the importance of a

proper burial. Ancient Egyptian society placed a high value in the afterlife. It was believed that in

order to achieve an afterlife one must receive a proper burial. The Tale of Sinuhe shows evidence

of this important ritual. Sinuhe, living abroad, will not receive the proper burial needed to

achieve the afterlife. Therefore, Sinuhe, as honorable man, is invited by the king to return to

palace where he can receive the proper burial preparation. It was common to bring back the

corpse of the dead to receive a burial that is needed to get an afterlife. One in Egypt, Sinuhe, with

an enthusiastic tone, acknowledges that the preparations for his burial have been arranged.

Everything he desired had been put in place and he gives special thanks to his king. He states

“The is no poor man for whom the like hath been done; and I enjoyed the favors of the Royal

bounty.” (Gardiner, 15) Form the readers view; this shows evidence that Egyptians wanted to

provide the best honorable burial possible to their love ones. Furthermore, the story could have

been used to illustrate what a burial should have. The story goes into detail about the components

of an honorable burial. For example, a burial must have a detailed tom special for the individual

who has die. The importance of proper burial show evidence that ancient Egyptians did the best

they could to make sure their love one had the necessary burial preparation.

In conclusion, the literary work of The Tale of Sinuhe provides an insight to ancient

Egyptian society. The story of Sinuhe could have been use to teach society values. Those who

could afford to learn the art of scribing were possibly going to hold high positions. Therefore, the

Tale of Sinuhe was used to teach them the ideal characteristics of an Egyptian, to show justice, to

learn form ones mistakes, to have honor, to be modest and to have benevolence. It was expected
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that younger generation imitate the ideal Egyptian and the Tale of Sinuhe shows an example of

an exceptional man. Furthermore, by mentioning in detail the components of a burial, the Tale of

Sinuhe shows how ancient Egyptians value a proper burial. The necessary preparations to help a

love one achieve an afterlife must take place in advance before the death comes to that

individual. The Tale of Sinuhe also shows how cultural identity was important. Sinuhe lived

abroad for many years but he never forgot about the place he was born, Egypt.