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The Book of the Dead: A Journey Through the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt

Lawrence Bell

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Published in The Egyptian Of The Dead (Penguin Classics)

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The Book of the Dead is one of the most famous and enigmatic texts from ancient Egypt. This funerary text, also known as the Book of Going Forth by Day or the Book of Breathings, was designed to guide the deceased through the perils of the afterlife and into eternal life. It contains spells, hymns, prayers, and illustrations that provide insights into the beliefs and practices of ancient Egyptian religion.

The Book of the Dead originated during the New Kingdom period (c. 1550-1070 BCE),although its roots can be traced back to earlier funerary texts. The earliest known version of the Book of the Dead is the Pyramid Texts, a collection of spells inscribed on the walls of royal pyramids during the Old Kingdom period (c. 2686-2181 BCE). These spells were intended to protect the pharaoh in the afterlife and ensure his safe passage to the Field of Reeds, the ancient Egyptian paradise.

Over time, the Pyramid Texts evolved into the Coffin Texts, which were written on the interior of coffins during the Middle Kingdom period (c. 2055-1650 BCE). The Coffin Texts expanded on the spells found in the Pyramid Texts and included additional hymns and prayers.

The Egyptian of the Dead (Penguin Classics)

The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Penguin Classics)

by Robert Ferguson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18708 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	993 pages

By the New Kingdom period, the Book of the Dead had become a fully developed funerary text. It was written on papyrus scrolls and illustrated with colorful vignettes. The Book of the Dead was not a standardized text, but rather a collection of spells and prayers that could be customized to meet the needs of the individual deceased.

The Book of the Dead is divided into 190 chapters, each of which contains a specific spell or prayer. The chapters are organized into four main sections:

The Spells of the Day: These spells are designed to protect the deceased from the dangers of the afterlife, such as demons, snakes, and crocodiles. They also help the deceased to overcome obstacles, such as mountains and rivers.
The Spells of the Night: These spells are designed to help the deceased navigate the underworld and reach the Field of Reeds. They also provide protection from the forces of chaos and destruction.
The Book of Gates: This section consists of 12 gates, each of which is guarded by a god or goddess. The deceased must recite the correct spells to pass through the gates and reach the Field of Reeds.
The Book of Caverns: This section consists of 15 caverns, each of which contains a different trial or challenge. The deceased must overcome these challenges in order to reach the Field of Reeds.

In addition to these four main sections, the Book of the Dead also contains a number of hymns and prayers. These hymns and prayers are addressed to various gods and goddesses, and they ask for their protection and assistance in the afterlife.

The Book of the Dead is a vital source of information about ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices regarding the afterlife. It provides insights into the complex and often contradictory nature of ancient Egyptian religion. The Book of the Dead also sheds light on the importance of funerary rituals and the role of magic in ancient Egyptian society.

The Book of the Dead was an essential part of ancient Egyptian funerary practices. It was believed that the spells and prayers contained in the book would help the deceased to overcome the challenges of the afterlife and achieve eternal life. The Book of the Dead was also a source of comfort for the living, as it provided them with a sense of hope and reassurance about the fate of their loved ones in the afterlife.

The Book of the Dead has had a significant impact on Western culture. It has been translated into numerous languages and has been studied by scholars for centuries. The Book of the Dead has also been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and musicians.

In the 19th century, the Book of the Dead became a popular subject for Egyptologists and other scholars. The first English translation of the Book of the Dead was published in 1895 by E.A. Wallis Budge. Budge's translation made the Book of the Dead accessible to a wider audience, and it helped to fuel the growing interest in ancient Egypt that was prevalent at the time.

The Book of the Dead has also been a source of inspiration for artists and writers. The surrealist painter Salvador Dali was particularly fascinated by the Book of

The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Penguin Classics)

by Robert Ferguson

4.7 out of 5