It is important to note that ancient texts provide insight into how humans viewed divinity, authority, and the world as a whole. By comparing the Tale of Sinuhe with the stories and heroes of Greek mythology, it is possible to see differences in regard to two aspects. These are related to attitudes towards gods and the values they embody. Greek heroes are more selfish and disobedient, whereas Egyptian heroes respect authority and divinity.
The first key difference between Greek and Egyptian heroes can be found with respect to their attitudes toward gods. Greek gods tend to be selfish, self-centered, and egotistical since their stories are about pursuing their own goals. As a result, Greek heroes approach gods in a human manner, where the interests of both parties are considered. In a sense, Greek heroes view their gods as powerful humans with personal interests, goals, and agendas. For example, in Iliad, Achilles seeks Zeus’s help not by simply asking for a reward for his good deeds or valor but by relying on the god’s debt to his mother. It is stated: “go to Mount Olympus, and implore Zeus if ever you in word or deed have pleased him … boast in father’s house that you alone of all the deathless gods saved Zeus” (Homer 440). In other words, one can see how Achilles does not pray to gods directly but rather approaches Zeus as he would a powerful person.
In contrast, Sinuhe is more respectful of gods and has an attitude that is submissive towards them. For instance, he states: “O God, whoever you are, who decreed this flight, may you be merciful and may you set me in the capital” (Simpson 60). It is evident that Sinuhe is highly respectful of his gods and does not view them as mere powerful human beings with selfish interests. The hero justifies their actions by stating that “God acts in such a way to be merciful to one whom He had blamed, one whom He led astray to another land” (Simpson 60). In both instances, Sinuhe essentially prays to gods and asks for what he desires, which is the return to his homeland.
The second aspect of the difference between Greek and Egyptian heroes is their view of humans, especially authority. Both Achilles and Sinuhe have kings above them, but Achilles does not respect Agamemnon, whereas Sinuhe is more respectful towards King Senwosret I. This distinction between these two categories of heroes stems from the first difference since Greek heroes are likely not to respect both the gods and kings. Achilles is well-known to be in conflict with his king Agamemnon, where the former disobeys the latter, creating mutual hatred despite the fact that they are fighting on one side of the Trojan war.
In conclusion, the two major differences between Greek and Egyptian heroes can be seen in their attitude toward gods and authorities. Greek heroes tend to view gods as powerful human beings with selfish interests, whereas Egyptian heroes, such as Sinuhe, view gods as agents of justice. In the case of authority, Greek heroes do not necessarily respect their kings and authority figures to the extent that they might openly rebel against the ruler. However, Sinuhe’s view of his king is more respectful and loving, which shows that there is a general trend of Egyptian heroes honoring their pharaohs and seeking to live under their rule.
Works Cited
Homer. Iliad. University of Kansas, 1581.
Simpson, William K. The Literature of Ancient Egypt. Yale University Press, 2003.