Cleopatra · Chapter
Of the Birth of Harmachis; The Prophecy of the Hathors; and the Slaying of the Innocent Child explained
Harmachis, the narrator, introduces himself as the rightful Pharaoh of Egypt who betrayed his country and gods.
What happens
Harmachis, the narrator, introduces himself as the rightful Pharaoh of Egypt who betrayed his country and gods. He recounts his birth in Abouthis, the prophecy spoken by his dying mother through the Hathors, and the subsequent attempt on his life by Ptolemy Aulêtes. The soldiers mistakenly behead his foster-brother instead, and Harmachis is raised as the son of the High Priest Amenemhat.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Destiny
The prophecy of the Hathors foretells Harmachis's destiny to become Pharaoh, but also warns of ruin if he fails.
Power and Corruption
Ptolemy Aulêtes, fearing the prophecy, orders the murder of an innocent child to secure his throne.
Religion and Mysticism
The prophecy is delivered through the Hathors, and the narrative is steeped in Egyptian religious imagery and divine intervention.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
Narrator and protagonist, born on the same day as Cleopatra, prophesied to be Pharaoh.
- Amenemhat
High Priest of the Temple of Sethi and father of Harmachis, who hides the prophecy and later adopts Harmachis.
- Atoua
Old nurse of Harmachis's mother, who spreads the prophecy despite swearing secrecy.
- Ptolemy Aulêtes
Pharaoh of Egypt who orders the murder of the prophesied child.
- Nekt-nebf
Ancestor of Harmachis, mentioned in the prophecy as the divine seed.
Key passages
“I, Harmachis, who cast aside the opening flower of our hope, who turned from the glorious path, who forgot the voice of God in hearkening to the voice of woman.”
Harmachis admits he abandoned his sacred mission because he listened to a woman instead of God.
Foreshadows his betrayal of Egypt for Cleopatra.
“Hail to thee, fruit of my womb! Hail to thee, Royal child! Hail to thee, Pharaoh that shalt be!”
Harmachis's mother, filled with the spirit of prophecy, hails him as the future Pharaoh.
The prophecy establishes Harmachis's royal destiny and the stakes of his actions.
“Keep thee pure, and thou shalt rule and deliver Egypt and not be broken. But if thou dost fail in thy hour of trial, then may the curse of all the Gods of Egypt rest upon thee.”
The prophecy warns Harmachis that purity leads to success, but failure will bring divine curses.
Sets up the moral and spiritual conflict of the story.