Modrost starodavnega anka

Modrost starodavnega anka (English: The Wisdom of the Ancient Ankh) is a novel by Slovenian author Aksinja Kermauner. It was first published in 2000.

It is a children's adventure novel that blends elements of historical fiction and fantasy, focusing on themes of history, culture, environmental responsibility, and the interconnectedness of human civilization.^[1]

The story follows four main characters: two siblings, Aljaž and Kaja, their friend Nejc, and their knowledgeable Uncle Vojc. Their adventure begins when they discover an ancient ankh, a mysterious Egyptian artifact that functions as a time machine. Touching it simultaneously transports them to different historical periods. The ankh requires a two-hour recharge period between jumps, which often leads to suspenseful escapes and close calls.

Their journey culminates back in Uncle Vojc's living room. They are confronted by a mysterious dark figure, the Guardian of Time, who reveals that he has been watching over them. The Guardian criticizes them for their "transgressions" – leaving modern objects (pencil, wristwatch, mobile phone) in the past, thereby altering history. He also strongly condemns humanity's destructive impact on Earth, labeling modern civilization as "barbarian" due to its environmental short-sightedness and disregard for the planet as a shared resource ("How can we sell you the blueness of the sky?").

Humbled by this encounter, Aljaž, Nejc, and Kaja form a secret society named ANK (based on their initials) dedicated to environmental protection, choosing the ankh as their symbol for eternal life. The Guardian then takes the ankh, restoring the timeline by removing the anachronistic objects. The novel concludes with the children, now profoundly changed and more knowledgeable, back in school, demonstrating their newfound historical understanding. Kaja's dog, Žak, is also safely returned.^[1]

• List of Slovenian novels