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King Userkaf’s Forgiveness
The fall 2002 issue of KMT Magazine featured an excellent short story written by Naguib Mahfous. It is a wonderful piece of fiction set in the Fifth Dynasty entitled “King Userkaf’s Forgiveness”. The story was translated from Arabic and presented in English for the very first time in KMT Magazine. The story is set during the height of King Userkaf’s reign. Egypt is prospering under the king’s guidance. His kingdom is secure and his people are content. One morning while making his daily obeisance before Khnum, the pious king praises the ram-headed god for investing him with the love and loyalty of the people. To Userkaf’s surprise the god responds to his prayer. Khnum questions the king’s wisdom in trusting his people. The god uses a poignant analogy to get his point across: “Behold the tree rich in leaves, whose branches are covered in luxuriant greenery fill up the air. See how people take refuge in its spreading shade from the burning rays of the sun, and how they pluck its low-hanging fruit. Then look upon this same tree in winter. See how the cold winds have stripped it bared, and how all of its leaves have fallen, and how its limbs are empty and exposed like a decaying corpse that embalming has not preserved. See then how the people forsake it, cutting off its branches and throwing them on the fire.” King Userkaf’s confidence is shattered by the god’s words. He begins to doubt the loyalty of his closest friends and confidants, looking upon them with suspicion and doubt. He decides to put their loyalty to a test by temporarily relinquishing his throne. He expresses his plan to crown prince Sahure, who wishes no part in it. The prince is apprehensive and extols his father in an attempt to change his mind, but in the end Userkaf gets his way. After saying goodbye to his Queen and his beloved dog Zay the king sets off on a journey to Punt, leaving Egypt in the hands of his most trusted people. After some time away Userkaf finally returns to his home. He seeks out his closest friends and advisors who reject him one after another. Eventually he is arrested and brought before his son, the crown prince who now reigned as king. The son admonishes Userkaf for forsaking the kingdom and banishes him to Nubia. Not a single one of his old and trusted friends steps forward to defend the old king, instead they gloat and scoff as they stand in support of the enthroned young Sahure. Only his dog shows any sign of love for his old master. Userkaf is sent into exile, but eventually raises an army with the support of the governor of Nubia and sets out to reclaim his throne. The old king is triumphant over his son’s armies. The queen takes her life upon learning of her old husband’s victory fearing his anger. Userkaf marches into the capital. Sahure and the old advisors are arrested. Userkaf becomes king once again. On the morning following the victory King Userkaf summons his son and disloyal friends to the throne. Expecting harsh punishment they are all shocked to learn that the king has decided to pardon them all. The governor of Nubia expresses his dismay to which the king responds: “…my dear governor, I have come to the point of thinking the worst of men. I hold no more trust in you than in these others – for all people seek refuge in the shade of the leafy tree, but when winter strips it bare they forsake it without regret. Therefore it would gain me nothing to put all these people to death. On the contrary – for I would find no better to take their places.” Userkaf spent the rest of his life emotionally removed from the rest of his people. He had no intimates among men, only the loyal companionship of his dog Zay. If you have the opportunity to read the complete story I am sure you will enjoy it. I assure you my brief outline does not do it justice. |
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