Papyrus (character)

## Papyrus

and himself)

* Little man
* Pup (by Tahar)
* Lunatic (by Tiya)
* Royal friend (by Théti)

**Papyrus** is the titular male protagonist of the series. He is the friend of Princess Théti, daughter of the Pharaoh, and possessor of the magic sword which was given to him.

A Fisherman's son, he received this name because he was discovered in the midst of papyrus. He rescues Princess Théti and is charged by the goddess Nebou to fight the demonic forces sent by Seth, the god of chaos, and his servant Aker, forever changing his life.

## History

Papyrus was a young and simple fisherman. That is until goddess Nebou gave him a mission: to stop Seth from destroying Egypt. He goes on different adventures each episode and often meets different gods and supernatural creatures, making him the protégé of Nebou.

It is revealed in The Rebirth of the Child Pharaoh, that he is the last descendant of Tutankhamun. He was hidden in a papyrus plantation because he was of the cursed line of King Akhenaten, who replaced all the gods with a single one: Aten the sun god.

In order to keep Akhenaten's cursed line a secret, King Tut had hidden Papyrus in a plantation, where some fishermen adopted him and named him after the plants (papyrus) where he was discovered. Whether or not he grew up in a village called Sunu remains ambiguous.

## Personality

Famously titled as 'the little fisherman'. While Papyrus isn’t big on adventures and favors a laid-back life, he is noted for being a carefree and courageous young man. He is modest and has a sarcastic sense of humor, but is irritable and gets upset when something goes wrong or when things don't go according to plan. Papyrus primarily focuses on his mission and is guided by reason whenever danger comes up. He is also quick to remind himself that it is his duty to fight against evil agencies and to free Horus.

Papyrus is mostly seen fishing, napping by the water, hanging out with his friends, or thwarting Seth’s nefarious plots. Despite his comical attitude, he is easily overwhelmed, and falls into despondency in times involving people worth caring for. In Renunciation of Papyrus, he was deeply saddened at the fact that his reunion with the ghosts of his "parents" has completely been squelched, knowing that they were just illusions created by Seth. This particularly shows that the pursuit of finding his parents holds a special significance to him. Another notable example being both Mika and Théti, where Mika’s death had grieved him prior to their short-lived acquaintance, while Papyrus cares about the wellbeing of Théti regardless of the situation.

However, there are times when Papyrus fails to use proper judgment and follows his own interpretation of certain matters, resulting him to say and do things without thinking even when he does not realize it, and would ultimately lead him to destruction. In Mika the Sorceress (episode), while he showed a profound interest in Mika, he was not willing to listen to his friends about the dangers when they try to convey him about her true motives and chose to travel with her to "seek" Horus, although he did not fully trust her.

And it is easy to see that as the series progresses, he grows more insecure and leery, believing even distinguishing strangers may be linked with Seth, the god of chaos, due to his many misadventures.

## Relationships

### **Théti**

Papyrus is arguably closest to Théti than any other character. The two are portrayed as best friends, dependable allies, and valuable companions who seem to be paired in almost every adventure throughout the series. However, they often bicker due to their contrasting views and nature or due to a misunderstanding, usually starting with Théti insulting Papyrus in a way. For example when Papyrus forgets to meet her or when he goes fishing without her.

But there are many instances where Théti and Papyrus think of themselves as more than just friends. Papyrus, however, would not dare to admit nor make a move because in his eyes, he is the only "Protector of the princess", a servant. Albeit Théti would tease him otherwise.

### **Tiya**

Tiya and Papyrus seem to be on good terms. While Tiya sometimes likes to tease Papyrus, she is one of the few people Papyrus cares about other than his mission. Despite her teasing him in any given tight situation, Tiya does enjoy being around Papyrus. While Papyrus does not particularly condone Tiya’s thievery habits, Tiya is one of the people Papyrus cares about other than his mission.

On the other hand, Tiya’s feelings for Papyrus are hinted throughout the series. The biggest example being in the episode Mika the Sorceress, that implies Tiya does indeed have an affection for Papyrus and does not deny her jealousy. Over the course, Papyrus and Tiya become good friends, though Tiya appears to enjoy using Papyrus in certain moments to make Théti jealous, although sometimes it may be adventitious.

### **Bebo**

Bebo declares Papyrus as his best friend, and it is evident that the two enjoy each other’s company. Upon meeting during their hostage by Tahar, Bebo instantly gains a liking to him due to their shared situation, and promises thereafter to help him stop the forces of evil.

### **Ratoufer**

Ratoufer is among the greatest figures to shape Papyrus’s destiny and development. Besides Théti, Ratoufer is Papyrus’s mentor and dear friend. Papyrus is generally respectful to Ratoufer and looks up to him. Whenever threatening danger comes its way, Ratoufer is usually the first person Papyrus goes to to seek council. He is also the first significant character to come across Papyrus on their first meet.

### **Pharaoh Merenre**

Papyrus has a mixed relationship with Merenre for the most part, particularly due to his lacking sense of belonging and is sometimes treated as an outsider.

This relationship is further embroiled in Renunciation of Papyrus where it is revealed that Merenre is guilty of genocide, however, informed by The messenger that the latter is responsible for the deaths of Papyrus's parents, causing the two to clash more. Feeling betrayed, Papyrus responds to this by relinquishing his sword and mission, wanting nothing to do with Merenre or the palace anymore. The Pharaoh, however, admits his regret, that his actions were selfish and foolish. And the claim that whether or not he let his parents to die remains a mystery.

But on good terms, the Pharaoh is generally respectful to Papyrus for saving his daughter, even accommodating him to the palace. Hence, Papyrus avoids any conflict with him since he is aware the pharaoh is to be protected as well as respected as the ruler. Sometimes Merenre treats the fisherman with royal disdain, but Papyrus does not hate him nor let it get in the way of their relationship. They may clash but they never end up hating each other. However it is obvious that this relationship is sporadic.

## Trivia

* The comic book series suggests that Papyrus was named after a great-grandfather that was a royal gardener of a pharaoh, just not Tutankhamun with Seti I or Ramses II seeming more probable. This was not present in the animated series, however.
* Papyrus’s primary means of combat comes with the form of his signature weapon, the Sword of Horus. He apparently is able to conjure the weapon out of his scabbard conveniently.
* Like Theti, Papyrus is also known for his catchphrase, 'By Horus!', which is exclaimed whenever he is bewildered or annoyed.
* Papyrus is one of the characters who have suffered several near death experiences.
* Papyrus usually lacks footwear, however, one image on a DVD covers features him with slippers.

## Gallery

Linework of Papyrus.Papyrus's promo picture.Papyrus as a baby.Young Papyrus.Papyrus meets Ratoufer.Papyrus scolding Tiya in "Anger of the Moon God".Papyrus sacrifices his eyesight in return for the phoenix’s feather, in salvation of Egypt.Papyrus in Episode 7.Papyrus annoyed.Papyrus being annoyed.Papyrus after emulating some of Horus's power in Episode 26.Papyrus possessed in "The White Baboon".Papyrus and Shepsi in Episode 41.Papyrus in Episode 40.Papyrus's destiny, as revealed in "Emissaries".

## Appearances

(1x2) The Anger of the Moon God
(1x3) The Lord of the Crocodiles
(1x4) The Vengeance of Ramses
(1x5) The Faceless Giant
(1x6) The Cursed Pharaoh
(1x7)The Black Sun of Seth
(1x8) The Metamorphosis of Imhotep
(1x9) The Labyrinth
(1x10) The Triumph of Bastet
(1x11) The City of Scribes
(1x12) The Devil of the Red Mountains
(1x13) The Golden Feather
(1x14) The Return of the Red Sphinx
(1x15)The White Egyptian
(1x16) Hathor's Harp
(1x17) The Forgotten Sarcophagus
(1x18) The Temple of Life
(1x19) The Revenge of Amon
(1x20) The Rebirth of the Child Pharaoh
(1x21) Tears of the Giants
(1x22) The Hieroglyph Child
(1x23) Keeper of the Three Gates
(1x24) The Black Pyramid (episode)
(1x25) The Mirror of Nebou
(1x26) The Second Flood of the Sacred River
(2x1) The Sacrilege of Papyrus
(2x2) Mika the Sorceress (episode)
(2x3) The Thirtieth Case of Senet Cursed
(2x4) Justice Thoueris
(2x5) The Awakening of Osiris
(2x6) White Baboon
(2x7) Stolen Country
(2x8) Four Chapels of Tutankhamun
(2x9) The Divine Potter
(2x10) Return Senkhet
(2x11) The Talisman of the Great Pyramid
(2x12) Yam
(2x13) Time of Discord
(2x14) Seven Knots of Horus
(2x15) Renunciation of Papyrus
(2x16) Nile Red
(2x17) The Sacred Crown of Wadjet
(2x18) Neferure (episode)
(2x19) Emissaries
(2x20) Princess Tiya
(2x21) Princess Star
(2x22) The Sacred Child of Ebla
(2x23) The Ished Tree
(2x24) The Djed Pillar
(2x25) The Trial of Papyrus

## References

1. ↑Papyrus Episode 1

2. ↑Papyrus Episode 3

3. ↑Papyrus Episode 20

4. ↑Papyrus Episode 28