The Afterlife in Popular Culture: An Egyptian Mythology Perspective

The ancient Egyptians had a profound fascination with the afterlife. Their beliefs about what happened after death were complex and elaborate, encompassing elaborate rituals, magical spells, and a journey through the underworld. These beliefs have had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring countless stories, films, and video games. This exploration delves into the Egyptian afterlife and its influence on modern entertainment.

1. Egyptian Afterlife Beliefs: A Foundation for Fantasy

The ancient Egyptians believed that the afterlife was a real and tangible place. They imagined a journey to the underworld, where the deceased would face judgment by Osiris, the god of the dead. The heart of the deceased would be weighed against the feather of Ma’at, the goddess of truth and justice. If the heart was lighter than the feather, the deceased would be granted eternal life in the Field of Reeds, a paradise filled with joy and abundance. However, if the heart was heavier, the deceased would be devoured by the demon Ammit, a creature with the head of a crocodile, the body of a lion, and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus, leading to a fate worse than death.

The “Book of the Dead,” a collection of spells and incantations intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife, detailed the process of judgment and provided spells to protect the soul from danger in the underworld. The ancient Egyptians also placed amulets and other objects in tombs to aid the deceased in their journey.

The concept of the afterlife was central to Egyptian life. It gave them a sense of purpose and a belief in a future beyond death. It also influenced their art, architecture, and literature. Many of the monuments and tombs built by the ancient Egyptians were meant to ensure the afterlife of the pharaohs and other important figures.

2. Ancient Egypt’s Influence on Literature

The ancient Egyptians’ fascination with the afterlife has been a recurring theme in literature for centuries. The very concept of the underworld and the journey of the soul has inspired countless stories, both ancient and modern.

Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey,” features the hero Odysseus’s journey through the underworld, where he encounters the spirits of the dead. Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno,” a masterpiece of Italian literature, depicts the poet’s journey through the nine circles of hell, a terrifying and graphic portrayal of the afterlife. Even Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” uses the theme of the afterlife, particularly in Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, “To be or not to be,” as he contemplates the mysteries of life and death.

The Egyptian afterlife also appears in ancient Egyptian literature, like the “Story of Wenamun,” which narrates the journey of an Egyptian official to Byblos to procure cedar wood for a royal barque. The Tale of the Two Brothers, another popular Egyptian story, is a tale of betrayal, murder, and resurrection. These tales are a testament to the ancient Egyptians’ vivid imaginations and their fascination with the afterlife.

3. Modern Literature and the Egyptian Underworld

Modern authors continue to be inspired by the Egyptian underworld. Bram Stoker’s “The Mummy,” a gothic horror novel, utilizes the concept of a vengeful mummy, revived from its tomb to wreak havoc. Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman” features Dream, one of the Endless, who rules over the realm of dreams and nightmares. The Egyptian underworld plays a key role in the story, serving as a backdrop for some of the series’ most memorable scenes.

Markus Zusak’s novel, “The Book Thief,” uses the Egyptian afterlife as a metaphor for the power of stories to transcend death. The book tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany, and her love for books, which she believes can offer solace and hope in times of darkness. The novel suggests that stories have the power to keep the memory of the dead alive, much like the ancient Egyptians believed their rituals and offerings would ensure the afterlife of their deceased loved ones.

4. Egyptian Mythology in Film and Television

Egyptian mythology has also been a popular source of inspiration in film and television. The “Mummy” franchise, starting with the 1932 film starring Boris Karloff, has been a staple of horror films. The franchise has been revisited numerous times throughout the years, with films like “The Mummy” (1999) and “The Mummy Returns” (2001), which captivated audiences with its thrilling adventures and awe-inspiring special effects.

The science fiction series “Stargate SG-1,” explores the concept of portals that connect Earth to other planets, some of which are inhabited by ancient Egyptian gods. “Gods of Egypt” (2016) portrays the mythical deities of ancient Egypt, showcasing their powers and their involvement in the affairs of mortals. The recent superhero film “Black Adam” features the titular anti-hero, whose origins are rooted in ancient Egyptian mythology. The character is a powerful being who is granted immortality and supernatural powers by the gods of ancient Egypt.

5. Video Games Embracing the Egyptian Afterlife

The concept of the Egyptian afterlife has found its way into video game storytelling. The popular “Tomb Raider” series follows Lara Croft, a treasure hunter who ventures into ancient tombs and faces perils in the underworld. “Assassin’s Creed: Origins,” set in ancient Egypt, features a protagonist who can interact with the Egyptian gods and experience visions of the afterlife.

“God of War” (2018), a critically acclaimed action-adventure game, features the protagonist, Kratos, venturing into the realm of Norse mythology, where he encounters the god of death and the afterlife, Baldur. The game draws inspiration from Egyptian mythology, particularly in its depiction of the underworld and its inhabitants. “Smite,” a multiplayer online battle arena game, allows players to choose from various mythological deities, including those of ancient Egypt, to engage in epic battles.

6. Music and Egyptian Mythology: A Harmonious Connection

Egyptian mythology has also inspired musicians. Composers have used ancient Egyptian themes in their operas, symphonies, and other musical works. The composer Gustav Holst, for example, wrote a famous orchestral suite, “The Planets,” with one movement dedicated to Mars, the War God, who was also an important god in ancient Egyptian mythology. Several rock bands have also incorporated Egyptian mythology into their lyrics and imagery, often using it as a source of inspiration for their music.

From ancient texts to modern video games, Egyptian mythology’s influence on popular culture continues to this day. The ancient Egyptians’ fascinating beliefs about the afterlife have captured the imagination of creative minds for millennia. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to transport us to other times and other worlds.