Ben-Hur, Chapter 1 summary
Chapter 1 of 88 · Book 1 · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, an unnamed traveler rides a white dromedary east into the Arabian Desert, showing neither fear nor interest in his surroundings as the animal carries him beyond all landmarks. At noon, the camel stops, and the man surveys the place, prays silently, and dismounts.
What happens
- A traveler emerges from a wady near the Jebel es Zubleh, riding a richly equipped white dromedary.
- The road ends, but the camel moves eastward while its rider remains silent and appears absorbed in thought.
- After two hours, sand dominates the landscape, and the mountain appears distant.
- After another two hours, vegetation and visible landmarks disappear, yet the rider shows no fear or curiosity.
- At noon, the camel stops; the traveler surveys his surroundings, prays, and commands the animal to kneel before dismounting.
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What makes the camel stop at noon?
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