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| Set and Horus adoring Ramesses in the small temple at Abu Simbel |
The tale of the two brothers is particularly interesting. Part of the story operates on the love and
loyalty that lies between the brothers.
The other part of the story operates on the converse; at the beginning,
the older brother takes on the role of a paternal figure. Though this is a pattern seen often enough,
it is very much played up in the story.
The fact that that love between the two brothers is flipped almost
instantaneously creates a very interesting contrast with the steadfast loyalty
that appears toward the first part of the tale.
Another interesting aspect of the story is the loyalty that Bata
displays toward his older brother. No
matter how angry and murderous Anpu becomes, Bata still cares for his
brother. In fact, he grants his brother
complete forgiveness even after all the atrocities that he has attempted to
commit against him.
Once the bridge is gaped between the two brothers, the love
that they had for each other is restored.
In fact, it is particularly ironic that the brother who once vehemently wanted
to commit fratricide later mourns the loss of the brother he sought to
kill. It is interesting that there
appears to be such love and loyalty between the brothers initially, but Anpu
doubts his brother and believes the lies that his wife spreads. It would seem that someone who has such a
strong familial connection to their sibling would be more likely give them the
benefit of the doubt.
Fortunately for the brothers, Bata’s deaths do not signify
the end for him. In fact, Anpu helps
Bata after he returns to life. It is
also interesting that the younger sibling seems to have a bigger purpose than
the older brother. Not only does Bata
appear to be a harder worker, he also seems to be more generous and loyal than his
older brother.
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