Is there a lack of legendary human heroes (like Beowulf/Perseus/Gilgamesh/Fionn mac Cumhaill) who are not Pharaohs or viziers in Egyptian myth? If so, why?

by spermwhalejail

I only know of one exception: Imhotep, but Imhotep was a government official and seems to have been later identified with the god Thoth. My perception (which could be wrong) is that we don't have any Egyptian myths of that strapping hero who goes on an epic journey, who may have divine parentage but doesn't really become a god himself, who goes out and kills incredible creatures and brings back treasure. I suppose this could have something to do with the lack of transmission of some Egyptian myths, or the lack of popularity of myths like that. But perhaps it could also be because the Egyptians had a unique set of values that sort of precludes a story like that from becoming popular.

What's the truth of the matter?

ainda_

I don't have an answer to your question, but keep in mind that Beowulf, Gilgamesh and Fionn, (I don't know much about Perseus) were all either already rulers of some description or became so during their "lifetimes".