The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) · 212 of 357 · tr. E.A. Wallis Budge

Chapter 35 (part 1)

PLATE XXVIII.

Vignette: A heron.

Text [CHAPTER LXXXIV.]: (I) THE CHAPTER OF CHANGING INTO A HERON.

Saith Osiris, the scribe Ani: (2) "I have gotten dominion over the beasts which are brought for sacrifice, with the knife held at their heads and their hair, (3) for those who dwell in their emerald [fields], the ancient and the shining ones who make ready (4) the hour of Osiris Ani, triumphant in peace.

He maketh slaughter upon earth, and I make slaughter upon earth.

I am strong, and I have passed along the (5) lofty path [which leadeth] unto heaven.

I have made myself pure, with long strides I have gone unto my city, holding on my way to Sepu (?).

(6) I have stablished [the one who is] in Unnu.

I have set the gods upon their places, and I have made glorious the temples of those who live in their shrines.

(7) I know the goddess Nut, I know the god Tatunen, I know Teshert, I have brought with me their horns.

I know (8) Heka, I have heard his words, I am the red calf which is limned with the pen.

When they hear [my words], the gods say: (9) 'Let us bow down our faces, and let him come unto us; the light shineth beyond you.' My hour is within my body.

(10) I have not spoken [evil] in the place of right and truth, and each day I advance in right and truth.

I am shrouded in darkness when I sail up to celebrate the festival of the (11) dead one, and to embalm the Aged one, the guardian of the earth--I the Osiris, the scribe Ani, triumphant!

I have not entered into (12) the hiding places of the starry deities.

I have ascribed glory unto Osiris.

I have pacified the heart of the gods who follow after him.

I have not felt fear (13) Of those who cause terror, even those who dwell in their own lands.

Behold, I am exalted (14) upon [my] resting place upon my throne.

I am Nu, and I shall never be overthrown by the Evil-doer.

I am the god Shu (15) who sprang from unformed matter.

My soul is god; my soul is eternity.

I am the creator of darkness, and I (16) appoint unto it a resting place in the uttermost parts of heaven.

I am the prince of eternity, I am the exalted one [in] Nebu.

I grow young in [my] city, ( 17) I grow young in my homestead.

My name is 'Never-failing.' My name is 'Soul, Creator of Nu, who maketh (18) his abode in the underworld.' My nest is not seen, and I have not broken my egg.

I am lord of millions of years- I have made my nest (19) in the uttermost parts of heaven.

I have come down unto the earth of Seb.

I have done away with my faults.

I have seen my father (20) as the lord of Shautat.

As concerning Osiris Ani, may his body dwell in Annu; may it be manifested unto those who are with the Shining One in the place of burial in Amenta.

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." Vignette: A human head springing from a lotus in a pool of water.

Text [CHAPTER LXXXI A .]: (1) [THE CHAPTER OF] CHANGING INTO A LOTUS.

Themes

◇Funerary Navigationpraxis

Texts and rituals guiding the soul through death.

[auto] The passage is explicitly from the Book of the Dead and details rituals for burial, transformation, and travel through the afterlife realms.

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Related passages · 5 parallels

◆greek_mystery|Orphic Hymns|Hymn V. PROTOGONUS, Or the FIRST-BORN (part 2)

“For Phanes is not only among the intelligible Gods, but also among the intellectual ones; in the demiurgic order, and among the super-mundane and mundane Gods. And Night and Heaven in a similar manner: for the peculiarities of these are re…”

Both passages describe a divine being that is a creator or first-born entity, associated with transformation and renewal. The Egyptian text speaks of the Bennu bird and Osiris, while the Orphic hymn describes Phanes, the first-born god. Both texts emphasize the divine nature and the role of these beings in creation and renewal.

◆greek_mystery|Orphic Hymns|Hymn X (part 2)

“For the World is one, and only-begotten. Opusc. Mythol. p. 203. 131:17 Ver. 17] The sportive nymphs . This is because Pan rejoices in the exhalations produced from humid substances; without which the world cannot subsist. Phurnutus…”

Both passages describe a divine being that is intrinsic to the creation and sustenance of the world. The Egyptian text speaks of the Soul as the creator and sustainer of the universe, while the Orphic hymn describes Pan as the substance of the whole, encompassing all parts of the world. Both texts emphasize the divine's role in maintaining cosmic order and fertility.

◆mesopotamian|Enuma Elish: The Epic of Creation|1j

“Tutu [Marduk] is "He who created them anew"; Should their wants be pure, then are they satisfied; Should he make an incantation, then are the gods appeased; Should they attack him in anger, he withstandeth their onslaught! Let him therefor…”

Both passages describe a divine being with creative and transformative powers, emphasizing themes of renewal, purification, and the establishment of order. The passages share a mystical focus on the divine's ability to bring about new life and maintain cosmic harmony.

◆mesopotamian|Enuma Elish: The Epic of Creation|1k

“May he hold the Beginning and the Future, may they pay homage unto him, Saying, "He who forced his way through the midst of Tiamat without resting, Let his name be Nibiru, 'the Seizer of the Midst'! For the stars of heaven he upheld the pa…”

Both passages describe a divine figure who has overcome chaos and established order, and who is celebrated for their deeds. They also share themes of transformation, divine authority, and the creation of the world.

◇mesopotamian|Epic of Gilgamesh: Tablet XII — Gilgamish Enquires of the Dead|Tablet XII, Section 1a

“THE TWELFTH TABLET. GILGAMISH, IN DESPAIR, ENQUIRES OF THE DEAD. . (Then), what time that the seine had pass’d through the Architect 's dwelling, (Aye, and) the net [had taken its toll] . . . . [said he]: "Lord, what [is’t I may do]…”

[auto] Underworld navigation: Tablet XII's descent to question the dead parallels the BoD's ritual passage through the afterlife.