Ancient Texts
The Sailor
The Sailor, also known as The Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor, is an Ancient Egyptian story that survives on a single papyrus scroll dating to the 12th Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom (approx. 2000–1700 BC). The tale was likely developed earlier and passed down orally or copied by scribes.
The story follows a sailor who, after a long and transformative journey, becomes shipwrecked on a mysterious island filled with abundance and treasure. The treasures are guarded by a giant serpent, who tests whether the sailor truly understands the journey that brought him to the island. After passing the test, the sailor is granted access to the serpent’s treasures and wisdom and returns home, instructed to use it wisely.
The text contains layers of meaning, hinting at hidden wisdom and spiritual lessons for the reader.
The Sailor, also known as The Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor, is an Ancient Egyptian story that survives on a single papyrus scroll dating to the 12th Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom (approx. 2000–1700 BC). The tale was likely developed earlier and passed down orally or copied by scribes.
The story follows a sailor who, after a long and transformative journey, becomes shipwrecked on a mysterious island filled with abundance and treasure. The treasures are guarded by a giant serpent, who tests whether the sailor truly understands the journey that brought him to the island. After passing the test, the sailor is granted access to the serpent’s treasures and wisdom and returns home, instructed to use it wisely.
The text contains layers of meaning, hinting at hidden wisdom and spiritual lessons for the reader.