Egyptian+Cinderella+Guide

THE EGYPTIAN CINDERELLA BY SHIRLEY CLIMO

Vocabulary

Nile River ................. The world’s longest river, flows through Egypt and other parts of Africa Reeds ........................ Tall grass Nimble ...................... Quick, light, agile G i l d e d....................... Covered with gold P a p y r u s ..................... A tall plant that grows near water, often used to make paper P h a r a o h .................... A king of Egypt L i n e n......................... Cloth made from thread of flax Tunic ......................... A loose-fitting garment worn down to the knees, common in ancient

Greece and Egypt

Falcon ....................... A bird related to a hawk Ho r u s ........................ The Egyptian sky god who was believed to take the form of a falcon Talons ........................ The claw of a bird Cha r iot ...................... An ancient two-wheeled, horse-drawn vehicle De s e r t e d.................... To leave or abandon P y r ami d s .................. A massive structure found in Egypt having a square bottom and four triangular sides Barge ......................... A long, flat-bottomed boat Gongs ........................ A metal disk that produces a loud noise when hit Lotus flower ............. An aquatic plant with pink flowers13


 * Cultural Focal Points Within the Story**

It is believed that this is one of the first Cinderella stories ever told. The author’s note at the back of the book provides interesting information about the origin of this story. The religious beliefs of ancient Egyptians were based on a collection of myths and many deities. They believed that Ra, the sun, was born of an egg. Ra had four children, Shu, Geb, Tefnut, and Nut, who later became the Earth, the sky, and the atmosphere. Horus, the god mentioned in the story is the son of Osiris and Isis, the children of Geb and Nut. He succeeded Osiris as king of the Earth after Osiris was killed by his brother Set. Horus was considered a very powerful god because he was a direct descendent of Ra.