Egyptian mythology
Book of the Dead
A collection of spells inscribed on papyrus, guiding the deceased soul through the perils of the Duat.
The Book of the Dead was a collection of spells written on papyrus to guide the dead through the perils of the Duat; the Egyptians called it the Spells for Coming Forth by Day. From about 1550 BC, copies made for each owner were laid in the tomb. Its roughly 200 spells grew from the Pyramid and Coffin Texts.
Some spells claimed Thoth, lord of writing, as author. In spell 125 the dead face Osiris and Maat at the weighing of the heart, with Anubis at the scales and Isis, Hu and Sia among the judges, as the Papyrus of Ani shows. It inspires The Weighing of the Heart.
Quick questions
What is Book of the Dead?
A collection of spells inscribed on papyrus, guiding the deceased soul through the perils of the Duat.
Which mythology does Book of the Dead belong to?
Book of the Dead belongs to Egyptian mythology.
Who made Book of the Dead?
Thoth made Book of the Dead.
Who wields Book of the Dead?
In the myths, Anubis and Isis wield Book of the Dead.
Who guards Book of the Dead?
Maat and Osiris guard Book of the Dead.
Which myths feature Book of the Dead?
The myths that feature Book of the Dead are “The Weighing of the Heart” and “The Journey Through the Duat”.
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