The Story of Sinuhe

The Story of Sinuhe Character List

Sinuhe

Sinuhe is a royal Egyptian courtier who lives close to and serves King Sehetepibre and members of the royal family. Upon hearing of the king's death, Sinuhe flees Egypt in a state of panic, arriving in Retjenu (Syria). In his self-imposed exile, Sinuhe praises the Egyptian royals to Ammunenshi, a Palestinian ruler who recognizes Sinuhe's valor. After marrying Ammunenshi's daughter, Sinuhe becomes a hero in Retjenu and leads his own tribe. After a life of success and splendor, the aged Sinuhe longs to return to Egypt. His request to God is answered with a message from the Egyptian king decreeing that Sinuhe will be welcomed back as a hero. Sinuhe returns to Egypt and lives out his final days well-treated by the royal family. A pyramid burial tomb is built for him, and Sinuhe is laid to rest a noble hero. His autobiographical story is inscribed on the walls of his tomb.

King Sehetepibre

The Dual King Sehetepibre is an Egyptian pharaoh of the 13th Dynasty. He dies at the beginning of the text and Sinuhe flees Egypt in response.

King Senwosret

King Senwosret is Sehetepibre's son, a warrior who takes the throne upon his father's death. When word of Sinuhe reaches him, the king sends a message decreeing that Sinuhe be welcomed back to live out the end of his life in Egypt and be buried as a hero and nobleman.

Amunenshi

Amunenshi is a Palestinian chief who rules upper Retjenu. He takes a shine to Sinuhe and lavishes him with responsibilities and riches, helping Sinuhe become a heroic warrior and respected tribe leader.

Sinuhe's Wife

Sinuhe's wife is chief Amunenshi's eldest daughter. Amunenshi marries her to Sinuhe, and she bears Sinuhe several children. She goes unnamed in the text.

Sinuhe's Son

Sinuhe's unnamed son takes possession of Sinuhe's possessions and responsibilities when Sinuhe returns to Egypt. Like his mother, Sinuhe's son is unnamed in the text.

Syrian Leader

When Sinuhe is on the point of death, he meets a Syrian tribe leader who recognizes Sinuhe from Egypt. The kind Syrian gives Sinuhe water and milk and brings him back to health before Sinuhe sets off traveling again.

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