The Story of Nefrekepta, from a Demotic Papyrus

Name: The Story of Nefrekepta, from a Demotic Papyrus
Author: Gilbert Murray

By Gilbert Murray

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Mythology, Legends & Folklore Poetry

About This Book

The verse retells an ancient Egyptian tale in which a learned scribe seeks the legendary Book of Thoth, enters a royal tomb, and is confronted by the shades of the dead who tell their story. A woman named Ahure narrates how her beloved Nefrekepta was tempted by an elderly priest with knowledge of a two-leafed book whose spells can command nature and restore the dead, then financed his quest and sailed south to obtain it. The quest involves nested chests, serpents, and magical tests, provoking rivalries, sorcery, illusions, and tragic outcomes as characters vie for the book's power.

About the Author

Gilbert Murray

Gilbert Murray (1866-1957) was a prominent British classical scholar, translator, and playwright, known for his contributions to the understanding of ancient Greek literature and drama. He served as the Regius Professor of Greek at the University of Oxford and was a key figure in the revival of interest in Greek tragedy during the early 20th century. His notable works include translations of plays such as "Andromache: A Play in Three Acts" and "Carlyon Sahib: A Drama in Four Acts," which reflect his deep engagement with classical themes. Murray also wrote extensively on Greek religion and philosophy, contributing to the broader discourse on the relevance of ancient thought in contemporary society.