Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard

Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard, published in 1889, is a historical novel that weaves a thrilling tale set in ancient Egypt. The story is narrated from the perspective of Harmachis, an Egyptian prince and priest of Isis, chosen by the gods to overthrow Cleopatra and reclaim Egypt for its native people. This work combines action, adventure, and romance, with vivid depictions of Egypt’s rich culture, spirituality, and political turmoil during Cleopatra’s reign.

Plot Summary

In the deep recesses of the Libyan mountains, hidden behind the temple of Abydus, a tomb was discovered. Inside, ancient papyrus rolls were found, detailing a tale of betrayal, love, and the destiny of a young Egyptian prince named Harmachis. He, the last descendant of Egypt’s ancient royal line, was chosen by the gods for a sacred mission: to overthrow Cleopatra, rid Egypt of its foreign rulers, and restore the old glory of the Pharaohs.

Harmachis was raised in secrecy by his father, Amenemhat, the High Priest of Isis, and schooled in the ways of the gods and kings. His entire life was a preparation for one purpose: to reclaim Egypt from the rule of the Macedonian Ptolemies. Harmachis was taught to despise the foreign influence that had polluted the purity of Egypt’s ancient traditions. His father instilled in him the solemn weight of his destiny, reminding him constantly that he was not merely a man but the vessel of the gods’ will.

When Harmachis reached manhood, his time came to act. A grand plot had been laid out. Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, would be lured into a trap, and Harmachis would strike, leading a revolution that would restore Egypt to its rightful rulers. Armed with his faith and the knowledge of his divine mission, Harmachis journeyed to Alexandria, disguised as a scholar. In the heart of Cleopatra’s court, he met the queen herself.

Cleopatra’s beauty was unlike anything Harmachis had ever seen. She was as alluring as the legends said—her charm irresistible. Though he had been warned of her wiles, though his heart was steeled for his mission, Harmachis found himself bewitched by her presence. Cleopatra was not merely a queen; she was the embodiment of seduction and power. Her sharp intellect and boundless charisma ensnared all who came near her. For Harmachis, the effect was devastating.

Despite his sacred oath, Harmachis faltered. In Cleopatra’s presence, he became weak. The queen, sensing the young priest’s internal struggle, began to manipulate him. She flattered him, coaxed him into her confidence, and soon, Harmachis found himself falling hopelessly in love with her. His once clear path blurred with doubt. He who had been chosen to destroy Cleopatra was now captivated by her beauty and majesty.

In a moment of weakness, Harmachis confided in Cleopatra. He revealed the entire plot to overthrow her, believing that love had conquered his mission, that together they could reign. But Cleopatra was not one to share power. As soon as Harmachis exposed the conspiracy, Cleopatra seized control. She laughed at his foolishness, calling upon her guards. Harmachis, the would-be Pharaoh, was cast into chains, his mission shattered by his own betrayal.

Cleopatra did not kill him. Instead, she stripped him of his dignity and power, mocking the gods he once served so fervently. Harmachis was spared the death he had earned because Cleopatra found his destruction more delicious in life. She watched as the man who was once destined to rule Egypt became her pawn, utterly broken by his failure. Harmachis was imprisoned, left to live in the shadow of the queen who had conquered him not with armies, but with love.

In the dungeon where he languished, Harmachis was tormented by guilt. The weight of his betrayal crushed him, and the gods he had forsaken offered no solace. His father, Amenemhat, died of a broken heart, knowing that his son had failed, that Egypt’s last hope had crumbled. In Harmachis’s chest, a flame of regret burned, but it was too late. His chance to save Egypt had passed, and now the foreign Ptolemies and the rising power of Rome would shape Egypt’s fate.

Years passed. In the twilight of his life, Harmachis was released from his prison, but he was a shadow of the man he once had been. He wandered through the ruins of his failed life, watching as Cleopatra’s rule brought Egypt further into the grasp of the Romans. Though Cleopatra herself would later meet a tragic end, her legacy lived on, while Harmachis’s name was forgotten by history.

As he neared the end of his days, Harmachis wrote down his account of his life—his rise, his betrayal, and his fall. He spoke of the gods and their distant will, of how destiny can be corrupted by the desires of the flesh. He lamented the weakness that had turned him from his path and confessed his sins to those who might listen. His was a tale of ruin, a testament to how the mightiest of men can fall prey to temptation. Though the gods had chosen him for greatness, Harmachis had failed not only Egypt but also himself.

In the end, Harmachis died, a broken man, his soul condemned to wander in the shadows, far from the throne he had once been destined to claim. The gods, in their mercy, did not destroy him, but neither did they forgive. His name would never again be spoken among the great, and Egypt’s destiny was forever altered by his failure.

Main Characters

• Harmachis (Prince Harmachis of Egypt): The protagonist and narrator, Harmachis is a deeply conflicted character. He is the last descendant of the royal bloodline of Egypt and has been raised with the singular mission to overthrow Cleopatra and rid Egypt of foreign rule. Throughout the novel, he struggles with his sense of duty, his spiritual beliefs, and the temptation of love.

• Cleopatra: The Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra is portrayed as a charismatic and cunning ruler whose beauty and charm hold immense sway over those around her, including Harmachis. She is intelligent, politically astute, and manipulative, using her allure to maintain power and control over Egypt.

• Amenemhat: Harmachis’s father and High Priest of Isis, Amenemhat is a stern and devout figure. He is committed to restoring Egypt’s independence and entrusts his son with the sacred task of deposing Cleopatra. His unyielding expectations put great pressure on Harmachis, making him a pivotal influence in the prince’s life.

• Charmion: A servant of Cleopatra, Charmion becomes Harmachis’s love interest. She is torn between her loyalty to Cleopatra and her feelings for Harmachis. Charmion’s role is significant in shaping the emotional and personal conflicts that Harmachis faces.

Theme

• Loyalty and Betrayal: One of the central themes of the novel is the conflict between loyalty to one’s country and personal desires. Harmachis is torn between his duty to Egypt and his overwhelming attraction to Cleopatra. This inner turmoil leads to his eventual betrayal of his mission, illustrating how personal weakness can undermine even the noblest of causes.

• Fate and Free Will: The novel explores the tension between destiny and personal agency. Harmachis is believed to be chosen by the gods for a great purpose, yet his failures suggest that individuals can derail even the grandest of fates through poor choices and moral weakness.

• Power and Corruption: Cleopatra represents the seductive power of rulership, where charisma and beauty can be used to manipulate and control others. The novel delves into how power can corrupt, both politically and personally, as seen in Cleopatra’s manipulation of Harmachis and his moral downfall.

• Spirituality vs. Temptation: The story highlights the spiritual journey of Harmachis, who is trained as a priest and raised with a deep sense of duty to the gods. However, his encounter with worldly temptations—particularly his love for Cleopatra—challenges his spiritual integrity and ultimately leads to his ruin.

Writing Style and Tone

Haggard’s writing in Cleopatra is characterized by its rich, descriptive prose and atmospheric setting, which brings ancient Egypt to life. His attention to detail in describing religious rituals, political intrigue, and the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient monuments creates an immersive experience for the reader. The novel’s tone shifts between the tragic, as Harmachis’s downfall is slowly revealed, and the adventurous, with thrilling moments of action, conspiracy, and romance.

The narrative is also heavily introspective, with Harmachis serving as a tragic, reflective narrator who contemplates the weight of his mistakes and the consequences of his moral failings. Haggard’s use of first-person perspective adds an intimate layer to the storytelling, allowing readers to experience Harmachis’s internal struggles with vivid immediacy. His language evokes a sense of grandiosity and fate, appropriate for a story that deals with gods, royalty, and empires.