from biting the prince in his sleep. Thus, one of the prince’s fates is defeated. Some time after that the prince goes for a walk with his dog. The dog begins speaking (the dog possibly bites the prince), and tells the prince he is meant to be killed by the dog. Fleeing from the dog, he runs to a lake where he is seized by a crocodile who, instead of killing him, enlists his help in its fight against a demon (or a water spirit). [This is where the tale breaks off]. Significance This story is an example of an Egyptian folktale. It shows the existence of written and oral traditions in ancient Egyptian culture. The story also emphasizes the importance of the concept of fate to the Egyptian society: the idea of personal fate, destiny or doom surely played an integral role in people’s lives. The tale also highlights the perception of bravery and heroism: the prince performs a feat of daring heroism to rescue and marry the princess. In addition, something can be seen in this story of the relationship between husband and wife: the husband is honest with his wife, and the wife protects her husband. Another important point is the fact that the prince leaves Egypt and goes abroad to seek his fortune. It details aspects of the prince's life once he leaves his homeland. Motifs Some of its motifs reappear in later European fairy tales: The birth of a child is long delayed.(cf. "Sleeping Beauty") Death is foretold at birth (cf. "Sleeping Beauty", "The Youth who was Doomed to be Hanged", "The Two Kings' Children") The attempt to prevent doom by measures of isolation from the natural environment (cf. "Sleeping Beauty") Three is the number of the dangers/tasks awaiting the protagonist Death of the mother, replaced by a stepmother who hates the protagonist(s) (cf. "Snowwhite", "Hansel and Gretel", "Cinderella") Leaving home to seek one's destiny/fortune Hiding one's true identity (cf. "Snow White", "Little Red Riding Hood"; Donkeyskin, "Iron John") Freeing a princess locked up in a high tower (cf. "Rapunzel") Competing with rivals and potential suitors to the princess in an engagement challenge, namely, jumping very high to reach the top of a tower (cf. "The Princess on the Glass Hill", "Iron John") Talking animals (cf. The Princess and the Frog; ATU tale types ATU 554, "The Grateful Animals") A person/animal setting (often unpalatable) conditions