Mummification In Egypt

When discussing ancient Egypt, it is imperative that myth and religion are discussed as well. Religion was an integral part of the Egyptian state, particularly because the Pharaoh was seen as a divine figure (Olszewski 2016). Also, different Gods and Goddesses symbolized many aspects of Egyptian life, especially regarding the rituals that took place during the burial and mummification process as well as the rituals that were conducted by the ruling Pharaohs. In this literature review, I will be discussing important Egyptian myths and religious aspects of the ancient Egyptian burial process and how pharaohs ruled over Egypt through divine power and rituals.

Burial

“Like many throughout prehistory and history, ancient Egyptians were concerned

The Egyptians take part in this process because they want to have an afterlife like the one represented in the myth of Isis and Osiris. Osiris was brought back as he originally was because of mummification, so elites believe that the mummification would preserve them, as is, for the afterlife. During the Middle Kingdom period, Osiris was depicted partially wrapped like a mummy; however his upper body was visible, so the royal symbols could be seen as well as the color of his skin, which represented rebirth or other aspects (Olszewski 2016). The organs were removed, the body was dried out, and grave goods that could be everyday objects or wealthier goods to live the life style they were accustomed to in the afterlife (Olszewski 2016). According to the ideal style for burial, the correct deposition of the corpse and… the presence of grave goods were central to burial and hopes of survival in the next world (Baines and Lacovara 2002). Rituals regarding burial are well-known from several depictions in tombs from almost all periods of ancient Egyptians history (Grajetzki 2014); given this it is clear that religion and myth played an important role for burial and mummification. However, burials of the wider population in ancient Egypt looks very different than the ruling class (Grajetzki 2014). There is speculation about if obtaining grave goods and

According to Egyptian doctrines, the pharaoh is the son of Ra (Dunca 2012). Ra is the central god of Egyptian mythology and is represented by the sun. Given this, the pharaoh is supposed to be seen as a divine figure ruling over Egypt and its people. The same myth as I discussed earlier, regarding Isis and Osiris is used as the ruling myth because this myth represents many different aspects of Egyptian life. Osiris was the King of Egypt, as mentioned before, and when his son Horus defeated Osiris’s evil brother, Seth, he followed his father’s footsteps and became King of Egypt. This was reinforced by the association of the pharaoh’s name with the falcon hieroglyph that stood for Horus, who was the son of Isis and Osiris (Olszewski 2016). In ancient Egypt, the falcon was the only animal that was able to look directly at the sun, which represented Horus as well as other gods such as Ra, who was believed to be the sun, and Montu (Cicarma 2013). Horus was not only known for being their son, but as the protection over Egypt. “The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection and of the royal power from the deities” (Cicarma 2013). Being the son of Isis and Osiris and the symbol for protection over Egypt, he was the mythical heir to Royalty in Egypt (Cicarma 2013). All of this information reinforces the belief that pharaohs were divine rulers and were the