The Temptation of Ego

The Temptation of Ego is a timeless cautionary tale about the dangers of casting others aside for the sake of ambition and a reminder that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Summary

There were once two princes, one who wanted as much power as possible as quickly as possible, and the other who believed that the best way to a kingdom was love. One day, a witch came to the brothers and offered them a deal: She would give them a kingdom. Hubris took the offer, but the other couldn't bring himself to do it and left. Hubris got his kingdom and lived in excess, while the other waited patiently to inherit the throne from his father. When the brothers met again many years later, the other was horrified at the sight of the monster (figurative or literal) Hubris had become.

Historical Basis

Evidence of "The Temptation of Ego" first points to being come up with by a scholar who fled a kingdom in turmoil.

Spread

Common knowledge. Many parents read it to their children across the world as a cautionary tale.

Variations & Mutation

There are several versions of how the story ends Some say Hubris killed his brother (with or without regret due to the witch having stolen his soul), while others say that when Hubris finally saw the error of his ways, he begged his brother put him out of his misery. Several versions have the two brothers going to war.

Cultural Reception

Widely regarded as one of the first widely-spread fables. The word "hubris" comes from this myth after that exhibited by the older brother.

In Art

One of the first successful plays in Sephiran was based on it. "The Temptation of Ego" has also inspired sketches, paintings, and statues

Date of First Recording

476 B.C.E.

Date of Setting

490 B.C.E.

Related Species

• Human