Also called Djedi of Djed-Sneferu, the magician of the Westcar Papyrus.
The tale
In the Westcar Papyrus, King Khufu's sons entertain him with tales of wonder-workers, and one tells of Djedi, a commoner of a hundred and ten who eats five hundred loaves and a shoulder of beef and drinks a hundred jugs of beer every day. Brought to the palace, he makes a goose's severed head crawl back to its body, and does the same with a bird and an ox. When Khufu asks him to do it with a prisoner, Djedi refuses, saying it is not to be done to a human being. He then foretells that three children not yet born will become kings, founding a new dynasty.
When they are met
- story evenings
- when seeking wise counsel
- at a birthday of an elder
Staying on their good side
- bread and beer
- respect for elders
- a good appetite at the table
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- Read the tales of the Westcar Papyrus aloud.
- Honour the elders in your life with a meal and a listening ear.
- Remember Djedi's refusal: some powers must never be tried on a living person.
- Share bread and beer, or bread and juice, with friends in his memory.
What their tales teach
- wisdom of age
- ethical use of power
- prophecy
- good storytelling
Symbols
- a goose restored to life
- five hundred loaves and a hundred jugs of beer
- a litter carried to the palace
- the royal court
From the Westcar Papyrus, a Middle Egyptian story cycle; it is a literary tale, not a record of real magic.
More Egyptian folklore
- The Bennu The heron of the first sunrise
- Ammit The Devourer at the scales of judgement
- Apep The serpent of chaos who swallows the sun
- The Akh The shining spirits of the blessed dead
- The Serpent of the Island The golden serpent of the phantom isle