The Egyptian Afterlife: In Television

1. Introduction: The Enduring Appeal of Ancient Egypt

For centuries, the ancient civilization of Egypt has captivated the world’s imagination. Its grand pyramids, intricate hieroglyphics, and powerful pharaohs continue to fascinate us today. But perhaps the most enduring aspect of Ancient Egyptian culture is its complex belief system about the afterlife. The Egyptians believed that death was not the end, but a transition to a new world. They developed elaborate rituals and practices to prepare for this journey and ensure a peaceful passage into the afterlife. Television, with its ability to bring history to life, has played a crucial role in presenting these ancient beliefs and myths to a modern audience.

2. Early Representations: From “The Mummy” to “Stargate”

Early film and television productions often portrayed the Egyptian afterlife in a way that emphasized horror and mystery. The 1932 film “The Mummy,” starring Boris Karloff, is a prime example. This classic horror movie introduced the world to the fearsome image of a resurrected ancient mummy seeking revenge. The film’s success launched a wave of “Mummy” movies, each adding their own twist to the ancient Egyptian myth. These early portrayals, while often melodramatic, served to introduce the public to the basic concepts of the Egyptian afterlife, specifically the idea of mummification and the possibility of resurrection.

The 1994 film “Stargate” took a different approach. This science fiction adventure introduced the idea that the ancient Egyptian myth of the “Stargate” was actually a portal to other worlds and dimensions. “Stargate” brought a more complex understanding of Egyptian mythology to the screen, showcasing the gods, goddesses, and advanced technology of the ancient civilization. It delved into themes of immortality and the mysteries of the cosmos. The film’s success led to a popular television series, “Stargate SG-1,” which continued to explore Egyptian mythology in a science fiction context.

3. “The Mummy” Franchise: Reviving the Legend

By the late 1990s, a renewed interest in Ancient Egypt arose, and a new “Mummy” franchise took the world by storm. The 1999 film “The Mummy,” starring Brendan Fraser, marked a departure from the previous horror adaptations. This action-adventure movie incorporated elements of the ancient myths, such as the Book of the Dead and the journey through the underworld, while using modern special effects to create a cinematic spectacle. The franchise’s success not only revitalized the genre but also helped to introduce a new generation to the concepts of the Egyptian afterlife.

The “Mummy” films presented a more modern view of the ancient beliefs, showcasing the powerful deities and mythical creatures of the Egyptian pantheon. The franchise’s popularity demonstrated the enduring fascination with the mysteries and rituals surrounding the afterlife. It highlighted the timeless appeal of the story of the resurrected mummy and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

4. “Stargate SG-1”: The Science Fiction Approach

The television series “Stargate SG-1” (1997-2007) built upon the foundation set by the film, incorporating science fiction elements into the ancient Egyptian mythology. The series followed a team of explorers who traveled through the “Stargate” to other worlds and encountered alien races and ancient civilizations. Along the way, they encountered ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses, learning about their powers, motivations, and the intricate web of ancient beliefs that bound their world.

“Stargate SG-1” blended ancient mythology with modern science fiction, creating a unique and captivating world. The series explored themes of immortality, reincarnation, and the balance of good and evil, using Egyptian mythology as a lens to examine these universal concepts. It presented an intriguing interpretation of the ancient beliefs, suggesting that the Egyptian afterlife might not be confined to the earthly realm.

5. “American Gods”: Mythological Mashup

The television series “American Gods” (2017-2021), based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, took a bold approach to incorporating Egyptian deities and the afterlife into its narrative. The series explored the idea that ancient gods from various cultures exist in the modern world, their powers waning as humans lose faith in them. The Egyptian god Anubis, the god of the dead, plays a significant role in the series, representing the ancient world’s influence on modern society.

“American Gods” used the Egyptian afterlife as a metaphor for the collision of cultures and the struggle for identity in a globalized world. The series showcased the lasting influence of ancient mythology and the ways in which it continues to shape our beliefs and understanding of death and the unknown. It presented a nuanced perspective on the concept of the afterlife, suggesting that it is not a singular, definitive experience but a complex tapestry woven from various cultural traditions.

6. “Moon Knight”: The Modern Take

The Disney+ series “Moon Knight” (2022) offered a fresh and modern interpretation of Egyptian mythology. The series followed the story of Marc Spector, a former soldier with dissociative identity disorder, who is transformed into the vigilante Moon Knight by the Egyptian god Khonshu. The series delved into Marc’s mental health struggles and his journey to understand his own identity, drawing parallels between his internal conflict and the ancient Egyptian belief in the duality of life and death.

“Moon Knight” presented a unique perspective on the Egyptian afterlife by incorporating elements of mental health and the supernatural. It showed how ancient mythology can be used to examine contemporary issues and explore themes of identity, mental health, and the battle between good and evil. The series demonstrated that the ancient Egyptian mythology continues to resonate with modern audiences, offering insights into the human condition and the mystery of existence.

7. The Impact of Television: Popularizing Ancient Beliefs

Through its various portrayals, television has played a significant role in popularizing ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. By bringing these myths and legends to life on the screen, television has helped to introduce these ancient beliefs to a wider audience and spark a resurgence of interest in the ancient world. From the classic horror films of the 1930s to the modern science fiction and fantasy series of today, the Egyptian afterlife continues to capture our imagination and inspire our understanding of death and the unknown.

The impact of Egyptian mythology in television is evident in the popularity of related books, documentaries, and even video games. Television has served to bridge the gap between ancient and modern, helping to make the beliefs of ancient Egyptians relatable and accessible to contemporary audiences. It has shown that the ancient world, with its fascinating mythology and enduring wisdom, continues to inform and inspire us today.