Interesting Facts

• Rikayon, a wise and handsome but poor man from Shinar, journeyed to Egypt seeking support from King Oswiris.
• Finding the Egyptian king accessible only one day a year, Rikayon ingeniously devised a scheme to impose a death tax, accumulating significant wealth within eight months.
• Rikayon’s imposition of a death tax caused great unrest among the Egyptians, who complained to King Oswiris.
• To appease the king and gain favor, Rikayon presented him with a large tribute, including a thousand children adorned in fine clothing, precious metals, and a beautiful horse.
• Impressed by Rikayon’s wisdom and the riches he presented, King Oswiris renamed him Pharaoh and appointed him as a prefect, eventually leading to the practice of all subsequent Egyptian kings being called Pharaoh.

Genealogy

• The text mentions that Rikayon took about a thousand children, sons and daughters, and presented them to the king. However, it is not explicitly stated that these were his biological children. The text does not provide information regarding Rikayon’s ancestry, birth, marital connections, or other offspring.

Historical Context

The narrative of Rikayon is set in Egypt during the reign of Oswiris, a king who adhered to a peculiar custom of appearing publicly only one day each year to administer justice. This practice left a void in daily governance that Rikayon cunningly exploited . The incident highlights a societal structure where the king’s infrequent public appearances created opportunities for others to exert influence. Rikayon’s success in implementing the death tax suggests a populace vulnerable to exploitation and a governing system that was not consistently vigilant. The subsequent adoption of the name “Pharaoh” for all future Egyptian kings following Rikayon’s rise to power indicates a significant cultural and political shift attributed to his actions and the impression he made on the Egyptian people and their king. The narrative also portrays a society that valued wisdom and was susceptible to displays of wealth and power, as seen in the Egyptians’ eventual admiration for Rikayon.

Narrative

Rikayon’s personal story begins with his impoverished state and his decision to seek fortune in Egypt, leveraging his wisdom. Upon discovering the limited accessibility of King Oswiris, Rikayon demonstrated his ingenuity and ambition by conceiving and implementing the controversial death tax, swiftly amassing considerable wealth. This action, while initially causing distress and complaint among the Egyptians, ultimately paved the way for Rikayon’s ascent. Confronted by the angered king, Rikayon strategically used his newfound riches to present an impressive tribute, showcasing not only his wealth but also a spectacle intended to awe the king and his court. Rikayon’s wisdom in his subsequent discourse with the king further solidified his position . Consequently, King Oswiris not only pardoned Rikayon but also elevated him to a position of great authority, renaming him Pharaoh . The narrative reveals Rikayon’s cunning in subtly taking over the daily governance of Egypt while Oswiris maintained his yearly appearance . Ultimately, Rikayon’s actions led to a lasting legacy, as the title “Pharaoh” became the customary designation for all subsequent kings of Egypt, signifying the profound impact of his brief but transformative presence in Egyptian history as depicted in the text .