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(Egyptian Lotus Flower in Traditional Style vector)
Sneferu, also known by his Hellenized name Soris, was the founding pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt. He was known as a beneficent ruler that reigned over Egypt for at least 24 full years that were filled with peace and prosperity for his people. However, according to certain saved scriptures, it was exactly this peace that led to the pharaoh's boredom and an interesting myth that we will discuss today.
Pharaoh Sneferu, father of Pharaoh Khufu, who built the Great Pyramid of Giza, reigned over a stable and thriving Egypt that had not many internal or external issues. While the pharaoh was more than delighted that his people didn't suffer due to war, natural disasters etc, he was still weary and bored due to the lack of governance he had to do. As such, he'd often try to find other forms of entertainment but that day when this tale happened, he couldn't find anything that made him happy or satisfied. As such, he called the Chief Magician, Zazamankh, whom he considered wise to ask for advice to cure his boredom.
Zazmankh did indeed have an interesting suggestion to give to the pharaoh. He told pharaoh Sneferu that the best way to cure boredom was to sail upon the Nile and the lake below Memphis. However, to make it different from the other times the pharaoh sailed there the chief magician told him that instead of the normal rowers that took him there, he should take the fair maidens of the Royal House of the King's Women with him. The maidens would dress beautifully, each with golden ornaments and threads for their clothes. The oars they'd used to row were also particular - each pair was made of gold to please the pharaoh.
So, the pharaoh agreed and soon they set sail. True to Zazamankh's words, the pharaoh did indeed enjoy the scenery and the fair maidens that rowered but just as the sailing trip was going well, an accident happened. One of the handles of the oars brushed against the head of the girl that was using it, causing the golden lotus ornament that she wore to fall off. The girl cried in surprise and sadness as she had lost the piece that the pharaoh had given to her. As she was the head rower who sang commands to the others, the others too stopped to see what the issue was. Soon, the pharaoh noticed and asked her what was wrong.
The maiden started to weep for her golden lotus, and even after the pharaoh promised her another she still didn't stop crying. Then the Pharaoh summoned the chief magician again. This time he asked him to do his spells and chants to bring the golden lotus back to the girl. Zazamankh grabbed his wand and as he started to chant the lake parted, rising high on all sides except for a stream that allowed the boat to gently glide to the bottom of the lake. There the boat stopped and the girl took back the golden lotus that lay on the bottom. After the girl took the lotus and everyone was on the boat, the magician slowly left the waterfall and took the boat up again.
On top, pharaoh Sneferu was more than delighted. Not only had he seen such beautiful scenery, but he had also witnessed great magic from his chief magician. So he rewarded the man who cured his boredom.
