Thesis (M.A) - Cairo University - Faculty of Arts - Department of English

The present thesis aims to explore the cultural impact of Ancient Egypt on the civilizations that succeeded it. This is to be accomplished through analyzing the presence of elements of Adaptation and Appropriation of the Ancient Egyptian myth of the gods Horus and Seth in a multitude of forms in later times. This is expressed in Aeschylus{u2019} Greek trilogy The Oresteia, William Shakespeare{u2019}s Hamlet, and Walt Disney{u2019}s animated film The Lion King. The aim here is to examine the ways in which different cultures have used the myth of the gods Horus and Seth as a representation to voice conflict, trials and tribulations. The present study is based on the elements of adaptation and appropriation of the legend of The Contendings of Horus and Seth, into the selected subtexts. The focus of this thesis is on the parallels that could be drawn from the characters that simulate those of the two gods and their epic struggle of good vs. evil, as well as the differences and departures that were made from the original myth to better suit the times of the reworked pieces. Moreover, this thesis attempts to prove the lasting influence and remaining presence of Ancient Egyptian civilization in human heritage in general, and the arts in particular

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