The Queen of Sheba
The Queen of Sheba journeys with caravans of gold and spice to test King Solomon’s famed wisdom. Their meeting intertwines riddles, diplomacy, and the flow of wealth between kingdoms.
Story beats
- 1) Hearing of Solomon’s insight, the queen travels to Jerusalem with lavish gifts and hard questions.
- 2) Solomon answers each riddle; mutual respect grows between sovereigns.
- 3) In Ethiopian tradition, she bears a son, Menelik I, founding a royal line.
- 4) Trade routes expand as Sheba’s caravans exchange knowledge and luxury goods.
Context & symbolism
The encounter showcases wisdom as diplomatic currency. Sheba represents powerful southern kingdoms; her agency challenges assumptions about distant rulers.
Menelik’s lineage ties Ethiopia to biblical heritage, legitimizing dynasties and sacred relic claims.
Motifs
- Riddle contests between rulers
- Caravans bearing tribute
- Founding of royal houses
- Crossroads of faith and commerce
Use it in play
- Host a riddle summit where peace hinges on wit.
- Escort a treasure caravan through deserts stalked by jealous rivals.
- Investigate claims of a lost relic tied to a queen’s son.
- Broker trade pacts while balancing pride between sovereigns.
Comparative threads
- Wise monarch meetings: Odysseus and Nausicaa, Harun al-Rashid’s courts.
- Riddle traditions: Samson’s feast, Bilquis tales in Islamic lore.
Hooks and campaign seeds
- A riddle remains unanswered; failure voids a treaty by dawn.
- A rival claims to be Menelik’s heir; prove lineage with a legendary ring.
- Smugglers exploit the trade caravan to move cursed objects; uncover them before they spread.