God King by Joanne Williamson

God King is set in 701 B.C. when Egypt was ruled by Kushite princes.

Lord Taharka, a young boy, only twelve years old stands in the black mud of the River Nile. He is one of the many sons of Shabaka, king of Kush who rules as a god in the Kushite city of Napata. It is Taharka's first crocodile hunt, and the crocodiles seem slow and lazy.

His uncle Embutah, now a high captain in the army, warns Taharka not to be deceived, that the crocodile can move swiftly and silently. Suddenly, the crocodile is by the boat, striking it with his thick tail. The blow knocks Net the boatman, into the river. Taharka watches as the crocodile begins to close its jaws on Net's arm and instantly Taharka reacts. He strikes the crocodile on its head with a spear but this makes it turn on Taharka, trying to snatch him with its jaws. Instead, Taharka finds himself knocked flat and sees Embutah holding the animal's jaws shut with his bare hands.

Taharka spears the animal at the base of its head, killing it. They drag Net into the boat. He is in shock, blood spurting from the wound in his arm. To stop the bleeding, Taharka tears a strip of cloth the sacred cloth that has been shielding him from the hot sun, and binds the boatman's wound. But the men in the other boats are shocked at Taharka's breaking of the tabu by using the sacred cloth and in touching a slave. According to the law, Taharka is a god, his flesh is not mortal flesh. No one is allowed to even look at him. Taharka tells Embutah he had to help the man and he wonders what will happen to him now.


Taharka's mother was a slave girl brought up from the far off Zambesi River. She had died years earlier and all Taharka had left of her was her brother, his uncle, Embutah. Taharka is one of many of his father's children and so not very important. In the god's great chamber, Taharka sees his cousin, Shepnuset who is destined to follow Taharka's great aunt, and become the high priestess of Amon in Thebes. Taharka finds her attractive but she will not be for him. Instead, she is destined for his half-brother Shabataka who will be the next god. 

When they arrive at quay, the injured man is taken away and Taharka is told he must attend at once in the great hall of the god. His father, the god Shabaka, is dying. Sixteen-year-old Shabataka has been preparing for this day, being allowed to slip into the god's presence unannounced, "learning and listening while the Lord of Kush gave audience." But when the dying god asks for Taharka to be bought to him along with Shabataka and others, the priest of Sebek the crocodile states that he has broken tabu by touching the flesh of a slave. When he is summoned and questioned by the dying god, Taharka tells his father that he did it to save the man's life. Taharka tells him" The man belonged to the God...I must preserve what belongs to you, Great God Shabaka."

Giving Shabaka the "wand of god, the magic wand of succession", the dying god selects Taharka as his choice to succeed him. Stunned and not understanding what is happening, Taharka is told, "Take possession of the land, Taharka, soul of the hawk, beautiful child of Ra, son of the sun, bringer of the Nile, Lord of Kush, Great God of Napata and Meroe, and Pharaoh of Egypt." Taharka is now "king of a land that stretched from the mouth of the Nile on the Northern Sea" (the Mediterranean Sea) " to the southern border of Kush."

But for Taharka, becoming a god is like becoming a prisoner. He can only eat the meat of a calf or goose and only flat bread. He is only allowed outside the walls of the Great house at specific hours of the day or at festivals. When out, his feet mustn't touch the ground and he must wear the double crown. In order for the sun to rise every day, Taharka must be carried around  the walls of the Great House before the sunrise.Anyone who wanted to speak to him had to kneel with their faces to the ground, otherwise they would be blinded.

However Shabataka, comes frequently to visit Taharka, disobeying all the rules, and offering advice to him. Unlike Taharka, Shabataka is envious of his half brother. Taharka begins his weapons training with Shabataka's encouragement and with Embutah's guidance. Embutah explains to Taharka how his family became lords over Egypt.

Shepnuset's aunt who was high priestess in Thebes dies unexpectedly and so she becomes the next high priestess. Then one day a confrontation between Embutah and Shabataka leads Taharka to suspect Shabataka's loyalty to him. 

 

Four years later, Taharka journey's down the Nile to Egypt where he will marry the high priestess, Shepnuset. Before he leaves, and despite reservations, Taharka makes Shabataka his Companion, able to wear the white crown of Kush. 

But Taharka's time in Thebes is soon filled with troubles.  Back in Napata, his uncle, Embutah is murdered. Amos, ambassador from Hezekiah, king of Judah visits the young Pharaoh and warns him about the Assyrians who will now attack Jerusalem because Hezekiah has refused to continue paying tribute. His royal taster dies after being poisoned by food meant for Taharka. And then Taharka learns of a plot to capture him. With the help of Shepnuset and Amos, Taharka flees through the desert towards Jerusalem. He is determined to return to Thebes as king and god of Egypt.

Discussion

The God King is an exceptional historical fiction novel for ages 10 and up. Acclaimed historical fiction author, Joanne Williamson, tackles the period of Egyptian history when the country was ruled by the Kushite dynasty. The the kingdom of Kush was located in south Nubia, an ancient region that now forms part of southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Nubia was rich in gold and ivory, resources that surrounding nations would want. God King is set in the 8th century B.C.  At this time Egypt had been conquered by king Piankhi and then ruled by King Shabaka (in the novel, Taharka's father). Their rule is considered part of Egypt's 25th dynasty. 

As the "About the Author" note at the back of the novel indicates, Williamson "...has the remarkable knack for using her fictional characters and plot to make connections between real historical persons and events." It goes on to state that these connections are valuable because they help younger readers. In God King, Williamson brings together events in ancient Egypt under the reign of Taharka (known as Taharqa) as well as those outside of Egypt: the relationship between Israel and its then king, Hezekiah and the conquering Assyrians. 

As Williamson notes in her "Author's Note" records are contradictory about this time period and the events that occurred. She has followed the Biblical account which states that "Tirhakah, king of Ethiopia" was on the throne when the siege of Jerusalem occurred and that he was the first king of Egypt to fight the Assyrians as they rampaged through the region. The Assyrians were unsuccessful in taking Jerusalem. In Williamson's account, the Assyrians begin dying of some mysterious ailment and abandon the siege. King Hezekiah's generosity and foresight has saved both Taharka and his people.

God King is told in the voice of Taharka, whom Williamson imagines as a young boy who doesn't want the responsibility of god on his shoulders. Taharka is compassionate, sparing a man from having his hand cut off as a punishment. When he retakes the white crown from his half-brother Shabataka, Taharka does not follow the prescribed punishment but instead spares his life.

Readers are drawn into the story almost immediately with the crocodile attack that sees Taharka putting aside the tabu to save his boatman's life. From this point on, the novel is well paced, with new events and characters keeping the plot interesting.

God King is a reprint of Williamson's novel which was originally published in 1960. It was part of a series of historical fiction published by small publisher, Bethlehem Books to bring back some quality historical fiction geared to younger readers. Most historical fiction has understandably focused on World War I and II events so it's refreshing to read a story about a much different and little known era of history. Well written and highly recommended.

Book Details:

God King. A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah by Joanne Williamson
Bathgate, North Dakota: Bethlehem Press     1999
206 pp.

Movie: Ben Hur

Since 1959, the movie Ben-Hur, directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur and Stephen Boyd as Messala has been a beloved classic. The Oscar winning film's iconic chariot race scene, the stage for the final, deadly confrontation between Judah Ben-Hur and Messala captured the imaginations of theatre-goers in way unheard of at that time. This summer's release of a new adaptation doesn't quite measure up to the 1959 classic but Ben-Hur is still a good effort and better than most "swords and sandals" movies.

For those who might not know, Ben- Hur is actually based on the 1880 novel of the same name written Lew Wallace. In this year's adaptation, the movie begins by focusing on the close relationship between a prince of Israel, Judah Ben-Hur and his adopted Roman brother, Messala. Messala lives in Jerusalem in the house of Ben-Hur as an equal. The two love to race horses but their kinship can go only so far. Messala is in love with Judah's sister, Tirzah but because he is not a Jew, Judah and Tirzah's mother, Naomi disapproves. This leads Messala to leave Jerusalem to make his fortune in the Roman Army. While he is gone, Judah marries Esther but Tirzah remains unmarried. Messala makes a name for himself in the Roman army fighting in Germania and other Roman territories. Just prior to his return, three zealots are found hiding in the Ben-Hur stables by Judah. One of the zealots, Dismas, has been seriously injured. Judah treats the wounded young man, orders the others away and informs Dismas he can stay until he heals but he must not fight against the Romans.

Messala returns to Jerusalem as head of the Roman garrison and reunites with Ben-Hur. Instead of brutally killing the Jews opposed to Roman oppression, Messala has tried to be lenient. But when a group of Roman soldiers are attacked in a Jewish graveyard, he seeks out Ben-Hur and tells him he needs help. Messala wants Judah to provide him the names of the zealots who are involved in the insurrection because Pontius Pilate will be arriving in the city and he does not want trouble. Judah refuses to name names but assures Messala that the Jews have agreed to not cause problems. As Pilate makes his way through the city an attempt is made on his life. That attempt comes from the rooftop of the Ben-Hur house and is made by Dismas. Dismas manages to escape in the ensuing confusion, allowed to by Ben-Hur who knows he will be crucified if caught. The Roman soldiers capture Judah, Naomi and Tirzah but Esther manages to escape. Messala rails against Judah, whom he accuses of treason, sentencing him to the galleys and ordering Naomi and Tirzah to be crucified. On his way to the galleys, Judah has his second encounter with the teacher, Jesus who brings him water, a foreshadowing of their later meeting when Jesus is on his way to Calvary.

Judah survives five years in the galleys, fueled by his hatred. His galley is destroyed (along with all the other Roman ships) in a battle against the Greeks who have been plundering Roman ships in the Aegean Sea. Judah washes up on the shore near the tent camp of Sheik Ilderim who recognizes that he is an escaped galley slave and threatens to take him to the Roman garrison. However, Judah saves Ilderim's sick horse and is allowed to stay in the encampment. Judah accompanies Ilderim's entourage to Jerusalem where he meets Esther who is now a follower of the prophet Jesus. She tells Judah she does not know what has happened to his mother and sister and that he cannot be seen in the city. Judah decides to confront Messala, luring him to the abandoned Ben-Hur home but is almost captured.

Recognizing Judah's desire for vengeance, Sheik Ilderim tells Judah that the best revenge is to be obtained in the coliseum by challenging Messala to a chariot race and humiliating him and Rome by winning. Sheik Ilderim arranges with Pontius Pilate for Judah to race and that if he wins all Roman claims against Ben-Hur will be void. Pontius Pilate agrees and so Judah begins training as a charioteer. Judah eventually learns that his mother and sister are lepers having been spared crucifixion by a Roman soldier further fueling his anger against Messala. This leads to the chariot race in Jerusalem and Judah's victory over Messala. However, Judah realizes winning the race does not give him the peace he longs for and after witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus he seeks out the broken Messala and the two forgive one another. Meanwhile, Naomi and Tirzah are cured of their leprosy after the death of Jesus and reunited with Judah.

Discussion

Although the story line in this adaptation varies considerably from both the 1959 movie and the novel, Ben-Hur still manages to capture the essence of the story: a Jewish prince is made the scapegoat for a crime he didn't commit by a beloved adopted brother, his family is destroyed and he sets out to seek vengeance only to discover revenge is never the answer. This adaptation misses many important parts of the novel such as the details of what happens to Naomi (Miriam in the novel and the Charlton Heston movie) and Tirzah, and their conversion from Judaism to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Also missing are Judah Ben-Hur's rescue of the Roman Consul Quintus Arrius, from drowning in the Aegean battle. In the novel and the 1959 movie, Arrius adopts Judah and gains him his freedom. In contrast to the 1959 movie, this new adaptation sees Judah Ben-Hur married to Esther (in the novel he married at least five years after the race with Messala) but their romance is a minor point throughout the movie. This new movie differs significantly in that Messala does not die as a result of his injuries, so one of the most famous death scenes in cinema is not recreated. Overall, the 1959 movie more closely follows the story line of Lew Wallace's novel as much of the middle of the story is missing from the 2016 adaptation.


Jack Huston plays Judah Ben-Hur reasonably well, but lacks the passion that Charlton Heston brought to the role. Toby Kebbell as Messala manages to capture Messala's troubled nature and desire to fit into the Roman world. The only actor who seems out of place is Morgan Freeman who has the part of Sheik Ilderim. Freeman's interpretation of the Sheik, wise yet willing to make his fortune off of the Roman games is overshadowed by his trademark sonorous voice. It's been suggested that Freeman might have been better narrating the film. At times the screen writing is shabby and the dialogue, delivered with a hint of British accent, most definitely modern. The last scene, a recapitulation of the opening scene with Judah and Messala racing on horses is set to a thoroughly modern tune that seems out of place. 

The main themes of the novel, betrayal, redemption and forgiveness are not overshadowed by the amazing special effects. The galley battle scene and the chariot race are amazingly well done and the cinematography with its sometimes unique camera perspective, make for fascinating viewing. The crucifixion scene is short but lacks the drama that the 1959 movie was able to convey. Judah Ben-Hur's conversion to Christianity is quick and clean; there's little of the struggle which was so well portrayed by Charles Heston in the 1959 classic. Judah Ben-Hur has several encounters with Jesus, who preaches a new law, that forgiveness and love of neighbour are paramount. Unlike the original film, Judah and Messala (who, in this iteration, has recovered from his injuries) have reconciled and are "brothers" once again.

Although Jesus is a minor character in the first part of the story, his presence becomes more prominent after the chariot race. When Judah tries to give him water but is whipped, Jesus intervenes, stopping Judah from retaliating. Jesus' radical call to love is in direct contrast to the Roman way of blood sport and cruelty and to the practice of Judaism at the time of Jesus - both of which encouraged "an eye for an eye." Judah Ben-Hur learns that his vengeance has not healed him of his hurt and has not only crippled his once beloved brother, Messala, but destroyed his soul too. Revenge hasn't changed the fact that his mother and sister are lepers or that his family is in ruin (according to this version). The Jews (and Judah Ben-Hur) are becoming like their oppressors, cruel and blood-thirsty, a fact that Pontius Pilate points out to Sheik Ilderim after the race.

While not quite as good as the 1959 classic, this modern remake is worth watching. In the hopes of making the film more palatable, there is plenty of action and it was filmed in 3D. The movie has little gore and no sex. The filming was done in such a way that suggests what happens rather than showing it.  This is particularly true of the sea battle and the chariot race as well as the crucifixions, the confrontation in the Garden of Gethsemane and even the leper colony. Despite its many weakness, Ben Hur is an enjoyable remake, with great action sequences, beautiful cinematography and a good (albeit vastly pared down) story.