What is the meaning of this story from antiquity, so similar in form to the European folktale? The "Tale of Two Brothers" describes a rite of passage, telling the the nearly universal story of a handsome and chaste young shepherd who rejects seduction by a powerful older woman and, after many adventures, becomes king.
The story of this shepherd, Bata, is intertwined with that of his brother Anubis who, deceived at first, is unceasing in his efforts to restore his brother and eventually becomes king himself. The tale also has traits peculiar to ancient Egypt, notably that the main characters are gods as well as kings. Bata and Anubis are both divine figures connected with Egypts mortuary cults, and their story is replete with religious symbols of rebirth.
Using comparative analysis, the author makes a major contribution to our understanding of a story that has puzzled folklorists for almost 140 years.