The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) · 231 of 357 · tr. E.A. Wallis Budge

Chapter 39 (part 3)

8258, mottled glass buckle having the loop inlaid with blue composition; No.

8259, red faïence double buckle, pierced lengthwise for threading in a necklace.] deceased] he shall be among those who follow Osiris Un-nefer, triumphant.

The gates of the underworld shall be opened unto him, and a homestead shall be given unto him, together with wheat and barley, in the Sekhet-Aaru; and the followers of Horus who reap therein shall proclaim his name as one of the gods who are therein.

Vignette: A heart.

Text: [CHAPTER XXIX B .].

(1) THE CHAPTER OF A HEART OF CARNELIAN.

Saith Osiris Ani, triumphant: "I am the Bennu , the soul of Ra, and the guide of the gods into (2) the underworld.

The souls come forth upon earth to do the will of their ka's , and the soul of Osiris Ani cometh forth to do the will of his ka ." Vignette: A head-rest.

Text: [CHAPTER CLXVI.] (I) THE CHAPTER OF THE PILLOW WHICH IS PLACED UNDER THE HEAD OF OSIRIS ANI, TRIUMPHANT, TO WARD OFF WOES FROM THE DEAD BODY OF OSIRIS.

(2) [Ani saith]: "Lift up thy head to the heavens, for I have knit thee together triumphantly.

Ptah hath overthrown his foes and thine; all his enemies have fallen, and they shall never more rise up again, O Osiris."

Themes

◆Anthropomorphismtheology

Attributing human characteristics, emotions, or form to the divine; embodied divine imagery.

Divine figures are described with human attributes such as 'blood of Isis' and having followers.

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◆Divine Lighttheology

The uncreated luminous quality of the divine, sometimes experienced directly in mystical states; illumination as revelation.

The deceased is referred to as the 'shining one' and seeks altars of Ra, associating the journey with divine luminosity.

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◆Hidden Sayingssoteriology

Esoteric teachings reserved for those ready to receive them; outer meaning conceals an inner liberating truth.

The text states 'If this chapter be known by the deceased he shall become perfect', implying esoteric knowledge grants salvation.

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◆Living Godtheology

The divine conceived as active, present, and dynamic—not an abstract principle but a personal responsive reality.

Deities like Osiris and Ra are depicted as active agents who offer altars and receive the deceased.

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◆Sacred Namestheology

Divine names or formulas that carry ontological power, used in prayer, liturgy, or magical practice.

Divine names such as Osiris, Isis, and Ra are invoked to secure power and offerings in the afterlife.

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◇Funerary Navigationpraxis

Texts and rituals guiding the soul through death.

[auto] The passage is from the Book of the Dead and explicitly details rituals and spells to guide the deceased through the doors of the underworld.

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◇Inner Lightanthropology

The divine spark or luminous quality residing within the human person, potentially recognisable through introspection.

[auto] The text directly addresses the heart with 'Thou shinest, O still heart!', indicating a luminous quality residing within the person.

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◇Inner Silencepraxis

The practice of stilling the mind and speech to open receptivity to divine knowledge or presence.

[auto] The invocation 'O still heart!' emphasizes a state of inner stillness as a prerequisite for the soul's journey.

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◇Psychopomp Journeycosmology

Guided passage of the soul through afterlife realms.

[auto] The text describes passing through the doors of the underworld and avoiding being thrust back at the doors of Amentet, indicating a guided passage.

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Related passages · 2 parallels

◆greek_mystery|Orphic Hymns|Hymn XXXIII. APOLLO (part 2)

“Gesner well observes, in his notes to this Hymn, that the comparison and conjunction of the musical and astronomical elements are most ancient; being derived from Orpheus and Pythagoras, to Plato. Now, according to the Orphic and Pythagori…”

Both passages invoke divine entities (Osiris and Isis in Passage A, Apollo in Passage B) for protection and guidance in the afterlife or spiritual journey. They share a common theme of seeking divine favor through specific rituals and amulets, reflecting a broader mystical tradition of using sacred objects and invocations for spiritual protection and assistance.

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

“rejoice and be glad; The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot. ... rejoice and be glad; The neck of Tiamat shalt thou swiftly trample under foot. 0 my son, who knoweth all wisdom, Pacify Tiamat with thy pure incantation.…”

Both passages deal with themes of the afterlife, divine triumph over chaos, and the role of the deceased in the cosmic order. Passage A describes the deceased's journey to the afterlife and their integration into the divine realm, while Passage B recounts the divine battle against chaos and the establishment of order, with the protagonist's role in this cosmic drama.