The fable of sight and hearing in the demotic Kufi texts
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: The fable of sight and hearing in the demotic Kufi texts
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Original source:
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W. J. Tait
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Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: The fable of sight and hearing in the demotic Kufi texts
Year: 1976 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5150
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
In "The Fable of Sight and Hearing in the Demotic Kufi Text," W. J. Tait presents a detailed study of a conversation between two vultures, Sight and Hearing, from a newly uncovered Demotic text known as Kufi. This work delves into their dialogue, exploring themes of perception, understanding, and the moral implications of their abilities as they relate to divine oversight. Tait provides a transliteration and translation of the fragmentary text, along with annotations that connect it to broader contexts of ancient Egyptian literature and thought.
2) The Nature of Sight and Hearing
One significant element of the text is the exploration of the unique abilities of Sight and Hearing. Sight boasts about her keen vision, claiming it surpasses that of any other bird, able to see to the depths of darkness and across the ocean. In contrast, Hearing asserts her own proficiency in interpreting events from afar, stating her ability to hear divine proclamations. Their conversation highlights the different forms of perception, with Sight's vision linked to stability and security, while Hearing's acuity suggests mobility and vigilance. This distinction implies that both senses are essential, albeit in their own capacities, for understanding the world around them.
3) The Role of Divine Order
Another important theme in the Kufi text is the concept of divine order as it relates to the natural world. Through their dialogue, both vultures recognize that events on earth reflect divine decision-making, ultimately conveying the message that nothing occurs without the oversight of Pare, the sun-god. Sight and Hearing's talk culminates in the acknowledgment of a greater moral order, indicating that actions—whether good or evil—are ultimately monitored and judged from above. This reveals a worldview in which guardianship is central, suggesting that divine justice governs all things.
4) The Cycle of Life and Death
A further concept explored in the fable is the cyclical nature of life and death, particularly through the character of the griffin. Hearing informs Sight about the griffin's role as a predator and avenger—the embodiment of divine justice. The narrative intricately connects the cycle of life to the inevitability of death and retribution, emphasizing that those who take life will themselves be taken. This element reflects the ancient Egyptian belief in the interconnectedness of all beings within the ecosystem and the moral balance that must be maintained.
5) The Mark of Justice
The concept of retribution extends into the metaphor of blood and its lasting mark. The text suggests that the consequences of murder do not dissipate and that even the clothes of gods and men bear stains of guilt or vengeance. This serves as a reminder that actions leave an indelible mark, symbolizing the permanence of moral consequences. Tait emphasizes that the story communicates a profound understanding of justice, where every being bears responsibility for their actions, whether or not they face immediate repercussions.
6) Conclusion
Tait's analysis of the Kufi text sheds light on the ancient Egyptian perspectives on perception, divinity, justice, and morality. Through the dialogue of Sight and Hearing, key concepts emerge that resonate with broader philosophical questions about the nature of existence and accountability. Ultimately, the fable emphasizes the importance of recognizing the divine influence in all actions, encapsulating a timeless moral lesson about the consequences of one's choices in the intertwined realm of life and death. The text stands as a testament to the rich narrative tradition of ancient Egypt and its enduring relevance.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What does the fable of Sight and Hearing involve?
The fable features two female vultures, Sight and Hearing, who discuss their unique abilities, with each claiming superiority in their respective domains of perception and knowledge.
Who are the main characters in the fable?
The fable's main characters are two vultures named Sight and Hearing, representing their specific perception abilities and engaging in a dialogue about their strengths.
What abilities do Sight and Hearing boast about?
Sight claims to have exceptional vision, able to see far and observe the sea, while Hearing boasts of being able to enchant the sky and overhear divine proclamations.
What lesson does the fable ultimately convey?
The fable teaches that nothing escapes the justice of God (Pare'), as both good and evil deeds are accounted for, reflecting the moral consequences of actions.
How does the interaction between the vultures unfold?
Their conversation shifts from boasting about their abilities to revealing a series of events involving creatures and their fates, leading to realizations about truth and justice.
What role does God (Pare') play in the fable?
God is portrayed as the omniscient judge who ensures that all actions, whether good or evil, have consequences, emphasizing divine justice that encompasses all creatures.
What is indicated by the ending of the fable?
The conclusion underscores the idea that all beings are under divine scrutiny, and emphasizes accountability for actions, illustrated by the mention of the blood of murder victims.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “The fable of sight and hearing in the demotic Kufi texts”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Sight:
Sight refers to the faculty of vision, and in the fable, it is personified as a vulture that boasts about its keen eyesight. Sight claims to have the ability to observe distant and even mystical regions like the encircling Ocean and Darkness due to its unique lifestyle habits. This character contrasts with Hearing's abilities.
2) Bird:
Bird is used primarily to reference two anthropomorphic vultures, Sight and Hearing, who engage in a conversation about their respective abilities. The text explores the characteristics and lifestyle of these birds to draw larger moral conclusions.
3) Earth:
Earth serves as the platform where multiple events in the fable occur, including the eventual actions of the griffin. It is used in contrast to the heavens to discuss divine order and justice. The term is also connected to mortal punishment and the existence of various creatures.
4) Fish:
Fish appears in the text as parts of the food chain described in the story, beginning from a 't-fish to a cat-fish and so on, showing the cycle of life and the inevitability of predation, ultimately reflecting the broader themes of order and divine justice.
5) Murder (Murdering, Murdered):
Murder in the text relates to the killing of various animals and the ultimate judgment by divine entities. It is a key element in the moral discussion about justice and retribution. The griffin also plays a role in the murder of the lion, indicative of this theme.
6) Speech:
Speech refers to the form of communication between the birds and Kufi's narrations. It is through these conversations and retellings that the moral and philosophical questions are explored. The fable is essentially a depiction of this speech.
7) Death:
Death is described both as a concept and as a force personified by creatures such as the griffin. It is linked to divine punishment and order upon the Earth, establishing a framework within the fable for the justice meted out by higher powers.
8) Eagle:
Eagle is referenced as a predatory bird that is part of the food chain narrative within the fable. The eagle takes a snake to the sea, signifying the power dynamics among animals. It is also compared to the griffin in its predatory attributes.
9) Vulture:
Vulture is directly referenced as the form of the characters Sight and Hearing. These anthropomorphic birds are the primary agents of the narrative, engaging in a detailed conversation to illustrate the themes of perception and divine justice.
10) Power:
Power in the text is illustrated through both natural and divine entities. The griffin's control over life and death, Sight's vision abilities, and Hearing's acute sense portray different forms of power within the context of the fable. This theme underscores the moral of the story.
11) Snake:
Snake is part of the hierarchical food chain within the fable, portraying natural predation and power dynamics. The snake is swallowed by an eagle, which leads to a series of events further demonstrating the cycle of life and death.
12) Space:
[see source text or glossary: Space]
13) Lion:
Lion appears in the food chain narrative where it pulls the cat-fish onto the bank, leading to further predatory action by the griffin. The lion's position in the food chain serves as an example of the intricate connections among creatures and the justice meted out by divine beings.
14) Blood:
Blood within the fable symbolizes the stain of murder and guilt that does not wash away, representing divine retribution and the everlasting nature of punishment for wrongdoers. This is directly tied to the moral discussion that Kufi engages in.
15) Sleeping (Sleep):
Sleep is contrasted between two characters; Sight claims that her vision is better because of her unique sleeping habits. This serves to build the distinction between the abilities endowed upon the characters due to their lifestyles.
16) Limb:
Limb is used metaphorically in the text to describe the various attributes of the griffin, such as its beak, ears, and tails which combine features of multiple animals. This illustrates its composite nature and the power it wields.
17) Destruction:
[see source text or glossary: Destruction]
18) Mountain:
Mountain is presented as a landscape feature within the fable, where the griffin takes its prey to devour. It serves as a setting for the final judgment and predatory prowess displayed by the griffin.
19) Lizard:
Lizard is part of the hierarchical food chain described by Hearing in her conversation with Sight. It is eaten by the skink, leading to further predation, thereby illustrating the interconnected nature of life and death in the natural order.
20) Doubt:
[see source text or glossary: Doubt]
21) Crime:
[see source text or glossary: Crime]
22) Food:
Food is a recurring theme highlighting the dietary habits of the vultures that impact their abilities. Sight’s claims of her extraordinary vision are partly attributed to her specific food intake, thus tying it to the moral lesson regarding lifestyle and ability.
23) Conversation:
Conversation refers to the verbal exchange between Sight and Hearing. Their dialogue forms the narrative backbone of the fable, as they compare their abilities and discuss divine justice, thereby leading to the illustration of the fable's moral.
24) Existence:
[see source text or glossary: Existence]
25) Darkness:
Darkness is a place or state that Sight claims her vision can penetrate, showcasing her extraordinary ability to see beyond normal limits, thereby emphasizing the comparative focus of the fable on unusual perceptual powers.
26) Herdsman (Herdsmen):
[see source text or glossary: Herdsman]
27) Animal:
Animal refers to various creatures in the hierarchy described within the fable. This includes the griffin, snakes, fish, lions, etc., and their roles in illustrating the divine order and moral lessons about justice and power among creatures.
28) Heaven:
Heaven is the realm where divine ordinances are set, influencing the events and moral lessons discussed in the fable. It is the location of divine judgment that translates to the earthly domain, underscoring the omnipotence of divine beings.
29) Egypt:
[see source text or glossary: Egypt]
30) Heart:
Heart in the fable symbolizes internal contemplation and emotional responses to events. Hearing ponders the matters and outcomes discussed, reflecting the personal impact and the internalization of these moral stories.
31) Light:
[see source text or glossary: Light]
32) Limit (Limiting, Limited):
Limit refers to the boundaries of Sight's extraordinary vision and Hearing's acute sense. These terms highlight their abilities to perceive beyond the common scope and serve to illustrate the moral that boasts of superiority leads to judgment.
33) Disappearance (Disappeared, Disappear, Disappearing):
[see source text or glossary: Disappearance]
34) Manifest (Manifested, Manifestation, Manifesting):
[see source text or glossary: Manifestation]
35) Discussion:
Discussion is central to the narrative, particularly the exchange between Sight and Hearing. Their philosophical discussions bring forward the moral lessons and provide a platform for the exploration of divine justice and perception.
36) Treasury:
[see source text or glossary: Treasury]
37) Monster:
Monster describes beings like the griffin, associated with divine retribution and judgment. Creatures in the fable have attributes from multiple animals, reinforcing the narrative's focus on composite strength and divine power.
38) Make-up:
[see source text or glossary: Make-up]
39) Evening:
[see source text or glossary: Evening]
40) Humour (Humor):
[see source text or glossary: Humour]
41) Breath:
[see source text or glossary: Breath]
42) Hatred:
[see source text or glossary: Hatred]
43) Roman (Roma):
[see source text or glossary: Roman]
44) Deity (Deities):
Deity, specifically Pare’, is central to the moral framework of the fable. The sun-god Pare' represents the supreme divine judgment that translates from heaven to earth, impacting the characters and their actions within the story.
45) Ocean:
Ocean refers to the mystical bounds of Sight's vision. She claims to have the capacity to see as far as the encircling Ocean, representing her extraordinary perceptual ability and reinforcing her boastful nature.
46) Flesh:
[see source text or glossary: Flesh]
47) Error:
[see source text or glossary: Error]
48) Agent:
[see source text or glossary: Agent]
49) Crop:
Crop in the context refers to the part of a bird's anatomy where food is stored before digestion. Hearing describes going to sleep with a dry crop indicating their disciplined and unique habits, which purportedly grant them special powers.
50) Wind:
[see source text or glossary: Wind]
51) Hour:
[see source text or glossary: Hour]
52) Seer:
Seer might be another term describing Sight in the fable. The character Sight reveals her perceptual abilities that far outstrip normal faculties, making 'Seer' a plausible, though unused, term for her role in the narrative.
53) Dead:
[see source text or glossary: Dead]