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The Egyptian Heaven and Hell · 71 of 96 · tr. E.A. Wallis Budge

Chapter 18 (part 2)

154-156); next come twelve goddesses of the hours, who face in the opposite direction, and are entreated to guide "the god who is on the horizon to the beautiful Amentet in peace." Beyond these is the great Crocodile, called ABSHE-AM-TUAT, which is stretched out at full length over the tomb of Osiris; as the Boat of AFU-RA passes it, the god addresses words to Osiris, who for a season puts forth his head, which disappears as soon as the Boat has entered the next DIVISION. On the left of AFU-RA we have also a number of gods and goddesses who belong to this DIVISION, and among them may be specially noticed the serpent MEHEN, the lord of this region; his body is bent in the form of a canopy, and beneath is the "Flesh of Osiris" p. 154 in the form of a god (AFU-ASAR) seated on a throne (vol. i., p. 149). In front of it are a number of the enemies of Osiris, some decapitated by the LYNX-GODDESS, and some in fetters which are held in the hands of the god ANKU (vol. i., pp. 149, 150). Beyond these are three living souls, representatives of the blessed dead in this region, and the "Flesh of Tem" (AFU-TEM) in the form of a god seated on the back of a huge serpent resembling MEHEN (Vol. i., p. 151). Footnotes 152:1 This statement is found in the SUMMARY.
Themes
◆Cosmic Dualismtheology

Ontological opposition between two primal principles (light/darkness, truth/lie, spirit/matter) as the fundamental structure of reality.

The text presents a clear opposition between the order of the Sun-god and the chaos represented by the monster serpent Apep.

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◆Hidden Sayingssoteriology

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

The journey is described as a 'secret path of AMENTET,' implying esoteric knowledge required for safe passage.

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◆Maat Cosmic Ordercosmology

The Egyptian principle of truth, balance, and right order underlying both the cosmos and human conduct; the parallel to Zoroastrian asha and Greek dike.

The narrative depicts the maintenance of cosmic order through the Sun-god's journey and the slaying of chaos monsters like Apep to drive away evil spirits.

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◇Anthropomorphismtheology

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

[auto] The image of Ra is described with a human head, hawk's wing, and lion hind-quarter, attributing composite physical forms to the divine.

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◇Funerary Navigationpraxis

Texts and rituals guiding the soul through death.

[auto] The passage explicitly describes sepulchres, the escorting of souls and shadows through divisions, and the devouring of dead spirits, making navigation of death the central theme.

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◇Living Godtheology

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

[auto] The gods are depicted as dynamic entities that come to life through words and actively accompany the boat and escort souls.

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◇Paradox As Teachingethics

Using apparent contradiction, reversal, or riddle to destabilise ordinary understanding and induce insight.

[auto] The Osiris forms are described with contradictory attributes: they stand though seated and move though motionless.

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◇Psychopomp Journeycosmology

Guided passage of the soul through afterlife realms.

[auto] Eight gods and four goddesses are described as having the duty to escort souls and shadows of men through the Division.

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◇Sacred Namestheology

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

[auto] The text states that ancient gods came to life by virtue of the words of power of AFU-RA, indicating ontological power in divine speech.

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Related passages · 1 parallel
◆norse|The Poetic Edda: Voluspo|Section 1i
“On all sides saw I | Valkyries assemble, Ready to ride | to the ranks of the gods; Skuld bore the shield, | and Skogul rode next, Guth, Hild, Gondul, | and Geirskogul. Of Herjan's maidens | the list have ye heard, Valkyries ready | to ride…”
Both passages describe a journey through the afterlife involving divine beings and mythological creatures. They share themes of divine guidance, the fate of the deceased, and the presence of supernatural entities overseeing the transition to the afterlife.