In the ancient civilization of Egypt, death was not the end, but rather the beginning of a perilous journey to the eternal lands. The ancient Egyptians believed in the afterlife, a road full of obstacles and demons, on which the deceased had to make his way to paradise. In this difficult journey they were assisted by the Book of the Dead, a collection of spells and incantations that served as a guide to the supernatural terrain.
Origin of the Book of the Dead
Contrary to its name, the Egyptian “Book of the Dead” is not an actual book, but a collection of spells created over a period of about 1,000 years. These spells were not arranged in any particular order, structure, or narrative. Each spell was designed to help the deceased overcome certain difficulties they would encounter in the underworld. Combinations of these spells were often found on papyri placed in tombs next to corpses.
The earliest versions of these spells, known as the Pyramid Texts, were inscribed on objects in the burial chambers of Egyptian kings around 2400 BC. Subsequently, variants known as the Coffin Texts were inscribed on the coffins of members of the non-king elite. In the sixteenth century B.C., the collection was revised and given the name “The Book of the Coming Day.” It was at this time that the Book became available for purchase to all who could afford it.
Contents of the “Book of the Dead”
The spells contained in the Egyptian “Book of the Dead” were meant to tell a person how to say the right words at the right time to avoid annihilation and enter the eternal afterlife. According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, after death, a person had to pass through the underworld and face the judgment of the god Osiris. Their fate depended on their righteousness during their lifetime.
However, this journey was fraught with danger as it was guarded by fearsome monsters and supernatural beings who had to be pacified or subdued. The spells contained in the Book of the Dead gave the deceased the necessary phrases to defeat these adversaries. In addition, the book contained answers to questions posed by the gods as the deceased progressed along the path.
Upon arriving at Osiris, the deceased had to recite the names of each of the 42 deities responsible for judging the souls of the dead. A “negative confession” was then required, confirming that the deceased had abstained from 42 different sins during his or her lifetime, including murder and theft. Fortunately, all of this crucial information was recorded in the Book of the Dead, giving comfort to those who acquired the papyrus before they died.
Rediscovery of the Book of the Dead
It was not until 1842 that the collection of incantations became known as the Book of the Dead. The German Egyptologist Karl Richard Lepsius published the text under this title and brought it to the attention of the world. Since then, many translations and studies of this ancient Egyptian treasure have been done, shedding light on its meaning and providing insight into the beliefs and rituals of the ancient civilization.
The Egyptian Book of the Dead is a testament to the rich and complex beliefs associated with death and the afterlife in ancient Egypt. It served as a guide for the dead, giving them protection and guidance on their perilous journey through the underworld. The spells contained in this collection gave man the tools he needed to overcome supernatural obstacles and find eternal paradise.
